A fully and newly restored Marilou Diaz Abaya’s masterpiece, “Jose Rizal” is back on the big screen as GMA Pictures remastered the award winning film.
The film was based on the true story of Filipino patriot José Rizal, who was imprisoned under the Spanish colonization, and tells Rizal’s story until the final day of his execution. The movie was led by veteran actor Cesar Montano who became emotional after watching the film after 26 years.
Also part of the movie was Pen Medina, Chin-chin Gutierrez, Mickey Ferriols, Gloria Diaz, Ronnie Lazaro and other award winning actors. Screenplay by Ricky Lee and produced by award-winning Director, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and was then on released under GMA Films, now GMA Pictures.
At the time of its release, the film was an official entry to the 1998 Metro Manila Film Festival, swept most of the nominations with seventeen awards, making it the first film with the most MMFF award wins.
It is the first and only film to win most of the awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival winning 17 of the 18 categories in 1998.
“Jose Rizal” – 1998 Metro Manila Film Festival Awards
Best Picture
Best Actor (Cesar Montano)
Best Director (Marilou Diaz-Abaya)
Best Supporting Actor (Jaime Fabregas)
Best Supporting Actress (Gloria Diaz)
Best Screenplay (Ricardo Lee, Jun Lana and Peter Ong Lim)
Best Original Story
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Sound
Best Production Design (Leo Abaya)
Best Special Effects (Mark Ambat of Optima Digital)
Best Makeup (Denni Yrastorza Tan)
Best Musical Score (Nonong Buencamino)
Best Movie Theme Song (Nonong Buencamino for “Awit ni Maria Clara”)
Best Festival Float
Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award.
The film is now back to selected cinemas for only P50.00. GMA Pictures and other movie producers are looking forward to releasing remastered historical movie due to the success of other historical films based on true event such as Heneral Luna, Goyo and 2023 MMFF entry, Gomburza.
Another to look forward to from GMA Pictures remastered movie line-up, is its 2006 time travel classic movie, “Moments Of Love” starring Dingdong Dantes, Iza Calzado and Karylle.
