Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

The narrative spans from the 1872 Cavite Mutiny through the 1896 Katipunan uprising. It chronicles the birth of reformist ideas in Rizal's era and the shift toward revolutionary action. The period is defined by Spanish colonial governance, clandestine organizing, and a growing push for independence.

The film's action centers around the colonial heartlands of the Philippines: Cavite, where the Katipunan uprising unfolds; Binondo in Manila, home to revolutionary presses and raids; and Tandang Sora's residence, a gathering place for Bonifacio and his allies. The settings evoke a late-19th-century cityscape under Spanish rule where secrecy, religious authority, and rising nationalist sentiment collide.

⚔️ Revolution & Duty

The Katipunan's uprising embodies a tension between personal duty and collective liberation. Bonifacio's leadership insists on bold action, even as it risks familial sacrifice and internal conflict within the movement. The finale links private courage to the dream of an independent nation.

🕊️ Peaceful Reform vs. Silent Resistance

Rizal's La Liga Filipina champions peaceful reform, aiming to unite Filipinos under a hopeful voice rather than immediate revolt. The film contrasts this ideal with the Katipunan's clandestine struggle, showing how reformist hopes can ignite more radical resistance under oppression. It asks whether reform or rebellion best advances national dignity.

👪 Family, Loyalty & Sacrifice

Bonifacio carries a heavy personal burden, supporting his siblings as he builds the movement. Oriang's loyalty anchors him during moments of doubt and danger, including threats of violence, highlighting the cost of a national struggle on loved ones. The story emphasizes how private obligations fuel public courage.