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The digitally restored and remastered version of the 1998 film 'Jose Rizal' will be available on Netflix Philippines starting December 30, Rizal's 128th death anniversary.

The digitally restored and remastered version of GMA Pictures 1998 film Jose Rizal will be shown on Netflix Philippines beginning December 30 this year, which also marks Rizal's 128th death anniversary.

Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Jose Rizal tells the story of the Filipino hero from his imprisonment at Fort Bonifacio until the day of his execution.

Cesar Montano portrayed the titular hero with Chin Chin Gutierrez as Josephine Bracken and Mickey Ferriols as Leonor Rivera.

Also part of the cast are Ronnie Lazaro as Francisco Mercado, Gloria Diaz as Teodora Alonso, Pen Medina as Paciano Mercado, and Gina Alajar as Saturnina Rizal.

During the gala screening of the remastered version at the iconic Metropolitan Theatre in Manila, Cesar became emotional after rewatching the film.

"This movie was released about 26 years ago, hindi ko akalain na mapapaiyak pa rin ako, e. Sobra, sobrang ganda. Magaling 'yung pagkakagawa, napaka-genius talaga ng pagkaka-direct nitong movie," he said.

"Natutuwa ako because of this newly-restored movie na 'Jose Rizal.' Nalulungkot din ako dahil sana nandito si Direk Marilou na na-witness niya 'tong restoration na 'to. It's really a great honor to be part of this movie."

In another movie screening, part of MMFF's Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta, Cesar proudly declared that Jose Rizal is his legacy.

"Sabi ko, siguro, after 50, a hundred years, ito na lang ang nag-iisang pelikula ko na maaalala ng tao, ng Filipino," he admitted.

"I'm so happy it's being released again. Nabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga young people sa panahon ngayon, sa henerasyon ngayon para mapanood pa 'tong isang kakaiba, sa tingin ko, at, I'll be biased na, pinakamagandang bersyon ng Rizal na pelikula," he concluded.