The Philippines, late 19th century: The young, idealistic Ibarra returns to his homeland after seven years of study in Europe, full of enthusiasm to renew his country and head over heels in love with the beautiful María Clara. But his hopes are quickly shattered, for the society he cherishes is riddled with corruption, oppression, and religious dogmatism. It is not the Filipino people who hold the reins, but the Spanish colonial rulers and their power-hungry Catholic clergy. Ibarra’s plan to build a school escalates into a conflict between the church, the governors, and the common people, and only too late does he realize how his personal feud with the parish priest has turned into an infernal conspiracy. It is only when María Clara also turns away from him that Ibarra becomes aware of the formidable opponent he faces.

»Noli Me Tangere« is a revolutionary novel of resistance and one of the earliest literary testimonies critiquing colonialism. José Rizal paid with his life for its publication and became a martyr of the Philippines. With its narrative richness, humor, and unwavering belief in humanity, the novel continues to resonate powerfully to this day.