‘The Kingdom’: A Metro Manila Film Festival Entry That Reimagines Philippine History
Toto
3/15/2025 11:05:00 PM
Here's my late review of the MMFF entry "The Kingdom"
What If History Took a Different Turn?
The Kingdom, one of this year’s standout entries in the Metro Manila Film Festival, dares to explore an intriguing question: What if the Philippines had never been colonized? The film presents an alternative reality where the country remained under the rule of pre-colonial leaders—Lakans and Rajahs—across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
With a powerhouse cast led by Vic Sotto, The Kingdom transports audiences into a visually striking world that reimagines the nation’s cultural roots. It breathes life into long-forgotten traditions—gestures like pagmamano (a sign of respect for elders), ritual handwashing before meals, the influential role of babaylan (spiritual leaders), and pagtutunggali, a form of combat used to settle disputes.
The Portrayal, the Picture, and What Stands Out
However, while The Kingdom excels in storytelling and cultural representation, its fight choreography could have been more gripping. The action sequences, though pivotal to the plot, sometimes lack the intensity expected of epic battle scenes. Despite this, the film’s exploration of socio-political themes remains its strongest asset.
Power Struggles – The battle for control among leaders reflects the political rivalries that still shape the nation.
Sibling Rivalry – The tension between royal heirs vying for power is a reminder of family disputes over authority and inheritance.
Class Divide – The stark contrast between the elite and the common folk highlights social inequalities that persist to this day.
Corruption – Even in an imagined ancient society, the ruling class struggles with corruption, making the story feel all too familiar.
Tradition vs. Reform – The Lakan’s internal battle between upholding traditions and embracing change echoes today’s cultural debates.
Family and Honor – At its core, the film underscores the Filipino values of dignity, honor, and loyalty to family, even in the face of adversity.
For those eager to explore an alternate history of the Philippines, The Kingdom is a must-watch. It reignites pride in pre-colonial traditions and reminds us that our identity is shaped as much by what we have lost as by what we still hold dear.
Catch The Kingdom in theaters during the Metro Manila Film Festival, and immerse yourself in a world of what-ifs and what-could-have-beens.
For more film features and entertainment updates, visit www.kwentonitoto.com.
The Kingdom, one of this year’s standout entries in the Metro Manila Film Festival, dares to explore an intriguing question: What if the Philippines had never been colonized? The film presents an alternative reality where the country remained under the rule of pre-colonial leaders—Lakans and Rajahs—across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
With a powerhouse cast led by Vic Sotto, The Kingdom transports audiences into a visually striking world that reimagines the nation’s cultural roots. It breathes life into long-forgotten traditions—gestures like pagmamano (a sign of respect for elders), ritual handwashing before meals, the influential role of babaylan (spiritual leaders), and pagtutunggali, a form of combat used to settle disputes.
The Cast and their Roles
The movie is indeed a powerhouse cast, with each actor bringing their character to life in an interesting way. Here are the actors and their played characters. In addition is some of their quotable lines.
Vic Sotto - Lakan Makisig Nandula
"Sa tanda kong ito, hindi pa rin ako sanay sa bigat ng ginto sa'king ulo."
Piolo Pascual - Sulo/ Sulayman Tagum
"Mahirap makita ang katotohanan kapag nasa itaas."
Sue Ramirez - Dayang Lualhati Nandula
"Ngiti ang kabilang mukha ng pighati."
Sid Lucero - Magat Bagwis Nandula
"Magkabangga man tayo ng paniniwala, lahat tayo kung hindi man kapatid, anak."
Cristine Reyes - Dayang Matimyas Nandula
"Balang araw, ipapahamak ka ng bulag mong katapatan."
Nico Antonio - Tarek
Iza Calzado - Rosa
arthur acuña - Carpio
Ruby Ruiz - Silayan Hil-um
Zion cruz - Felipe
"Sa tanda kong ito, hindi pa rin ako sanay sa bigat ng ginto sa'king ulo."
Piolo Pascual - Sulo/ Sulayman Tagum
"Mahirap makita ang katotohanan kapag nasa itaas."
Sue Ramirez - Dayang Lualhati Nandula
"Ngiti ang kabilang mukha ng pighati."
Sid Lucero - Magat Bagwis Nandula
"Magkabangga man tayo ng paniniwala, lahat tayo kung hindi man kapatid, anak."
Cristine Reyes - Dayang Matimyas Nandula
"Balang araw, ipapahamak ka ng bulag mong katapatan."
Nico Antonio - Tarek
Iza Calzado - Rosa
arthur acuña - Carpio
Ruby Ruiz - Silayan Hil-um
Zion cruz - Felipe
The Portrayal, the Picture, and What Stands Out
Throughout past Metro Manila Film Festivals, Vic Sotto has been a staple in the comedy genre, rarely venturing into other territories. This time, however, he takes on a different challenge. Despite aging gracefully, his performance remains top-notch, bringing depth to his character. Of course, true to form, he still manages to slip in a few well-timed comedic lines—effortlessly and naturally.
Sue Ramirez delivers a convincing portrayal of a Dayang betrothed to a foreign prince. Her performance, much like her previous roles, is simple, sincere, and engaging. She brings an air of authenticity that makes her character believable and relatable.
Piolo Pascual steps into the role of Sulo (Sulayman Tagum), a character shrouded in mystery and consumed by deep-seated rage. He embodies the role with intensity, reminiscent of his performances in Dekada ‘70 and other films that explore similar themes of anger and inner turmoil. His presence alone adds weight to the film’s narrative.
Cristine Reyes takes on a particularly challenging role, balancing two contrasting personalities—an angelic, dutiful daughter seeking her father’s approval and an ambitious, power-hungry woman who believes she is destined for the throne. Her performance keeps the audience intrigued, making us wonder what more she has to offer in future roles.
The supporting cast also deserves recognition, as each actor brings authenticity and energy to their respective characters, contributing to the film’s immersive atmosphere.
If there’s one aspect where the film could have done more, it’s in executing large-scale battle scenes. The grandeur of war sequences could have been better managed, with more dynamic camera angles and choreography to elevate the intensity of these moments.
A Deep Dive into Forgotten Traditions
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its dedication to reviving ancient Filipino customs. It reminds viewers how deeply our ancestors valued respect, honor, and community. Even the intricacies of royal succession and burial rites are carefully depicted, offering a glimpse of a heritage that could have evolved differently without foreign intervention.However, while The Kingdom excels in storytelling and cultural representation, its fight choreography could have been more gripping. The action sequences, though pivotal to the plot, sometimes lack the intensity expected of epic battle scenes. Despite this, the film’s exploration of socio-political themes remains its strongest asset.
Themes That Resonate Today
Although set in a fictional pre-colonial era, The Kingdom subtly mirrors modern Philippine society. The film tackles themes that remain relevant today:Power Struggles – The battle for control among leaders reflects the political rivalries that still shape the nation.
Sibling Rivalry – The tension between royal heirs vying for power is a reminder of family disputes over authority and inheritance.
Class Divide – The stark contrast between the elite and the common folk highlights social inequalities that persist to this day.
Corruption – Even in an imagined ancient society, the ruling class struggles with corruption, making the story feel all too familiar.
Tradition vs. Reform – The Lakan’s internal battle between upholding traditions and embracing change echoes today’s cultural debates.
Family and Honor – At its core, the film underscores the Filipino values of dignity, honor, and loyalty to family, even in the face of adversity.
A Reflection on What Could Have Been
The Kingdom challenges audiences to consider an alternate history. How would the Philippines have developed without colonization? Would its people have forged a stronger, uninterrupted cultural identity? The film doesn’t provide definitive answers, but it sparks meaningful reflection.
Thoughts About the Whole Film
The film may not be as perfect as most of us expects based on western big film companies, The Kingdom is a compelling blend of historical speculation and cultural appreciation. It doesn’t just entertain—it educates and inspires. By reimagining the country’s past, the film offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be Filipino.
For those eager to explore an alternate history of the Philippines, The Kingdom is a must-watch. It reignites pride in pre-colonial traditions and reminds us that our identity is shaped as much by what we have lost as by what we still hold dear.
Catch The Kingdom in theaters during the Metro Manila Film Festival, and immerse yourself in a world of what-ifs and what-could-have-beens.
For more film features and entertainment updates, visit www.kwentonitoto.com.
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