Vic Sotto in a scene from “The Kingdom.” Picture: Courtesy of APT Leisure, MQuest Ventures, and MZet Tv Productions
What occurred if the Philippines had by no means been colonized? It’s a tricky query to reply, realizing that a number of influences the nation has is as a result of superpower nations in the present day. However the Metro Manila Movie Competition (MMFF) 2024 entry “The Kingdom” goals to offer a glimpse into the motherland if it’s left untouched.
The Kingdom of Kalayaan is making ready for its new ruler with Lakan Makisig Nandula (Vic Sotto) struggling to resolve who amongst Dayang Matimyas (Cristine Reyes), Magat Bagwis (Sid Lucero), and Dayang Lualhati (Sue Ramirez) can be topped as the brand new ruler. With preparations for Lualhati’s wedding ceremony to a Thai prince underway, Makisig was forlorn after discovering out from his trusted babaylan Silayan Hil-um (Ruby Ruiz) that the dominion could be marred with bloodshed.
Whereas Makisig totally embraced his responsibility because the ruler of Kalayaan, underlying exhaustion in sustaining the crown’s weight was evident as scenes confirmed him bored with carrying his duty. This was seen in a scene within the opening act the place he lamented about taking good care of issues “that aren’t his” to a palace officer — though they technically had been.
READ: MMFF Assessment: ‘Inexperienced Bones,’ an excellent movie that seamlessly combines hope, despair
Vic Sotto has been one of many beloved mainstays of the MMFF. However, as a comic. So it was no marvel that his casting as Makisig drew stunning consideration. Nevertheless, in accordance with Sotto, the problem of adjusting to drama stemmed from doing an “extraordinary story” justice.
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This, amongst different components, allowed him to wholeheartedly settle for the duty of a King — with out overshadowing his co-stars. One other spotlight of his efficiency was exhibiting the hidden pains of somebody who had no alternative however to bear the load of the crown. Many movies and collection contact on rulers determined to carry on to their titles. However Sotto’s Makisig is a uncommon case of being accomplished of staying in energy.
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One other spotlight was Piolo Pascual — though, it’s no shock that he would carry out at his greatest — because the vengeful Sulayman “Sulo” Tagum. Whereas his breathtaking visuals don’t fairly match as much as his character, it was clear that he did a number of work to painting somebody who’s decided to get justice for his late father.
Nevertheless, sure scenes failed to clarify his anger towards Kalayaan’s system — as a few of his moments centered on exhibiting, not telling. Some moments, corresponding to how Sulo was affected after the loss of life of his father (within the palms of Makisig, no much less), wanted extra telling to know his ache.
Vic Sotto of “The Kingdom” participated within the MMFF 2024 Parade of Stars and engaged with supporters alongside the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. Picture: Arnel Tacson, INQUIRER.web
However Sotto and Pascual received’t have the ability to shine with out the emotional depth introduced by Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez, Sid Lucero, and Ruby Ruiz. The 4 actors commanded their scenes with totally different ranges of depth — and madness (even Sue’s portrayal of Lualhati exhibits a place of preliminary privilege that one will cringe upon seeing — that viewers discover themselves irritated at how they reached this sure level. An indication of them doing their roles nicely.
“The Kingdom” is supposed to inform the story of an uncolonized Philippines. It’s an enormous thought by itself. For some, it’s arduous to think about what it will be like for the reason that influences of its colonizers mar the vast majority of the nation. Because the movie progresses, it exhibits that everybody has a task within the present occasions. It additionally challenges the concept that Filipinos themselves are at fault. Selfishness is a big issue on this — as hauntingly portrayed by Reyes and Ruiz — and it’s an undisputed reality even in on a regular basis Filipinos as nicely.
On the similar time, bringing this concept right into a single movie is difficult in itself. And it exhibits in sure scenes. Some moments really feel disjointed with its total storyline, whereas others want extra to inform. Nevertheless, it nonetheless deserves a go as a result of the early beginnings of the Philippines had been already disjointed. And maybe, it’s the concept that the creators needed to remind filmgoers.
“The Kingdom” has the potential to develop into quite a lot of tales. Initially meant to be a full collection, the movie does a great job of setting the inspiration for future concepts to inform, with out permitting sure giants to mess up its total message. It could be too critical for the on a regular basis filmgoer. But it surely hits dwelling. What if Filipinos themselves are the issue? Maybe, the thought sparked by this movie is much more important than what meets the attention.
