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 troublesome query to reply, understanding that numerous influences the nation has is as a result of superpower international locations at this time. However the Metro Manila Movie Competition (MMFF) 2024 entry “The Kingdom” goals to present 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 determine 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 marriage 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 obligation because the ruler of Kalayaan, underlying exhaustion in sustaining the crown’s weight was evident as scenes confirmed him uninterested in carrying his accountability. 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 have 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 surprise that his casting as Makisig drew shocking consideration. Nevertheless, in line 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 accountability of a King — with out overshadowing his co-stars. One other spotlight of his efficiency was displaying the hidden pains of somebody who had no selection however to bear the burden of the crown. Many movies and sequence contact on rulers determined to carry on to their titles. However Sotto’s Makisig is a uncommon case of being completed 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 finest — 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 numerous work to painting somebody who’s decided to get justice for his late father.
Nevertheless, sure scenes failed to elucidate his anger towards Kalayaan’s system — as a few of his moments centered on displaying, not telling. Some moments, reminiscent of how Sulo was affected after the demise of his father (within the arms 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 gained’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 completely different ranges of depth — and madness (even Sue’s portrayal of Lualhati reveals a place of preliminary privilege that one will cringe upon seeing — that viewers discover themselves aggravated at how they reached this sure level. An indication of them doing their roles properly.
“The Kingdom” is supposed to inform the story of an uncolonized Philippines. It’s an enormous concept 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 reveals that everybody has a job 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 truth even in on a regular basis Filipinos as properly.
On the similar time, bringing this concept right into a single movie is difficult in itself. And it reveals in sure scenes. Some moments really feel disjointed with its general storyline, whereas others want extra to inform. Nevertheless, it nonetheless deserves a move as a result of the early beginnings of the Philippines have been already disjointed. And maybe, it’s the concept that the creators wished to remind filmgoers.
“The Kingdom” has the potential to increase into quite a lot of tales. Initially meant to be a full sequence, the movie does a very good job of setting the muse for future concepts to inform, with out permitting sure giants to mess up its general message. It could be too critical for the on a regular basis filmgoer. But it surely hits residence. What if Filipinos themselves are the issue? Maybe, the concept sparked by this movie is much more vital than what meets the attention.