Let’s deal with the elephant in the room first. The historical film Quezon has gone viral, thanks to the public rants of the grandson of President Manuel Luis Quezon (MLQ).
LOOK: Former President Quezon’s grandson lashes against producers and actors of the ‘Quezon’ film during a Q&A session in the Rockwell Power Plant Cinema. pic.twitter.com/pKICJ49nYc
— Joaquin Bautista (@Joaquin88206284) October 23, 2025
We’ve all seen the confrontation that happened after a screening. It played like a real-life enactment of a scene from the movie. In the film, MLQ angrily confronts a documentary filmmaker for exposing his negative side. The president laments: The documentary ignored his great accomplishments and instead unveiled the conniving, womanizing, and vengeful man he allegedly is.
MLQ was a true blue politician, and what the movie underscores is the evil that politicians do to get elected or stay in power. From what we saw on screen, the film was thoroughly researched. It’s a riveting account of how MLQ maneuvered himself into the presidency—a man who devised one nefarious scheme after another to beat opponents. It’s not a valentine to the late president, and we can’t blame the Quezon family for being furious with director Jerrald Tarog.
But what did the family expect, another movie like Iginuhit ng Tadhana? They’ll have to learn to live with the fact that MLQ is a historical figure. No. matter how beloved he is, an artist can depict him in any way he wants to. The confrontation during the talk-back after the screening only added fuel to the film’s controversial thesis—and boosted ticket sales. Hiring a publicist and releasing a statement condemning the film would have been more dignified.
It’s common for public figures to be been in this same situation. The British monarchy is often the subject of lurid films that reveal their dirty royal laundry. The Crown did it in spectacular fashion. So far we haven’t heard complaints from Buckingham Palace. The blue blood merely did what they do best—to keep a stiff upper lip.
I don’t think Quezon has done permanent damage to the late president. The next new scandal of the week will remove the taint. His monument won’t be torn down. Streets and the city and province won’t be renamed. As Alfred Hitchcock would say whenever someone complained about the plot holes in his films, “It’s only a movie!”
And what a movie Quezon is!
Jerrald Tarog has done it again. As with his two period epics, he made a revered historical figure more accessible and human. The portrayal is often unflattering, and it’s a welcome departure from previous historical epics. Protagonists don’t speak like actors in a biblical movie. Dialogues don’t sound like sacred scriptures. People did shout expletives back in the day, and MLQ, according to the script, used one in almost every sentence he said (in private, of course).
The movie begins with a quaint black-and-white silent movie about MLQ’s exploits during the Phil-American War. It’s a propaganda movie commissioned by MLQ. Next scene is a lavish banquet at Malacanang Palace. MLQ (Jericho Rosales) is celebrating his victory. The very important guests make a bee line to offer congratulations, an effective way to introduce the protagonists in the president’s political career.
Tarrog and co-writer Rody Vera deliver one engrossing scène after another. Elaborate parades and rallies beautifully capture the period. Tarrog makes his audience travel back in time. Everything looks authentic, especially when accompanied by a song that was popular during that era.
To witness how Jericho Rosales and Romnick Sarmenta have evolved into brilliant actors is worth the P400 ticket
MLQ’s repartee with political foes and allies is priceless. Jericho Rosales and Romnick Sarmenta (as Sergio Osmena) are so memorable in their scenes together. To witness how these two former matinee idols have evolved into brilliant actors is worth the P400 ticket. Given such splendidly written lines, they play the roles with much aplomb.
Rosales has always been the most talented actor of the defunct group of hunk stars. Each line he says in the movie is nuanced. He moves and speaks with a swagger that‘s both winning and amusing. With one glance, he looks presidential, caring and yet insincere! He remains endearing even as MLQ worms his way out of a situation. It’s also fascinating to see and hear him say such explicit Tagalog curses. Preachy political statements are entertaining when Rosales as the politician delivers it.
The script, however, is uneven. Dialogue becomes pretentiously didactic whenever a protagonist comments on MLQ’s flaws. They start speaking with a cadence we hear in the stage productions of Tanghalang Pilipino. It’s a sharp contrast to the effortless acting of Rosales, who puts his own charisma at full throttle as he channels MLQ’s own charming attributes. None of his speeches are ever boring. He’s also impish in a meeting with Leonard Wood, who’s been insisting that the Philippines isn’t ready for independence. It’s MLQ’s mission to make him think otherwise.
Scottish actor Iain Glen plays the exasperated Leonard Wood. This Downton Abbey alumnus has a Max von Sydow vibe, and he plays well opposite Rosales. Their secret meeting, whether it really happened or not, is Quezon’s finest hour. It’s also one of the best written and acted scenes in Philippine cinema.
Tarog has proven to be one of the country’s finest filmmakers. He picked a near perfect cast. His direction is fluid and seldom stagnant. The film is at its best when MLQ is wheeling and dealing with the likes of Emilio Aguinaldo (Mon Confiado) and Leonard Wood.
I’m just not sure what type of film Quezon is
I’m just not sure what type of film Quezon is. It plays like a dark comedy yet Tarog insists it’s a satire. As far as I know, satirical films feature fictionalized versions of real persons. Even MAD magazine changed the names of the people it spoofed.
Acclaimed director Mike Nichols and his professional partner Elaine May did one on President Bill and Hillary Clinton. The film was Primary Colors. It was a funny roman a clef, though it was obviously about the Clintons. Primary Colors and Quezon have much in common (too much in common, actually). What makes Quezon different is its use of real names. It’s not a roman a clef and it isn’t exactly a biography. We learn very little about the Quezon family.
Satires also tend to have a surreal tone. Director Mike de Leon and screenwriter Doy del Mundo went surreal when they made Bayaning Third World. It’s about two filmmakers straggling to make a film about Dr. Jose Rizal. They travel back in time to interview the people who were close to the hero. It’s an irreverent romp, but the two leads eventually learn to have a deeper understanding of the man.
Quezon doesn’t dissect MLQ nor does it try to understand his motives. It carries a simple message: politicians have long been the country’s curse. Unfortunately for MLQ, the filmmakers chose him to be the example of the typical Filipino politician. Strangely, Emilio Aguinaldo, the villain in General Luna, is now the underdog in Quezon. In this installment, the aging Aguinaldo is more sympathetic and vulnerable.
MLQ, meanwhile, is the ruthless one. If he didn’t have a vulnerable side to him, the filmmakers should have invented one for him. Reverence of the man is non-existent. Even disgraced US President Nixon is depicted more kindly by Hollywood.
