‘The Kingdom’ presents an ambitious vision of an alternate reality where the Philippines was never colonized.
In this reimagined world, the country is known as the Kingdom of Kalayaan, and it is ruled by Lakan Makisig (Vic Sotto), who is said to be descended from Bathala, the supreme god of the ancient Tagalog belief system. The film takes us into a Philippines that has not only resisted foreign invaders but has also become a maritime powerhouse, a society that has thrived independently throughout history.
A Unique Concept. At the heart of ‘The Kingdom’ is a fascinating premise: What if the Philippines had never been colonized? This alternate history presents a vision of a nation with a strong, centralized monarchy. As Lakan Makisig prepares to step down, he must choose a successor from his children: Magat Bagwis (Sid Lucero), Dayang Matimyas (Cristine Reyes), and Dayang Lualhati (Sue Ramirez). However, when Lualhati is kidnapped just before her wedding to a Thai prince, the royal family is thrust into a rescue mission, with an outcast farmer, Sulo (Piolo Pascual), caught in the middle.
The film, directed by Michael Tuviera, explores not only the possibilities of an uncolonized Philippines but also delves into the complex political dynamics that could still exist in a monarchy. It poses a key question: Even in a society untouched by colonial powers, would issues of power, greed, and inequality still persist? The answer is a resounding yes, and The Kingdom shows us that political tensions are universal, no matter the form of government.
Production Design. One of the film’s strongest elements is its production design, crafted by Nestor Abrogena Jr. The world-building in ‘The Kingdom’ is immersive and impressive, with the film blending traditional tribal practices and modern aesthetics to create a unique, alternate Filipino society. The elaborate costumes further enhance the world of Kalayaan, with each piece of clothing reflecting the richness of Filipino culture in a fictional, more advanced society.
Performances. Vic Sotto, known for his comedic roles, takes on a more serious role here as Lakan Makisig. His performance is dignified, and while he holds his own as a regal leader, there are moments where the character’s emotional depth could have been explored further.
Piolo Pascual delivers a solid performance as Sulo, the brooding outcast, but his character’s dynamic with Sotto’s Lakan could have benefited from more screen time to fully develop their relationship.
Sid Lucero, Ruby Ruiz, Iza Calzado, and Cedrick Juan all bring talent to their roles, though the film doesn’t offer them enough material to make a significant impact. Iza Calzado, in particular, delivers a powerful introduction to her character, but her arc fades into the background as the film progresses, leaving her potential largely untapped. The same can be said for Ruby Ruiz, whose character lacks sufficient development.
Missed Opportunities. The film’s biggest drawback is its pacing. At just over two hours, ‘The Kingdom’ tries to juggle multiple plotlines and character arcs, but the swift progression leaves little room for depth. Some key narrative threads are introduced but never fully explored, making the film feel rushed. The idea of an uncolonized Philippines is rich with possibilities, and ‘The Kingdom’ often hints at a much larger story, but the constraints of the film’s runtime prevent it from fully delving into the complexities of its world.
The film’s formulaic approach to certain tropes also detracts from its uniqueness. By the middle of the film, the plot begins to follow a predictable path, making the twists and turns feel less impactful. A longer format, such as a series, would have given the filmmakers the opportunity to flesh out the characters and the world more effectively, allowing for a more satisfying and cohesive story.
LionhearTV‘s verdict. ‘The Kingdom’ is a bold attempt at reimagining Filipino history, offering an intriguing glimpse into what an uncolonized Philippines might have looked like. While the film has a unique and compelling concept, it struggles with pacing and underdeveloped characters, leaving much of its potential unexplored. Still, the film’s stunning production design and the strong performances from its cast keep it engaging, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its promise.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Directed by Michael Tuviera and starring Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual, Sue Ramirez, Cristine Reyes, and Sid Lucero, ‘The Kingdom’ is part of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival. While it’s a solid effort at exploring alternate Filipino history, it ultimately leaves the viewer wanting more.
