MMFF2024: The Kingdom Review
Vic Sotto captivates audiences in The Kingdom as Lakan Makisig, a serious monarch navigating family loyalty and political unrest in the fictional land of Kalayaan. Known for his comedic roles, this dramatic transformation has surprised fans and critics alike. Sotto’s portrayal of a stoic leader is being hailed as a standout moment in his career.
Set in a vibrant, colonisation-free Malay-inspired world, the film’s unique backdrop adds a rich, magical layer to the story. Critics call this performance a turning point for Sotto, sparking widespread discussion and debate.
Highlights
- Vic Sotto delivers a standout performance, showcasing his range beyond comedy in the role of Lakan Makisig.
- Audiences praise Sotto for bringing depth and complexity to the character of a stoic monarch.
- The film’s world-building and portrayal of an uncolonized Philippines contribute to Sotto’s performance impact.
- Critics note Sotto’s portrayal as a career milestone, significantly departing from his usual comedic roles.
- Sotto’s performance is central to the film’s exploration of themes like familial loyalty and political strife.
Film’s Unique Setting
The Kingdom stands out for its setting in Kalayaan, a fictional nation imagining the Philippines untouched by colonisation. This alternative history explores a culture deeply influenced by Malay traditions, offering a new perspective on heritage and identity.
The film uses advanced CGI to reimagine Manila, merging familiar elements with imaginative ones to create a visually striking environment. The setting plays an active role, influencing the story through its layered social and political context.
Within this backdrop, Vic Sotto delivers a compelling portrayal of Lakan Makisig, adding depth to the character and enriching the audience’s experience.
Character Highlights
Character dynamics are a highlight of The Kingdom, with Vic Sotto delivering a compelling performance as Lakan Makisig. His portrayal of a stoic monarch navigating leadership challenges is deeply intertwined with themes of familial loyalty, enriching the narrative.
As Kalayaan’s ruler, Lakan Makisig faces political conflict and complex personal alliances. The royal family adds depth, each member bringing unique traits that drive the story forward.
Sid Lucero as Magat Bagwis and Cristine Reyes as Dayana Matimyas deliver standout performances, reflecting their characters’ dedication to both the kingdom and family. The focus on character development adds emotional weight, drawing viewers into a world of loyalty, power, and conflict.
Storyline and Themes
“The Kingdom” opens with a powerful scene depicting the Baganis, the warriors of Kalayaan, defending their territorial waters from foreign vessels. This alternate Philippines is a constitutional monarchy, drawing parallels to Thailand, with a native Filipino language and legal system, and where ancient traditions coexist with modern technology. The film’s main concept is a bold reimagining of what the Philippines would be like if it was never colonized by foreign powers.
The narrative centres on Lakan Makisig Nandula (Vic Sotto), the ageing ruler of Kalayaan, who grapples with choosing his successor amidst brewing political tensions and familial conflicts.
His children, Magat Bagwis (Sid Lucero), Dayang Matimyas (Cristine Reyes), and Dayang Lualhati (Sue Ramirez), each harbor their ambitions and resentments, adding layers of intrigue to the storyline. When Lualhati is abducted on her way to her wedding by secessionist rebels, the royal family is thrown into turmoil, and an outcast farmer named Sulo (Piolo Pascual), bearing a grudge against the monarchy, becomes unexpectedly entangled in their fate.
World-Building and Production Design
One of the film’s most striking aspects is its production design. Nestor Abrogena Jr. meticulously crafts a world that seamlessly blends traditional Filipino aesthetics with modern elements. The costumes, inspired by indigenous attire, further enhance the film’s visual appeal. Critics have lauded the film’s visual spectacle, with one reviewer describing the reimagined Manila skyline and iconic buildings as “amazing.”
Stellar Performances and Character Dynamics
“The Kingdom” boasts a talented ensemble cast. Vic Sotto delivers a surprisingly restrained and dignified performance as the burdened ruler.
Piolo Pascual shines as the intense and proud Sulo. Sid Lucero, Cristine Reyes, and Sue Ramirez also deliver noteworthy performances, adding depth and complexity to their respective characters.
Reflecting Contemporary Philippine Issues
While set in a fantastical world, “The Kingdom” doesn’t shy away from reflecting contemporary Philippine issues. The film explores themes of political dynasties, social inequality, and the abuse of power, suggesting that these problems persist regardless of historical circumstances. It also challenges the idea that Filipinos themselves are at fault for the country’s problems, highlighting the role of selfishness and individual actions in perpetuating social issues.
Mixed Reactions and Critical Reception
“The Kingdom” has garnered a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike. Some have praised its ambition, world-building, and strong performances, while others have criticized its uneven pacing, plot holes, and reliance on familiar tropes. One critic noted that the film “could have been tighter, some scenes dragged, but it gets the job done.”
Another reviewer felt that the film’s plot was “outright nonexistent, full of holes, and lacking all logic and character development.”
Awards and Recognition
Despite the mixed reactions, “The Kingdom” performed well at the box office. It was also awarded Second Best Picture at the MMFF 2024 Gabi ng Parangal, with Michael Tuviera winning Best Director.
The film also received awards for Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, and the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award. This recognition highlights the film’s artistic merit and its contribution to Filipino cinema.
A Promising Start to a Potential Franchise
“The Kingdom” presents a compelling “what if” scenario that sparks curiosity and invites reflection on Philippine history and identity. While not without its flaws, the film’s ambition, visual grandeur, and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch. Its potential extends beyond a sequel or prequel; with its rich world-building and compelling characters, “The Kingdom” could be the foundation for an entire cinematic universe exploring different aspects of this alternate reality.
Cinematic Achievements of The Kingdom Movie
A tribute to the film’s prowess, “The Kingdom” excels in its cinematic achievements, merging ambitious world-building with a visually stunning execution. The film employs cinematic techniques that transform the vibrant landscapes of Kalayaan into a breathtaking spectacle.
Through masterful visual storytelling, viewers are transported into a world where historical fantasy meets rich cultural heritage. The use of CGI is particularly significant, turning Manila into a dazzling alternate universe, reinforcing the narrative’s depth and engaging audiences on a sensory level.
Director Michael Tuviera’s attention to detail guarantees that each scene is a visual feast, maintaining the story’s momentum. This integration of innovative techniques not only enhances the film’s aesthetic appeal but also elevates its storytelling, making it a standout in contemporary Philippine cinema.
Audience and Critic Reactions About Vic Sotto’s Performance and About The Movie
Garnering diverse reactions, “The Kingdom” has sparked considerable dialogue among audiences and critics alike. Audience engagement has been remarkably high, with many flocking to see Vic Sotto in a role that diverges from his usual comedic persona.
Viewers have appreciated the film’s ambitious narrative and the portrayal of an uncolonized Philippines. Critical analysis, however, has been a mixed bag. While some praise the rich world-building and intriguing political themes, others critique the film’s pacing and perceived implausibilities in-character decisions.
Yet, the film’s ability to stimulate discussion is undeniable. Fans are particularly vocal about Sotto’s performance, marking it as a career milestone. Overall, “The Kingdom” remains a hot topic in both casual conversations and critical forums.
Final Thoughts
“The Kingdom” shines as a standout in the Metro Manila Film Festival, largely thanks to Vic Sotto’s stellar performance as Lakan Makisig. In a world where Kalayaan remains untouched by colonization, the film’s rich storytelling and CGI magic create a visual feast.
The themes of family and political drama resonate well, securing rave reviews from critics and audiences. With its innovative narrative and enchanting visuals, “The Kingdom” firmly establishes its place in Philippine cinema’s evolving landscape.
