QUEZON

Quezon (2025)

Directed by: Jerrold Tarog

If there’s a snap election and our only choices are 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘓𝘶𝘯𝘢, 𝘎𝘰𝘺𝘰, and 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘻𝘰𝘯, the latter might win because of his skills in the game of politics. But looking at them as movies, 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘻𝘰𝘯 has the weakest branding and emotional damage.

Total running time is 2 hours and 17 minutes. You can feel its length. The first hour is packed with short choppy clips that don’t flow well. There’s a visible struggle in combining multiple characters, timelines, and concepts. Putting chapter titles isn’t enough in tying loose scenes together.

The movie-within-a-movie concept serves as a fitting metaphor to the story, but its abrupt insertions disrupt the narrative flow. It’s jarring to see the inconsistencies in character aging and casting. Some characters defy time, while others look drastically different as the years pass.

Many scenes in the first half can be removed, without compromising the overall message. Quezon’s narcissism and manipulation are overemphasized through bland repetition. Some moments come across as a nonstop lecture, enumerating textbook events and giving preachy dialogues.

The voice acting of Jericho Rosales feels contrived, but you’ll get used to it. He delivers nonetheless. Cris Villanueva, alongside Arron Villaflor, brings vulnerability and conviction to the role. Several supporting actors make brief unimpactful appearances.

Despite long exposure, Quezon remains more of a caricature than human. This approach makes the movie seem distant, failing to establish real connection. The ending lacks emotional resonance found in Heneral Luna and Goyo’s films.

Maybe at this point, we’re just tired of seeing undeserving leaders being put on the limelight. Or perhaps, this movie is not entertaining or engaging enough to widen its reach. This type of history drama tends to attract a niche audience that’s already familiar with the lessons it ought to convey.

Trying to see things on a silver lining… Any projects that push for better governance must be recognized—and this movie belongs to that category.

From production design to the powerhouse cast, they’re going full force to awaken the nation. Let’s do our part in making it stronger.

Nakakapagod na kailangan pa natin ng ganitong pelikula para lang ipamulat sa mga tao ang nangyayari. Pero mas mabuti na magkaroon ng paulit-ulit na paalala kaysa sa tuluyang makalimot.

Nakakalungkot na ipinapakita nila ang kasaysayan, ngunit umaabot pa rin ang sitwasyong ito hanggang kasalukuyan. Halos walang nagbabago sa Pilipinas. Tayo ang binabago nito. Nakuntento sa tagilid na pamamahala.

Nakakadismaya na kahit gising ka na ay wala ka pa ring magawa kung mag-isa ka lang. Magsilbing aral sana ang karakter ni Joven Hernando sa nakakarami—upang sama-sama tayong magkaroon ng kapangyarihan na pagandahan ang ating kinabukasan.

Tulad ng mga talumpati sa pelikula, pakinggan natin ang sinasabi ng bawat kandidato at himayin ang mga palabok sa katotohanan. May mga tao na magaling magsalita kapag nasa entablado, pero nawawala ang aksyon kapag oras na ng trabaho.

Mula sa lider na marahas. Papunta sa batang sunod-sunuran. Hanggang sa pangulong mahilig mag-balatkayo. Ilang panggulo pa ba ang mamumuno bago tayo matuto?

Ilang pelikula pa ba ang dapat gawin bago tayo magising?

𝑸𝑼𝑬𝒁𝑶𝑵

Cast: Jericho Rosales, Cris Villanueva, Mon Confiado, Romnick Sarmenta, JC Santos, Arron Villaflor, Iain Glen, Ana Abad Santos, Karylle, Angeli Bayani, Therese Malvar, Jake Macapagal, Bodjie Pascua, Jojit Lorenzo, Joross Gamboa, Ketchup Eusebio, Benjamin Alves

Written by: Jerrold Tarog, Rody Vera

Presented by: TBA Studios

Release Date: October 15, 2025 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews