SummaryCentred on the indomitable character of Imelda Marcos, The Kingmaker examines, with intimate access, the Marcos family’s improbable return to power in the Philippines. The film explores the disturbing legacy of the Marcos regime and chronicles Imelda’s present-day push to help her son, Bongbong, win the vice-presidency. To this end, Imelda confid... Read More
Directed By:Lauren Greenfield
Written By:Lauren Greenfield
The Kingmaker
Metascore
Generally Favorable
76
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.5
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
Not available in your country?
ExpressVPN
Get 3 Extra months free
$6.67/mth
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
76
94% Positive
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
6% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Dec 12, 2019
100
Lauren Greenfield’s film about the Philippines’ former first lady Imelda Marcos reveals a grotesquely self-pitying, wholly unrepentant and very rich woman.
Jan 22, 2020
80
A terrifying reminder that those with absolute power don’t make good retirees.
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.5
92% Positive
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
8% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Mar 19, 2022
10
After hearing Imelda Marcos talk with certain statements, I paused the movie to briefly look up some historical facts. After continuing to play the movie, I now cannot unsee the massive red nose on Imelda's nose. Great movie if you can overlook that glaring issue.
Aug 30, 2020
9
It looks like the trolls got here to give this eye-opening film negative reviews. Such is the power of the Marcos brand, which has been passed on to the Duterte regime.
Oct 30, 2019
80
Though Greenfield is too skilled to overplay her intentions, the picture that emerges gains additional power from its clarifying distance. The Kingmaker is required viewing for anyone concerned about the direction of their own democracy.
Nov 7, 2019
75
Maybe Marcos imagined this documentary would humanize her. Greenfield did. But not in the way that her subject would have preferred.
Nov 9, 2019
70
It’s a documentary that starts as a nonfiction portrait and ends as a horror movie.
Nov 5, 2019
67
While researching the project, Greenfield herself thought she might find a “redemption story.” But the film eventually proves to be a far more troubling examination of the Marcoses’ continued political hold in the Philippines.
Jan 7, 2020
60
More than 70 civil and criminal charges have been lodged against the family. Marcos flaunted her wealth while her country’s living standards plummeted, and Greenfield’s portrait is damning.
May 2, 2022
6
Bongbong is about to take the throne in real life so this movie should be watched by everyone who doesn't consider themselves a Manilla folder.
Production Company:
- Evergreen Pictures
- Candescent Films
- Artemis Rising Foundation
- Bloomberg
- Danish Documentary Production
- Det Danske Filminstitut
- Impact Partners
- Secret Sauce Media
- Showtime Documentary Films
- Sundance Institute
Release Date:Nov 8, 2019
Duration:1 h 41 m
Rating:R
Tagline:"Perception is Real, And the Truth is Not." - Imelda Marcos
Website:
Awards
Critics' Choice Documentary Awards
• 1 Win & 4 Nominations
Warsaw International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
BFI London Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
