The Kingdom (2024 Philippine film)

Makisig is the widowed king of Kalayaan, an uncolonized version of the Philippines in 2024{{efn|Set in the "present day" as per director Tuviera.{{cite news |last1=Ching |first1=Mark Angelo |title=Mike Tuviera explores uncolonized Philippines in The Kingdom |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/184340/mike-tuviera-uncolonized-philippines-the-kingdom-a738-20241208-lfrm?s=3992ud28q1mu0ge2iaid44haj9 |access-date=8 January 2025 |work=PEP.ph |publisher=Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. |date=8 December 2024 |language=fil|quote=It’s present day, it’s 2024, but we were never colonized}} The islands were never colonized by the Spanish Empire, never a territory of the United States, or occupied by Japan in World War II.{{cite news |last1=Mallorca |first1=Hannah |title=Why Vic Sotto rarely bonded with the cast of MMFF 2024 entry 'The Kingdom' |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/590354/why-vic-sotto-rarely-bonded-with-the-cast-of-mmff-2024-entry-the-kingdom |access-date=8 January 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=26 December 2024 |language=en}}}}. As he prepares to retire from the throne, Makisig is unsure which among his children should succeed him; Bagwis, his short-tempered but politically inept son, or his eldest daughter Matimyas, whom he had previously groomed to be his successor before she eloped with the son of a political rival.

A third child, Lualhati, is married off to a Thai prince in a diplomatic maneuver. On her way to the wedding, she is abducted by gunmen who shoot Matimyas. At a stopover, Sulo, an outcast banished for a crime committed by his father, notices Lualhati inside her kidnappers' truck, leading him to rescue her. Both hide in the hut of Sulo's former girlfriend Rosa. The next day, the kidnappers attack Rosa's hut but are fended off by Rosa and Sulo. As Sulo and Lualhati flee, Rosa and her son Kiko are killed by a gunman who reports back to Matimyas, revealing her as the mastermind of Lualhati's kidnapping.

Wigan, the leader of the secessionist group Tiwalag, says he is holding Lualhati captive and demands that Makisig grant independence to the north of the kingdom in exchange for her release. Silay, the chief babaylan, warns Makisig of a betrayal by his children. Makisig suspects Bagwis, but allows him to negotiate with Wigan in the latter's base. Bagwis makes a concession to Wigan in exchange for him presenting a bracelet from Lualhati, prompting the surprise appearance of Makisig. However, both Makisig and Bagwis realize the bracelet as fake, leading to a battle between Kalayaan and Tiwalag forces and Wigan fatally stabbing Bagwis. Enraged, Makisig kills Wigan and orders his army to massacre Wigan's warriors.

At a checkpoint, Lualhati sees a royal servant, Tarek, who sneaks her and Sulo to the royal palace. Lualhati reunites with Makisig and is informed of Bagwis's death, but Matimyas falsely accuses Sulo of shooting her during Lualhati's kidnapping. Makisig orders Sulo arrested, but Sulo reveals himself to be the son of Sigwa, a Royal Guard executed by Makisig himself when he was a prince. Invoking customary laws to avenge his father, Sulo challenges Makisig to a duel, which Makisig cannot refuse. Makisig visits Sulo in jail and reveals that Sigwa was his friend, whom he was forced to execute under customary law after he injured Makisig's brother while protecting Makisig. Makisig reveals that Sigwa absolved him as he died and expresses remorse. Before leaving, Makisig thanks Sulo for saving Lualhati and asks him to protect her should he die. That night, Matimyas' son, Felipe, hands Makisig a drawing of the person who shot her. Realizing the truth, Makisig confronts Matimyas, but the latter vents her resentment at how he shuns her for her elopement.

At the duel, Sulo fatally stabs Makisig. As Makisig's funeral is held, Sulo is released, while Matimyas becomes Queen. However, Lualhati stumbles upon Matimyas and Silay talking about how they conspired with Wigan to kidnap Lualhati and eliminate Bagwis. Lualhati confronts the two, but Matimyas reveals her desire to seize the throne and blames Lualhati and Sulo for thwarting her intention to have Makisig crown her. Matimyas also chastises Lualhati for her marriage, saying that it would have put Kalayaan under foreign control, and reveals her jealousy at Lualhati for being Makisig's favorite. After a scuffle, Lualhati is overpowered by Matimyas and Silay, but as Matimyas prepares to kill her, Felipe, overhearing the commotion, arrives and shields Lualhati. Matimyas and Silay are then arrested by the Royal Guards. With Lualhati becoming the new queen, Sulo asks for her hand, saying that her love had made him overcome his desire to avenge himself on Makisig. The film ends with Lualhati's enthronement, with Sulo as her consort.

In a mid-credits scene, Tarek visits Matimyas, who sits down and smiles menacingly in her prison cell.

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| image1 = Vic Sotto in Antipolo City on July 23, 2017 (cropped).jpg

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• Vic Sotto as Lakan Makisig Nandula, the ruler of the Kingdom of Kalayaan,{{cite news |last1=Garcia |first1=Rose |title=Piolo Pascual raves about Vic Sotto's dramatic prowess |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/184215/piolo-pascual-vic-sotto-dramatic-prowess-a746-20241201 |access-date=3 December 2024 |work=PEP.ph |publisher=Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. |date=2 December 2024 |language=fil}} an alternative timeline monarchy in the Philippines. A descendant of Lakandula, he is the second son of Lakan Diwa and the father to Magat Bagwis, Dayang Matimyas, and Dayang Lualhati. He used to be a benevolent king who changed after his spouse Lakambini Hiraya died in childbirth.{{sfn|Frontline Pilipinas|2024|loc=2:18 (Text)}}
• Cedrick Juan as a young Makisig. Juan is billed to have "special participation" in the film.
• Piolo Pascual as Sulayman "Sulo" Tagum, a Tinatwa (outcast) and a farmer,{{cite news |last1=Salterio |first1=Leah |date=2 December 2024 |title=Doing a film with Piolo shocks Vic |url=https://journalnews.com.ph/doing-a-film-with-piolo-shocks-vic/ |access-date=3 December 2024 |work=Journal Online}}{{cite news |author1=PEP Troika |title=Vic Sotto first serious film ang The Kingdom; paano napapayag? |url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/184205/vic-sotto-kingdom-a4118-20241201-lfrm |access-date=3 December 2024 |work=PEP.ph |publisher=Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. |date=1 December 2024}} who is also a son of a disgraced Kalasag Royal Guard. Unlike the free people or the Malayas, he has no tattoos. Due to his social stature, he was denied decent education and livelihood. He condemns this injustice and questions the Kingdom of Kalayaan. Despite everything, he remains a good man who can't turn a blind eye to wrongdoing. Through his journey with Dayang Lualhati, he learns to let go of his hatred.{{sfn|Frontline Pilipinas|2024|loc=2:22 (Text)}}
• Cristine Reyes as Dayang Matimyas Nandula, the middle child and responsible daughter of Makisig.{{cite news |last1=Pagulong |first1=Charmie Joy |title=Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual on working dynamics in 2024 MMFF entry 'The Kingdom' |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/12/01/2404110/vic-sotto-piolo-pascual-working-dynamics-2024-mmff-entry-the-kingdom |access-date=3 December 2024 |work=The Philippine Star |date=1 December 2024}}
• Sue Ramirez as Dayang Lualhati Nandula, the younger daughter of Makisig who was to marry a Thai prince but is abducted by men who Matimyas alleged to be from the secessionist group Tiwalag.
• Sid Lucero as Magat Bagwis Nandula, the eldest child and sole son of Makisig, known for his temper.
• Nico Antonio as Tarek, an aide of the royal family.
• Zion Cruz as Prinsipe Felipe, Makisig's grandson and Matimyas' son.
• Ruby Ruiz as Silayan Hil-um, a head babaylan.{{cite news |last1=Evangelista |first1=Jessica Ann |title=Ruby Ruiz excited for her Hollywood film 'First Light,' MMFF entry 'The Kingdom' |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/586835/ruby-ruiz-excited-for-her-hollywood-film-first-light-mmff-the-kingdom |access-date=3 December 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=26 November 2024 |language=en}}
• Art Acuña as Carpio, the head of the Kalasag Royal Guards.
• Iza Calzado as Rosa, an acquaintance of Sulo and a former member of the Tiwalag.
• Manny Pangilinan as himself (cameo) {{cite web | url=https://insiderph.com/insider-info-most-valuable-producer-mvp-makes-cameo-appearance-in-mmff-entry | title=INSIDER INFO: Most valuable producer? MVP makes cameo appearance in MMFF entry }}

File:Flag of the Kingdom of Kalayaan.svg

The Kingdom is a co-production between APT Entertainment, MQuest Ventures, and MZet Television Productions. Michael "Mike" Tuviera of APT serves as the film's director,{{cite news |last1=Marfori |first1=M. J. |title=Bossing Vic Sotto slated for 'eye-opening' MMFF comeback |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/07/20/2371465/bossing-vic-sotto-slated-eye-opening-mmff-comeback |access-date=14 August 2024 |work=The Philippine Star |date=20 July 2024|language=en, fil}} while Michael Ngu-nario is the writer. Tuviera first pitched the story to Jane Basas of MQuest during a story conference for Padyak Princess. He described it a "non-political film about politics" which centers around family. The film was originally conceived as a television series for the TV5 network. However, Tuviera decided to produce it as a film for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.{{Cite web |last=Daza |first=Pat P. |date=December 30, 2024 |title=How Mike Tuviera came up with a provocative winner of a film |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/12/30/2410595/how-mike-tuviera-came-provocative-winner-film |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=The Philippine Star}} It was among the first five entries of the 50th MMFF announced on July 16, 2024; all of which were submitted as scripts.{{cite news |last1=Mayo |first1=Stephanie |title=MMFF 50th Edition: Excitement builds as first half of finalists revealed |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/07/17/mmff-50th-edition-excitement-builds-as-first-half-of-finalists-revealed |access-date=18 July 2024 |work=Daily Tribune |date=18 July 2024 |language=en}} Pre-production in February 2024, while filming began in July and took four months. Typhoons during the filming period flooded the filming sets several times and affected the filming schedule.{{Cite web |last=Arnaldo |first=Steph |date=2024-12-24 |title=In 'The Kingdom,' director Michael Tuviera pictures a Philippines free from foreign rule |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/mmff-in-the-kingdom-director-michael-tuviera-interview/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}}

The Kingdom is noted for not heavily featuring comedy, despite the casting of Vic Sotto, an actor who has starred in mostly comedic projects.{{cite news |title=MMFF 2024: Vic Sotto in first movie drama, Vice Ganda in first dramedy. Seriously? |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/vic-sotto-drama-vice-ganda-dramedy-mmff-2024/ |access-date=24 October 2024 |work=Rappler |date=23 October 2024}} Sotto told Tuviera that his children wanted him to act in a serious film akin to The Godfather. For Sotto's role, temporary whole-body tattoos had to be applied for three hours, which serves as a status symbol for his character. Sotto also had to undergo Filipino martial arts training in preparation for the role.{{cite news |last1=Gabinete |first1=Jojo |date=24 October 2024 |title=Vic Sotto, pumayag "magpa-tattoo" para sa The Kingdom |trans-title=Vic Sotto, agreed to be "tattooed" for The Kingdom |url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/cabinet-files/183561/vic-sotto-tattoos-the-kingdom-a734-20241024 |access-date=24 October 2024 |work= |publisher=Philippine Entertainment Portal |language=fil}} Sotto remarked he had to change his voice for the role, departing from the usual tone he uses while hosting Eat Bulaga!. To accurately depict his role as a monarch, Sotto avoided interacting with co-actors as he found it difficult to do dramatic scenes with actors he befriended.{{Cite news |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |date=2024-12-26 |title=Why Vic Sotto rarely bonded with the cast of MMFF 2024 entry 'The Kingdom' |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/590354/why-vic-sotto-rarely-bonded-with-the-cast-of-mmff-2024-entry-the-kingdom |access-date=2025-02-09 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}

For the plot about the marriage of a Thai prince to Dayang Lualhati, business tycoon and co-producer Manny V. Pangilinan was approached by Tuviera for a speaking cameo. Thinking it was a joke, Pangilinan was reluctant, having only appeared in one other film, the 2010 biographical film Rosario, about his grandmother. After being convinced to appear, he expressed to Tuviera and Sotto his nervousness. To calm him down, Tuviera asked if he met a king, and Pangilinan discussed his experience meeting with the late King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej, which helped inform the production of the sequence.

Tuviera mentioned the opening sequence, involving a Kalayaan warship, to be the most difficult to execute, requiring four to five months of planning. It was shot in June, on the last day of filming. The production team reached out to the Philippine Navy, who loaned them the BRP Jose Rizal for use in the film.

As one of the ten official entries of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, The Kingdom was released in Philippine cinemas on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024.

The film was also scheduled to premiere at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles on January 30, 2025,{{cite news|last=Martinez |first=Gavin |title='Hello, Love, Again' returns to LA as part of MIFF 2025 |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/163126/hello-love-again-returns-to-la-as-part-of-miff-2025 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=December 31, 2024 |access-date=January 2, 2024}} but was postponed to March 4 to 7 due to the 2025 California wildfires.{{Cite news |last=Pasajol |first=Anne |date=2025-01-29 |title=MIFF 2025 set for March after postponement due to California fires |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/595223/miff-2025-set-for-march-after-postponement#:~:text=The%20Manila%20International%20Film%20Festival,28. |access-date=2025-02-09 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}

The film was cited by the MMFF as one of the three top-grossing entries for its 2024 edition.{{cite news |last=de Castro |first=Isagani Jr. |date=January 15, 2025 |title=[Analysis] MMFF won't break P1-billion box-office record: Is Philippine cinema dead? |url=https://www.rappler.com/voices/rappler-blogs/analysis-metro-manila-film-festival-box-office-2024/ |access-date=January 21, 2025 |work=Rappler}}

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The Kingdom received positive reception for its visual effects and effective acting.{{Cite web |last=Fokno |first=Mia Magdalena |date=2024-12-27 |title=A pedestrian take on MMFF 2024 entry 'The Kingdom' |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/review-the-kingdom-mmff-2024/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}} The Philippine Entertainment Portal's Ingrid Puache mentioned a drone shot of the Guadalupe Bridge with edited billboards that praise the monarchy of Kalayaan as an example of the film's "blending [of] familiar landscapes and the imagined kingdom".{{Cite web |last=Puache |first=Ingrid |date=Dec 28, 2024 |title=Review: The Kingdom presents intriguing premise |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/184657/review-the-kingdom-a4401-20241228-lfrm?s=5s5e364j404u38kj0qrm6up17i |access-date=9 Feb 2025 |website=Philippine Entertainment Portal}} Rappler's Mia Magdalena Fokno found Cedrick Juan and Iza Calzado's short appearances impactful and inferred that the production team consulted historians and antropologists for the film's props to use cultural metrial respectfully. Reviewers also contrasted Vic Sotto's role in The Kingdom to his other comedic performances in a positive review.

Several reviewers commented that the film could have been longer or presented as a series to explore dynamics among characters and their motives. Although "the story's many weaves does a lot for the movie that runs just over two hours", a longer screentime would have allowed the film to explore the dynamics of Makisig's family and interaction between Sulo and Lualhati, Kristofer Purnell of The Philippine Star explained.{{Cite web |last=Purnell |first=Kristofer |title='The Kingdom' review: Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual star in an uncolonized Philippines |url=https://www.philstar.com/movies/2024/12/22/2408050/the-kingdom-review-vic-sotto-piolo-pascual-star-uncolonized-philippines |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=Philstar.com}} Reviewers who align with Purnell' comment include explanations for Matimyas's conspiracy and motives{{Cite web |last=CEDTyClea |date=2024-12-25 |title=Metro Manila Film Festival 2024: What if.... |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2024/12/26/643377/metro-manila-film-festival-2024-what-if/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=BusinessWorld Online |language=en-US}} and the royal family's perception on Bagwis. Adrian A. Eva from BusinessWorld says that the multiple plot lines of the film compromised character development.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer's Hannah Mallorca recognized that in spite of limitations in its length and challenges in executing the film's premise, The Kingdom provided "potential to expand into a variety of stories" with balance.{{Cite news |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |date=2025-01-04 |title=MMFF Review: 'The Kingdom' explores what-ifs without losing its purpose |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/591830/mmff-review-the-kingdom-explores-what-ifs-without-losing-its-purpose |access-date=2025-02-09 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}

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• {{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4UodpSiLKU |title=Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual, nagkita na para sa kanilang pelikulang 'The Kingdom'|trans-title=Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual, already met for their film 'The Kingdom' |work=Frontline Pilipinas |date=2024-08-01 |publisher=News5Everywhere |access-date=2024-11-01 |via=YouTube|language=fil| ref = {{harvid|Frontline Pilipinas|2024}}}}

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Category:Philippine historical drama films

Category:Films set in fictional countries

Category:Films set in Southeast Asia

Category:Films about kings

Category:Films scored by Jessie Q. Lasaten

Category:Films set in 2024