Watch The Kingmaker

The Kingmaker is a gripping documentary film that explores the life of Imelda Marcos - the former first lady of the Philippines, who gained notoriety for her extravagant tastes and the thousands of shoes she owned. Directed by Lauren Greenfield, the movie takes an insightful look at Imelda's controversial past, her family's legacy, and her current political ambitions.

The film starts with an introduction of Imelda Marcos, who is now in her 80s and hails from a wealthy family. From her early years, she was charming and ambitious, and quickly gained the attention of another rising political star, Ferdinand Marcos. The two got married and became one of the most powerful couples in Philippine history.

The movie provides an in-depth look at the tumultuous years of Ferdinand and Imelda's rule, which lasted from 1965 to 1986. During this period, the couple pursued a vision of a 'New Society' characterized by modernization, industrialization, and prosperity. However, their regime was riddled with corruption, nepotism, and human rights violations. The Kingmaker shows how Imelda played a critical role in shaping the country's cultural and economic landscape during this time. From the iconic Cultural Center of the Philippines to the Manila Film Festival, Imelda spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at showcasing the country's art and culture.

Despite their achievements, the Marcos regime was also mired in controversy. The movie highlights how Imelda and her husband were accused of election fraud, media suppression, and even military crackdowns on political dissent. The most notorious incident was the declaration of Martial Law in 1972, when the Marcos government declared a state of emergency that lasted for over a decade. The Kingmaker interviews human rights activists, journalists, and former political prisoners who paint a vivid picture of the terror and chaos that pervaded the country during this time.

The documentary also portrays Imelda Marcos as a master manipulator - someone who is fiercely protective of her family's reputation and status. The film shows how she has attempted to rewrite the Marcos legacy by painting her husband as a visionary leader who was ahead of his time. She has also tried to whitewash her own image by presenting herself as a philanthropist and patron of the arts. The Kingmaker delves into how Imelda's propaganda machine has attempted to craft a narrative of the Marcoses as saviors of the Philippines.

However, the movie also highlights another side to Imelda - one that is vulnerable, romantic, and even funny. The Kingmaker features interviews with Imelda where she discusses her love for her husband and the pain of being separated from him after his death. She also shares anecdotes about her travels, her fashion sense, and her infamous shoe collection - which she claims was exaggerated by the media.

Overall, The Kingmaker is a fascinating exploration of the Marcoses' legacy and the enduring power of political dynasties in the Philippines. The film raises important questions about the role of history and memory in shaping national identity, and the responsibility of leaders in safeguarding their citizens' rights. The Kingmaker is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in Philippine politics, history, and culture.

The Kingmaker is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 76.