Quezon's Game (2019) Trailer Impressions: An Unknown History of Manuel L. Quezon and The Holocaust Unveiled

Quezon's Game is a 2019 historical drama film from ABS-CBN Film Productions and Kinitek, under the direction of the British-Jewish film director Matthew Rosen with screenplay by Janice Y. Perez and Dean Rosen; and stars Raymond Bagatsing as the former-President Manuel L. Quezon, Rachel Alejandro, David Bianco, and Kate Alejandrino slated for a May 29, 2019 Philippine theatrical release. Let's check out what this historical drama film about the unknown accounts of how Manuel L. Quezon and his assistance aiding the Holocaust survivors here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.


Quezon's Game
Plot / Synopsis

In 1938, Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, future US President Dwight Eisenhower along with other notable figures set out to rescue Jewish refugees fleeing from Nazi Germany. Quezon also simultaneously deals with a relapse of tuberculosis.

Manuel L. Quezon left a legacy not known to many. Discover the hidden chapter in Philippine history.

Source: YouTube and Wikipedia

Watch Quezon's Game Official trailer here:






Quezon's Game Official Trailer Impression
Quezon's Game Film Trailer Review


What can be said about Quezon's Game (2019) official movie trailer? Well, I for one am happy to see that more of these kinds of films are hitting the mainstream Philippine cinema which is just about time. The premise of Quezon's game is very fascinating and piques the curiosity. According to some online resources, there isn't much documentation that divulges this seemingly unknown part of the Philippines involvement in the rescue of Jewish refugees during Hitler's Holocaust during the World War II, so this take on that unknown part of history in film form is really very interesting to history buffs and Filipinos in general. To why this was never properly documented is something we may never fully know, thank goodness the awesome people behind the film based the screenplay of various theses and dissertations made by Americans as well from correspondence with the descendants of Alex and Herbert Frieder who played a major role in Quezon's plan (Wikipedia Source).





The film was initially released in Canada back in December 16, 2018 wherein it won various accolades at the Cinema World Fest Awards in Ottawa, Canada, counting up to more than 20 awards as an entry in various international film festivals. With these kinds of recognition, I am really ecstatic about seeing the film. Hopefully the Filipino movie-going public can also appreciate Quezon's Game and develop more interest with better quality films that would enrich their knowledge about Philippine history and the great people who preceded us. There is the saying that history tends to repeat itself, hopefully with better understanding of the heroism of those who precede us, we can repeat it with more compassion and bravery amidst the face of terror.


How about you guys? What do you think about this film about former-Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon and his plan to shelter Jews in the Philippines fleeing from Nazi Germany during the World War II era? Will you be seeing this historical drama film when it hits the theaters? Share your thoughts and opinion about Quezon's Game (2019) in the comments section below and let's discuss about it.

Heneral Luna (2015) Movie Review

Heneral Luna is a 2015 biographical and historical epic from Artikulo Uno Productions, under the direction of Jerrold Tarog, screenplay by Henry Francia, E. A. Rocha, and Jerrold Tarog; starring John Arcilla as General Antonio Luna, Arron Villaflor, Joem Bascon, Archie Alemania, Alex Medina, Art Acuña, Mon Confiado, Epy Quizon, Bing Pimentel, Paulo Avelino, Mylene Dizon, Alvin Anson, Nonie Buencamino, Lorenz Martinez, Leo Martinez, and Ketchup Eusebio. Did Heneral Luna live up to the expectations and hype built up by its official trailer? Check out the spoiler-free Pinoy Movie Blogger's review on Heneral Luna here.


Heneral Luna Movie Review
Heneral Luna (2015) Film Review

With so many historical figures who fought valiantly during a period in Philippine history when war seems to be the only plausible solution, one would initially think the local film industry would utilize such seemingly unlimited source material. Unfortunately, this is not the case. What the Filipino movie going audience is left with are a slew of "films" that uses the same old formulaic (cliche) format that only updates itself with the latest contemporary Philippine showbiz love team that or a film that insults the very intellect of the audience. That instead of prioritizing quality, well-produced, well-written, and thought-provoking films, we are left with the over-saturation of the same films those conditions the next generation to patronize such shallowness. But every now and then, someone or a group of individuals with a truly bright concept comes along and (somehow) surprisingly gets funded. From an excellent idea into an actual quality film; a film that treats the Filipino movie going audience with respect; a film that can provoke one's thoughts and can re-ignite a wick that was thought once died; a film like Heneral Luna.


Heneral Luna has generally great performance from the film's cast lead by John Arcilla who brought so much life and character to General Antonio Luna. Other supporting actors should not be forgotten as well mainly Mon Confiado portraying the highly controversial (in so many level) Emilio Aguinaldo; Epi Quizon as the neutral and helpless to some realities, Apolinario Mabini; Joem Bascon as Col. Paco Roman; Aaron Villaflor as Joven Hernando, Archie Alemania Capt. Eduardo Rusca, and Nonie Buencamino as Felipe Buencamino. There is that one memorable scnese that goes beyond rationality and logic. You will either love it or hate it; maybe even laugh at how ridiculous that supposedly tragic moment. A scene reminiscent of a particular scene in the Pedro Penduko 2000 film. Their performance is executed so well, that you end up loving and hating certain characters. Of course this is not possible without good direction, phasing, and script.





Heneral Luna has a well-written script. For a historical war film it sure has some surprising amount of humor; something that probably adds to the realism and charm of the film; realism in the sense that it reflects the tendencies of most Filipinos to find hope and happiness during times of great trials and tribulations. We are not included in the list of the happiest people in the world for nothing. Most Filipino soldiers do this to helped dampen the reality that odds are probably stacked against them, that fellow patriots are dying off like mosquitos around a mosquito lamp, and that the possibility that they may never live the next day to tell the tale. This is what is adapted by the film, that Filipinos can still crack a joke or two even during the Philippine-American War. Heneral Luna does not shy away from cursing or from using profanity. Well, if you are thrown in such a period you would not go all PG-13 or G (rating) to those who are not taking the effort in defending the motherland, to those foreigners who are conquering our country, to those traitors selling out the very country you are fighting for, to those killing your brothers in arms and raping your women. This not that historical television show for elementary school students and kids back in the 90's called ABS-CBN's Bayani, Heneral Luna is how a historically accurate (with some liberties) and educational film should be. I think profanity was placed in the right scenes, although the film could have added more or I could have think of a more insulting terms when film shifted to the scenes involving Americans. Like why not use "primitive brown monkeys" as during those times racism was still a thing, but that is a very minor nitpick.



Check out the Heneral Luna trailer, synopsis, and our initial impressions at Heneral Luna Trailer Impressions: Reintroducing General Antonio Luna Through A Gritty Biographical Historical Epic
Heneral Luna is well-shot and has good cinematography... generally speaking. Heneral Luna is not without its fault. There are mainly two scenes that I observed took me away from the film. The first one involves two scenes involving a shaky cameras and a long (dragging) continuous shot shifting from one location/scene to another which you'll know once you start getting dizzy as you reach that part of the film . Some memorable scenes in particular are a scene of Luna on the hill and that seemingly continuous flashback. Looking at the film’s behind the scenes, I was quite surprised that it used special visual effects that seems unnoticeable, and kudos to the special effects studio for pulling that off. Well until that shot with the running train and every time the scene involved barrels, which are simply just so fake-looking. These are some minor nitpick with the set designs and special effects but it does not detracts so much on what the film offers in general.


The Verdict for Heneral Luna (2015) Film

Artikulo Uno's and Jerrold Tarog's Heneral Luna is a well-written, well-directed, well-performed biographical and historical film that both entertains and educates the audiences. Heneral Luna tells a story that has long been forgotten by most of us (adults) who have seemingly forgotten other historical figures besides Rizal, Bonifacio, Mabini, Lapu-Lapu, etc; that what they fight for are seemingly trivial now that we have been enjoying the fruits of their sacrifices. Heneral Luna is a good film that personally has lit something deep inside me that I considered to have died a long time ago, a sense of nationalism and patriotism. Did it live up to the hype it builds from the trailer? The answer is a big YES.


Heneral Luna is worth the time, money, and effort. Pinoy Movie Blogger gives Heneral Luna (2015) an 8.5 out of 10 (8.5/10) film review rating. A film that is worth getting a copy with when it released in home video format (blu ray and DVD) and a film that makes you want read other historical figures or watch movies about them. This made me want to see the Bonifacio and Aguinaldo film, just to see as what they have to offer.

Heneral Luna Trailer Impressions: Reintroducing General Antonio Luna Through A Gritty Biographical Historical Epic

Heneral Luna is a 2015 biographical historical epic from Artikulo Uno Productions under the direction of Jerrold Tarog, screenplay by Henry Francia, E. A. Rocha, and Jerrold Tarog; which stars John Arcilla as General Antonio Luna, Arron Villaflor, Joem Bascon, Archie Alemania, Alex Medina, Art Acuña, Mon Confiado, Epy Quizon, Bing Pimentel, Paulo Avelino, Mylene Dizon, Alvin Anson, Nonie Buencamino, Lorenz Martinez, Leo Martinez, and Ketchup Eusebio slated for a September 9, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out what the gritty biopic of General Antonio Luna has in store for the movie going audience here.


Heneral Luna
Plot / Synopsis

Set during the Philippine-American war, Heneral Luna follows the life of one of Philippine History’s most brilliant military men, General Antonio Luna, as he tries to lead his countrymen against colonial masters new and old, and to rise above their own raging disputes to fulfill the promise of the Philippine Revolution.

Source: Official Facebook Page

Watch Heneral Luna Official trailer here:






Heneral Luna Official Trailer Impression
Heneral Luna Film Trailer Review


What is there to say about the Heneral Luna official movie trailer? The Heneral Luna trailer is simply intense and promising. There is somewhat fire ignited deep within me while and after seeing this trailer which I can't really exactly point my fingers to. Was it because of the powerful portrayal of John Arcilla as the controversial First Republic War (National) Hero? Was it because of the solid cast featured in this biographical film? Was it due to the film's cinematography? Was it because of the good musical score? Was it because of the set designs, costume, and overall production value? Was it because of all of this was present in a film which caught me off guard as we no longer have seen this kind of element in mainstream Filipino films produced nowadays?


It has been quite a while since we were last presented with a historical drama with over all superb quality. By now you probably started noticing that I liked the Heneral Luna official trailer. This is enough hype to build for me which is somewhat dangerous, as expectations will only lead to disappointment. But I have high hopes that this film will deliver. I will be seeing this when it hits the theaters and will give you a review. Finally a film that is actually worth spending money to. Let's just hope that it will deliver in flying colors.


How about you guys? What do you think about the trailer of this biographical and historical epic chronicling the life of the controversial historical figure and national hero? Do you guys still remember the General Antonio Luna who was only introduced to us in historical books? Does this trailer made you interested to watch this film or see other national heroes life be made to film? Share your thoughts and opinion about the Heneral Luna official trailer in the comments section below:

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UPDATE:

Check out Pinoy Movie Blogger's Heneral Luna movie review here.

Felix Manalo Teaser Trailer Impressions: A Biopic of Iglesia Ni Cristo's Founder

Felix Manalo is a 2015 biographical drama and historical film by Viva Films under the direction of Joel Lamangan which stars Dennis Trillo (playing the role of Felix Manalo) and Bela Padilla slated for an October 7, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out what this 2015 biopic of one of the country's most prominent religious leader has in store for movie goers?


Felix Manalo
Plot / Synopsis

FELIX MANALO is an epic historical biographical film dramatizing the life of Felix Yzagun Manalo, the first Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC). Manalo is regarded by the members of the INC as the last prophet of God and restorer of the true church, whom they called, Sugo (Tagalog, "messenger" or "envoy").

Source: Youtube

Watch Felix Manalo Official Teaser Trailer here:


UPDATE

You can check out the full trailer for Felix Manalo here:

Watch Felix Manalo Official FULL Trailer here:





Felix Manalo Official Trailer Impression
Felix Manalo Film Trailer Review


So what is there to say about the Felix Manalo movie teaser trailer? Well it is two-minute long clip of what I assume is the full trailer of the Felix Manalo 2015 biopic. So instead of actual lines that could give us a preview of how the writing is like in the film, we are instead presented with the film's potential good musical scoring. Guess it is a thing with teaser trailers for biopics whiich can also be observed with the Kid Kulafu (Manny Pacquiao Biopic) teaser trailer when it was first released.


The Felix Manalo Biopic teaser trailer looks excellently shot. One can immediately say that the biographical film of one of the most influential religious leaders of the Philippines has a good production value. The biopic is also a period piece that gives us sneak peak on what life is like in the late 1800 to early 1900 here in Philippines; of the struggle of "Ka Felix" in founding a religion in a Roman Catholic dominated (in terms of religion) country like the Philippines. I for one am particularly interested to see this film out of curiosity of the life of the religious leader and how they are able to execute the 1900 Philippine setting. If I were to nitpick, one observation I noticed when it comes to Philippine produced period pieces is that the costumes are too neat and clean. It is like most costumes are straight out of a Filipiniana contemporary tailoring shop which can sometimes draw one out of the supposedly 1900 period. In addition, this biopic walks a very risky and thin line as it tends to get more criticism from both the believer and non-believer of the religious organization: (1) Criticism from the non-believers as they might not be open for it and may very well call this as a propaganda or agenda; (2) Criticism from the believers in terms that they might not like how their beloved leader will be portrayed, or how the film will take some liberties from the actual history of their leader. On the latter, I think the piece is well researched and I don't think well-known celebrities who happens to be also Iglesia ni Cristo members would take part in something that will give shame to either their church or its leaders. Viva Films is actually gambling and hoping for the best with this biopic. The only question now is will it sell in the box office?


How about you guys? What do you think about the biopic of 'Ka Felix' (known to his church)? Can you set aside your religious difference just to see a film that tells the story of someone who goes against your very same church? If you are a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo, what do you think of Dennis Trillo in playing the role of Felix Manalo? Share your thoughts about the Felix Manalo teaser trailer in the comments section below:

El Presidente Trailer Impressions: MMFF 2012 Biographical Film About the First President of the Republic of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo

El Presidente, an official entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (38th Metro Manila Film Festival) is Scenema Concept International and Viva Films historical bio-epic film written and directed by Mark Meily starring E.R. Ejercito, Cesar Montano, Christopher de Leon, Nora Aunor, and Christine Reyes. El Presidente is slated for a December 25, 2012 nationwide theatrical release. Let's check out the official trailer of this quality MMFF 2012 entry here.

El Presidente
Plot / Synopsis

True Story of General Emilio Aguinaldo and the First Democratic Republic in Asia

El Presidente, the first true-to-life full-length film of General Emilio Famy Aguinaldo (1869-1964), tells the story of the man behind the legend, from the time he led the resistance against two superpowers: the first against Spain, that led to the inauguration of the first democratic republic in Asia; and the second against the United States of America, which changed the destiny of a nation.

The story not only touches on the political in-fighting and intrigues that took place during the revolution, it also explores the inner struggles of Emilio Aguinaldo as husband and father, as well as the agonizing moments of making life-or-death decisions in the interest of security and national unity.

Source: Official FB Page

Watch El Presidente Official trailer here:


El Presidente Official Trailer Impression
El Presidente Film Trailer Review

The Filipino movie going audience will be in for a treat this coming 38th Metro Manila Film Festival (2012 Metro Manila Film Festival) with El Presidente. The upcoming bioepic film that dabbles in the life, struggles, and controversy of the first president of the Republic of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo. El Presidente has a very impressive and star-studded cast who will all bring and flesh out the life of one of Philippine's historical figure. The film is created by the same people who brought us the 2011 MMFF entry Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story and the reason why we have Mr. Estrada (currently 49 years of age) portraying as the youngest and first Filipino president General Emilio Aguinaldo (28 years old).

The contrast of the lead star's age against the historical figure he portrays can probably be set aside if you look at the how beautiful the film looks on the film. It is a no-brainer that this film could very well be on the top list of the candidate for best picture this coming Metro Manila Film Festival. Hopefully the film won't excessively depend of CGI effects like what is seen on the canon ball view as it plunged through unknowing soldiers. I also have some issue with the slow-down and speed-up moments when they are going all out in the war. I hope that this is just some effects on the trailer and that the film doesn't also excessively use such "stylistic" film effects. An issue that the film could raise is the controversy between the relationship between Emilio Aguinaldo and Andres Bonifacio. Well of course the film is highly dramatized to an epic scale, but will it actually be historically accurate? If it does, will it be lenient to the story as told by the Aguinaldo clan? Then it might do an injustice to the Bonifacio clan? Will the film feature what has been kept in the historical books and show the evil of Philippine politics? That is what we can look forward to in this biopic of Emilio Aguinaldo this Metro Manila Film Festival.

How about you guys, what do you think of this historical and epic film adaptation of the live of the Philippine's first president. Can you still remember your history lessons about him? Are you aware of the controversies surrounding General Emilio aguinaldo and Andres Bonifacio? Share your thoughts on El Presidente official trailer in the comments section below: