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The Kingmaker

2019

Lauren Greenfield

Documentary, Self: Imelda Marcos

6.9

233

Documentary The Kingmaker centers on the indomitable character and controversial political career of Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines whose behind-the-scenes influence of her husband Ferdinand’s presidency rocketed her to the global political stage. From Emmy winning director Lauren Greenfield, the documentary examines, with unprecedented access, the Marcos family’s improbable return to power in the Philippines. The film ... [+]

	Media	Author	Review
		Peter Debruge Variety	"A jaw-dropping documentary (...) It’s impossible to ignore what the film says about the perils of political dynasties, which audiences have back in America as well
		Tim Grierson Screendaily	"An enraging portrait of entitlement, opulence and corruption (...) Much like in her previous documentaries, Greenfield shows a knack for illuminating the oddly hypnotic allure of obscene, tacky wealth"
		Todd McCarthy The Hollywood Reporter	"An engaging, appalling but inevitably partial portrait (...) Political junkies will pig out"
		Eric Kohn IndieWire	"Charming and wistful (...) [Greenfield] has crafted a fascinating documentary about the Marcos family’s troubled history "
		Manohla Dargis The New York Times	"It’s an ugly story shrewdly told, with a sense of humor and also a deeper feeling for history"
		Justin Chang Los Angeles Times	"Wisely, [the director] interviews a number of activists who recount their experiences of being rounded up and tortured (...) Their testimonies are vivid, horrifying, galvanizing in their detail and lucidity"
		Lawrence Garcia AV Club	"[It is] Greenfield’s most urgent film by far, which only makes its lack of focus that much more frustrating"
		Elizabeth Weitzman The Wrap	"Fascinating and terrifying (...) Though Greenfield is too skilled to overplay her intentions, the picture that emerges gains additional power from its clarifying distance"
		Phil de Semlyen Time Out	"As it progresses, 'The Kingmaker' takes shape as an acute study of the psychology of power (…) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)"
		Peter Bradshaw The Guardian	"Exquisitely horrible portrait of Imelda Marcos (…) Rating: ★★★★★ (out of 5)"
		Robbie Collin Telegraph	"A surreal, revelatory look at the brutality and vulgarity of Imelda Marcos (...) By-turns entertaining and bone-chilling (…) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)"
		Charlotte O'Sullivan London Evening Standard	"Vivid portrait of the ultimate post-truth icon (…) Rating: ★★★★★ (out of 5)"
		Paddy Kehoe RTÉ	"Absorbing (…) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)"
		Tara Brady Irish Times	"A terrifying reminder that those with absolute power don’t make good retirees (…) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)"

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