Quezon (2025)

A Sharp, Uncomfortable Mirror of Power, Politics, and the Filipino Psyche

Quezon completes Jerrold Tarog's Bayaniverse trilogy in spectacular fashion, trading the battlefields of Heneral Luna and Goyo for the ruthless arena of Philippine politics. Rather than presenting Manuel L. Quezon as a flawless national hero, the film tears down the mythology and reveals a brilliant, ambitious, manipulative, and deeply human politician whose pursuit of power often clashes with his ideals.

Jericho Rosales delivers a commanding performance, while Romnick Sarmenta, Mon Confiado, Karylle, Cris Villanueva, Sue Prado, and Iain Glen provide excellent support. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing engaging, and the film's satirical edge makes its political commentary feel surprisingly contemporary.

What makes Quezon stand out is how relevant it feels. The media manipulation, election theatrics, personality politics, and empty promises depicted on screen could easily be mistaken for today's headlines. Tarog once again refuses to offer simple heroes or villains, presenting politics as a messy game where everyone has something to gain and no one remains entirely innocent.

Visually impressive and packed with strong performances, Quezon succeeds as both a historical drama and a biting political satire. While its portrayal of Quezon can feel overwhelmingly critical at times and some historical liberties may divide audiences, the film's willingness to challenge long-held narratives makes it compelling viewing.

More than a biography, Quezon is a mirror held up to the Philippines—past and present. Thought-provoking, uncomfortable, and timely, it's one of the year's strongest Filipino films and a fitting conclusion to Tarog's remarkable trilogy.

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There are too many politicians in this country, not enough public servants.

After the heroic stories with themes of war from Heneral Luna and Goyo, this film depicts the game of politics of an era which is not too far from the current state of the government of the Philippines.

As someone who had learned the history which depicts most of these historical figures as heroes who fight independence, I have learn that this film, although mixed with fiction, showed people are people; politicians are politicians. Tarrog again showed how these figures could be petty, have inflated egos and would do dirty tricks for the sake of their glory. He never fails to stir my nationalism which makes me extra dubious of the intentions especially of politicians who would speak flowery words especially on elections, who would give false promises to the people would like to hear and when elected, would appease the people but would refuse to speak the truth. It is less entertaining than Heneral Luna to be honest but it has a place in my nationalist heart. I am looking forward to a Magsaysay film, as teased before the credits.

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