Quezon: Flaws & heroism

Filmmaker Jerrold Tarog made history relevant and accessible — again — with Quezon, his biopic on Manuel L. Quezon.

- BÜM D. TENORIO, JR.

Cris Villanueva as Joven Hernando, a journalist who follows the life and career of Quezon (played by Jericho Rosales)

Tarog directed the equally successful Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. These obras are called “bayaniverse” films.

Quezon — which opened with a big scene to depict the victory party of Manuel L. Quezon as first president of the Commonwealth in 1935 — is about a man’s vision and struggle to achieve independence from American colonial rule. As the film presents historical truths, it also humanizes the mortal, the hero, the narcissist in Manuel L. Quezon.

Tarog grippingly provides a compelling portrait of Quezon. In the movie, the protagonist’s toil for independence is as much for the country and for himself. So human, so flawed Quezon is in the lens of Tarog, that the hero of the film is also a master of political maneuvering. Patronage politics was present. And that makes the message of Quezon alarmingly close to present-day politics in the Philippines. Granted political favors were rewarded. How much more now that the alleged corruption in government runs into trillions of pesos?

Jericho Rosales provides an impressive and skillful performance as Quezon. He possesses bravado in his rhetoric as the protagonist. His glib and gab are excellent, even the intonation of his voice commands power. Power — the love of it — seems to sustain Quezon. And Rosales displays utter power in his performance. There’s even braggadocio in his silence. He has an unfathomable depth when he acts, even the swagger of his hands commands control, authority, supremacy.