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Historical drama

Quezon's Game (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Quezon's Game (2019) movie poster

Quezon's Game is a 2019 historical drama directed by Matthew E. Rosen and Matthew Rosen, starring Kate Alejandrino as Baby Quezon, Raymond Bagatsing and Rachel Alejandro. It runs 2 hours 7 minutes and earned $8,721 worldwide on a $500,000 budget. Critics gave it 45% on Rotten Tomatoes and 36 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
45%
worldwide gross
$8.7K
Echo Score
67
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Quezon's Game (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 7m (127 min)
Genres
Drama , History
Original language
English
Budget
$500K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Quezon's Game About?

The premise of Quezon's Game without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

With war looming in Europe, Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon makes a daring decision to offer refuge to Jewish people escaping the horrors of Nazi persecution. Facing significant political and logistical challenges, Quezon and his team work tirelessly to provide sanctuary, demonstrating remarkable courage and compassion. This drama highlights a little-known chapter of history, showcasing the extraordinary efforts of the Philippines in defying the global crisis.

Quezon's Game Themes & Keywords

· 16 tags
  • philippines
  • philippine history
  • philippine president
  • germany
  • holocaust
  • holocaust victim rescuer
  • jewish diaspora
  • army general
  • jew
  • memory
  • rescue of jews in world war two
  • manuel quezon character
+4 more
  • family character name in title
  • 1930s
  • docudrama drama
  • character name in title
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Cast & crew

Quezon's Game Cast & Characters

Kate Alejandrino leads the cast as Baby Quezon, with Raymond Bagatsing as Manuel Quezon and Rachel Alejandro as Aurora Quezon. Directed by Matthew E. Rosen and Matthew Rosen; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Quezon's Game

· 6 more
Ratings

Quezon's Game Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Quezon's Game 45% on Rotten Tomatoes and 36 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in story & flow (80) and weakest in character & emotion (35).

67 /100

Quezon's Game Echo Score Breakdown

Quezon’s Game presents a deeply significant historical narrative tempered by uneven execution. The film succeeds in shedding light on a neglected chapter through an engaging political plot and a dramatic final act, yet reviews note its sluggish pacing and occasional melodrama. Viewers commend its educational value and compelling direction but cite spotty performances and production limitations. Overall, the film emerges as an important but imperfect historical drama.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 65

    In terms of art and craft, Quezon’s Game delivers mixed results. Direction and cinematography receive praise for clarity and effective framing, while production design offers authentic period detail. However, critics highlight budgetary constraints and uneven production values that sometimes undermine visual cohesion. Overall, the film’s visual craftsmanship combines notable highlights with limitations imposed by its modest resources.

  • Character & Emotion 35

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are inconsistent. The lead role is often noted for a nuanced portrayal that anchors the narrative, but supporting performances vary in depth and conviction. Critics and audiences both mention spotty acting in key roles that undercuts emotional resonance. In summation, the film offers moments of genuine character insight amid uneven ensemble work.

  • Story & Flow 80

    The story and flow of Quezon’s Game balance a compelling historical premise with uneven pacing. Reviews often commend its portrayal of political intrigue and a gripping final reel, and users highlight its educational value. At the same time, several sources describe moments of sluggish narrative development and sentimentality that dilute dramatic momentum. Overall, the film presents a meaningful but occasionally meandering plot.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    When considering sensory experience, the film offers strong visual style tempered by modest technical resources. Critics praise the cinematography’s clear compositions and authentic period detail, while production elements like set design enhance immersion. Conversely, occasional stylistic distractions—such as repetitive cigar-smoking sequences—and a restrained sound mix limit sensory impact. In sum, the film’s visual and auditory components are effective yet constrained by limited production scope.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    The rewatch factor is moderate, driven by the film’s historical significance and thematic relevance. Viewers often express a desire to revisit the narrative for its educational insights and political context. However, the measured pace and uneven character portrayals may lessen the incentive for repeated viewings. Thus, while the film’s importance encourages return engagement, its narrative and performance inconsistencies temper its replay appeal.

Plot

Quezon's Game Plot Summary

What happens in Quezon's Game from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The story unfurls at a therapeutic retreat in Saranac Lake, New York, where Manuel Quezon and his wife Aurora Quezon are captivated by a newsreel that showcases the momentous arrival of General MacArthur at Leyte, the significant liberation of Europe, and the harrowing revelations of the Holocaust. As the film reel concludes, Manuel ponders deeply, inquiring of himself, “Could I have done more?”

Full summary

The whole story of Quezon's Game, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Quezon's Game Box Office & Budget

Quezon's Game grossed $8,721 worldwide on a $500,000 budget.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$8.7K

International
$8.7K
Budget
$500K
Videos

Quezon's Game Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Quezon's Game.

QUEZON'S GAME | Official HD Trailer (2019) | DRAMA | Film Threat Trailers
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Quezon's Game?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

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Where does the film begin?

Seen Quezon's Game?

FAQ

Quezon's Game FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Quezon's Game, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Quezon's Game?

Quezon's Game runs 2 hours 7 minutes (127 minutes).

When was Quezon's Game released?

Quezon's Game was released on December 16, 2019.

Who directed Quezon's Game?

Quezon's Game was directed by Matthew E. Rosen and Matthew Rosen.

Who is in the cast of Quezon's Game?

Quezon's Game stars Kate Alejandrino as Baby Quezon, Raymond Bagatsing as Manuel Quezon and Rachel Alejandro as Aurora Quezon, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Quezon's Game make at the box office?

Quezon's Game grossed $8,721 worldwide on a budget of $500,000.

How is Quezon's Game rated?

Quezon's Game has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 45% on Rotten Tomatoes, 36 on Metacritic and 60% on TMDB.

Does Quezon's Game have a post-credit scene?

No. Quezon's Game has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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