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Quezon's Game 2019

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.

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.

Does Quezon's Game have end credit scenes?

No!

Quezon's Game does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Quezon's Game

Explore the complete cast of Quezon's Game, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Quezon's Game

See how Quezon's Game is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Quezon's Game stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

67

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.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Quezon's Game

65
Echo Score

Art & Craft

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.

35
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

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.

80
Echo Score

Story & Flow

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.

80
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

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.

75
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

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.

Metacritic

36

Metascore

tbd

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

45%

TOMATOMETER

review

70%

User Score

IMDb

6.8 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

60

%

User Score

Movie Insider

3.95/5

From 113 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Quezon's Game Movie Quiz

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Quezon's Game Movie Quiz: Test your knowledge of the historical film 'Quezon's Game' and its impactful narrative on the rescue of Jewish refugees.

Where does the film begin?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Quezon's Game

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Read the complete plot summary of Quezon's Game, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


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?”

Fast forward to 1938 Manila, we meet Alex Frieder, a Jewish-American businessman, who receives an alarming confidential telegram from the Chinese consulate in Vienna regarding the escalating horror of the Holocaust. On this same fateful day, Consul-General Jonathan Cartwright briefs Paul McNutt, the High Commissioner to the Philippines, about the unsettling arrival of a new chief of security from the German Embassy, Lt. Ebner. This SS officer raises red flags, leading Cartwright to express his grave concerns about potential espionage. However, McNutt, dismissive of these apprehensions, insists that spies would be more clever in their approach, positing that they could appear inconspicuous in plain clothes.

At a lively gathering, Quezon seizes the moment to announce his ambitious project for the new Philippine capital, Balintawak. Alex Frieder, privately troubled by the telegram’s implications, confides his urgent request for assistance in rescuing Jewish refugees to Quezon, McNutt, and Colonel Eisenhower. With a heavy heart, Quezon agrees but emphasizes the necessity of awaiting approval from the U.S. Congress regarding additional exit visas. Meanwhile, the evening unfolds with the party singer, Vera, engaging in flirtation with Quezon, leading to a tumultuous confrontation with Aurora once the festivities draw to a close. That very night, Lt. Ebner confronts German Ambassador Kaiser, demanding the display of the Nazi flag while ominously alluding to the impending Kristallnacht.

As November 1938 dawns, the newsreels grimly report the onset of the Kristallnacht and the tragic return of the MS St. Louis to Germany. Amidst this turmoil, McNutt seeks clarity from Cartwright, who informs him that approximately 200 immigration visas remain available. The urgency of the situation weighs heavily as Alex, along with Quezon, Eisenhower, and McNutt, strategizes on how to secure additional visas for the growing number of refugees. McNutt obliquely hints at the political climate, citing the challenge posed by antisemitic officials. In a bold move, Alex places an advertisement in German newspapers to attract professionals willing to contribute to Quezon’s envisioned city. In response to their requests, Eisenhower turns to General MacArthur, seeking any individual who might assist Quezon’s humanitarian efforts; however, MacArthur expresses a vehement disapproval, foreseeing imminent Japanese invasion.

During this harrowing time, McNutt strives to compile reports for President Roosevelt while Cartwright enters their deliberations, fervently objecting to the rescue plans. He argues that the influx of Jewish refugees could pose a national security threat. In a tense and pivotal moment, Aurora uncovers Manuel’s deteriorating health when she discovers a blood-stained handkerchief. Despite receiving a staggering count of 10,000 names from the compiled lists, the group grapples with the ethical dilemma of exclusion without raising alarms. In a tense meeting outside the embassy, Quezon proposes bribing Kaiser for more visas, leading to a high-stakes interaction at a presidential gala, where Kaiser repels their bribe but ultimately offers a glimmer of hope by agreeing to supply the necessary exit papers. Unbeknownst to them, Lt. Ebner is covertly monitoring.

Faced with disappointment, McNutt relays the disheartening news that the U.S. Congress has categorically denied their requests for extra visas, leaving only 210 at their disposal. Alex is consumed by frustration and anguish at the failure of their mission. The subsequent day brings further tragedy when Quezon learns that the Secretary of State has scuttled all visa applications, leading him to break down in his office. His battle with tuberculosis reaches a critical juncture, yet he persists with his presidential duties against medical advice.

Manuel Quezon steps into the public eye to address deeply rooted issues of racial injustice and border control in the Philippines. The courageous stance incites protests in Manila, demanding action against the U.S. Congress’s denial of visas for the refugees. Ultimately, the concerted efforts yield a result: 210 visas, along with a miraculous approval of an extra 1,000 visas, leading to an emotional arrival of Jewish refugees one fateful night in Marikina, greeted passionately by Quezon, McNutt, Alex Frieder, and their families.

In a poignant flash-forward to 1944, the film circles back as Manuel Quezon reflects on his past inquiries to Aurora, who reassures him that his legacy of action against the tide of indifference will resonate deeply within the Filipino heart.

In a moving epilogue, it is revealed that over 1,200 Jewish refugees found sanctuary thanks to their efforts, although their brave mission was cut short amid the chaos of the Japanese invasion. The fates of the Quezon family, Eisenhower, McNutt, and Alex Frieder remain uncertain as the credits roll, featuring heartfelt testimonials from the surviving refugees whose lives were forever changed.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Quezon's Game

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

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


philippinesphilippine historyphilippine presidentgermanyholocaustholocaust victim rescuerjewish diasporaarmy generaljewmemoryrescue of jews in world war twomanuel quezon characterfamily character name in title1930sdocudrama dramacharacter name in title

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