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The Kingmaker (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

The Kingmaker (2019) movie poster

The Kingmaker is a 2019 documentary directed by Lauren Greenfield, starring Imelda Marcos, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Imee Marcos. It runs 1 hour 41 minutes and earned $304,840 worldwide. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Stream it on fuboTV and Paramount Plus, or buy it on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home.

IMDb rating
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
97%
worldwide gross
$304.8K
Echo Score
76
The Kingmaker (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 41m (101 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Kingmaker About?

The premise of The Kingmaker without spoilers.

This documentary offers an intimate look at Imelda Marcos and her efforts to restore her family's political influence in the Philippines. It explores the legacy of the Marcos regime and follows Imelda’s determined campaign to help her son, Bongbong, achieve the vice-presidency. The film examines how she attempts to reshape the family’s controversial history, portraying her actions as stemming from a mother’s dedication.

The Kingmaker Themes & Keywords

· 18 tags
  • philippines
  • dictator
  • politics
  • asia
  • political leader
  • southeast asia
  • filipino
  • manila
  • first lady of the philippines
  • filipina
  • political dynasty
  • philippine politics
+6 more
  • philippine history
  • shantytown
  • philippine president
  • martial law
  • political violence
  • history documentary
Where to watch

Where to Watch The Kingmaker

Stream it on fuboTV and Paramount Plus, or buy it from Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

The Kingmaker Cast

Imelda Marcos leads the cast, with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Imee Marcos. Directed by Lauren Greenfield; 4 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

The Kingmaker Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Kingmaker 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 76/100, strongest in art & craft (82) and weakest in rewatch factor (63).

76 /100

The Kingmaker Echo Score Breakdown

The Kingmaker excels at weaving archival footage, interviews, and historical context into a cohesive examination of power and legacy. Critics note the shrewd narrative structure that shifts from nonfiction portrait to horror film–like intensity, while the measured pacing and unsettling juxtapositions sustain engagement. Audience responses highlight its eye-opening revelations and thought-provoking commentary on political dynasties. Ultimately, the film leaves a lasting impression by illuminating the complexities of Imelda Marcos’s influence and the broader implications for democracy.

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

  • Art & Craft 82

    In terms of direction and cinematography, The Kingmaker demonstrates meticulous control over visual pacing and framing. The intercutting of interviews with archival footage creates coherent juxtapositions that underscore the film’s themes. The editing skillfully balances dramatic tension with informative context. Overall, the art and craft work reinforces the documentary’s persuasive impact.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character depth, the film offers a nuanced portrayal of Imelda Marcos and those around her. Interviews reveal a self-pitying subject whose unrepentant stance contrasts with voices from shantytowns and schoolchildren. The emotional resonance stems from these candid testimonies and the evolving depiction of power dynamics. It ultimately provides a compelling study of persona and influence.

  • Story & Flow 80

    In terms of story and flow, Greenfield delivers a cohesive narrative that transitions from a historical portrait to a suspenseful exploration of unchecked authority. The pacing remains measured, allowing viewers to absorb both factual exposition and dramatic revelations. The original structure enhances engagement by building tension around political consequences. Overall, the storytelling is both informative and compelling.

  • Sensory Experience 68

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film employs a restrained visual style that foregrounds archival imagery over stylized aesthetics. The sound design supports the narrative with clear audio transitions and contextualized ambient sounds. The soundtrack remains subtle, allowing testimony and archival clips to drive the atmosphere. Overall, the sensory elements reinforce the documentary’s informative tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 63

    When it comes to rewatch factor, the film offers substantial historical insight but unfolds in a linear structure that may limit repeated viewings. The compelling revelations and political commentary encourage reconsideration, though the serious tone and focus on documentary evidence may deter casual replays. Overall, its lasting appeal lies in its educational and analytical value.

Box office

The Kingmaker Box Office

The Kingmaker grossed $304,840 worldwide. $122,587 came from the US and Canada and $182,253 (60%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$304.8K

US & Canada
$122.6K
International
$182.3K
US & Canada 40% Rest of the world 60%
Videos

The Kingmaker Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Kingmaker.

The Kingmaker - Official Trailer
Details

The Kingmaker Also Known As

14 alternative titles, including “Kungamakerskan” and “Imelda Marcos: First Lady of Love”.

Also known as
  • Kungamakerskan
  • Imelda Marcos: First Lady of Love
  • แด่ลูก ผัว และตัวฉันเอง... อีเมลดา มาร์กอส
  • 国王制造者
  • Imelda Marcos. Poder en la sombra
  • 大權在后:前第一夫人伊美黛
  • Создательница королей
  • 이멜다 마르코스: 사랑의 영부인
  • Imelda Marcos, dans l'ombre du pouvoir
  • Königsmacherin
  • Ιμέλντα Μάρκος: Βασίλισσα Χωρίς Θρόνο
  • קינגמייקר
+2 more
  • Ważniejsza od królów
  • 大權在後:前第一夫人伊美黛

Seen The Kingmaker?

FAQ

The Kingmaker FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Kingmaker, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Kingmaker?

The Kingmaker runs 1 hour 41 minutes (101 minutes).

When was The Kingmaker released?

The Kingmaker was released on November 8, 2019.

Who directed The Kingmaker?

The Kingmaker was directed by Lauren Greenfield.

More films by Lauren Greenfield

Who is in the cast of The Kingmaker?

The Kingmaker stars Imelda Marcos, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Imee Marcos, among 4 credited actors.

Where can I watch The Kingmaker?

In the US, The Kingmaker is streaming on fuboTV, Paramount Plus and Paramount+ and available to buy on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did The Kingmaker make at the box office?

The Kingmaker grossed $304,840 worldwide ($122,587 domestic, $182,253 international).

How is The Kingmaker rated?

The Kingmaker has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76 on Metacritic and 75% on TMDB.

Does The Kingmaker have a post-credit scene?

No. The Kingmaker has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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