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{{good article}}
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{{Use Philippine English|date=January 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Imelda
| name = Imelda
Line 7: Line 9:
| director = [[Ramona Diaz|Ramona S. Diaz]]
| director = [[Ramona Diaz|Ramona S. Diaz]]
| producer = {{Plain list |
| producer = {{Plain list |
*[[Ramona Diaz|Ramona S. Diaz]]
* Ramona S. Diaz
*[[Kyra Sedgwick]]
* [[Kyra Sedgwick]]
*[[Meredith Bagby]]
* Meredith Bagby
*Valerie Stadler
* Valerie Stadler
}}
}}
| screenplay =
| screenplay =
| based_on =
| based_on =
| starring = {{Plain list |
| starring = {{Plain list |
*[[Imelda Marcos]]
* [[Imelda Marcos]]
*[[Imee Marcos]]
* [[Imee Marcos]]
*[[Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.]]
* [[Bongbong Marcos]]
}}
}}
| music = Bob Aves<br>[[Grace Nono]]
| music = {{Plain list |
* Bob Aves
* [[Grace Nono]]
}}
| cinematography = Ferne Pearlstein
| cinematography = [[Ferne Pearlstein]]
| editing = Leah Marino
| editing = Leah Marino
| studio = Big Swing Productions
| studio = Big Swing Productions
| distributor = Unitel Pictures
| distributor = [[Unitel Pictures]]
| released = {{Film date|2003|11|23|[[International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam|Amsterdam]]}}
| released = {{Film date|2003|11|23|[[International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam|Amsterdam]]}}
| runtime = 103 minutes
| runtime = 103 minutes
| country = {{Plainlist|
| country = {{Plainlist|
*Philippines
* Philippines
*United States
* United States
}}
⚫
| language = {{Plainlist|
* Filipino
* English
}}
}}
⚫
| language = Filipino, English
| budget =
| budget =
| gross = US$500,992 (Worldwide)
| gross = US$500,992 (worldwide)
}}
}}
⚫
'''''Imelda''''' is a 2003 [[documentary film]] directed by [[Ramona Diaz|Ramona S. Diaz]] about the life of [[Imelda Marcos]], former [[First Spouse of the Philippines|First Lady of the Philippines]]. Beginning with her childhood, the film documents her marriage to future [[President of the Philippines]] [[Ferdinand Marcos]], her rule under the dictatorship, her exile in [[Hawaii]] and her eventual return to the Philippines.


⚫
'''''Imelda''''' is a 2003 [[documentary film]] co-produced and directed by [[Ramona Diaz|Ramona S. Diaz]] about the life of [[Imelda Marcos]], former [[First Spouse of the Philippines|First Lady of the Philippines]]. Beginning with her childhood, the film documents her marriage to future [[President of the Philippines]] [[Ferdinand Marcos]], her rule under the dictatorship, her exile in [[Hawaii]] and her eventual return to the Philippines.
⚫
Reviews were largely favorable and it won the [[List of Sundance Film Festival award winners#2004|Excellence in Cinematography Award Documentary]] award at [[Sundance Film Festival]] in 2004. ''Imelda'' outsold ''[[Spider-Man 2]]'' in the Philippines, but only took {{US$|200,992}} at the US box office with an additional {{US$|300,000}} worldwide. Reviews from critics are favorable with a 94% fresh rating from [[Rotten Tomatoes]] and a 69/100 from [[Metacritic]].

⚫
Reviews were largely favorable and it won the [[List of Sundance Film Festival award winners#2004|Excellence in Cinematography Award (Documentary)]] at the [[2004 Sundance Film Festival]]. ''Imelda'' outsold ''[[Spider-Man 2]]'' in the Philippines, but only took {{US$|200,992}} at the US box office with an additional {{US$|300,000}} worldwide. Reviews from critics are favorable with a 94% fresh rating from [[Rotten Tomatoes]] and a 69/100 from [[Metacritic]].


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
Diaz followed [[Imelda Marcos]], the former [[First Spouse of the Philippines|First Lady of the Philippines]], for a month and interviewed her daughter [[Imee Marcos|Imee]] and her son [[Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.|Ferdinand, Jr.]]<ref name = "Threat" /> The film incorporates third party interviews and archive material; it recounts Imelda's life, including her marriage to her husband, Philippine dictator [[Ferdinand Marcos]].<ref name = " Boston" /> Discussing the Marcos presidency, Imelda falsely claims that there were no [[Human rights in the Philippines|human rights abuses in her country]];<ref name = " Boston"/> she says that her husband abolished [[Congress of the Philippines|Congress]] and declared [[Martial law in the Philippines|martial law]] in 1972 to protect democracy.<ref name = "Threat" /> She says that she took 3,000 pairs of shoes with her when she went into exile, and justifies her extravagant clothing by saying that it "inspired the poor to dress better".<ref name = "Threat" /> She also says that she had enormous museums and theaters constructed to enrich the lives of Filipinos.<ref name = "Threat" />
Diaz followed [[Imelda Marcos]], the former [[First Spouse of the Philippines|First Lady of the Philippines]], for a month and interviewed her daughter [[Imee Marcos|Imee]] and her son [[Bongbong Marcos|Ferdinand Jr.]]<ref name = "Threat" /> The film incorporates third party interviews and archive material; it recounts Imelda's life, including her marriage to her husband, Philippine dictator [[Ferdinand Marcos]].<ref name="boston-globe"/> Discussing the Marcos presidency, Imelda falsely claims that there were no [[Human rights in the Philippines|human rights abuses in her country]];<ref name="boston-globe"/> she says that her husband abolished [[Congress of the Philippines|Congress]] and declared [[Martial law in the Philippines|martial law]] in 1972 to protect democracy.<ref name = "Threat" /> She says that she took 3,000 pairs of shoes with her when she went into exile, and justifies her extravagant clothing by saying that it "inspired the poor to dress better".<ref name = "Threat" /> She also says that she had enormous museums and theaters constructed to enrich the lives of Filipinos.<ref name = "Threat" />


Imelda says in one vignette that she had met United States Army [[General of the Army|General]] [[Douglas MacArthur]] during his landing in [[Tacloban]] at the end of [[World War II]], and that McArthur insisted that she should perform for the composer [[Irving Berlin]], She sang "[[God Bless America|God Bless the Philippines]]" and when Berlin asked her why she sang the lyrics incorrectly she said, "what's the difference between America and the Philippines?"<ref name = "SF" >[http://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/FILM-CLIPS-Also-opening-today-2714685.php#page-3 Film clips / Also opening today]. ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''. Published on June 11, 2004. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref> The assassination attempt on Imelda and the [[assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr.]] are featured in the film.<ref name = "Washington" >[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51840-2004Jul15.html 'Imelda': Don't Cry for Her]. ''[[The Washington Post]]''. Published on July 16, 2004. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref> Footage from parties held by the Marcos couple, including one during which actor [[George Hamilton (actor)|George Hamilton]] sang "I can't give you anything but love, Imelda", are also used in the film.<ref name = "SF" />
Imelda says in one vignette that she had met United States Army [[General of the Army|General]] [[Douglas MacArthur]] during his landing in [[Tacloban]] at the end of [[World War II]], and that McArthur insisted that she should perform for the composer [[Irving Berlin]], She sang "[[God Bless America|God Bless the Philippines]]" and when Berlin asked her why she sang the lyrics incorrectly she said, "what's the difference between America and the Philippines?"<ref name="SF">{{Cite web |last=Stein |first=Ruthe |date=2004-06-11 |title=FILM CLIPS / Also opening today |url=https://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/FILM-CLIPS-Also-opening-today-2714685.php |access-date=January 8, 2014 |website=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The assassination attempt on Imelda and the [[assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr.]] are featured in the film.<ref name = "Washington" >{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51840-2004Jul15.html |title='Imelda': Don't Cry for Her |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211163424/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51840-2004Jul15.html |archive-date=December 11, 2017 |work=[[The Washington Post]] |date=July 16, 2004 |access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref> Footage from parties held by the Marcos couple, including one during which actor [[George Hamilton (actor)|George Hamilton]] sang "I can't give you anything but love, Imelda", are also used in the film.<ref name = "SF" />


== Release and reception ==
== Release and reception ==
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''Imelda'' had its world premiere at the [[International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam]] and its North American premiere in the documentary competition of the 2004 [[Sundance Film Festival]], where it won the [[List of Sundance Film Festival award winners#2004|Excellence in Cinematography Award Documentary]].<ref name="Keen2004">{{cite book|last=Keen|first=Adam|title=Film Review 2004–2005: The Definitive Film Yearbook|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qhAIAQAAMAAJ|date=1 October 2004|publisher=Reynolds & Hearn|isbn=9781903111871}}</ref> The film was also screened at the [[Maryland Film Festival]] in [[Baltimore]].
''Imelda'' had its world premiere at the [[International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam]] and its North American premiere in the documentary competition of the 2004 [[Sundance Film Festival]], where it won the [[List of Sundance Film Festival award winners#2004|Excellence in Cinematography Award Documentary]].<ref name="Keen2004">{{cite book|last=Keen|first=Adam|title=Film Review 2004–2005: The Definitive Film Yearbook|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qhAIAQAAMAAJ|date=1 October 2004|publisher=Reynolds & Hearn|isbn=9781903111871}}</ref> The film was also screened at the [[Maryland Film Festival]] in [[Baltimore]].


American actor and producer [[Kyra Sedgwick]] and her production company, Big Swing Productions, produced the film along with American writer, publisher and producer [[Meredith Bagby]] and Valerie Stadler.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Berger |first1=Laura |title=Kyra Sedgwick Launches Production Company, Announces Film and TV Slate |url=https://womenandhollywood.com/kyra-sedgwick-launches-production-company-announces-film-and-tv-slate/ |website=WomenAndHollywood.com |access-date=February 14, 2022 |date=December 14, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Radio">{{cite web |title=Imelda (2003) |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-0pyq5x/imelda/ |publisher=Radio Times |access-date=February 14, 2022}}</ref>
American actor and producer [[Kyra Sedgwick]] and her production company, Big Swing Productions, produced the film along with American writer, publisher and producer Meredith Bagby and Valerie Stadler.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Berger |first1=Laura |title=Kyra Sedgwick Launches Production Company, Announces Film and TV Slate |url=https://womenandhollywood.com/kyra-sedgwick-launches-production-company-announces-film-and-tv-slate/ |website=WomenAndHollywood.com |access-date=February 14, 2022 |date=December 14, 2018 |archive-date=February 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214171540/https://womenandhollywood.com/kyra-sedgwick-launches-production-company-announces-film-and-tv-slate/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Radio">{{cite web |title=Imelda (2003) |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-0pyq5x/imelda/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214171537/https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-0pyq5x/imelda/ |archive-date=February 14, 2022 |access-date=February 14, 2022 |website=Radio Times}}</ref>

⚫
Critical reviews were mostly favorable.<ref name="Canoe">{{Cite news |last=Kirkland |first=Bruce |date=December 1, 2004 |title=Walk in her shoes |work=Canoe.ca |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Reviews/I/Imelda/2004/10/01/753227.html |url-status=usurped |access-date=January 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140108154738/http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Reviews/I/Imelda/2004/10/01/753227.html |archive-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref><ref name="boston-globe" /><ref name="Phoenix">{{Cite news |last=Keough |first=Peter |date=August 2004 |title=Imelda |work=[[Boston Phoenix]] |url=https://bostonphoenix.com/boston/movies/trailers/documents/04031643.asp |url-status=bot: unknown |access-date=January 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331074858/http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/movies/trailers/documents/04031643.asp |archive-date=March 31, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="CSM">{{Cite news |date=June 18, 2004 |title=Movie guide |work=[[Christian Science Monitor]] |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0618/p14s01-almo.html |access-date=January 8, 2014 |issn=0882-7729}}</ref> The film has a 94% fresh rating from [[Rotten Tomatoes]] and a 69/100 from [[Metacritic]].<ref name="Rotten" >{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/imelda/reviews/ |title=Imelda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108133132/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/imelda/reviews/ |archive-date=January 8, 2014 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/imelda/critic-reviews |title=Imelda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422184551/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/imelda/critic-reviews |archive-date=April 22, 2014 |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref> The website ''[[Film Threat]]'' commended the film's treatment of the subject's flaws because it "allows her to describe them herself";<ref name="Threat">{{Cite web |date=2004-01-28 |title=Imelda |last=Vonder Haar |first=Pete |url=https://filmthreat.com/uncategorized/imelda/ |access-date=January 8, 2014 |website=[[Film Threat]] |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[TV Guide]]'' called Imelda "an entertaining storyteller".<ref name = "TV" >{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/imelda/review/2000022953/ |title=Imelda |date=January 8, 2014 |website=[[TV Guide]]|access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' said the film is "a devastating portrait" and equates the theme of ''Imelda'' with that of delusion and power.<ref name = "NY Times" >{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/09/movies/film-review-for-regal-pariah-despite-it-all-shoe-never-other-foot.html |last=Holden |first=Stephen |title=For a Regal Pariah, Despite It All, the Shoe Is Never on the Other Foot] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109235007/http://movies2.nytimes.com/2004/06/09/movies/09MARC.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1389171396-%2F7gkQ6VPu8tcFczLldDQ5g |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 9, 2004 |access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref> The ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' said it was "spellbinding".<ref name = "SF" />

⚫
Both the ''Chronicle'' and ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' consider the film balanced and even-handed.<ref name = "SF" /><ref name="Variety">{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Todd |date=2004-03-18 |title=Imelda |url=https://variety.com/2004/film/reviews/imelda-2-1200534445/ |access-date=January 8, 2014 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Variety'' said that Imelda{{mdash}}who has been accustomed to public attention since her teenage years, was convinced that her charm and charisma would create a more favorable impression in the film than might otherwise be expected. It said that "her defenses of her husband and his regime are obviously filled with rationalizations and obfuscations".<ref name = "Variety"/> Other reviewers were more scathing,<ref name = "Threat"/> or note her distorted reality and the many contradictions with which she lives.<ref name = "SF"/><ref name = "Variety"/>

The film took {{US$|200,992}} at the box office in the United States.<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo">{{Cite web |title=Imelda |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1348175361/weekend/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030072650/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=imelda.htm |archive-date=October 30, 2013 |access-date=January 8, 2014 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref> Outside the US, the film received box office revenue of {{US$|300,000}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Imelda |url=http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Imelda |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227190550/http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Imelda |archive-date=February 27, 2014 |access-date=February 20, 2014 |website=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |publisher=Nash Information Services}}</ref>

⚫
In the United States, the film was shown on [[PBS|Public Broadcasting Service]] (PBS) as part of its documentary television series ''[[Independent Lens]]'' on May 10, 2005.<ref>{{cite web |title=Imelda - About the Documentary |url=https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/imelda/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629015125/https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/imelda/ |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |accessdate=June 29, 2022 |website=Independent Lens |publisher=PBS}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itvs.org/films/imelda|title=Imelda|website=[[Independent Television Service]]|accessdate=June 29, 2022|archive-date=August 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808105532/https://itvs.org/films/imelda|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Philippine release ===
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Critical reviews were mostly favorable.<ref name = "Canoe">[http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Reviews/I/Imelda/2004/10/01/753227.html Walk in her shoes]. [[Canoe.ca]]. Published on December 1, 2004. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref><ref name = ":Deseret" >[http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700003703/Imelda.html Imelda]. ''[[Deseret News]]''. Published on December 2, 2004. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref><ref name="Phoenix">[http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/movies/trailers/documents/04031643.asp Short Reviews: Imelda] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331074858/http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/movies/trailers/documents/04031643.asp |date=2013-03-31 }}. ''[[The Phoenix (newspaper)|The Phoenix]]''. Published on August 6–12, 2004. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref><ref name = "CSM" >[http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0618/p14s01-almo.html Movie guide]. ''[[Christian Science Monitor]]''. Published on June 18, 2004. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref> The film has a 94% fresh rating from [[Rotten Tomatoes]] and a 69/100 from [[Metacritic]].<ref name="Rotten" >[http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/imelda/reviews/ Imelda]. [[Rotten Tomatoes]]. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/movie/imelda/critic-reviews Imelda]. [[Metacritic]]. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref> The website ''[[Film Threat]]'' commended the film's treatment of the subject's flaws because it "allows her to describe them herself";<ref name = "Threat">[http://filmthreat.com/uncategorized/imelda/ Imelda]. ''[[Film Threat]]''. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref> ''[[TV Guide]]'' called Imelda "an entertaining storyteller".<ref name = "TV" >[http://movies.tvguide.com/imelda/review/137503 Imelda]. ''[[TV Guide]]''. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' said the film is "a devastating portrait" and equates the theme of ''Imelda'' with that of delusion and power.<ref name = "NY Times" >[http://movies2.nytimes.com/2004/06/09/movies/09MARC.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1389171396-/7gkQ6VPu8tcFczLldDQ5g For a Regal Pariah, Despite It All, the Shoe Is Never on the Other Foot]. ''[[The New York Times]]''. Published on June 9, 2004. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref> The ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' said it was "spellbinding".<ref name = "SF" />


The film was scheduled to be screened in the 2004 [[Cinemanila International Film Festival|Cinemanila film festival]]<ref name="philstar-imelda-loses">{{Cite web |last=Dizon |first=Nikko |date=2004-07-14 |title=Imelda loses legal battle to block screening of film |url=https://www.philstar.com/metro/2004/07/14/257474/imelda-loses-legal-battle-block-screening-film |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=Philstar.com |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225074231/https://www.philstar.com/metro/2004/07/14/257474/imelda-loses-legal-battle-block-screening-film |url-status=live }}</ref> and on Philippine theaters in July 7, 2004, five days after Imelda Marcos's 75th birthday.<ref name="philstar-makati-issues-tro">{{Cite web |last=Macairan |first=Evelyn |title=Makati RTC issues TRO vs Imelda biopic |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2004/06/25/255241/makati-rtc-issues-tro-vs-imelda-biopic |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=Philstar.com |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225074244/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2004/06/25/255241/makati-rtc-issues-tro-vs-imelda-biopic |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 16, Marcos filed suit against the distributor of the film to block its distribution.<ref name="latimes-marcos-sues">{{Cite web |last=Paddock |first=Richard C. |last2=Munoz |first2=Lorenza |date=2004-06-16 |title=Marcos' Widow Sues Over 'Imelda' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jun-16-fg-imelda16-story.html |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225074231/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jun-16-fg-imelda16-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Marcos contends that she was never informed that the interviews would be used in a documentary and never gave permission for the footage to be used in a commercial film. In a statement, she says:<ref name="latimes-marcos-sues" />
⚫
Both the ''Chronicle'' and ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' consider the film balanced and even-handed.<ref name = "SF" /><ref name = "Variety" >[https://variety.com/2004/film/reviews/imelda-2-1200534445/ Review: ‘Imelda’]. ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''. Published on March 17, 2004. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref> ''Variety'' said that Imelda{{mdash}}who has been accustomed to public attention since her teenage years, was convinced that her charm and charisma would create a more favorable impression in the film than might otherwise be expected. It said that "her defenses of her husband and his regime are obviously filled with rationalizations and obfuscations".<ref name = "Variety"/> Other reviewers were more scathing,<ref name = "Threat"/> or note her distorted reality and the many contradictions with which she lives.<ref name = "SF"/><ref name = "Variety"/>


{{blockquote
The film took {{US$|200,992}} at the box office in the United States.<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo" >[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=imelda.htm Imelda]. [[Box Office Mojo]]. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref> In the Philippines, Imelda obtained a temporary injunction that prevented it being shown for a brief time. When the injunction was canceled and the film was released, it earned more than ''[[Spider-Man 2]]'' and was considered a smash hit.<ref name = " Boston" >[http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2004/08/06/a_walk_in_the_shoes_of_imelda_marcos/ "A walk in the shoes of Imelda Marcos"]. ''[[The Boston Globe]]''. Published on August 6, 2004. Retrieved on January 8, 2014.</ref> Outside the US, the film received box office revenue of {{US$|300,000}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Imelda |title=Imelda |publisher=The Numbers (Nash Information Services) |access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref>
|text=All our lives, President Ferdinand Marcos and I were deeply committed to God, country and the Filipino people, but we are portrayed by the unauthorized 'Imelda' documentary with malice, inaccuracy and innuendos.}}


Marcos obtained a [[temporary restraining order]] on June 25 to stop the film's release<ref name="philstar-makati-issues-tro" /> but the petition to ban the film was denied on July 12, when the court stated that, contrary to her claims, Marcos had signed a document permitting the release of the film.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2004-07-13 |title=Imelda Marcos can't stop film |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jul-13-et-quick13.3-story.html |access-date=2023-02-25 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225074230/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jul-13-et-quick13.3-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The restraining order lapsed the following day, and it was able to be shown in the film festival which was extended from July 12 to July 20 to accommodate other films that were not shown during its original schedule, besides ''Imelda''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-07-03 |title=Cinemanila: Films you almost failed to see |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2004/07/03/256145/cinemanila-films-you-almost-failed-see |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=Philstar.com |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225074229/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2004/07/03/256145/cinemanila-films-you-almost-failed-see |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="philstar-imelda-loses" /> When the injunction was canceled and the film was released, it earned more than ''[[Spider-Man 2]]'' and was considered a smash hit.<ref name="boston-globe">{{Cite news |last=Burr |first=Ty |date=August 6, 2004|title=A walk in the shoes of Imelda Marcos |url=https://archive.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2004/08/06/a_walk_in_the_shoes_of_imelda_marcos/ |access-date=2023-02-25 |work=[[The Boston Globe]] |language=en |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229190856/http://archive.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2004/08/06/a_walk_in_the_shoes_of_imelda_marcos/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
⚫
In the United States, the film was shown on [[PBS|Public Broadcasting Service]] (PBS) as part of its documentary television series ''[[Independent Lens]]'' on May 10, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/imelda/|title=Imelda|website=Independent Lens|publisher=PBS|accessdate=June 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itvs.org/films/imelda|title=Imelda|website=[[Independent Television Service]]|accessdate=June 29, 2022}}</ref>


Although the film was banned at movie theaters in the Philippines, the film was premiered on television through [[TV5 (Philippine TV network)|TV5]] on February 24, 2009 and later re-aired on [[GMA News TV]] on October 5, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/3447/docu-on-imelda-marcos-airs-on-tv5-tonight-feb-24|title=Docu on Imelda Marcos airs on TV5 tonight, Feb 24|website=Philippine Entertainment Portal|date=February 24, 2009|accessdate=June 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/381733/newstv/newstvspecials/imelda-documentary-by-ramona-diaz-airs-on-gma-news-tv|title='Imelda' documentary by Ramona Diaz airs on GMA News TV|website=[[GMA News and Public Affairs|GMA News Online]]|date=October 1, 2014|accessdate=June 22, 2022}}</ref>
The film was premiered on television through [[TV5 (Philippine TV network)|TV5]] on February 24, 2009 and later re-aired on [[GMA News TV]] on October 5, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/3447/docu-on-imelda-marcos-airs-on-tv5-tonight-feb-24|title=Docu on Imelda Marcos airs on TV5 tonight, Feb 24|website=Philippine Entertainment Portal|date=February 24, 2009|accessdate=June 29, 2022|archive-date=June 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629014622/https://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/3447/docu-on-imelda-marcos-airs-on-tv5-tonight-feb-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/381733/newstv/newstvspecials/imelda-documentary-by-ramona-diaz-airs-on-gma-news-tv|title='Imelda' documentary by Ramona Diaz airs on GMA News TV|website=[[GMA News and Public Affairs|GMA News Online]]|date=October 1, 2014|accessdate=June 22, 2022|archive-date=November 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106080321/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/381733/newstv/newstvspecials/imelda-documentary-by-ramona-diaz-airs-on-gma-news-tv|url-status=live}}</ref>


On February 1, 2022, the film's director Ramona Diaz made the film available for streaming online on [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBS7A_-bnwA|title=Imelda|publisher=CineDiaz|medium=Documentary film|year=2003|accessdate=June 22, 2022|via=YouTube}}</ref>
On February 1, 2022, the film's director Ramona Diaz made the film available for streaming online on [[YouTube]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Licsi |first=Ayie |title=Here's where you can watch Ramona Diaz's award-winning Sundance film 'Imelda' |url=https://philstarlife.com/geeky/333344-where-to-watch-ramona-diaz-imelda |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=Philstar Life |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225074247/https://philstarlife.com/geeky/333344-where-to-watch-ramona-diaz-imelda |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBS7A_-bnwA|title=Imelda|publisher=CineDiaz|medium=Documentary film|year=2003|accessdate=June 22, 2022|via=YouTube|archive-date=June 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622060040/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBS7A_-bnwA|url-status=live}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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[[Category:2003 films]]
[[Category:2003 films]]
[[Category:Documentary films about politicians]]
[[Category:Documentary films about women in politics]]
[[Category:Ferdinand Marcos]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Ferdinand Marcos]]
[[Category:Filipino-language films]]
[[Category:Filipino-language films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Ramona S. Diaz]]
[[Category:Films directed by Ramona S. Diaz]]
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[[Category:Philippine biographical films]]
[[Category:Philippine biographical films]]
[[Category:Philippine documentary films]]
[[Category:Philippine documentary films]]
[[Category:Sundance Film Festival award winners]]
[[Category:Sundance Film Festival award–winning films]]
[[Category:2000s Tagalog-language films]]
[[Category:2000s Tagalog-language films]]
[[Category:2000s English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s English-language films]]
[[Category:Unitel Pictures films]]
[[Category:English-language documentary films]]

Latest revision as of 11:11, 2 November 2024

Imelda
Directed byRamona S. Diaz
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyFerne Pearlstein
Edited byLeah Marino
Music by
Production
company
Big Swing Productions
Distributed byUnitel Pictures
Release date
  • November 23, 2003 (2003-11-23) (Amsterdam)
Running time
103 minutes
Countries
  • Philippines
  • United States
Languages
  • Filipino
  • English
Box officeUS$500,992 (worldwide)

Imelda is a 2003 documentary film co-produced and directed by Ramona S. Diaz about the life of Imelda Marcos, former First Lady of the Philippines. Beginning with her childhood, the film documents her marriage to future President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos, her rule under the dictatorship, her exile in Hawaii and her eventual return to the Philippines.

Reviews were largely favorable and it won the Excellence in Cinematography Award (Documentary) at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Imelda outsold Spider-Man 2 in the Philippines, but only took US$200,992 at the US box office with an additional US$300,000 worldwide. Reviews from critics are favorable with a 94% fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes and a 69/100 from Metacritic.

Synopsis

[edit]

Diaz followed Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines, for a month and interviewed her daughter Imee and her son Ferdinand Jr.[1] The film incorporates third party interviews and archive material; it recounts Imelda's life, including her marriage to her husband, Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos.[2] Discussing the Marcos presidency, Imelda falsely claims that there were no human rights abuses in her country;[2] she says that her husband abolished Congress and declared martial law in 1972 to protect democracy.[1] She says that she took 3,000 pairs of shoes with her when she went into exile, and justifies her extravagant clothing by saying that it "inspired the poor to dress better".[1] She also says that she had enormous museums and theaters constructed to enrich the lives of Filipinos.[1]

Imelda says in one vignette that she had met United States Army General Douglas MacArthur during his landing in Tacloban at the end of World War II, and that McArthur insisted that she should perform for the composer Irving Berlin, She sang "God Bless the Philippines" and when Berlin asked her why she sang the lyrics incorrectly she said, "what's the difference between America and the Philippines?"[3] The assassination attempt on Imelda and the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. are featured in the film.[4] Footage from parties held by the Marcos couple, including one during which actor George Hamilton sang "I can't give you anything but love, Imelda", are also used in the film.[3]

Release and reception

[edit]
Imelda Marcos in 2006

Imelda had its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and its North American premiere in the documentary competition of the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Excellence in Cinematography Award Documentary.[5] The film was also screened at the Maryland Film Festival in Baltimore.

American actor and producer Kyra Sedgwick and her production company, Big Swing Productions, produced the film along with American writer, publisher and producer Meredith Bagby and Valerie Stadler.[6][7]

Critical reviews were mostly favorable.[8][2][9][10] The film has a 94% fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes and a 69/100 from Metacritic.[11][12] The website Film Threat commended the film's treatment of the subject's flaws because it "allows her to describe them herself";[1] TV Guide called Imelda "an entertaining storyteller".[13] The New York Times said the film is "a devastating portrait" and equates the theme of Imelda with that of delusion and power.[14] The San Francisco Chronicle said it was "spellbinding".[3]

Both the Chronicle and Variety consider the film balanced and even-handed.[3][15] Variety said that Imelda—who has been accustomed to public attention since her teenage years, was convinced that her charm and charisma would create a more favorable impression in the film than might otherwise be expected. It said that "her defenses of her husband and his regime are obviously filled with rationalizations and obfuscations".[15] Other reviewers were more scathing,[1] or note her distorted reality and the many contradictions with which she lives.[3][15]

The film took US$200,992 at the box office in the United States.[16] Outside the US, the film received box office revenue of US$300,000.[17]

In the United States, the film was shown on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) as part of its documentary television series Independent Lens on May 10, 2005.[18][19]

Philippine release

[edit]

The film was scheduled to be screened in the 2004 Cinemanila film festival[20] and on Philippine theaters in July 7, 2004, five days after Imelda Marcos's 75th birthday.[21] On June 16, Marcos filed suit against the distributor of the film to block its distribution.[22] Marcos contends that she was never informed that the interviews would be used in a documentary and never gave permission for the footage to be used in a commercial film. In a statement, she says:[22]

All our lives, President Ferdinand Marcos and I were deeply committed to God, country and the Filipino people, but we are portrayed by the unauthorized 'Imelda' documentary with malice, inaccuracy and innuendos.

Marcos obtained a temporary restraining order on June 25 to stop the film's release[21] but the petition to ban the film was denied on July 12, when the court stated that, contrary to her claims, Marcos had signed a document permitting the release of the film.[23] The restraining order lapsed the following day, and it was able to be shown in the film festival which was extended from July 12 to July 20 to accommodate other films that were not shown during its original schedule, besides Imelda.[24][20] When the injunction was canceled and the film was released, it earned more than Spider-Man 2 and was considered a smash hit.[2]

The film was premiered on television through TV5 on February 24, 2009 and later re-aired on GMA News TV on October 5, 2014.[25][26]

On February 1, 2022, the film's director Ramona Diaz made the film available for streaming online on YouTube.[27][28]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f Vonder Haar, Pete (January 28, 2004). "Imelda". Film Threat. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d Burr, Ty (August 6, 2004). "A walk in the shoes of Imelda Marcos". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on December 29, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e Stein, Ruthe (June 11, 2004). "FILM CLIPS / Also opening today". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  4. ^ "'Imelda': Don't Cry for Her". The Washington Post. July 16, 2004. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  5. ^ Keen, Adam (October 1, 2004). Film Review 2004–2005: The Definitive Film Yearbook. Reynolds & Hearn. ISBN 9781903111871.
  6. ^ Berger, Laura (December 14, 2018). "Kyra Sedgwick Launches Production Company, Announces Film and TV Slate". WomenAndHollywood.com. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  7. ^ "Imelda (2003)". Radio Times. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  8. ^ Kirkland, Bruce (December 1, 2004). "Walk in her shoes". Canoe.ca. Archived from the original on January 8, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ Keough, Peter (August 2004). "Imelda". Boston Phoenix. Archived from the original on March 31, 2013. Retrieved January 8, 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  10. ^ "Movie guide". Christian Science Monitor. June 18, 2004. ISSN 0882-7729. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  11. ^ "Imelda". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on January 8, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  12. ^ "Imelda". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 22, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  13. ^ "Imelda". TV Guide. January 8, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  14. ^ Holden, Stephen (June 9, 2004). "For a Regal Pariah, Despite It All, the Shoe Is Never on the Other Foot]". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  15. ^ a b c McCarthy, Todd (March 18, 2004). "Imelda". Variety. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  16. ^ "Imelda". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  17. ^ "Imelda". The Numbers. Nash Information Services. Archived from the original on February 27, 2014. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  18. ^ "Imelda - About the Documentary". Independent Lens. PBS. Archived from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  19. ^ "Imelda". Independent Television Service. Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  20. ^ a b Dizon, Nikko (July 14, 2004). "Imelda loses legal battle to block screening of film". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  21. ^ a b Macairan, Evelyn. "Makati RTC issues TRO vs Imelda biopic". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  22. ^ a b Paddock, Richard C.; Munoz, Lorenza (June 16, 2004). "Marcos' Widow Sues Over 'Imelda'". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  23. ^ "Imelda Marcos can't stop film". Los Angeles Times. July 13, 2004. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  24. ^ "Cinemanila: Films you almost failed to see". Philstar.com. July 3, 2004. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  25. ^ "Docu on Imelda Marcos airs on TV5 tonight, Feb 24". Philippine Entertainment Portal. February 24, 2009. Archived from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  26. ^ "'Imelda' documentary by Ramona Diaz airs on GMA News TV". GMA News Online. October 1, 2014. Archived from the original on November 6, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  27. ^ Licsi, Ayie. "Here's where you can watch Ramona Diaz's award-winning Sundance film 'Imelda'". Philstar Life. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  28. ^ Imelda (Documentary film). CineDiaz. 2003. Archived from the original on June 22, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2022 – via YouTube.
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