The story of Imelda Marcos could be drawn straight from a fairy tale or a soap opera. This beauty queen and gifted singer, who sparked a scandal by demanding a change in the pageant verdict when she placed second, also happened to be the political heiress of one of the Philippines’ most influential clans. Her fairy tale prince came in the form of Ferdinand Marcos, the future Philippine president. Their shared, unchecked ambition and boundless self-centeredness ultimately secured his legacy as a ruthless, power-hungry dictator, while Imelda became infamous as the owner of the world’s largest shoe collection. Yet, Diaz’s film adds layers to her persona. Imelda is undoubtedly a narcissistic princess, infatuated with her opulent palaces and the propaganda that cemented her image as the "mother of the nation." However, it’s hard to overlook that some of her grandiose initiatives—like the promotion of contraception—had a positive impact on Filipino women’s lives.

Konrad Wirkowski