Quezon's Game

The film opens at a cure cottage in Saranac Lake, New York, where Manuel and Aurora Quezon are watching a newsreel. The newsreel highlights significant events such as General MacArthur's return to Leyte, the liberation of Europe, and the discoveries of the Holocaust, prompting Quezon to reflect on his own actions.

In 1938 Manila, Jewish-American businessman Alex Frieder receives an alarming confidential telegram from the Chinese consulate in Vienna regarding the ongoing Holocaust. This serves as a wake-up call for Frieder and leads him to seek help in rescuing Jewish refugees.

Consul-General Jonathan Cartwright raises suspicions about Lt. Ebner, who is an SS officer and the new chief of security at the German Embassy. High Commissioner Paul McNutt dismisses Cartwright's concerns regarding espionage, underestimating the threat posed by Ebner.

Manuel Quezon unveils his ambitious project for a new Philippine capital at a social gathering attended by political figures like McNutt and Eisenhower. During this party, Frieder discreetly shares his telegram news and seeks support for rescuing Jewish refugees.

After the party, a flirtation occurs between singer Vera and Quezon, which leads to a confrontation with his wife, Aurora. This incident highlights the personal and political tensions faced by Quezon as he juggles leadership duties and personal relationships.

A newsreel reports the horrors of Kristallnacht, emphasizing the urgency of the refugee situation. Concurrently, McNutt learns of the immigration visa shortages, increasing the pressure to act quickly for those seeking asylum.

In a meeting, McNutt informs Quezon that they need to persuade the State Department for an additional 2,000 exit visas, which will be met with resistance from antisemitic officials. Frieder's advertisement in German newspapers seeks skilled workers to support Quezon's vision.

During a secret meeting, Quezon suggests bribing German Ambassador Kaiser for extra exit visas, displaying the desperate measures taken to save lives. However, Kaiser ultimately denies the bribe but agrees to provide exit papers due to pressure.

McNutt informs the group that the U.S. Congress has officially rejected their request for additional visas, leaving only 210 available. This news devastates Frieder and the others involved in the rescue mission, forcing them to exclude many names from their list of refugees.

Manuel Quezon takes a bold stand by holding a press conference to speak against racial injustice and to criticize the U.S. Congress for rejecting refugee visas. His actions incite protests in Manila, highlighting his commitment to human rights.

In a moment of triumph, 1,000 additional visas are approved, allowing Jewish refugees to arrive in Marikina. The Quezon family, along with McNutt and Frieder, warmly welcome the new arrivals, marking a significant achievement in their efforts.

The narrative returns to 1944, where Quezon asks Aurora if he could have done more. Aurora reassures him that his actions have made a difference at a time of widespread apathy, ensuring that the Filipino response to the refugee crisis will be remembered.

The film concludes by revealing that over 1,200 Jewish refugees were saved despite the challenges faced during the Japanese invasion. The fate of key figures like the Quezons, Eisenhower, and Frieder remains uncertain, underscoring the tragedy of war.