The Malaysian epic historical film Mat Kilau has surpassed more than 13 million grosses just days after its premiere, surpassing Hollywood films like Top Gun Maverick and Jurassic World!
However, this isn't the first epic film Malaysia has produced! If you're keen to watch more, might we suggest the following movies?
1. Puteri Gunung Ledang
Can't make a list of epic Malaysian films without mentioning Putri Gunung Ledang. Based on the legendary Malay tale of Puteri Gunung Ledang, this movie cost US$4 million to make.
2. Pulang
This heart-wrenching story depicts a tale of a young man, who discovers that his grandfather sailed off to seek his riches 61 years ago. When his grandma urges him to locate her long-lost partner, he quickly follows in his grandfather's footsteps. A tear-jerker, this one.
3. Hanyut
The 1895 book Almayer's Folly by Joseph Conrad served as the inspiration for the Malaysian adventure drama film Hanyut, which was written and directed by U-Wei Haji Saari. Adi Putra, Bront Palarae, and Hasnul Rahmat are among the big stars acting in this 2014 film.
4. Leftenan Adnan
The film follows the actions of Adnan bin Saidi, a Lieutenant in the Malay Regiment who fought against the Japanese army's invasion during WWII. In celebration of the film's 20th anniversary, a digitally restored version was released in 2020.
If you're into patriotic movies, this film is a must-watch.
5. Bukit Kepong
Bukit Kepong is an adaptation of the Bukit Kepong incident, which was an armed encounter between the Federation of Malaya Police and gunmen from the Malayan Communist Party on February 23, 1950, during the Malayan Emergency.
The late Jins Shamsudin, one of the great actors of the Malayan golden age, directed and starred in this film.
6. Lembing Awang Pulang Ke Dayang
This novel-adaptation story, set in 1776, revolves around a man named Awang, who returns to Parit Raja, Johor, after being away for years, to finally marry Dayang, his fiance. However, upon his return he discovers that another man, Bachok, had deceived Dayang about Awang's death with the intention of marrying her.
Awang then shows up at the wedding ceremony and stabss Bachok with a spear given to him by Raja Bugis. Bachok, who was mortally wounded, grabbed the spear and speared his best man. The man then speared the next man he saw, and so on until the 99th person was speared. The 99th person happens to be Dayang's very own father, who did not continue the stabbing spree and died eventually from his wounds.
Awang flees to Endau, and Dayang does not marry again until the end of her days.
Any movies or hidden gems you think deserve to be on the list, too? Share with us in the comment section!
