KL Gangster

I stumbled upon the 2011 Malaysian action movie "KL Gangster" here in 2022, by random chance. I have to say that the movie's cover was actually interesting enough to make me pick up the movie. And seeing that it was an Asian movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I opted to watch what the movie had to offer.

The storyline in "KL Gangster", as written by Rizal Ashreff and Syamsul Yusof, was a pretty straight forward one. However, it was also at the same time rather simplistic, even for a gangster movie. It was essentially a movie about gangsters encroaching on rival turfs, while a former gangster recently released from prison attempted to make an honest living.

Sure, the story was watchable, but it wasn't exactly rocket science here. While the movie was somewhat simplistic in its storyline, there as actually more than enough action and fighting to make up for the lack of a deeper storyline. And it would have been great, if it wasn't for the rather dubious sound effects when they were fighting.

The acting in the movie was so-so. Nothing outstanding here, but it was suitable enough for the movie, if you can stand watching Adi Putra (playing Jai) walking around sullenly, always looking downward and having an unlit cigarette in his mouth.

I am sure that there is an audience out there for a gangster movie such as "KL Gangster". I was however hoping for a bit more than what it turned out to be. "KL Gangster" is suitable for a single viewing, and that is about it.

My rating of "KL Gangster" lands from director Syamsul Yusof on a four out of ten stars.

First of all, I'll say that this is just another bad movie. When you watch a film that is more concerned with executing some bad rip-offs of those old, old action films with sound effects, than giving a complicated plot and at least some decent characters to sympathize with, well, you get another bad film. Not to say that I like lambasting the Malaysian film industry, but seriously, this movie really sucks.

However, I'd like to praise the director for one thing. Although he did not portray the criminal underworld of Kuala Lumpur as realistically as expected, he did do some research into how the characters might talk and act. Sadly to say, KL Gangster is a film with potential, however, give it good ol' stereotypical heroes and bad guys with no moral complexity whatsoever, a really light and rushed plot in which almost nothing matters except for the combat and a few hastily done dramatic scenes... well, the point is, don't watch it.

This movie has received many praises from friends and family members alike, but honestly i disliked it to the point my spine shivered. This movie tells the story of the life of gang members in Kuala Lumpur, but honestly, i imagined the Malay mob to be more interesting than plain punching and shooting. The life issues and drama of this movie are however not as terrible as its boring depiction of Malay and Chinese mafia, issues of family love, brotherhood and honour are brought up better than the average Malay movie. Still, a movie that receives as much attention and fame as this movie in Malaysia should have a better story and direction. I want to see the kind of mob in The Godfather, the kind where you can see clearly that they control an area and its men, the kind where tactics and brains beat out pure blood-lust and brawn. I simply wish that Malay gangster movies would stop going for the Crows Zero style and start with The Godfather kind of style, where charisma and style plays its role. The style of the characters Shark and Jai are pure examples of a cocky pussy with a gun and clenched fists. How about kill them off and replace them with Kaiser Sose from The Usual Suspects, Vito Corleone from The Godfather and Vince Vega from Pulp Fiction. Those characters should be the depiction of gangsters, not just good with a gun, but smart too. Right now all malay movie gangsters are dumb and would undoubtedly be the minions in any given western gangster movie. Not Cool.

I was not expecting a flim this short and old to be astounding. But it was, the drama action scenes and storyline was balanced. It tells of a heartbreaking story of an ex-Gangster fighting for his mother and family, and even being forced to fight his money-blinded brother who works for a power-hungry mob boss that stabbed and harassed his family.

I feel the acting was solid and all the actor really had astounding energy in their roles. Some scenes were actually heartbreaking to me. However, I do hate the ending as it is an arupt cliffhanger. However, this show is definitely worth watching especially since its just 1.5 hrs long!

Watch KL Gangster 2 first then followed by KL Gangster 1 to know the storyline flow. Filem ini mempunyai "stunt choreography" yang best. Another next level direction, story, screenplay & editing by Syamsul Yusof. KL Gangster 1 is the prequel for Abang Long Fadil 1 movie.