The Fox King

Ali and Amir are fraternal twin brothers whose mother died in childbirth. They are living with, and working for, an "uncle", a fisherman and fish processor on the Malaysia seaside. Ali somewhat takes care of Amir, who speaks only in English names of animals, for which they are bullied by schoolmates. They seem to have a telepathic link, with their playing a game of matching bottle caps blindfold.

Their father is distant, only using them in his dubious schemes. An early scene has him directing them to illegally pick durian fruit, mentioning that the best are known as "the fox king'. A new English teacher arrives - a prodigal daughter who really prefers to be elsewhere. Both are enamored with her, which leads to a rivalry. This is despite the teacher having a relationship with another teaher.

I saw this film at the World Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival, with director, cast, and producer Q+A. The director has an identical twin, which inspired this story about twins. His name-checking of Toronto and Tokyo is due to him and his brother having connections there.

I am mildly disappointed that the English class is not conducted in English, given that the students are proficient enough for the teacher to offer them books to read, with Amir (the only student to accept) picking up Animal Farm.