Pendatang

A must view by every Malaysian - or foreign visitor - of any age group.

The theme is common - but has been exceptionally portrayed in every respect: The script, the Direction, the Production, the filming, sound etc and the location, and most of all the actors and the quality of the acting.

The strategy to use u-tube was a winner. The crowd funding an inspiration.

The only reason I did not give a 10 is because I found the closing story line just a tiny bit complicated and rushed, and the ending a tad abrupt.

But hey guys, this is worthy of an international award. Pease pursue that objective.

This film is about a Chinese family, Mr. Wong who recently move to new house. When they are cleaning the house, Bobby found something in the ceiling.

Cinematography by Tan Teck Zee is amazing to give an important viewing to the viewers. It deserves an A+ for that. Besides, the topic that bring is important to us know that rasicm wasn't a topic. Great job by director and producers. Casts are portraying the character well, I don't have problem with that. Production well made by all crews out there! Besides, since it's a thriller genre, I can feel that thrilling in this film.

The ending kinda leaves us big question. Is the sequel currently planning or will leave like that?

This movie is excellent. The story is frankly terrifying, it's all to easy to see how something like this could happen in a brutalised future where resources are scarce and people chose to scapegoat the Other in society. The makers have picked a tough but important theme and run with it all the way. It's a deeply affecting film.

The acting is good, direction is good, but a special shout-out to the cinematography. The film is beautifully shot throughout, I'm really impressed by the skill that has gone into this one.

Subtitles are a must. I wonder how many people can cope with all the languages in this?

Anyway, not a fun watch by any means. Prepare to be depressed for the rest of the day.

"Pendatang" emerges as a poignant exploration of societal fractures and human resilience within the confines of a fictional, dystopian Malaysia. The film tactfully weaves a narrative around a Cantonese-speaking family grappling with the oppressive implications of the Segregation Act, a dystopian echo of historical struggles.

The deliberate use of long shots and static camera work pays a subtle homage to Yasmin Ahmad, immersing the audience in the visceral reality of the family's plight. It's a masterstroke, as the visuals not only evoke a sense of familiarity but also serve as a visual metaphor for the stagnant, unyielding nature of the socio-political landscape.

The film effortlessly raises profound questions, forcing the audience to confront the chilling plausibility of such a dystopian reality. "Pendatang" doesn't merely entertain; it sparks a profound introspection, compelling viewers to ponder the human response in the face of adversity. The '927 Incident' and the secession of Sarawak and Sabah function as compelling backdrops, serving as catalysts for the narrative's underlying tension.

One of the film's remarkable strengths lies in its restraint. Instead of resorting to overt commentary, "Pendatang" unfolds organically, allowing the tension to seep through every frame. This deliberate subtlety is a testament to the filmmakers' trust in the audience's intelligence, creating a viewing experience that is intellectually stimulating without being didactic.

What sets "Pendatang" apart is its commitment to the principle of 'show, don't tell.' The narrative unfolds seamlessly through the characters' experiences, eschewing preachiness. The emotional impact is derived not from explicit dialogue but from the subtle nuances in the characters' interactions, making it a deeply immersive experience that resonates long after the credits roll.

This film is a beacon of hope for the Malaysian film industry, demonstrating that quality cinema can seamlessly marry thought-provoking narratives with technical finesse. "Pendatang" stands as a testament to the potential of Malaysian cinema and beckons a future where more films aspire to achieve such a rare and commendable standard.

As someone currently visiting Malaysia for a couple of months and looking for insights into the national psyche, I found Pendatang well worth watching. That it was made on such a tight budget entirely sourced by crowdfunding made it even more remarkable. I stumbled upon it while searching YouTube for Malaysian documentaries. Pendatang isn't a documentary; it's a fascinating cautionary tale that takes contemporary Malaysia as its starting point and asks, 'What would happen if...?' It relies on too many clunky plot devices to be a great movie, but it's nevertheless a very good one - and beautifully filmed. Definitely recommended to anyone interested in getting under the hood of contemporary Malaysia.