Abang Adik

I didn't get a chance to catch this movie when it was in cinemas last year, but thanks to Netflix, I now understand why it was so hyped. I won't delve into the plot, but it's a very gritty and uncompromising look at the issue of stateless residents in Malaysia. For those living outside of Asia, and especially outside of Malaysia, it might be hard to grasp the crucial role that official identity documents play in citizens' daily lives. Without an ID, you can't attend school, get a job, open a bank account, get a phone line, or do much of anything.

In addition to the brilliant performances by the cast, Pudu (the part of Kuala Lumpur unflatteringly depicted in the movie) should also be considered a main character. Its markets, back alleys, and low-cost flats have never looked so good on film. Only in this part of KL could a story involving a melting pot of people from different ethnicities, languages (I counted 5 to 6 different languages or dialects used in the movie), and genders be so convincingly set.

All in all, a very good Malaysian movie that succeeds in bringing attention to a myriad of social issues that are plaguing the invisible segments of our modern society.

Given the tsunami of film entertainment out there, new and old combined, to find such a rare and exquisite gem of mastery is extraordinary and delightful. Akin to how I imagine Sir Richard Attenborough might have felt when he discovered a new and beautiful life form. This film tops my chart and I saw it twice in a week just to sustain that satisfying glow. It is masterful not because it has a high concept, which requires an out of the box view on things and that is hard to do, but it is even harder in my book to explore something that is utterly common and do it exceptionally well. In this case the word to describe this film is a mild and gentile one from the English language. That word is: "belong", and "belong" is the theme of the film. The idea of belonging, however benign it is as a word, actually underscores the foundation of our humanity, gives meaning to our existence and rewards us with happiness. The film is set in Malaysia, a multicultural world in which if you have not been properly assigned, accepted and therefore belonged, you become an underclass and an outcast, and this is the story of two brothers who in their utmost try to belong, to be included within the mainstream as a necessity for survival. But beyond that, there is an even closer and more intimate circle of belonging and that is one of kinship. Brother to brother and father to son. This is where the story hits the hardest and explores the deepest. But an idea alone does not make a great film. It is the execution of that by way of the medium and this is where the mastery of the artistry lies. This one has it all. The three names to remember from this film are Lay Jin Ong the director, Kang Ren Wu who played the elder brother Abang and Jack Tan who played the younger brother Adik. That said, the entire cast is also magnificent. Last but not least, special honor should also be given to the actor who played "Auntie Money" but whose name escaped me. Given how well-crafted this is, how deeply it touches, I predict this will be an Oscar contender and I certainly hope I am right in my prediction.

Kang Ren Wu's portrayal of deaf & dumb Ah Bang is superb, and as the one & only non-Malaysian among the whole cast & production team, I must say his localization of blending in is undeniably jaw dropping, His performance is always beyond expectation.

The brotherhood in between the elder brother - Ah Bang and his younger brother - Ah Di is really touching. The chemistry in between these two sctors are there. Although I might not really agree with the performance/acting skills of Jack Tan.

To be concluded, the overall plot is culturally fit to Pudu, an old township of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Kudos to the director & screenwriter as well.

Director and writer Jin Ong does a spectacular job at weaving a Malaysian tapestry of untold stories of undocumented citizens.

The cinematography and lighting of every scene was immaculate, perfectly capturing the essence of every moment.

I notice other reviews commenting about the poor pacing of the movie but I beg to differ. Firstly, I felt it was needed to leave questions in the audience's minds, and the pacing reflected the pace of Malaysian life in Pudu well. I personally appreciated those "slow" scenes because it's the little things and nuances that made the film so Malaysian and kept Malaysians like myself and my family enthralled and immersed into those scenes.

To the team, thank you for putting Malaysia on the map globally. For all the good and right reasons. To Jin Ong if you ever read this, thank you. For your vision, hope, and relentless pursuit in making this movie come to life. We Malaysians appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts.

The story depicts the lives of the lowest strata of society in the city of Pudu KL. It seems the editors and directors went to extremes in portraying the most tragic stories to create a sense of being oppressed by life-a deaf-mute, an undocumented person, someone deprived of love, socially ostracized, and misunderstood. Despite all this, living in such an environment, the protagonist continues to offer unconditional love to those around him, caring for everyone. However, I'd like to say this story didn't convey the proper moral values. I must commend the male lead actor who played the deaf-mute. His portrayal, the numbness to express love, and inner struggles in his acting were impeccable, he did excellently well. The second person I loved was the actor portraying the one who raised the two brothers. His performance was incredibly natural. Kudos to these two actors. As for the second male lead, his overacting was a bit too much, suddenly sentimental, the next scene he was abruptly irritable. Sometimes silent and chill, while other times playfully happy and easy-going. I couldn't have a full grasp the character that he was to portray, not sure if this was intended act required by the director, or an underperformance by the actor. All in all, acting for the male lead, a solid 10/10. Overall acting, 8/10. Storyline, it's weak, there were loopholes here and there, so I'd give it a 5/10. This movie deserves a modest 8/10. I wasn't moved, just left sighing, thinking it could have been better.