Abang y Adi

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.

This movie is a masterpiece that will cause emotions that will stay with you. Certain scenes in this movie make your jaw drop. It is so deep that it makes you reflect on yourself, on life, the world around you, on the differences and similarities between us humans, on what it means to be human, what it means to be grateful. This is a very deep and raw movie showing us the beauty in humankind, the ugliness, and the despair. It depicts how unforgiving, complex and terrifying life is no matter what good or bad of a person you are! Depending on "what life" has been "given" to you, as Abang mentions, you cannot judge anyone, or can't even blame yourself regarding life.. This movie make you think if we will ever know answers to some of the "whys" in this life... and make you think about what it means to be human.

During this movie, I found myself feeling deep sadness and love for humanity. But definitely a deep level of sadness and helplessness for us humans.

The cast is just chef's kiss! I especially enjoyed the brothers' relationship and the character portrayals were magnificent. KUDOS TO THE ACTORS, DIRECTOR, WRITER, CAMERA CREW etc.! The characters and message is so simple yet so deep and the story's pain and impact will always stay with me. Thank you for this masterpiece. I am hoping for an Oscar.

This film managed to collect RM5.2 million within 24 days of screening in Malaysia and made history as the first Malaysian film to break the screening record in Taiwan by collecting more than RM13.5 million.

A local Malaysian film that, for me, almost reached the level of a local masterpiece.

The movie started off really well that it gave me high expectations throughout, coupled with the quality cinematography and soundtracks.

The story is actually very simple. The 'Abang' and 'Adik' wishes to live like ordinary citizens in Malaysia but the lack of citizenship status and Identity Card (IC) prevents that, showcasing how hard it is to live like them.

One thing that I disliked and which I think can be improved is the second act of the movie where the accident happened. The writing is not strong and convincing enough, Abang seems to be acting out of character, the story feels rushed and there were scenes that are too 'draggy'.

Despite that, the film managed to build a good emotional connection with the main characters from the beginning of the story and the strong performance by Wu Kang Ren and Jack Tan easily made it happen. So when I got to the end of the movie, I really teared up and cried, trying to understand Abang's feelings.

I like movies that touch on the aspects of society like this. Although it is not perfect, it gives a small picture of life in Malaysia that some people may not know. We need more local Malaysian films like this. No need for fancy effects, just solid writing.

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.

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.