Paskal: The Movie

This is the first Malaysian movie I have seen, and after watching it I would be willing to watch more Malaysian movies, even though this particular effort didn't quite make it in my opinion. The movie is fairly well made on a fraction of a Hollywood budget, though I will admit some scenes look more like a glossy made for television production than a big screen movie. And the cast is decent and works hard, though when they speak English, their accents make some of their words hard to understand. The main problem with the movie is the script. If you have seen any other movie about a country's special forces, then this story will be extremely familiar for you, from the domestic problems of the special forces members to the bad guys' activities. You'll be able to easily predict what happens long before it actually unfolds. That might have been forgivable had the movie been more exciting and action packed, but there is less action in the movie than you might think. And what action there is doesn't really get about a routine level. Still, I will give the movie this: It's a LOT better than practically every movie my country (Canada) turns out!

It has a lot to offer, but the roller coaster ride between heavy rough action to mediocre family atmosphere makes the mind dizzy and your body screams for more to maintain the 10 stars you have on hand in the start of every movie.

the cast are too tough and rough according to my perfect military action hero, and the somalian pirates armed like a battle ship, flies up and around and shoots like duracel-rabbits on khat or some other steroids. the music though nourish the excitement , and i realized that i could close my eyes waiting for the big drums entering the scenes of action and suspence and thereafter close the till next round of hefty rythms starts again.

by all means, do watch the movie , its good considering being made on a 2.5 mill $ budget.

Definitely this movie set a new standard for Malaysian movie scene.

Acting could be better by a bit, and wish more twist and turn for movie plot - on not the based on true story scene.

Anyway, it does leave me feel proud and motivated. Hopefully more movie like this being produced in the future.

This would be 8/10 from me.

Putting aside the main actors and their ability to act; this unique gem of a Malaysian movie stands out as one of the best to break the generic genres plaging Malaysia cinema.

The strength of this movie lies squarely on their faithful interpretation of military tactics and deployment. Which was beautifully done.

It started strong showing a glimpse of how PASKAL operates and its internal culture. However, I suppose it may be their undoing to introduce personal vendettas making it look like an 80's B rate action movie that would make Jan Micheal Vincent blush. That is the weak link in this movie and killed off a great momentum.

Apparently if one is Malay, this movie is a 10. Otherwise it plays out like a 1970 TV movie. At the bowie knife fight I gave up. I cannot recommend if you are used to higher quality fare, it is clear that team Malay voted this way up... yet this is substandard otherwise.