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.

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.

The story is about the emotional journey between the two "stateless brothers" - Abang (a deaf-mute man) and adik (a teenager) - and their lives. Through their lives, it reveals a lot of local social justice issues, e.g. Public servants' attitudes, illegal foreign workers hiding from immigration operations, taking on odd jobs for a living... and so on.

The pace is rather slow at times, which appears to be a common style among most new Malaysian directors, who love to bring out the typical Malaysian street scenes, building conditions, and local values, which can be overly deliberate and extra to some extent.

The character development between the two brothers is good. They are very well developed and engaging! However, it's weak on the supporting characters, e.g. The Myanmar girl, her scene is very touch-n-go and left unaddressed! Of all the supporting characters, I love "MONEY SISTER"! Although 'she' plays a small role in the movie, "she" is outstanding, and she seems to have a lot of untold stories that are worth exploring (perhaps in another solo movie??!!)

I love the communication scene in the prison, which carries so much emotional weight and struggle. Abang lives well in life day-by-day, but from the scene, audiences could realise that deep inside his heart, he has a lot of voices of unfairness, despair, anger... that wish to be heard and understood! No doubt, Wu Kang Ren's acting is superb! You feel him all the way, from his eye-contact, tears, emotion, and body language... He deserved the BEST ACTOR AWARD!!!

There are a few pitfalls in the movie, e.g. Some scenes are rather shaky, and the storyline is very much one-dimensional. Besides, the last scene of Abang meeting Adik in the prison is NOT well managed. It can be more touching and much better than that, yet the angles and build-up motions do not achieve the optimum outcomes.

For a local production, I gave 3.25 out of 5.0. It's a nice cameo, but NOT up to an excellent movie, without pitfalls or weaknesses. The storyline is rather simple and thin. What makes it good is the emotional depth of the silent communications of Abang that carry us away! If it is without it, it can be a very pale and plain movie. (Gosh~~ I burst into tears badly in the cinema!!)

At first I wanted to edit the story line but then again better not ... since its full of spoilers here and there.

So yeah just write it here instead the movies starts and it looks like a gangster movie through and through... I stay on and watched longer and that is wen the movie really took me for journey ...

A few issues arise here ... yes the main issue was the Identitiy Card issue . It also exists among the locals or more like the unfortunate. So yeah it is a very true event in this year and era. Especially if you are just a street kids and no one is there to take care of you so getting an ID card is just a luxury that not many can afford.

Ok back to the movie the twist are so unexpected from one event to another and that shows it is not your ordinary matinee movie . With a nice back drops in the city of Kuala Lumpur well the harsh city life of it if you will ....

It is a gripping and one of those movie that makes you wonders what will be the end of it .... is ther any a turn of fate that could turn the table ... Enjoy the journey and the story telling part of this movie since it can really make you feel each event that took place.

It is indeed a rare movie ... Two Thumbs UP .

Brace yourself for an unexpectedly gripping, gritty, humorous, and tear-jerking Malaysian film with a Taiwanese twist. Prepare for a rollercoaster of heartbreaking twists and spectacular acting!

Don't underestimate this film! I was a newbie to Malaysian cinema and didn't know what to expect. But as they say, 'don't judge a book by its cover' (or in this case, 'a movie by its poster'). This film matched the quality and storytelling of Taiwanese cinema, so don't make the same mistake I did!

The story revolves around two brothers on a mission to secure their Malaysian ICs, crucial for employment and escaping a life of misery. However, their plan takes a 180-degree turn when a crime takes place.

This dilemma highlights a broader issue in Malaysia's management of their Identity Cards (ICs). The issue of illegal immigrants counterfeiting these ICs to secure employment is woven into the narrative, offering an insightful look into a significant societal challenge.

Amidst the central theme, the film weaves in subplots of romance and brotherhood, enriching its emotional tapestry.

The acting will leave you in tears... There are many parts of the film where my heart sank and tears welled up in my eyes.

There were many moments in the film where I silently exclaimed, 'WHAT THE HECK' and 'OH NO.' The movie provides subtle clues bit by bit, allowing you to piece together the plot yourself before it reveals the pivotal points that will make you go, 'OHH!' Whether some of the plot twists are justified remains questionable...

Wu Kang-ren, a Taiwanese actor portraying the deaf-mute brother, absolutely nailed the role of Abang. Although his character had no spoken lines, you could feel his pent-up frustration, misery, and sadness in the way he communicated through sign language.

For example, a line in the movie, 'Do you know how hard my life is?' wouldn't, in my opinion, have been as impactful if exclaimed rather than signed. Wu Kang-ren's performance was really superb.

If you appreciate stories that are driven by intricate plots and rich character development, this is a must-watch. A word of caution for the squeamish: while not overtly gory, the film does contain scenes with a fair amount of blood.