Sheriff: Narko Integriti

Just managed to catch this yesterday on Netflix. 20 minutes into the movie and I noticed something familiar. Serial killer and his sister works for the police force. He kills only bad guys, in this case drug related ones, a police colleague suspects him as the killer and desperately looking for evidence and waiting for him to slip up and......plastic sheets. One of the props Dexter uses for his kills.

But this Malay Dexter is hot tempered and Sheriff is the cool one instead. All in all, this movie has a good production value. Good acting by leads. I would recommend this movie if you like Polis Evo minus the comic relief.

In the vast landscape of cinema, there are rare gems that transcend the boundaries of storytelling, captivating audiences with their profound narrative, impeccable performances, and masterful direction. "Narko Integriti" emerges as one such cinematic masterpiece, a tour de force that not only entertains but also enlightens, leaving an indelible mark on the soul of every viewer.

From the opening sequence to the closing credits, "Narko Integriti" plunges its audience into a riveting journey through the intricate web of morality, justice, and human resilience. Directed by the visionary filmmaker, Syafiq Yusof, this film transcends the conventional boundaries of the crime genre, offering a poignant exploration of the human condition in the face of adversity.

At the heart of "Narko Integriti" lies its exceptional cast, whose performances elevate the film to unparalleled heights.

Zul Ariffin delivers a tour de force performance as DSP Sheriff, a conflicted protagonist torn between his duty as a law enforcer and his moral compass. With every nuanced expression and subtle gesture, Syafiq Kyle as Inspektor Nazri immerses the audience in the turmoil of his character's inner struggle, eliciting empathy and admiration in equal measure.

Complementing Zul Arifin is an ensemble cast that shines with brilliance in their respective roles. From the charismatic antagonist portrayed by Elizabeth Tan to the supporting characters who add depth and dimension to the narrative, each actor brings a unique energy to the screen, enriching the cinematic experience with their unparalleled talent.

However, it is not merely the performances that distinguish "Narko Integriti" but also its thought-provoking narrative and meticulous craftsmanship. Syafiq Yusof demonstrates a keen understanding of pacing and rhythm, effortlessly weaving together multiple narrative threads to create a seamless tapestry of intrigue and suspense. The screenplay, penned by Yusof Haslam, Nazifdin Nasrudin & Syafiq Yusof, is decent in storytelling, deftly balancing moments of tension with poignant reflections on morality and justice.

Furthermore, "Narko Integriti" is a visual feast for the senses, thanks to the breathtaking cinematography and evocative production design. From the gritty urban landscapes to the opulent interiors of the criminal underworld, each frame is imbued with a sense of authenticity and visual splendor, transporting the audience into the heart of the narrative.

Beyond its technical brilliance, "Narko Integriti" also serves as a powerful commentary on contemporary issues, challenging societal norms and confronting uncomfortable truths with unflinching honesty. Through its gripping narrative and multidimensional characters, the film invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of morality and the enduring struggle between right and wrong in an imperfect world.

In conclusion, "Narko Integriti" is not merely a movie but an experience-a journey into the depths of the human psyche, guided by the steady hand of a master storyteller. With its exceptional performances, compelling narrative, and profound thematic resonance, this film transcends the boundaries of genre and emerges as a timeless classic-a cinematic masterpiece deserving of every accolade and acclaim. In a landscape oversaturated with mediocrity, "Narko Integriti" stands as a beacon of excellence, reminding us of the transformative power of cinema to inspire, provoke, and enlighten.

"Tiap-tiap basah mesti ada keringnya" Not all police is good but not all criminal is bad:

As for the meth killer (Assassin's creed): I called him a real hero in this movie, technically he's more to an assassin's creed kind of dude because he fights for the truth and free will.

"Dalam negara ni kena ada orang macam aku, sya!" (The country needs someone like me, sya!)

and he's also lose faith in the law because of how corrupt they is, and they shouldn't be continuing to be alive as he believes that corrupt can be spread like a virus.

As for the sheriff (fluffy beard dude): he had a good intuition, a tactical leader, sneaky detective, and a good observer.

He knew that meth killer and the traitor of the team was among them, but he was unsure about it, but overall he was grown with pain and guilt, which is why he became a cop who arrest a cop.

(Brainrot moment: Bro knew who's the imposter)

As for Tony (Pablo Escobar): is just a dude who's trying to do his job as a drug company/production, he has protection by the corrupted cops to keep him clean and lack of evidence to make him exposed.

As for Jennifer (double agent bi**h) : I called her the real villain this time, because she doesn't just work for Tony and she's also thinking about her own well, she killed almost everyone on Tony's team and her own team just to cover-up that she's the rat of the department. But in the end she's also living with guilt because she wanted to protect her son (which sounds cliche to me)

Overall for this movie, they shown none of them were perfect, every each of them had their own dark side, and guilt to cover with, unlike for other police drama in malaysia all of them shows one side is perfect and kind whilst that among them contains a rat that works for the criminal.

My only criticise for this was the ending where sya and sheriff met the highest judge from the intro and she asks "can we ask you a question, your honour?" And he replies "no", and then three of them stands there till the screen goes pitch black. Technically the scene is just unnecessary and pointless, plus the judge knew the movie about to be ended so just refused so the movie ended quickly (Brainrot moment: bro saw the audience like Deadpool)

Action packed and filled with plot twists, Sheriff: Narko Integriti will definitely put you on the edge of your seat. It has a unique storytelling, elements of mystery and suspense that keeps you engaged, and actors/actresses that played their characters very well.

The premise of this movie is not really special. We've had plenty movies revolving around cops and guns. But what makes this movie different from others is its plot and execution.

Looking at it internationally, it may seem just normal but for the local cinema it is a big improvement.

-SUMMARY (SKIP IF YOU WANT)-

This film tells the story of Nazri, a narcotics policeman who wants to end the growing syabu syndicate. The problem with bringing these perpetrators to court is that they almost always avoided punishment due to lack of evidence.

This made Nazri lose faith in the law, distorting his sense of justice and felt determined to uphold justice in his own way even if it'd violate his morals.

Then we're introduced to Sheriff from the Integrity Department who's known for fighting against corrupted cops. He was sent to the Narcotics Department to help find the infamous 'Meth Killer' which happens to be revealed as an inside man.

At this point we may have already know who the 'Meth Killer' is (or do we?) but we don't know how he will be caught. What will the 'Meth Killer' do now that Sheriff is getting closer? How will he operate his killings without getting caught? Will this be a game of chess? Who exactly is the 'Meth Killer'?

In this period, narcotics operations have also failed many times. Are there traitors inside narcotics? Are they working with the 'Meth Killer'?

This movie had a way of misguiding you to answers that you may think is right, but it's actually left. Always reminding you that you should trust no one.

-SUMMARY END-

There's a lot of positives for this movie but in my personal opinion, it's not a masterpiece yet. It's close though and it has all the ingredients to reach there.

What I can say for certain is that this is Syafiq Yusof's best work that I have ever watched. Exceeded my original expectations which wasn't really high but also wasn't really low either.

That aside, this movie still has room for improvements. Here's what I can think of quickly:

1. The 'Meth Killer' Mystery

While I do understand that it was the director's intention to use 'howcatchem' and not 'whodunnit', but I still would've preferred if it was not revealed early. I love it when movies make us doubt our answers and I love it when I got it right.

If the movie focuses only on finding the 'Meth Killer' and expands the story from there, I probably wouldn't complain about making it a 'howcatchem' story. That would be good and engaging too.

2. Character Background

There are many culprits in this movie like traitors, "rats" and murderers. But there are some characters whose writing was not developed or explored enough for the audience to build an emotional connection. When plot twists happened, it's hard to feel the impact and shock.

3. Lack Emotions

I'm probably alone in this but there are scenes that I feel it supposedly is emotional, but as I watched it I failed to capture the emotions conveyed. I didn't manage to cry but my tears almost went down though. Scenes like the one where Sheriff reminisced his childhood memory made me emotional too.

4. Sheriff Third Act

At the beginning of the third act, Sheriff's character presence felt missing. At this stage of the movie I was expecting some mad genius move from Sheriff that maybe shows how he outsmart his enemies. But I unfortunately didn't see much. He did get the spotlight back in the end though.

I actually really like this Sheriff dude. But I'm not quite satisfied with his development and depth. I need to know more about this character. I want to know his background in depth. How he forms his sense of justice despite his past. His name is literally the movie.

I have more to say but it's hard to share without spoiling the story. So maybe later.

Anyways, well done to the director, Syafiq Yusof and all the crew. Lots of improvements on the quality of writing and execution. We need more quality local movies like this.

It's time that we stop insulting the intellectuals of our local people by feeding them with poor quality movies.

"Sheriff: Narko Integriti" is a standout in Malaysian cinema, breaking away from the usual conservative fare. Directed by Syafiq Yusof, the film presents a gripping crime thriller with a complex plot, sharp twists, and layered characters.

Zul Ariffin's portrayal of Sheriff, a man driven by integrity, is powerful, while Aaron Aziz delivers a chilling performance as Tony, the kingpin.

One aspect I particularly appreciated was the accurate portrayal of weapons and tactics. The attention to detail in handling firearms, moving as a fire team in close-quarter combat, and switching from rifles to handguns in confined spaces adds a strong sense of realism. The coordinated team dynamics, especially when falling back under fire, felt authentic and well-executed.

The film's pacing and suspense keep viewers on edge, with scenes that stray far from the conservative tropes common in local cinema. This movie is action packed and has a thought-provoking narrative about justice, betrayal, and loyalty.