Malaysia is a nation burgeoning with talent. Throughout the history, our country has produced some of the greatest movies which has won National or even International awards.
To celebrate the Merdeka’s Day, here are eight Malaysian movies, in no particular order, that has our heart swelling with pride and joy.
1. Ice Kacang Puppy Love (2010)
Set in the 1980s at Tronoh, a small town in Ipoh, Ice Kacang Puppy Love details the lives of two childhood friends, Botak and Yue Feng. Botak’s adoration for Yue Feng and her feisty nature sets the pace for the movie as they both set on a road trip to look for her estranged father in Penang.
2. The Journey (2014)
Bee, a Malaysian girl brings back Benji, her English fiance to meet her conservative father, Uncle Chuan. One thing leads to another, and a reluctant Uncle Chuan and Benji bond with each other when they embark on a journey to hand deliver wedding invitations to the bridal guests.
3. Sepet (2005)
Sepet explores the inter-racial relationship between a Malay girl, Orked, and Chinese boy, Jason, who both come from different socio-economic backgrounds. Orked and Jason do what most people in love would do, hold hands, hang out at eateries and take photos, but unfortunately, this is opposed by their respective racial communities.
4. Papadom (2009)
This movie tells a tale of Saadom, a successful Nasi Kandar seller and his daughter Mia. Honouring his late wife’s wish to good take care of their daughter, Saadom become a dependable father who is very much focused on Mia’s life. He desperately tries to hold on to his daughter as she grows up, craving for her own space and time. However Mia gets a bit annoyed with her father’s endless care and devotion towards her.
5. Nasi Lemak 2.0 (2011)
Nasi Lemak 2.0 depicts the story of a young chef, Chef Huang Da Xie who is struggling to get his restaurant business going, but at the same time is commended for his good deeds in helping the community. He then embarks on a quest to learn how to cook the best Chinese dish for a competition. Along the way, he meets many local heroes who will change his life.
6. Puteri Gunung Ledang (2004)
Based on the Puteri Gunung Ledang legend, the movie is about a forbidden romance blossoms between Gusti Putri, a Javanese Hindu princess and Hang Tuah, a Malay Muslim warrior from Melaka, against a backdrop of war and mysticism.
7. Ola Bola (2016)
An original Malaysian story directed by Chiu Keng Guan, OlaBola is a film for Malaysians from all walks of life, and an inspiring journey into the hearts of everyday Malaysian heroes.Set in the 1970’s, OlaBola showcases the pride and passion of the Harimau Malaya team’s struggles and strengths to overcome personal and collective hardships. It is at once a powerful exploration of everyday human relationships and of the indomitable spirit that perseveres through tribulations.
8. The Red Kebaya (2006)
Latiff, a famous but lonely photographer who was orphaned as a small child, sets out on an expedition to photograph abandoned houses around Malaysia. He ends up travelling back in time to 1957 when photographing an old house on Penang Hill.
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