There is a new Silat movie out! For fans of martial arts movies, particularly ones that showcase Silat, this is exciting news. This latest movie comes out of Malaysia and actually won an international award at the New York Asian Film Festival for Excellence in Action Cinema.
“Silat Warrior – Deed of Death” was recently released on several streaming platforms including Youtube Movies, Google Play Movies, Vudu, Apple TV and others. The movie was originally released in October 2019 entitled Geran or deed (as in a deed for a land). The plot revolves around a young man named Mat Arip and his wild lifestyle of betting, drag racing and street fights that gets him into trouble with a ruthless criminal enterprise. When the gang shows up at his father’s home to collect on a debt, his family must fight to save their land – and his life.
The movie was directed by Areel Abu Bakar, a seasoned cinematographer turned director. Abu Bakar had the idea for the film about five years ago and spent three years raising funds for the movie. He wanted to focus specifically on the Silat which is the traditional martial art of Malaysia – particularly Gayong Silat. He used actual Silat practitioners including a 3-time world Pencak Silat champion Khoharullah Majid (Tanding Class A) who played the role of “Ali”.
The film follows the typical plot of a martial arts movie. There is a big bad guy (Haji Daud) that runs a criminal organization that has to be taken down. This guy, of course, is a martial arts master, and all the action scenes lead up to the final fight against this head honcho. The movie includes action scenes in crowded street markets, warehouses, moving buses and some drag races to keep the attention of action fans.
Abu Bakar wrote the story and filmed it himself. Throughout the film, he was able to weave gritty fight scenes with a compelling story with a tinge of religious coloring. Fatima Abu Bakar who played “Haryati” (sister of the protagonist) was given a strong role as a female martial artist who was able to hold her own against attackers. Abu Bakr intentionally included a strong female role so viewers see that women wearing traditional Islamic clothing are not weak and oppressed.
Since Abu Bakar used actual Silat practitioners, viewers may be able to recognize many Silat techniques used in combat scenes. Haryati and Ali are quite skilled at using the sarong for attacking and defending. Sweeping (saupan) and ground kicks are prevalent as well as the use and defense against a golok (machete). The director avoided unrealistic acrobatic moves that plague many modern martial arts films and kept the action real. Yet, a few of the fight scenes seemed overly choreographed and unnatural – opponents swinging wildly and swiftly beaten down. There is one scene where the main character Mat Arip gets his neck broken, but still lives.
This movie however is not recommended for kids. There is quite a bit of violence, strong language (in the subtitles) drinking and smoking, even by the good guys. Yet, the movie is laced with positive messages taken from religious texts, and an underlying theme of good over evil and dedication to family. As for Silat movies, it’s no Raid, but it will definitely keep your interest.
Note: There is a post-credit ending scene you should watch.
