Award-winning director, Areel Abu Bakar, known for his triumphant debut Geran (Silat Warriors: Deed of Death), is back with a striking new action film, Walid. Screened at Cinema Village, New York from July 28th to August 3rd, 2023, and continuing at Leammle Glendale, Los Angeles from August 11th to 17th, 2023, Walid promises to deliver an impactful narrative interweaved with the signature Silat martial arts action. This action drama that poignantly sheds light on the significance of education and the often denied right to knowledge. Simultaneously, Walid unveils the stark reality of child exploitation and the global human trafficking crisis.
Megat Sharizal, the Malaysian ‘Summo Hung’, stars as Walid, a compassionate teacher voluntarily imparting education to the underprivileged. His world turns upside down when his students disappear, leading him on a dangerous journey into the heart of a vast human trafficking network.
The film boasts a stellar cast, including Namron, Putri Qaseh Izwandy, Yusran Hashim, Khoharullah Majid, Feiyna Tajudin, Fad Anuar, and Taiyuddin Bakar. In keeping with tradition, Abu Bakar continues to trust his team of Malaysian Silat martial artists, delivering nearly an hour of non-stop Silat action, showcasing the relentless fight against human trafficking.
Despite its important theme and robust action sequences, the film comes with its fair share of imperfections. Being perhaps a lower-budget film, there are noticeable shaky camera work and the poor acting from some of its cast members detracts from the overall experience. Certain characters are introduced abruptly, and the villains lack the menace required to build tension. The first 50 minutes, devoid of the anticipated fight sequences, may disillusion the action enthusiasts.
Walid’s lead, a heavy-set, middle-aged man whose weapon of choice are two small axes (Kapak Kecil), doesn’t quite exhibit spectacular movements, contrasting to the likes of Samo Hung, who did back-flips off of cars. The fight scenes, although executed by real Silat fighters, might seem drawn out and confusing due to their simultaneous unfolding and abrupt transitions.
However, the film’s brilliance shines through its choreography, performed by real Silat martial artists, with actions led by the three-time Silat World Champ, Khoharullah Majid. The display of Malay weapons like Cindai (Sarong), Kapak Kecil (Small Axe), Parang Panjang (Long Machete), and others, adds a layer of authenticity to the film.
Walid stands as a testament to the fundamental right to education, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or religion. It underscores the value of every human life, tackling a global issue like human trafficking head-on. Aided by the non-stop action sequences, it symbolizes the relentless efforts taken to combat this menace.
Overall, Walid is an important film that throws light on pressing issues, despite its shortcomings. It applauds diversity, asserting that heroes come in all sizes. It sends a potent message – even the calmest individuals can resort to violence when pushed beyond their limits. Though it might not reach the heights of Geran, Deed of Death, it is undoubtedly an entertaining watch that brings Malaysian Silat, to the silver screen.
