Hype Malaysia
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
No Result
View All Result
Hype Malaysia
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
No Result
View All Result
Hype Malaysia
No Result
View All Result
Home Featured

Merdeka: Malaysian Films You Must Watch At Least Once In Your Life

by Adrina
August 28, 2014
171
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on Whatsapp

There are so many things that we could boast about our country, yet rarely have we seen people talking about a decent feature film made by a Malaysian filmmaker.

The truth is, if everyone could look at the Malaysian film industry through rose-tinted glasses, there are a number of local feature films that certainly deserve more recognition in our country. After all, the Malaysian film industry has come a long way since the late entertainment icon P. Ramlee lit up the silver screen in Malaysia’s Golden Age of cinema.

In conjunction with Malaysia’s 57th Independence Day celebration, we gathered some of our favourite local feature films that has moved us to tears. We stand proud as Malaysians for these! Check out the list below:

1. Sepet / Slit Eyes (2004)

Image
Image

“Sepet”, a controversial romantic-comedy film which depicts the interracial relationships that have become increasingly common in Malaysia.

Directed by the late Yasmin Ahmad, the film is an eye-opening film for most Malaysians as it attempts to tackle the issues of interracial relationships in the country through the romantic love story between a Chinese boy and Malay girl. In the film, Ah Loong aka Jason (played by Choo Seong Ng) is 19-year-old boy who spends most of his time selling pirated VCDS in the slums. But when it comes to love, Ah Loong is an incurable romantic who loves to read and write poetry. His life takes an unexpected turn when Orked (played by Sharifah Amani) arrives at his stall to look for films starring her favorite actor Takeshi Kaneshiro. The two fall in love at instant despite being frowned upon by the social conservatives in the film.

Malaysian Brand SVG Worldwide & Designer Ashraf Anuar Blow Up With Epic Spring/Summer 2025 Show

Centred on the story of Orked, a prequel and sequel of the film, “Mukshin” and “Gubra”, have been released to complete “The Orked Trilogy”. All of the films were well-received by the critics and “Sepet” went on to win several prestigious awards including the Best Asian Film Award at the 18th Tokyo International Film Festival in 2005.

2. Puteri Gunung Ledang / A Legendary Love (2004)

Puteri Gunung Ledang

Passed down from generation to generation, “Puteri Gunung Ledang” is an iconic Malaysian folklore about the love story between a mysterious princess who lived on top of Gunung Ledang and the legendary warrior Hang Tuah. Malaysian screenwriter Mamat Khalid pitched the original idea of adapting the folklore into a TV series called “Hikayat”. However, Tiara Jackquelina, who starred in the film as the princess, insisted that the story was “too good” for TV and he eventually turned it into a film. The actress produced the film together with Shazalli Ramly and worked alongside director Saw Teong Hin.

“Puteri Gunung Ledang” is cited as the most expensive film in Malaysian history as it is produced at a cost of USD4 million. The film won several awards at Asia’s leading film festivals including the Malaysian Film Festival 2004, the 50th Asia Pacific Film Festival, and the inaugural Asian Festival of First Films in Singapore. It is worth to note that the film was also selected as Malaysia’s official entry for the 2004 Academy Awards.

A digitally remastered producer’s cut of”Puteri Gunung Ledang” will be shown at selected cinemas to commemorate its 10th anniversary during the Merdeka weekend. The details are as below:

  • 3:45pm GSC Mid Valley (RM20)
  • 7:45pm Signature Gardens (RM50)
Bedazzle Everyone This Merdeka With Bling From HABIB's Ongoing "Jualan Merdeka" Campaign!

For more information, check out their official Facebook page.

3. The Journey (2014)

Believe it or not, “The Journey” is an absolutely heart-warming film about the awkward relationship between a conservative father named Uncle Chuan and his daughter. The film opens with Uncle Chuan’s daughter returning home from England with her fiance, Benji, to get her father’s blessing. Although Uncle Chuan approves their wedding, he insists to hand-deliver all the wedding invitations to his closest friends and embarks on a nationwide journey with Benji. Despite the lack of understanding towards one another, the 2 learns valuable lessons about accepting each other’s differences.

“The Journey” was proven to be a success as it became the highest grossing feature film in Malaysia, surpassing the previous record holder, “KL Gangster”‘ (which raked in RM11.74 million). The film even sparked a travel frenzy among Malaysians to visit the filming locations including:

  • Cameron Highlands
  • Chew Jetty
  • Pinang Tunggal Railway Bridge
  • Aur Island
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Baling
  • Ipoh
  • Sabah

4. Songlap (2011)

Directed by Malaysian husband-and-wife filmmaking team, Effendee Mazlan and Fariza Azlina Isahak, “Songlap” is a hidden gem not to be overlooked by cinephiles. The film revolves around Am (played by Shaheizy Sam) and his younger brother Ad (played by Mohd Syafie Naswip) who survives on the streets working for a baby-selling organisation run by a woman called MAMA. However, things take an unexpected turn after Ad loses his best friend Razak to drug addiction and witnesses young girls being sold into prostitution. Ad decides to save Hawa (played by Sara Ali) from being sold into prostitution but faces a series of challenge including being on the brink of cutting ties with his own brother.

Malaysian Brand SVG Worldwide & Designer Ashraf Anuar Blow Up With Epic Spring/Summer 2025 Show

The film successfully captured the audiences’ attention as it paints a realistic picture of the criminal activities in Malaysia with its gloomy vibe. The overall production has earned them several awards at Asia’s leading film festivals including the Asean International Film Festival 2013, the 25th Malaysian Film Festival, the Screen Awards 2012, and the Film Critics Award for Kuala Lumpur in 2012.

5. Cuak (2014)

One story, 5 different directors; “Cuak” is a thought-provoking comedy drama film that tells the story of a young man named Adam (played by Ghafir Akbar) who is having second thoughts on his wedding day with Brenda (played by Dawn Cheong). Similar to “Sepet” and “The Journey”, the film depicts the struggles of interracial relationships including converting ones religion to get married.

From comedy to drama to mockumentary, the film combines all the chosen film genres from 5 different directors. However, the film managed to string all the parts into a seamless narrative film that focuses on the issues of interracial relationships. It is also the first time that a Malaysian film revolves around the topics about converting religions for marriage.

Honourable mentions:

  • KIL
  • Talentime
  • Ombak Rindu
  • Ice Kacang Puppy Love
  • Vennira Iravugal
  • Bunohan

So, which Malaysian film do you like the most? Do you have a better film you’d like to share with us? Let us know in the comment box below and don’t forget to spread more love and support our local film industry!

#Merdeka2014#Merdeka57Malaysia Independence DayMalaysian filmsMalaysian moviesMerdekaMerdeka CelebrationThe Journey
https://lomp.at/0ibco
Share68SendTweet43Share

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. 

FOLLOW THE HYPE

Featured

From “Bye Sweet Carole” To “Silent Hill F”: New & Trendy Horror Video Games To Play This Halloween

by Afiq Amin
October 25, 2025

Horror films and TV series are a great way to spend Halloween, letting you immerse yourself in stories that will...

Read more
Music

Trip.com & Live Nation Make Concert Travel Easier For Malaysian Fans

Concert travel is officially the next big thing in Asia, and Malaysians are getting in on the action. Fans are travelling...

Read more
by Dean Zaini
October 20, 2025
Source: Facebook/IOI City Mall
Featured

(Photos) Deepavali 2025: Light Up Your Spirit With These Dazzling Mall Decorations

As Deepavali draws near, Malaysia once again comes alive with radiant lights, intricate kolams, and vibrant cultural performances that capture...

Read more
by Melissa
October 18, 2025
SOURCE: INSTAGRAM (@lalalalisa_m)
K-pop

BLACKPINK Lisa Appointed As “Amazing Thailand” Tourism Ambassador

BLACKPINK (블랙핑크) member Lisa (리사/ลิซ่า) continues to achieve new milestones for herself. After making moves for her acting career, the...

Read more
by Adleena
October 16, 2025
Travels

Celebrate Light & Fright This October At Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur

October at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is shaping up to be a month of sparkle and spice—where the warmth of Deepavali...

Read more
by Dean Zaini
October 13, 2025
Travels

The Haunted Highlands: Halloween Takes Over Resorts World Genting

We’ve officially entered the spooky season! Travelling up the mountains can be thrilling, but there’s no shortage of chilling tales...

Read more
by Afiq Amin
October 12, 2025
Image Source: Forever Travel
Travels

Discover Perth: A Journey Through Wildlife, History, and Coastal Beauty

Perth often flies under the radar compared to the flashier cities in Australia, but for those who dig deeper, it...

Read more
by Hype Newsdesk
October 11, 2025
SOURCE: TWITTER (@NetflixTudum)
Movies

“Ocean’s Fourteen” Green Lit By Studios; What We Know About The New “Ocean’s” Instalment

When it comes to Hollywood heist movies, a few come to mind, but the “Ocean’s” franchise may be at the...

Read more
by Adleena
October 10, 2025
Load More


TOP STORIES TODAY

  1. 1

    Amyera Zainal Exposes Ex Shahrul Nasrun’s Search History

  2. 2

    Amyera Claims Ex Shahrul Nasrun Has An “Uncontrollable Desire For Other Women”

  3. 3

    HK Actor Benz Hui Hospitalised In Critical Condition; Stars Gather To Pay Visit

  4. 4

    (Video) BLACKPINK Lisa’s Overly Revealing “Rockstar” Stage Outfit Sparks Criticism & Concern

  5. 5

    Laurinda Ho & Shawn Dou Break Silence On Divorce Rumours

Malaysia’s live-wire for the latest news, trends, and entertainment is finally here. We are your calendar, your grapevine, your comic relief, your post-event coverage, and your celebrity stalker. Did we also mention that we are also your gateway to the world?



Contact us: newsdesk@hype.my



  • About
  • Advertise
  • Jobs
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.