PETALING JAYA, Aug 25 — Merdeka is more than just a day to celebrate, it’s a season that brings out the unity and togetherness of our nation.
This period reminds us of how our diversity makes us stronger and how our collective achievements fill us with pride.
If you’re looking to feel this spirit of unity and pride, watching films that highlight these themes can be a meaningful way to connect with the essence of Merdeka.
These movies not only entertain but also remind us of the values and experiences that bring us together as a nation.
Here are some films to watch this Merdeka season.
Bukit Kepong (1981), directed by Jins Shamsuddin
Step back in time to 1950 with Bukit Kepong, a film that brings to life the heroic defence of a remote police station during the Malayan emergency.
Based on a real-life incident, this powerful story of Malay policemen and their families showcases incredible bravery and sacrifice.
It is a moving tribute to the strength of national identity and resilience in the face of adversity.
The film was made with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysian Police and includes interviews with communist terrorists who surrendered as well as the villagers of Bukit Kepong.
Paloh (2003), directed by Adman Salleh
Paloh is set in 1944 during the final days of Japanese occupation in Malaya, focusing on four friends navigating loyalties between Japanese forces and the Communist Party of Malaya.
The film portrays personal struggles and romantic entanglements amidst war, highlighting unity and identity by reflecting how relationships and choices address broader questions of collective purpose during this turbulent period.
The film distinguished itself with historical and social accuracy by featuring characters speaking Mandarin, Hokkien, and broken Malay, and including English subtitles.
At the 17th Malaysian film festival in 2004, Paloh took home six awards, including Best director and Best film.
1957: Hati Malaya (2007), directed by Shuhaimi Baba
Relive the monumental moments leading up to Malaysia’s independence with 1957: Hati Malaya.
The film follows Hali (Rusdi Ramli), Salmi (Maya Karin), Rafik (Adlin Aman Ramlie), Ani (Sharifah Amani), and Ang Lee (Douglas Lim) as they work on a picture book about 1957, exploring the emotional and historical significance of Malaysia’s journey to independence.
It highlights the struggles and sacrifices of the era, focusing on key figures like Tunku Abdul Rahman and Datuk Onn Ja’afar, and underscores the unity and collective effort that shaped the nation.
The Journey (2014), directed by Chiu Keng Guan
The Journey offers a touching portrayal of cultural differences coming together in harmony.
The story follows the traditional Chinese father, Uncle Chuan (Lee Sai Peng), who struggles with his daughter Bee’s (Joanne Yew) decision to marry a British man, Benji (Ben Pfeiffer).
Through its heartfelt narrative, the movie beautifully highlights how understanding and acceptance are key in a multi-ethnic society, perfectly capturing Malaysia’s spirit of unity in diversity.
As of December 2019, The Journey was the highest-grossing Malaysian film of all time and won four awards, including best non-Malay language film, at the 27th Malaysian film festival.
Jagat (2015), directed by Shanjey Kumar Perumal
Dive into the gritty reality of the 1990s with Jagat, a coming-of-age drama that follows Appoy (Harvind Raj) a mischievous 12-year-old boy, from the Malaysian Indian community.
Faced with poverty, crime, and a sense of cultural displacement, Appoy navigates the pressures from his father and the allure of his uncles’ criminal lifestyle.
Set against the backdrop of a critical period in Malaysian Indian history, the film explores the community’s struggles and resilience, it resonates with broader themes of unity, national identity, and social cohesion, making it a compelling watch.
Jagat won best Malaysian film and best director for Shanjey Kumar at the 28th Malaysia film festival in 2016 and represented Malaysia at the Asean film fest in 2017.
