This "Epic" drama comes out of Malaysia and the story revolves around a Roman soldier, who travels to Goa (India) to meet a Chinese Princess. She gets captured by pirates and the rest of the film concerns a unilateral rescue operation. It's let down by some cheap C.G.I effects in the battle action and half hearted Martial Arts. Best avoided.
18 Reviews
You guys cant be defending this, its ambitious.. but this movie is quite bad.
laapsaap7 June 2011
You guys cant be defending this, its ambitious.. but this movie is quite bad.
The broken English really make the movie less enjoyable, just make them even look more like amateur actors.
Quite a lot of scenes and dialogs were very corny, hard to endure. I walked away from this movie.. leaving in the background.
I can see they tried very hard to make this movie work, if they made it less corny. And if they just remove most of the English dialogs, it would be more enjoyable.
Was impressed that in a few scenes they actually did a very good job compared to the rest, but too bad most of it, wasn't.
The broken English really make the movie less enjoyable, just make them even look more like amateur actors.
Quite a lot of scenes and dialogs were very corny, hard to endure. I walked away from this movie.. leaving in the background.
I can see they tried very hard to make this movie work, if they made it less corny. And if they just remove most of the English dialogs, it would be more enjoyable.
Was impressed that in a few scenes they actually did a very good job compared to the rest, but too bad most of it, wasn't.
Ambitious.. sadly..
husnaasaip-13 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This film is trying to be big, but ended up being nowhere.
It is promoted as a CGI film, but can't even put a computer generated 'Garuda' in the film. What good is the CGI, if the crucial mythical element like this is ignored?
If 'Malay originality' is the word, then certainly this film lack much of it. Old Malay language plus modern-sounding English.. come on!!
In the end, it's like watching unfinished '300' or 'Troy' parody film with Malay dubbing.. minus the parody. Half an hour into the film, i just didn't care about the CGI anymore, and hopeful for something else. Honesty and pure spirit of Malay film. Sadly it's not there.
I give 4 out of 10 because i know this disastrous film will be a good stepping stone for the producer to produce a decent one, later.
It is promoted as a CGI film, but can't even put a computer generated 'Garuda' in the film. What good is the CGI, if the crucial mythical element like this is ignored?
If 'Malay originality' is the word, then certainly this film lack much of it. Old Malay language plus modern-sounding English.. come on!!
In the end, it's like watching unfinished '300' or 'Troy' parody film with Malay dubbing.. minus the parody. Half an hour into the film, i just didn't care about the CGI anymore, and hopeful for something else. Honesty and pure spirit of Malay film. Sadly it's not there.
I give 4 out of 10 because i know this disastrous film will be a good stepping stone for the producer to produce a decent one, later.
Time to watch history channel again
sweed7922 March 2012
I tried to watch this movie to see if it is worth the positive coverage that the Malaysian media have given during its preview. But to my disappointment I left the cinema in the middle of the showing. The acting, the props, the CGI was not to the standard where we can say that it is an epic story. At the beginning of the story, I was so annoyed at the narration. The narrator tried so hard trying not to choke on his on voice to make that 'old man' sound. And eventually the storyline become dull and tasteless. At one scene during the battle, there was a fierce storm and the fight scene was intense, but I was surprised to see that the coconut trees at the background were not even moving. If the Malay warriors were still alive they will certainly not approve the efforts the film makers trying to portray about their lives. But again, what can I expect from the KRU productions.
What the Heck Just Happen
raoul_hostettler25 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Honestly I wasted my 109 mins of my life watching this movie. It's worse then a kindergarten play, the kids would have done a better job in acting then they did.
Bad graphics on all the themes. I don't know how someone could created such a bad movie.
It's Amateur movie a shame for the money they wasted.
I don't understand what other people like about the movie and I usually have an open mind for different types of movies but this was certainly one of the worse movies I ever seen.
Do not waste your time on this movie 1 star is even overrated in my opinion but if you do not believe me see for yourself.
Bad graphics on all the themes. I don't know how someone could created such a bad movie.
It's Amateur movie a shame for the money they wasted.
I don't understand what other people like about the movie and I usually have an open mind for different types of movies but this was certainly one of the worse movies I ever seen.
Do not waste your time on this movie 1 star is even overrated in my opinion but if you do not believe me see for yourself.
Good fairy tale, good acting, good action, nice scenery, occ. comical,
unclegerald200420 December 2012
Warning: Spoilers
It started out pretty good, then they got to India, and then the pretty boy prince met the charming savage I still clung to hope, and when they got to the spoiled rich princess wanted to run away to be a music teacher, I still clung to hope, but when the Roman prince started to whine about marrying for love, I couldn't watch anymore.
I've been to south Asian countries where poverty is everywhere. Surrounded by so much poverty where it's common to regularly miss meals and live in squalor, it would be unlikely that anyone of wealth would leave willingly. Many times woman seek to marry for any man with a job, even if its a farm worker. Doctors and lawyers can barely make a living because hardly anyone can afford their services, an Asian princess would know this.
In both Asia and Europe, it was common to marry for economics or duty. The concept of marrying for love came into existence around the 19th industrialized century.
It was a nice fairy tale. Good for people who want a Disney-type fairy tale with no basis in reality or history or facts or human nature.
I've been to south Asian countries where poverty is everywhere. Surrounded by so much poverty where it's common to regularly miss meals and live in squalor, it would be unlikely that anyone of wealth would leave willingly. Many times woman seek to marry for any man with a job, even if its a farm worker. Doctors and lawyers can barely make a living because hardly anyone can afford their services, an Asian princess would know this.
In both Asia and Europe, it was common to marry for economics or duty. The concept of marrying for love came into existence around the 19th industrialized century.
It was a nice fairy tale. Good for people who want a Disney-type fairy tale with no basis in reality or history or facts or human nature.
Poorly done but could've been worse
TheLittleSongbird19 September 2013
Clash of Empires is not an irredeemable movie in any way, the scenery was quite nice, a couple of the fight sequences are edge-of-your-seat quality, there is a good lead performance and the princess is simply beautiful. For those redeeming qualities however there are a lot of things that Clash of Empires doesn't do well. The movie can have a frenzied look to it, and the rushed and underexplained story(just where did the romance come from?) is a further indication of Clash of Empires being done in haste. The dialogue is very stilted and sometimes incomprehensible, while the special effects apart from some average-at-best ones at the start are very cheaply rendered. There are no characters to root for, they are almost comic-book-like in quality, the music is generic, the direction is of the kind that has heart and passion at least but not the skill and the acting apart from the lead is vapid and going-through-the-motions feeling.
All in all, Clash of Empires is very poorly done stuff but it definitely could have been much worse. 3/10 Bethany Cox
All in all, Clash of Empires is very poorly done stuff but it definitely could have been much worse. 3/10 Bethany Cox
ANOTHER PSEUDO-HISTORY
nogodnomasters17 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is another pseudo-history that have become very popular with the movie goers. The exception is this is not really a pseudo-history, but a story based upon one iota of fact. WARNING: May contain plot spoilers.
Rome and China decide to come together with a wedding of a Roman prince and Chinese princess. They are going to do this on neutral ground in Malaysia (The movie was a big hit there.) The Roman fleet carrying the prince gets damaged and loses its gold ships. They limp into India and attempt to get more vessels, but without the gold, the crafty Indian (They make him talk like a convenience store owner) won't budge.
They end up hiring a warrior/slave (Stephen Rahman Hughes as Merong ), who descends from Alexander to take them in his small junque. The prince (Gavin Stenhouse as Marcus Carpenius ) is concerned that the princess may not love him. We get that answer in the next scene as we see the Chinese princess (Jing Lusi as Princess Meng Li Hua ) is bathing, complaining to her attendant she does not want to marry a barbarian. The movie shows the contempt Eastern civilization had for the west as they were "barbarians", "fur and gold wearers" and "boy lovers."
Rome is not at home in Malaysia. Clearly they are not in charge and are at the mercy of their host. Speaking of which, once the princess saw the Roman she opts to flee with her attendant Ying Ying (Nell Ng).
Marcus is also very adept in various Chinese fighting techniques.
There is sorcery by those that pray to the "old gods." There is a prophecy that Merong keeps remembering, one that his mother always spoke to him. Don't worry, if you missed it the first few times, you get to see it again.
When Merong is with his own people he speaks a foreign language with subtitles. When the Chinese are together, they opt for English, the same that the Romans speak. The princess mentions she also speaks Latin and does so, apparently not what the Romans speak. Ouch! Like so many of these pseudo-histories, the language is modern including slang, ideas and terms that are clearly anachronistic.
The movie dialogue and action is written for the younger audience, one prohibited from seeing this with the "R" rating. There is no nudity (naked silhouette). There is no foul language, Oh they do say "pee." The princess is apparently groped in one scene, but all we see is her face. There is a lot of fighting and killing with dead bodies, but not much in blood and gore.
Rome and China decide to come together with a wedding of a Roman prince and Chinese princess. They are going to do this on neutral ground in Malaysia (The movie was a big hit there.) The Roman fleet carrying the prince gets damaged and loses its gold ships. They limp into India and attempt to get more vessels, but without the gold, the crafty Indian (They make him talk like a convenience store owner) won't budge.
They end up hiring a warrior/slave (Stephen Rahman Hughes as Merong ), who descends from Alexander to take them in his small junque. The prince (Gavin Stenhouse as Marcus Carpenius ) is concerned that the princess may not love him. We get that answer in the next scene as we see the Chinese princess (Jing Lusi as Princess Meng Li Hua ) is bathing, complaining to her attendant she does not want to marry a barbarian. The movie shows the contempt Eastern civilization had for the west as they were "barbarians", "fur and gold wearers" and "boy lovers."
Rome is not at home in Malaysia. Clearly they are not in charge and are at the mercy of their host. Speaking of which, once the princess saw the Roman she opts to flee with her attendant Ying Ying (Nell Ng).
Marcus is also very adept in various Chinese fighting techniques.
There is sorcery by those that pray to the "old gods." There is a prophecy that Merong keeps remembering, one that his mother always spoke to him. Don't worry, if you missed it the first few times, you get to see it again.
When Merong is with his own people he speaks a foreign language with subtitles. When the Chinese are together, they opt for English, the same that the Romans speak. The princess mentions she also speaks Latin and does so, apparently not what the Romans speak. Ouch! Like so many of these pseudo-histories, the language is modern including slang, ideas and terms that are clearly anachronistic.
The movie dialogue and action is written for the younger audience, one prohibited from seeing this with the "R" rating. There is no nudity (naked silhouette). There is no foul language, Oh they do say "pee." The princess is apparently groped in one scene, but all we see is her face. There is a lot of fighting and killing with dead bodies, but not much in blood and gore.
I don't care how low the budget is... Crap is crap.
natashabowiepinky11 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Sssooo what can I say about this then?! Well, there's a lot of men with their shirts off... if you like that sort of thing. And an old guy doing a ponderous narration... could someone kill him now, please? Some battle scenes that feel more like video game sequences, much tedious talk which accomplishes nothing for the audience or the plot, and a finale which is almost poetic in it's stupidity.
Tell me: If you're the leader of two armies, and you've just won the last battle with your troops closing in an the last stragglers on the enemy side... would you stand A FEW YARDS AWAY with your back turned from the few that remain of the opposition's forces... allowing yourself to be taken hostage? Then when you get yourself killed by them, would anyone with a half a brain regard it as a 'noble sacrifice'? Nope... they'd have been crushed by your men regardless. All you've done is lay down your life... FOR NOTHING. Fool.
Of course, this film doesn't have the smarts to see that... in fact, If it was a person, they'd need help getting dressed in the morning and remembering their own name (So, which is it: The Malay Chronicles or Clash Of Empires?) Basically, I LIKE watching movies I've never heard of. Supporting independent cinema... ya know what I mean? But I've seen MORE than my fair share of rubbish recently following that policy... so for the rest of the month, I'm sticking to more mainstream productions. Maybe something starring Tom Cruise. You see how desperate I am now? 3/10
Tell me: If you're the leader of two armies, and you've just won the last battle with your troops closing in an the last stragglers on the enemy side... would you stand A FEW YARDS AWAY with your back turned from the few that remain of the opposition's forces... allowing yourself to be taken hostage? Then when you get yourself killed by them, would anyone with a half a brain regard it as a 'noble sacrifice'? Nope... they'd have been crushed by your men regardless. All you've done is lay down your life... FOR NOTHING. Fool.
Of course, this film doesn't have the smarts to see that... in fact, If it was a person, they'd need help getting dressed in the morning and remembering their own name (So, which is it: The Malay Chronicles or Clash Of Empires?) Basically, I LIKE watching movies I've never heard of. Supporting independent cinema... ya know what I mean? But I've seen MORE than my fair share of rubbish recently following that policy... so for the rest of the month, I'm sticking to more mainstream productions. Maybe something starring Tom Cruise. You see how desperate I am now? 3/10
Not perfect, but pretty good
seraphimdavidson28 June 2012
I gave this movie a 10, it probably deserved a 5 or 6, but with the overwhelmingly poor ratings given to it I thought it could use a boost. This was by no means a perfect movie, but I still enjoyed it. If more care had been given to the script to tighten it up and improve the dialog it could have been much better. There was too much information just tossed in and the occasional plot hole. I didn't care much for the attempts at humor, either. But, though jumpy, the battle scenes were well done and the overall pace and tone of the film were good. The theme of ancient Romans and Chinese fighting together in South Asia was too good to pass up, so I decided to give it a chance despite the poor reviews. Even though it lagged in spots it kept my attention and I'm glad I spent the time to watch it. And I'm very picky about what I watch.
Please can I see the Kindy movie?
rawiri4221 July 2013
Reviewer Raoul Hostettler thinks his local kindergarten could make a better movie that Clash of Empires and so I would like to please book a seat for the opening night. But then, if Hostettler's local kindy is as good at making movies as he is at writing English, I fear that might be a wasted evening!
Yet again (if you've read some of my other reviews), we have illiterate people writing desultory reviews about low-budget movies as though they expected them to be block-busters. Yes, I have written a few pretty scathing reviews myself but you've got to admit, those were for the absolute pits of the film industry. This movie is NOT the pits! No way! That isn't to say it's a blockbuster either but come on people, how many blockbuster movies are released each year? How many does Leonard Maltin give five stars to? But how many does he watch? Get the point? (Probably not! It's most likely too complicated for you!)
Let me ask you negative reviewers (and those readers who are contemplating watching Clash of Empires but check the reviews first), why do you watch movies? Is it to be entertained or is to avidly look for bloopers like trees not waving in the background? Is it to get all picky about English spoken with an accent? When it isn't, by the way - as in the case of the narrator in this movie who speaks absolutely beautiful English with just the right timbre for the role - the whiners complain about THAT too! There seems to be no pleasing some folk!
OK, I've got my frustration at negative-thinkers off my chest - now to the movie. Firstly, it was made in Malaysia by a Malaysin production company so one would assume that the prime target audience was Malays. However, if it had been all made in the Malay language, the box office would probably never have covered costs (because it definitely wouldn't have been cheap to make). So, very cleverly, the main language used was English which some of the Malaysian actors spoke with a slight accent. Nothing wrong with that (they weren't wearing Saville Row suits!!) I though it a nicely integrated touch for Mandarin and Malay languages to be used with subtitles where appropriate as this preserved the international flavour of the film. The action was good and the CG was OK (if not brilliant). The princess's handmaid added a little comedic interlude a few times and was well-played. Stephen Rahman Hughes as the lead was quite good (I'd like to know what the ladies thought of him). Pity there is no info about him on IMDb. I suspect that, if he ventured to Hollywood and had some good direction, he could become a big star.
I was entertained (which is why I watched the movie). I probably won't watch it again (but then I can think of some much larger-budget movies I won't watch again either!) So, if you're one of those picky twits who loves to look for things to complain about, watch Clash Of Empires. You will be rewarded - but PLEASE don't write a review because everyone else doesn't want to know how clever you are! On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit of action entertainment for what it is, then watch it too - and write a review (preferably in coherent English) telling everyone what you enjoyed! Its definitely worth more than 3.7! I gave it 6.
Yet again (if you've read some of my other reviews), we have illiterate people writing desultory reviews about low-budget movies as though they expected them to be block-busters. Yes, I have written a few pretty scathing reviews myself but you've got to admit, those were for the absolute pits of the film industry. This movie is NOT the pits! No way! That isn't to say it's a blockbuster either but come on people, how many blockbuster movies are released each year? How many does Leonard Maltin give five stars to? But how many does he watch? Get the point? (Probably not! It's most likely too complicated for you!)
Let me ask you negative reviewers (and those readers who are contemplating watching Clash of Empires but check the reviews first), why do you watch movies? Is it to be entertained or is to avidly look for bloopers like trees not waving in the background? Is it to get all picky about English spoken with an accent? When it isn't, by the way - as in the case of the narrator in this movie who speaks absolutely beautiful English with just the right timbre for the role - the whiners complain about THAT too! There seems to be no pleasing some folk!
OK, I've got my frustration at negative-thinkers off my chest - now to the movie. Firstly, it was made in Malaysia by a Malaysin production company so one would assume that the prime target audience was Malays. However, if it had been all made in the Malay language, the box office would probably never have covered costs (because it definitely wouldn't have been cheap to make). So, very cleverly, the main language used was English which some of the Malaysian actors spoke with a slight accent. Nothing wrong with that (they weren't wearing Saville Row suits!!) I though it a nicely integrated touch for Mandarin and Malay languages to be used with subtitles where appropriate as this preserved the international flavour of the film. The action was good and the CG was OK (if not brilliant). The princess's handmaid added a little comedic interlude a few times and was well-played. Stephen Rahman Hughes as the lead was quite good (I'd like to know what the ladies thought of him). Pity there is no info about him on IMDb. I suspect that, if he ventured to Hollywood and had some good direction, he could become a big star.
I was entertained (which is why I watched the movie). I probably won't watch it again (but then I can think of some much larger-budget movies I won't watch again either!) So, if you're one of those picky twits who loves to look for things to complain about, watch Clash Of Empires. You will be rewarded - but PLEASE don't write a review because everyone else doesn't want to know how clever you are! On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit of action entertainment for what it is, then watch it too - and write a review (preferably in coherent English) telling everyone what you enjoyed! Its definitely worth more than 3.7! I gave it 6.
A new direction in Malay Cinema
ismail-1432222 May 2021
It's honestly a good movie considering the Malay Film industry. It's a good direction in providing historical accounts of Malay history. I would say it's a tremendous start that KRU Studios has done and I'm impressed that a part of Malay history is now demented through this film. As a Singaporean Malay, I'm proud to have watched this film and overall I highly recommend it! The reviews may have pegged this film against those with budgets over over 10 million or more. I would say with the Low budget given for the film, the director and studio did a great job. I'll ensure my kids watch this film with me one day to understand better about Malay History too!
A Nutshell Review: Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa
DICK STEEL30 April 2011
Other than the horror and comedy films that get churned out on a regular basis by Malaysia's mainstream film industry (who is going into 3D too by the way), KRU Studios showed that it had ambitious plans to make a big budgeted action spectacle that have some legs to travel the world, crafting a tale from centuries past loosely based on The Malay Chronicles involving a melting pot of Roman soldiers, Chinese warriors of the Han Dynasty, and natives of the land of Langkasuka in a joint battle against pirates of the maurading Geruda tribe. It's noisy, it's epic looking, and it features characters and a cast that would make the United Nations proud, speaking in English, Bahasa and Mandarin as well to highlight its multi-culturalism.
The story is told in simple terms, with a Roman Prince Marcus Carprenius (Gavin Stenhouse) set to wed the Chinese Princess Meng Li Hua (Jing Lusi) in a deal to seal two separate empires into an alliance. The wedding is to take place at the mid point between the east-west sea routes of the empires, which would be where modern day Peninsular Malaysia is but of course. However, the young royals fail to see the merits of any loveless, arranged marriage, before finally casting their eye on each other and discovering they share similar long term ideals. But the Geruda tribe is to gatecrash the wedding day with plans of their own for riches by capturing and holding the Princess hostage, and it's up to our heroes to train, form an armada of brave men to take the enemy down within two moons, or risk having the Princess violated then killed.
While it's a film that features an ensemble cast of heroic characters such as the Chinese Admiral Liu Yun (Craig Robert Fong) and the Roman Prince Marcus, the main protagonist is that of Merong Mahawangsa (Stephen Rahman-Hughes), whom you can picture as a Captain Jack Sparrow equivalent, minus the comedic banter and attitude, with stronger physique and better fighting skills to boot. A wandering soul himself, his amorous exploits in various lands allowed an opportunity to meet Prince Marcus and his entourage in Goa, where the Prince saves his life from the mob and having Merong promising to take him back to his homeland in Langkasuka where the wedding will be, being late meaning an insult shown to the Chinese emperor. And it becomes a prophecy (as always) fulfilled when Merong makes land, being the chosen one to unite and lead his people to battle against their joint enemy, falling in love in the process and with an added objective to restore the honours of loved ones.
This is an action adventure, so what mattered are the big fight sequences, filled with plenty of swords and sorcery, CG blood spewing all over the place, and what I thought to be admirable fight choreography to rival some of the best available out there, despite having some cringe- inducing acting from faceless extras who had to be various goons to fall in battle. The story doesn't waste time in presenting Merong Mahawangsa as a battle-weary individual, and launches into huge beachfront assaults that got repeated again as the finale battle, albeit on a different side with slightly different players. One thing's for sure though, that Malaysia has got the know how and capability to stage rather convincingly fights that combine choreography and CG (albeit some aspects of it requiring some polish), no longer having to play catch up with the more established film industries.
What I would have enjoyed a lot more would be stronger opponents, who possess some degree of sorcery to control the weather, though nothing else which blunted their supposedly mean and ruthless reputation of continuous victory. With bomohs and warlocks, it could have been more of a fantastical action flick with magical amulets, a mean looking kris and an Archimedes inspired device that looked a little bit puny due to a lack of budget. I do not have issues with the many languages used in the film since the country of origin of the film is multi-cultural, at least characters speak to each other in the same set of language rather than a mishmash of sorts, although you do have to stretch that believability a little in having almost all the characters in the film educated in more than one tongue for narrative convenience.
It may not be a classic, but it sure is quite a fun ride from the film industry of a neighbour that I'm recommending as worthy of your time during the weekend even. Now why couldn't we make a film as fun, loud and brash as this one here?
The story is told in simple terms, with a Roman Prince Marcus Carprenius (Gavin Stenhouse) set to wed the Chinese Princess Meng Li Hua (Jing Lusi) in a deal to seal two separate empires into an alliance. The wedding is to take place at the mid point between the east-west sea routes of the empires, which would be where modern day Peninsular Malaysia is but of course. However, the young royals fail to see the merits of any loveless, arranged marriage, before finally casting their eye on each other and discovering they share similar long term ideals. But the Geruda tribe is to gatecrash the wedding day with plans of their own for riches by capturing and holding the Princess hostage, and it's up to our heroes to train, form an armada of brave men to take the enemy down within two moons, or risk having the Princess violated then killed.
While it's a film that features an ensemble cast of heroic characters such as the Chinese Admiral Liu Yun (Craig Robert Fong) and the Roman Prince Marcus, the main protagonist is that of Merong Mahawangsa (Stephen Rahman-Hughes), whom you can picture as a Captain Jack Sparrow equivalent, minus the comedic banter and attitude, with stronger physique and better fighting skills to boot. A wandering soul himself, his amorous exploits in various lands allowed an opportunity to meet Prince Marcus and his entourage in Goa, where the Prince saves his life from the mob and having Merong promising to take him back to his homeland in Langkasuka where the wedding will be, being late meaning an insult shown to the Chinese emperor. And it becomes a prophecy (as always) fulfilled when Merong makes land, being the chosen one to unite and lead his people to battle against their joint enemy, falling in love in the process and with an added objective to restore the honours of loved ones.
This is an action adventure, so what mattered are the big fight sequences, filled with plenty of swords and sorcery, CG blood spewing all over the place, and what I thought to be admirable fight choreography to rival some of the best available out there, despite having some cringe- inducing acting from faceless extras who had to be various goons to fall in battle. The story doesn't waste time in presenting Merong Mahawangsa as a battle-weary individual, and launches into huge beachfront assaults that got repeated again as the finale battle, albeit on a different side with slightly different players. One thing's for sure though, that Malaysia has got the know how and capability to stage rather convincingly fights that combine choreography and CG (albeit some aspects of it requiring some polish), no longer having to play catch up with the more established film industries.
What I would have enjoyed a lot more would be stronger opponents, who possess some degree of sorcery to control the weather, though nothing else which blunted their supposedly mean and ruthless reputation of continuous victory. With bomohs and warlocks, it could have been more of a fantastical action flick with magical amulets, a mean looking kris and an Archimedes inspired device that looked a little bit puny due to a lack of budget. I do not have issues with the many languages used in the film since the country of origin of the film is multi-cultural, at least characters speak to each other in the same set of language rather than a mishmash of sorts, although you do have to stretch that believability a little in having almost all the characters in the film educated in more than one tongue for narrative convenience.
It may not be a classic, but it sure is quite a fun ride from the film industry of a neighbour that I'm recommending as worthy of your time during the weekend even. Now why couldn't we make a film as fun, loud and brash as this one here?
A surprisingly good movie.
solidsnakeckw13 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
A Malaysian action film based on real history about Langkasuka, sounds great. It's been a while now since the last Malaysian high budget movie (Puteri Gunung Ledang) came out, and to my surprise, this movie was executed really well.
The fighting was very intense and the movement is comparable to some Thailand martial art movie. There are also some funny moment between the Chinese Admiral, Marcus and Merong. Of everything the movie had to offer, the music is the best, as it was really good and did a lot to make the already intense scene much more impressive. The CGI in this movie is also very good, but for some reason had a huge quality drop in last part when depicting Sultan Mudzaffar Shah walking towards the harbour.
Also, the story was a bit rush. For example, they didn't explain about the relationship between Embok and Merong, then all of the sudden, the narrator (the Sultan) came out and said that Embok was pregnant with Merong's baby. IMHO, this should be make into a trilogy to explain the full story thoroughly.
And what is wrong with speaking proper English? Why is there so many broken English in this movie? You see, games like God of War depicted ancient Greece, but with characters speaking proper English, and I didn't see any problem with it, so I really don't understand why should the actor use broken English instead of proper English.
At last, I give this movie a 7 out of 10, because the production value was high and some of the scene is really good, but sadly it also has some serious flaw that made the movie incomplete.
The fighting was very intense and the movement is comparable to some Thailand martial art movie. There are also some funny moment between the Chinese Admiral, Marcus and Merong. Of everything the movie had to offer, the music is the best, as it was really good and did a lot to make the already intense scene much more impressive. The CGI in this movie is also very good, but for some reason had a huge quality drop in last part when depicting Sultan Mudzaffar Shah walking towards the harbour.
Also, the story was a bit rush. For example, they didn't explain about the relationship between Embok and Merong, then all of the sudden, the narrator (the Sultan) came out and said that Embok was pregnant with Merong's baby. IMHO, this should be make into a trilogy to explain the full story thoroughly.
And what is wrong with speaking proper English? Why is there so many broken English in this movie? You see, games like God of War depicted ancient Greece, but with characters speaking proper English, and I didn't see any problem with it, so I really don't understand why should the actor use broken English instead of proper English.
At last, I give this movie a 7 out of 10, because the production value was high and some of the scene is really good, but sadly it also has some serious flaw that made the movie incomplete.
A Malaysian Epic Movie of the Century
painkiller151117 March 2011
I guess it is the most awaited Malaysian movie by far. Help by various source of publicity due to the story line filled with international taste, the movie The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines or 'Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa' in Malay does not disappoint.
Script: The English script looks to be a bit modernize but it does not hurt the movie as the Malays, Chinese and the Roman do not use English at that time. The Roman at the time is using the ancient Latins which is not practical to be used. For those of you who love history and ancient language, the use of 'Malay Purbakala' or some might say a dead language show the efforts of the script writer. Even the Malaysian audiences are having hard time to understand the language.
Story line: The story lines are quite fast and do not make you sleep, I promise. In some scene it could be ridiculously fast and in some it is understandable. It is understand that the Director wanted to limit the duration under 2 hours, so that the audience do not feel uncomfortable.
Cast: Most of the major actors and actress are doing a great job by portraying their character. Stephen as Merong, Jing Lusi as Princess, Khir Rahman as Kemawas has play their part greatly. Although, most critic in here, agree that Gavin as Marcus and Henrik as Lycius can do a little bit more.
Fighting Scene: I guess the fighting scene are amazing knowing the limited resource that the production's have, the end result is still above average. Help by a group of experience fighting scene choreographer from Hong Kong and Merong masculinity, it is safe to say that it will blow your mind.
History: For those of you who argue that the movie filled with history inaccuracies, please do your study. It is well known that 'Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa' is verbally told from generation to generation added with mystical elements which are not logical. In the 'Hikayat' or book it is told that the Geruda is not pirates but a big man eating bird known as 'Geruda'. In the book it also stated that Merong comes from Rom and in other source says he is a demigod. There are also a tale about Merong meeting Prophet Solomon.
All in all, I've got to say that the movie will not disappoint you. Reminder: If you see any problem with the CGI, well do not expect the movie will be as good as Gladiator or Alexandre or 300. Pity the production who works with only 13 graphic designers (add amateur after 13) and limited budget.
Script: The English script looks to be a bit modernize but it does not hurt the movie as the Malays, Chinese and the Roman do not use English at that time. The Roman at the time is using the ancient Latins which is not practical to be used. For those of you who love history and ancient language, the use of 'Malay Purbakala' or some might say a dead language show the efforts of the script writer. Even the Malaysian audiences are having hard time to understand the language.
Story line: The story lines are quite fast and do not make you sleep, I promise. In some scene it could be ridiculously fast and in some it is understandable. It is understand that the Director wanted to limit the duration under 2 hours, so that the audience do not feel uncomfortable.
Cast: Most of the major actors and actress are doing a great job by portraying their character. Stephen as Merong, Jing Lusi as Princess, Khir Rahman as Kemawas has play their part greatly. Although, most critic in here, agree that Gavin as Marcus and Henrik as Lycius can do a little bit more.
Fighting Scene: I guess the fighting scene are amazing knowing the limited resource that the production's have, the end result is still above average. Help by a group of experience fighting scene choreographer from Hong Kong and Merong masculinity, it is safe to say that it will blow your mind.
History: For those of you who argue that the movie filled with history inaccuracies, please do your study. It is well known that 'Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa' is verbally told from generation to generation added with mystical elements which are not logical. In the 'Hikayat' or book it is told that the Geruda is not pirates but a big man eating bird known as 'Geruda'. In the book it also stated that Merong comes from Rom and in other source says he is a demigod. There are also a tale about Merong meeting Prophet Solomon.
All in all, I've got to say that the movie will not disappoint you. Reminder: If you see any problem with the CGI, well do not expect the movie will be as good as Gladiator or Alexandre or 300. Pity the production who works with only 13 graphic designers (add amateur after 13) and limited budget.
An Epic movie not that epic
sauravjoshi8521 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The Malay Chronicles is a Malaysian epic action movie directed by Yusry Abdul Halim and stars Stephan Rahman, Gavin Stenhouse, Jing Lusi, Wan hanafi su, Khir Rahman, Rahim Razali and Ummi Nazeera.
The story of the movie is very simple hence predictable. The movie is an epic action movie so you will see a lots of fight sequences, bloodshed, swords and it works in the favour of the movie but what doesn't go in the favour is extras goons who just fights and dies with faceless expressions. The movie doesn't wastes much time in depicting Merong as the main protagonist and tells his story with the flow.
Acting by support staff is good but the Roman prince played by Gavin stenhouse somewhat disappoints. Direction is good so as the screenplay but somehow misses the grandeur of the real sea war.
Overall it may not be that bad but it's a quite fun ride with few of the avoidable flaws.
The story of the movie is very simple hence predictable. The movie is an epic action movie so you will see a lots of fight sequences, bloodshed, swords and it works in the favour of the movie but what doesn't go in the favour is extras goons who just fights and dies with faceless expressions. The movie doesn't wastes much time in depicting Merong as the main protagonist and tells his story with the flow.
Acting by support staff is good but the Roman prince played by Gavin stenhouse somewhat disappoints. Direction is good so as the screenplay but somehow misses the grandeur of the real sea war.
Overall it may not be that bad but it's a quite fun ride with few of the avoidable flaws.
Quite good actually.
farrellanaqi23 September 2020
This movie is overhated.
returnofdarkmatter3 June 2022
It's not a kino but it's not bad either. It's nowhere a perfect movie but it doesn't deserve 3.7.
The plot and action are decent, there are frequent fight scenes here and there. The only bad thing here is the dialogues, they looked forced, no matter how good the actor carried it. International version doesn't help either, the localization are screwed.
I would advise whoever reads this to watch the Malaysian version, it looks better here. I do watch both versions, yeah both are decent but Malaysian one is better.
The plot and action are decent, there are frequent fight scenes here and there. The only bad thing here is the dialogues, they looked forced, no matter how good the actor carried it. International version doesn't help either, the localization are screwed.
I would advise whoever reads this to watch the Malaysian version, it looks better here. I do watch both versions, yeah both are decent but Malaysian one is better.
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