To celebrate Hari Merdeka, as well as Malaysia Day next month, Netflix is turning the spotlight on local filmmakers and talents with its “Rekaan Rakyat” collection.
From critically acclaimed thrillers and action movies to award-winning dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies, the collection highlights close to 150 Malaysian films, series and animated shows available on the streamer in the coming weeks.
Not sure where to start? Here are 10 films to add to your watchlist.
1. ‘Showtime 1958’
Director P Ramlee organises a variety show to raise funds for fellow performers who have lost their jobs just before Aidilfitri. Based on a true story behind the iconic “Selamat Hari Raya” song.
2. ‘The Assistant’
After losing his family while being incarcerated, an innocent ex-convict seeks help with the help of an unhinged assistant. (Find out what FMT thought of this John Wick-ed film!)
3. ‘Kill-Fist’
On the brink of losing custody of his daughter, a desperate father signs up for a deadly game that forces him to confront his violent past. Directed by James Lee.
4. ‘Ceroboh’
Six survivors in a post-apocalyptic world make every effort to stay alive while attempting to overcome increasing discontent among themselves.
5. ‘Prebet Sapu’
A down-on-his-luck driver of an illegal taxi service struggles to make a living as he forges an unlikely bond with a young escort. (Life’s not so black and white, folks.)
6. ‘Roh’
In this indie arthouse horror flick, a strange girl’s visit to a vulnerable mother and her two children causes the forest to come alive with terrors. Warning: this film will subtly scare the living daylights out of you. (Also, Kuman Pictures is crowdfunding for its next feature!)
7. ‘Adiwiraku’
A passionate teacher helps her students overcome their personal hardships while training them to win a choral-speaking competition. Based on a true story.
8. ‘Kongsi Raya’
In a match made in culinary heaven, a chef and food television-show producer fall in love… leading their feuding fathers to challenge each other to a cook-off. (Did this comedy hit the spot?)
9. ‘Mencari Rahmat’
Razak is falling for Rose; Azman has his eye on Ratna. Rose and Ratna both think they are in love with a man named Rahmat. How they’ll sort it out is anyone’s guess! An adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest”.
10. ‘Sa Balik Baju’
In these interconnected stories, six women brave the pressures of social media, work, and relationships in the online age.
Check out Netflix’s entire ‘Rekaan Rakyat’ lineup here.