#SHOWBIZ: A costume dramedy worthy of Aziz M. Osman

New Straits Times

30-04-2025

MENTION the name Aziz M. Osman, and cinemagoers can expect a treat that parodies modern Malaysian life but juxtaposes it on a periodic costume drama-comedy or dramedy.
'6 Jilake' is just that, and the award-winning filmmaker's new cinematic experience has just hit over 100 local cinemas.
Inspired by the King of Entertainment Tan Sri P. Ramlee's '6 Jahanam', '6 Jilake' is not a remake of the movie.
Instead, it is a fresh take on the cult classic and Aziz created it to familiarise the Ramlee movie amongst today's audiences.
The film is set in 18th century Perak, a time when the Dutch were the major European power knocking at the doors of Malay states in Peninsular Malaysia.
'6 Jilake' revolves around a Dutch colonial agent (Adam John of the Rock trilogy fame) and his attempt to seize a secret gold mine in Kampung Ketayap, somewhere in the Kinta district.
The residents of the village, led by their wise and kind headman (Kazar Saisi) and his vain and jealous deputy and former son-in-law (Bell Ngasri, Aziz's 'Kampong Pisang' co-star), are tormented, but unite to hire a brave, young warrior (Amerul Affendi) to defend their home.
The Dutch colonialist is no pushover. He is ably protected by six ruthless bandits known as 6 Jilake, and each of them has a special weapon, a special brand of silat and best of all, a yummy name!
'6 Jilake' is a "sequel" to Aziz's old friend Mamat Khalid's 'Senario Lang Buana', a story of a brave young warrior who stumbles upon villagers in distress and saves the day.
In fact, both of them are beautifully set in the picturesque heartland of Perak, an ideal filming location for period dramas.
As it is widely known, Aziz is a history buff, the man behind the 'XX-Ray' series which pays tribute to Hang Tuah.
'6 Jilake' follows the footsteps of the 'XX-Ray' series in paying humourous tributes to issues facing modern society.
Aziz went all out to recreate an 18th century village somewhere in Gopeng, Perak and that location is picturesque with rolling limestone hills, lush greenery and winding rivers.
And thankfully, the film does not rely on slapstick scenes for laughs.
Of the main actors, Saiful Apek shines playing a more serious person, the ruthless head of the bandits, complete with a Long John Silver eye patch.
His mannerisms and speech bear an uncanny resemblance to Dick Dastardly of the Hanna-Barbera cartoon universe, only that his character does not possess a twirling moustache.
Amerul's protagonist is a "badass" like David Carradine's Kwai Chiang Caine of the 1960s series 'Kung-Fu', who stands for justice and is upright.
His character is more of an anti-hero than a hero as he is flawed yet likeable.
Of the villains, Myza Rafika stands out as the rose among the thorns.
Her character Tart Nanas may sound the sweetest but she seems to be the most formidable member of the gang.
She is the bandit whose fight choreography is most stylish and she looks great after every fight.
Another "iron lady" is a beautiful vampire played by Amy Nur Tinie who shows our hero that there are no damsels in distress.
Talented singer Asmidar, the sole "good girl" of the story, finally shows she is a pretty good actress, having only starred as window-dressers in the past.
Bell, the irreverent comedy veteran, is once again playing the village's Mr Annoying. Nevertheless, his character is able to see the big picture and help our hero save the village.
Of the cameos, the best comes at the end where an A-lister appears.
This dashing actor is known for his tough guy roles, but here he is a pussycat.
'6 Jilake' is a timely tribute to the King of Entertainment and his genius, and it takes only two great directors post-Ramlee to remake his cult movie namely Mamat, who is sadly gone, and Aziz who remains sharper than ever.