#SHOWBIZ: 'Gayong' stuns with sizzling silat scenes
This isn't just another martial arts flick. It's a heartfelt homage to Malaysia's unique martial tradition and the late silat grandmaster Datuk Meor Abdul Rahman, founder of Pertubuhan Seni Silat Gayong Malaysia.
Honour and legacy
'Gayong' delves into themes of honour, discipline and legacy, offering an insightful look into Meor Abdul Rahman's extraordinary journey and lasting impact.
The story begins with how his martial arts skills drew people from far and wide to learn from him.
His expertise caught the eye of Major Malburn, a British military officer who appointed him an unarmed combat trainer in the British army.
This was a monumental honour, as he was the first Malay to be given such a task.
The film shows his service with the British team until the Japanese occupation of Malaya in 1942.
Authentic and deep
The cast of 'Gayong' truly shines, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles.
Beto Kusyairy, an award-winning actor who has been training in martial arts since age 7, delivers a powerful and convincing performance as Meor Abdul Rahman.
He is ably supported by Nabila Huda and Syafie Naswip.
The casting feels incredibly natural. The chemistry between the characters elevates the story.
Whether it's moments of quiet introspection or scenes of intense drama, the ensemble delivers with impressive sincerity.
Nabila Huda, playing Che Som, Meor's wife, deserves a special mention for her attention to detail.
She brought her own team to ensure her character's look and wardrobe perfectly captured the period.
Her performance is convincing and lives up to the high standards her fans have come to expect.
Visual gandeur
One of the film's greatest strengths is the breathtaking choreography, orchestrated under the masterful art direction of Yayan Ruhian, the Indonesian martial artist and actor.
Ruhian also graces the screen in the film, portraying Wak Kusang, a resident of an island off Singapore's southern coast.
Each fight scene is a spectacle of raw power and elegant precision, showcasing the intricate technical depth of silat.
The sequences are intense, fluid and rooted in authentic silat tradition.
Further amplifying the authenticity is the fact that many of the actors are martial arts practitioners, including Thai MMA fighter Shannon Wiratchai and MMA fighter Peter Davis.
The cinematography beautifully complements the action, fluidly capturing every movement while emphasising the emotional stakes of each confrontation.
Visually, 'Gayong' is a feast for the eyes, transporting viewers to the 1930s and early 1940s with a rich colour palette and thoughtfully executed period details.
The immersion in time and setting feels effortless, never forced or overdone.
MOore than an action film
While some plot elements might feel familiar to fans of martial arts cinema, 'Gayong' offers a refreshing perspective through its unique cultural lens.
This isn't merely a film about fighting. It's a poignant narrative about preserving identity and tradition in a rapidly modernising world.
Overall, 'Gayong' stands as a heartfelt and action-packed tribute to Silat Gayong.
It's an absolute must-watch for anyone who appreciates martial arts films with cultural depth.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of martial arts, biopics, Malay
heritage or anyone seeking a well-made and engaging cinematic experience.
GAYONG
DURATION 110 minutes
CLASSIFICATION P13
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