Latest news with #MeorAbdulRahman
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Gayong' stuns with sizzling silat scenes
STEP into the ring with 'Gayong', a compelling Malaysian martial arts film that blends the rich cultural heritage of Silat Gayong with action sequences. 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
The Star
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Local film 'Gayong' goes global; to be released in 33 Latin American countries
Malaysia's latest action film Gayong (pic) is set to break into the international market with a release in 33 Latin American countries. The movie tells the story of the late Datuk Meor Abdul Rahman, the founder and grandmaster of silat Gayong. Its producer Eric Ong said the opportunity arose after his company Movie Move's international marketing representative secured buyers from Latin America who were very interested in films featuring Asian martial arts, including silat, during the recent Cannes Film Festival in France. "They were clearly drawn to Gayong and considered it an impressive piece with high production quality,' he said in a statement. He added that the film, produced by SOL Pictures, will be released internationally through digital streaming (OTT) platforms only, and will not be screened in cinemas. "We are still waiting for the agreement contract between both parties, which is currently in the process of being finalised. What has been communicated to me is that the release will be for OTT platforms. However, no final decision has been made regarding the release date. "Regardless, I am proud that Gayong can penetrate the Latin American market. It proves that local films and the art of silat have their own unique value and are admired internationally,' he said. Directed by Faisal Ishak, Gayong opened at cinemas in Malaysia and Brunei on May 8, while its Singapore release is scheduled for May 22. The cast includes popular actors such as Beto Kusyairy, Nabila Huda, Syafie Naswip and Indonesian actor Yayan Ruhian. – Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
In ‘Gayong', a legendary local silat master steps into the spotlight
Meor, played by Beto Kusyairy, taking another fighter down in a challenging confrontation. (SOL Pictures pic) PETALING JAYA : Move over, Ip Man – there's a new historical martial-arts master in town! Okay, 'new' might not be the best way to describe the late Meor Abdul Rahman (1915-1991). But 'Gayong', an action-packed period epic inspired by the man's life, hits the big screen to offer a mix of pulse-pounding fight sequences with moments of heartfelt emotion. Meor was the founder of silat gayong, one of the largest and most renowned Malay silat disciplines in this region. The film, directed by Faisal Ishak, covers several important chapters of his life in 1940s Malaya, opening with the character (played by Beto Kusyairy) in a tense combat sequence. We then transition to a tranquil domestic scene, where Meor is boarding a train with his wife Che Som (Nabilah Huda), wide-eyed brother Mat (Syafie Naswip), and young daughter. The family is heading to Singapore, where Meor hopes to work as a mechanic at the Gilman Barracks. Meor easily bonds with the friendly villagers at his new home, and soon becomes well-known for his fantastic martial-art skills. He eventually becomes a silat teacher and starts building a good life for himself. Meor and his wife Che Som (Nabila Huda) having a heart-to-heart. (SOL Pictures pic) But trouble looms on the horizon: World War II is right around the corner, and imperial Japan is beginning its invasion of the Malay states. Meor must rally the usually docile village folk to defend their homeland against an attack by the savage Yamada (Takeda Hiromitsu). So, is 'Gayong' worth a watch? First off, the film definitely looks impressive: the costume, set design and choreography do wonders in bringing its period setting to life. Whether at a bustling kampung wet market, or in the thick of a ferocious battle on a sandy beach, every scene feels animated and alive. Indeed, the fight scenes do a good job in highlighting the skill and dexterity of the silat masters. There are no particularly revolutionary or high-concept sequences here, but everything is well put together. Interspersed between all the kicking and punching is a nice amount of human drama. Not everyone escapes the film unscathed, and the fate of one character is particularly shocking. 'Gayong' ultimately tells a simple but engaging story of a man seeking to make a better life for his family, who uses his skills to defend everything he holds dear. It's easy for material like this to turn overly melodramatic, but fortunately, the film manages to avoid this territory. Meor's brother Mat (Syafie Naswip) training soldiers in the art of silat. (SOL Pictures pic) The movie is anchored by Beto Kusyairy, who portrays the protagonist with an inspired blend of stoicism and emotional depth. His take on Meor is always engaging, whether the character is dispensing wise platitudes on life and silat, or high-kicking villains to kingdom come. Nabila Huda also puts in a solid performance as the caring and supportive Che Som (and gets a cool fight scene!), while the supporting cast generally play their parts well. If the story has a weak point, it is probably the climax, which feels slightly contrived with a feel-good conclusion right out of a formulaic Hollywood flick. This, however, is just a minor misstep, and the rest of 'Gayong' is entertaining enough to overcome it. Overall, there's plenty to enjoy here. 'Gayong' may be full of the usual tropes found in martial-arts biopics, but it executes them efficiently, and the result is an enjoyable crowd-pleaser. Credit also must be given to the music team, whose memorable soundtrack manages to be both uplifting and evocative. Plus, the final sequence hints at a sequel on the way: we can only hope Meor's subsequent adventures are just as thrilling as his first! As of press time, 'Gayong' is screening in cinemas nationwide.
Free Malaysia Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
With ‘Gayong', Beto takes on his toughest role yet
Even though actor Beto Kusyairy began learning silat at age seven, he says he wasn't entirely confident in portraying the late Meor Abdul Rahman in 'Gayong'. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Despite spending much of his school years in the silat arena, Beto Kusyairy didn't feel entirely confident portraying the silat gayong grandmaster in the new action epic, 'Gayong'. The 45-year-old actor admitted he felt uneasy when he was first offered the role of the late Meor Abdul Rahman (1915-1991), the legendary founder of the martial art. 'I felt a great deal of anxiety. Portraying him was a daunting task. Even though I'm a student of gayong myself, I wasn't certain I could do it justice,' he said. What eventually convinced Beto was the director's clear vision, along with the strength of the cast and script. 'After listening to Faisal Ishak's plans and learning who else was involved, I knew this wasn't just a film – it was a mission. So, I had no reason to turn it down,' he said at the recent premiere of 'Gayong', now screening in local cinemas. 'Gayong', which also stars Nabila Huda and Syafie Naswip, is based on the real-life journey of the founder of Pertubuhan Silat Seni Gayong. To preserve authenticity, foreign actors with real martial-arts backgrounds were brought in, including Indonesian martial artist and actor Yayan Ruhian. Beto, who began learning silat at age seven, went beyond memorising the script: he met with several of the late master's former students, including Meor's own son, Cikgu Sazali. 'I didn't attempt to fully imitate the character of Datuk Meor, as that would be impossible. Instead, I chose to interpret the role based on the script, with the main intention of conveying his spirit of struggle and character,' Beto said. 'Gayong' is directed by Faisal Ishak, whose credits also include 'Padu' and 'Juvana'. (Bernama pic) For director Faisal, crafting a story that blends a biographical figure with dramatic fiction rooted in historical facts wasn't easy. Beyond the production and technical aspects, he was intent on preserving authenticity and honouring Meor's legacy. As such, 'we took a 'historical epic' approach', he explained: 'The storyline is dramatised, but the timeline and key events – like him working at Gilman Barracks, and moving to Singapore and Pulau Sudong – are all real. 'The selection of foreign actors was also done carefully. The Thai antagonist, for example, is played by a genuine Muay Thai fighter; the character Yamada is portrayed by a Japanese actor.' The entire cast underwent rigorous training under Yayan and other experienced silat gayong instructors. 'It wasn't just about learning movements – it was about internalising the discipline and spirit behind every motion,' Faisal added. Meanwhile, executive producer Khairul Anuar Latip revealed that while filming for 'Gayong 2' has already been completed, the team is focusing all efforts on the success of the first movie. 'It is still in post-production. Right now, we're asking everyone to support 'Gayong' so we can continue this legacy with even greater impact,' he said.
