Posted by We are going to have Merdeka celebration next week. Since our country comprises people of many diverse backgrounds, we also have a rich culinary heritage. But have we ever considered how we arrived at the present state of relative peace and stability?
This year, we celebrate 66 years of Malaysian sovereignty, freedom, and rights. Still, we must also remember that our ancestors didn’t get here easily.
The sacrifices made by our forefathers a little over sixty years ago were invaluable, and today’s generation should recognize this.
Here are the top five films on the struggle of Tanah Melayu against the colonizers that can help you visualize what transpired before the age of Merdeka.
1. Mat Kilau
The very first film on the list, Mat Kilau, has only recently been released in 2022. This film has captured the interest of all ages in Malaysia and beyond.
Starring Datuk Adi Putra as Mat Kilau, the film highlights how Mat Kilau and his allies inspired the Malay people to fight against British colonialism.
British forces’ massacre of a village at the beginning of Mat Kilau set a tense tone that was shown throughout the film.
Still, the film taught us a lot about our heritage and martial arts, as well as the sacrifices made by our forefathers before merdeka.
Traditional architecture, dresses, hairstyles for women and even silat martial arts have all been incorporated.
2. Bukit Kepong
The film Bukit Kepong is based on the true story of the bravery of the Malayan police and local people who engaged more than 180 communists in a gun battle at the Bukit Kepong police station.
Tragically, 25 police officers were murdered in the combat in Bukit Kepong, Johor, in 1950.
It was tragic enough that the wives of the fallen officers continued the struggle against the communists. Still, it was even more heartbreaking when they became casualties.
Nine members of the family and four police officers made it out alive.
If you want to understand the extent of communist cruelty to our country and people and why we must never let that kind of philosophy resurface, then this film belongs on your must-see list during Merdeka celebration.
3. Leftenan Adnan
This movie is a story of Leftenan Adnan‘s sacrifice during the Japanese invasion of Tanah Melayu, like Mat Kilau was against British colonialism and Bukit Kepong was against the Communists.
The first Malay soldier to achieve the rank of sergeant was represented in this inspiring film based on true events.
Lieutenant Adnan Saidi’s account of his experiences was published in 2000.
This film depicted Lieutenant Adnan and his army men’s defense of Bukit Chandu during the Japanese invasion.
The Japanese troops seized Lieutenant Adnan alive, hung him from a cherry tree, and tortured him with a bayonet.
According to General Tomoyuki Yamashita, “If there are 10 more Lieutenant Adnan, then Japan needs 10 more battalions to conquer Tanah Melayu,” the general was so struck by the young man’s bravery and determination in battle that he made this famous remark.
4. Bravo 5
The troops who died in the Second Malaysian Emergency were honored in Bravo 5, as they were in Bukit Kepong. The film debuted in theatres in 2015.
In 1989, five Special Forces Regiment’s Commando Army members had to foil a Communist Party attack and track down the source of the insurgents’ support network.
The movie builds suspense and worry over the soldiers’ fate.
Bravo 5 depicts the peaceful coexistence of people of many races and beliefs. They all band together to defend their country from communist attacks after the British occupation.
It’s one of the best movies to see for Merdeka celebration!
5. 1957 Hati Malaya
While each of the films above is exciting in its own right, the 1957 Hati Malaya truly captures the spirit of the Malayan independence war led by Tunku Abdul Rahman.
The audience will better understand the events leading up to and following Malaya’s independence from the British government.
During his address, Tunku Abdul Rahman admitted that he and his team lacked the funds to travel to London to negotiate with the British.
The Malayan people supported Tunku and his team, selling jewels and other treasures to pay their London voyage.
Actors and actresses like Kamarulzaman Taib, Rusdi Ramli, Adlin Aman Ramli, Maya Karin, Sharifah Amani, and dozens more fill up an impressive cast.
In honor of next week’s Merdeka celebration, now is the time to watch (or rewatch) these films.
ALSO READ: Battle of Mogadishu: Malaysian Troops Untold Stories
Anisa is a writer who focuses on career and lifestyle topics in an effort to motivate both job searchers and employers towards greater fulfillment in their professional lives.
Reach me at anisa@jobstore.com.