REVIEW: ANAK JANTAN (Malaysia)

It has been awhile since I last reviewed a local Malaysian film. This time, I will be reviewing Anak Jantan, a local production from Malaysian film distributor Grand Brilliance. Anak Jantan, translated to English means male son. However, in this context the terms describes a sense of machoness and manly-hood.

Anak Jantan is directed by Faizul Rashid who previously helmed Bisikan Syaitan, also from Grand Brilliance. The film stars big names in the Malaysian film industry such as Farid Kamil, Nora Danish, Bront Palarae, Azhan Rani, Qi Razali, and Abu Bakar Omar. The film is written by Opie Harris and produced by famed producer Latiff Mohaideen.

How will this local film fare? Do read on…

SYNOPSIS:

 ‘ANAK JANTAN’ is the story of Darin who flees to Kuala Lumpur with Nara to begin a new life, away from Darin’s dark and violent past. But their happiness is short-lived when Somchai, Darin’s old ‘friend’ arrives in KL determined on exacting revenge. With the life of his son at stake, Darin has no choice but to confront his dark and vicious past and unintentionally sets in motion a chain of events with far reaching consequences! What is Darin really trying so hard to forget and why is Somchai hell bent on getting revenge on Darin?

Farid Kamil and Nora Danish as the male and female lead

SCRIPT: 

Original and fresh. The story is something new in Malaysian cinemas. It has a fresh concept in the action-drama genre. The story and plots were straight-forward and easy to understand. However, it could be improved more with a slightly better structured script. Characterization was too little and could have been developed more. Good thematic elements of redemption.

Farid Kamil having a chat with Azhan Rani

ACTING:

Very strong performances from Farid Kamil, Nora Danish, and Bront Palarae. It is great to see other supporting cast who tried to raise to meet the standards to the three main leads.

Nora Danish

FILMING:

Standard action film with a mix of drama. The shots could have been better but that opinion is very subjective. Pretty neat production design of the sets and wardrobe.

Bront Palarae standing over a dead body

PACING:

A little slow in the beginning but gradually builds up to a decent editing.

TONE (MOOD):

When greed and goals clash, friends become at odds and must battle each other.

Azhan Rani as an investigative cop

OVERALL:

A pretty decent film. It has a light action mood to it. Popcorn film.

RATING:

6.5 out of 10