PETALING JAYA: Local movie Pendatang, which was entirely crowdfunded, has been released on YouTube and has garnered 100,000 views as at 3pm on Friday (Dec 22), a mere 17 hours after it premiered.
The movie, which drew rave reviews, is by Kuman Pictures and is set in a dystopian Malaysia where races are forbidden to mix. It is about a Chinese family who find a Malay girl hiding in their new house.
Most of the comments on the movie pointed out how racism is highlighted in the film and how Malaysian society should have a greater understanding of the issue.
"A decent movie with good overall acting by the entire cast. Some of the casual racism in Malaysia is subtly shown; those who know understand. I just wish that instead of furniture, the factory produced something more essential to life. It's hard to suspend the belief that people are willing to kill each other for furniture. There is room to expand the story further, perhaps by showing the perspective of Malays and Indians living in segregation in the same timeline and how they help the girls to survive, " said user @quantumx07.
@Syafiq_hazmy said the movie was "the best" and went on to describe how extreme racism could jeopardise harmony.
"When we behave by having extreme racism, there will be those who take advantage to discriminate...we are Malaysia...kita jaga kita (we watch each others' backs) ...those who are at the bottom are fighting, those at the top take advantage," he said.
@raninadesan3225 said, "A well-made movie. Subtle message for all Malaysians. Kudos to all involved in the making of this movie. Thanks for making it possible for us to view this from our homes. Please send this movie to the international film festivals."
@rickquek2751 congratulated the makers of the movie for highlighting the issue of racism.
"Kudos to the team. I believe what this movie is trying to bring up is that this situation happens anywhere on earth as long as corrupted politicians continue to blatantly lie through their noses and people choose to believe blindly until they face the ugly truth. We, the people, should wake up to their lies."
The movie's director, Ng Ken Kin, said the movie would not have been approved for cinematic release locally, which was why it was made available on YouTube and available for viewing by anyone with an Internet connection.
