Writer: Mindy Chong

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AV Vision's 'Misi 1511' has created history by taking the bold step towards breaking new ground in the Malaysian movie industry. Like other action movies, 'Misi 1511' is about violence and vengeance among super agents and criminals.

It starts with an invention competition for a RM2 million prize money between two scientists, Johan Agus Putra (Adjie Pangetsu), a chemical engineer, and Kamal Hanafi (Rico Tampatty), an electronics engineer. The competition is sponsored by Dato' Mahfuz, father of Johan's sweetheart, Camelia (Siti Shariza).

Much to Johan's disappointment, Kamal's invention wins. A disgruntled and vengeful Johan then runs a detailed analysis on his invention, causing a short circuit and a nationwide blackout. He is subsequently arrested and imprisoned.

In prison, Johan imagines himself as a terrorist hunted by Kamal, the Secret Agent. Kamal has a hard time dealing with the death of his wife and child in a car bomb explosion. Due to the latest bomb threat in Kuala Lumpur caused by Johan, head of Secret Agency Tuan Syed tracks down Kamal to persuade him to help them. Kamal refuses the offer until Dato' Mahfuz is kidnapped by the cohorts of Johan.

Assisted by Herry, a young Agent, and Kriss, an agent from Jakarta, Kamal sets out to capture Johan and his followers and to save Camelia and Dato' Mahfuz.

Shot on High Definition Digital Video, with a considerable amount of computer generated images (CGI), the movie is created with a different approach. However, the effects used still lack realism. Scenes involving bomb explosions and flying missiles are not believable enough.

In terms of storyline, there is confusion in the switch between the flashbacks and current events. Thus, one would question whether the whole mission story is based on Johan's imagination or if it happened for real. While love scenes in an action movie may be acceptable, constant relationship-based conflicts will cause the movie to be a bit too draggy and deviates from the main plot.

Besides, what is Johan's objective in taking revenge? In the beginning, there's Johan's vengeance towards Kamal, due to his failure in the invention competition followed by his plan to launch a terrorist attack on the KL Tower and Twin Towers. In the end, the vengeance seems to steer more towards his undying love for Camelia.

However, the funny conversations and comical behaviour of the characters have succeeded in entertaining the audience. This is achieved through combined talents and efforts of both Malaysian and Indonesian actors.

Watch 'Misi 1511' if you're an action movie fan and gain a new local experience.

Cinema Online, 23 September 2008