Writer: Roy Lim Jian-Min

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: "Rush Hour", "V3: Samseng Jalanan", “Remp-It”

The bravely-titled "Kongsi: Lu Langsi Lu Mati" is Farid Kamil's second movie since making his directorial debut with "V3: Samseng Jalanan" last year.

It's an obviously elaborate project and you can appreciate the ambition from this young filmmaker under the tutelage of Metrowealth producer David Teo. The fight sequences in "Kongsi" are impressive but the standout sequence, as can be seen in the trailer, definitely delivers - a daring highway chase involving three police cars! There is an embarrassing SFX boo-boo where action wire on an actress was visible but the car chase finale definitely makes up for it.

Metrowealth's box office gem Shaheizy Sam can do no wrong with his portrayal as a Thailand assassin named Tumulak and even manages to pull of the accent. He must have had some help from co-star Bront Palarae who can speak Thai!

The plot for the movie, which intentionally went for a PG-13 rating in Malaysia for maximum box office returns according to its producer, is very much like any typical Hollywood action-comedy but Farid Kamil's "raw" direction and the usage of ethnic gangsters put a nice local twist to it.

Overall, "Kongsi" has all the elements for it to go down as yet another record-breaking blockbuster for MIG (Metrowealth International Group) so do give it a try if you're looking to see just how far Malaysia's filmmaking has progressed. It is unlikely that you will be disappointed.

Cinema Online, 16 May 2011