Writer: Ashraf Nasser

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Watch this if you liked: "KL Gangster", "KL Menjerit" and "Langgar"

"1 Lawan Satu" is the first ever action film by talented director Pierre Andre, who before this, was synonymous with romantic films. Although this is his first attempt, Pierre Andre is successful as his work does not disappoint.

Praise should be given to the director not only for his bold move from his usual genre, but also casting new actors for the main roles. By highlighting different themes from other gangster related action films, Pierre Andre features at least 80 per cent of various types of martial arts, including Muay Thai, Silat, Taekwondo, Karate, Capoeira and many more.

The movie tells the story about Saleh and Radhi, who come from very different backgrounds. Saleh, who grew up with the knowledge of self-defence as he inherited that from his family, is forced to fight in a death match in order to save his missing sister, Saleha. Meanwhile, Radhi chose to fight because he wants to save the life of his sister, Sarah, who is seriously ill.

Pierre features his brother Mikail Andre as the main lead alongside Azlan Komeng, who acted well and did not disappoint. Mikail Andre plays the role of Radhi, a street fighter that can be compared to Genji Takiya's character in the film "Crows Zero" (2007), directed by Takashi Miike. As for Azlan Komeng's acting, there is no room for doubt, as the fighting scenes prove his skills.

The reviewer is equally satisfied with the cinematography as it was simplistic and not too puzzling especially during the fighting scenes.

Other than that, the performances of other actors like Along Eyzendy and Khatijah Tan are compelling, but the line-up of new actors like Fyza Kader, Mimi Ernida and Putri Balqis will need some improvement as they seem a little awkward on camera.

Cinema Online, 03 July 2013