Mat Kilau - Movie Review: Kicking Action Galore

Mat Kilau is a movie directed by Syamsul Yusof, starring Ady Putra.

A viewing experience that follows (or reminds us of) the distinct tracks of RRR, the historical take.

Premise

This film tells the rise of a Malay warrior named Mat Kilau and his friends against the British colonialists who came to Pahang in 1890.

Review

It is inevitable that after the success of RRR that we are offered more action movies that build its characters to almost mythological heights. This time around it is very much so, however in a completely different setting, Malaysia, and different approach as it is not a Tollywood movie, which are so rich in musical elements. The most obvious similarity is the relaying of a historical events and its pursuit of vindication. Mat Kilau is more focused on portrayal of its hero with the impactful action and impressive fighting sequences.

It is a movie that as entertainment just about manages to pass the mark. If you are looking for a film with a lot of fighting, and kicking this might be to your liking. It is not overly pretentious, and if you want to ignore the political take, you can sit back and enjoy a traditional story of the hero who with incredible prowess and resilience takes down the evil opponent.

It is entertaining, but it is not a breath of fresh air per se, and it is very ever so slightly similar, although not as amusing as RRR, when seen from a Western perspective. If you like martial arts, full-contact sports, and masterful sways Mat Kilau will make the cut, otherwise, if you are not into those sports, either watched or practiced, it will not be much of a joyride.

Our Opinion

It is a movie that is produced with sufficient entertainment value in order not to let the audience down, assuming its audience knows it is in for an action movie with a lot of kicking and fighting. It does not come across as a pretentious movie as far as photography and script go, but it does have impressive fighting choreography.