PALM SPRINGS -- Malaysia's first foreign-language Oscar submission, "Puteri Gunung Ledang" (The Princess of Mount Ledang), is a sumptuous period piece that combines ultraromance, court politics and martial arts action. Unfolding at a languorous pace, the nearly 2 1⁄2-hour film may try the patience of some viewers. But those open to the exotic landscapes and spectacle and willing to wade through the not-always-coherent opening sections will find qualities to savor.
The film, which screened last week at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, is the first feature production from Malaysia to receive international financing and, with a reported budget of $4 million, the country's most expensive film.
Subtitled "A Legendary Love", the story unfolds in the 15th century amid warring sultans. Javanese Hindu princess Gusti Putri (a regal turn from Tiara Jacquelina, who also produced) and Hang Tuah (M. Nasir, introspective and commanding), a Malay Muslim warrior from Melaka, love each other but are forbidden by class restrictions to wed. As strong-willed as her brother, the volatile king Gusti Adipati (Alex Komang), she sails to Melaka, where she awaits her love in spiritual retreat on the sacred Mount Ledang.
Entering an alliance with the Sultan of Melaka (Adlin Aman Ramlie, in flavorful swaggering mode), the Javanese king promises his sister to him as a second wife. Hang Tuah, ever loyal to the sultan he serves as military commander, denies his feelings and dutifully leads the party that sets out to retrieve her from the mountain.
Saw Teong Hin, a commercials and music video director making his feature debut, takes his time telling the simple saga, which he scripted with Mamat Khalid. Along the way are pageantry, mysticism and Malaysian versions of flying fights and swordplay as well as FX explosions that don't mesh with the surroundings. Above all, for those who have submitted to the fantasy, is the melodrama of impossible, pure love.
The film, which screened last week at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, is the first feature production from Malaysia to receive international financing and, with a reported budget of $4 million, the country's most expensive film.
Subtitled "A Legendary Love", the story unfolds in the 15th century amid warring sultans. Javanese Hindu princess Gusti Putri (a regal turn from Tiara Jacquelina, who also produced) and Hang Tuah (M. Nasir, introspective and commanding), a Malay Muslim warrior from Melaka, love each other but are forbidden by class restrictions to wed. As strong-willed as her brother, the volatile king Gusti Adipati (Alex Komang), she sails to Melaka, where she awaits her love in spiritual retreat on the sacred Mount Ledang.
Entering an alliance with the Sultan of Melaka (Adlin Aman Ramlie, in flavorful swaggering mode), the Javanese king promises his sister to him as a second wife. Hang Tuah, ever loyal to the sultan he serves as military commander, denies his feelings and dutifully leads the party that sets out to retrieve her from the mountain.
Saw Teong Hin, a commercials and music video director making his feature debut, takes his time telling the simple saga, which he scripted with Mamat Khalid. Along the way are pageantry, mysticism and Malaysian versions of flying fights and swordplay as well as FX explosions that don't mesh with the surroundings. Above all, for those who have submitted to the fantasy, is the melodrama of impossible, pure love.
- 1/10/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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