DIRECTOR: Jin Ong
STARRING: Wu Kang-ren, Jack Tan, Tan Kim Wang
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 54 minutes
LANGUAGE: Cantonese, Malay
Abang and Adik are undocumented orphans living in present-day Malaysia. While the older brother, a deaf mute, has resigned himself to a life of poverty, his younger sibling burns with indignation. A brutal accident upsets the fragile balance of their relationship.
***
Abang Adik is the directorial debut for Jin Ong. The film had its worldwide debut at the Fribourg International Film Festival in March 2023. It has since played in dozens of film festivals before its release in theatres across Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore in December 2023. The movie won the Best Film at the Asia New York Film Festival, the Golden Mulberry Audience Award, the Black Dragon Critics' Prize, and the White Mulberry Award for Best First Feature at the 25th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy. Taiwanese actor Wu Kang-ren also won the Best Leading Actor in the Golden Horse Award, considered the equivalent of the Academy Awards in the Chinese-speaking world. Abang Adik is also a box office hit, achieving record-breaking screenings.
In a statement, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) said the debut film by director Jin Ong was chosen following several evaluation rounds by the Finas Film Selection Committee, which consists of professionals from the film industry and ensures compliance with Academy Award submission requirements.
The film is produced by More Entertainments.
Abang Adik is a crime drama and it was filmed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
To check out all previous submissions for Malaysia, click HERE.
STARRING: Wu Kang-ren, Jack Tan, Tan Kim Wang
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 54 minutes
LANGUAGE: Cantonese, Malay
Abang and Adik are undocumented orphans living in present-day Malaysia. While the older brother, a deaf mute, has resigned himself to a life of poverty, his younger sibling burns with indignation. A brutal accident upsets the fragile balance of their relationship.
***
Abang Adik is the directorial debut for Jin Ong. The film had its worldwide debut at the Fribourg International Film Festival in March 2023. It has since played in dozens of film festivals before its release in theatres across Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore in December 2023. The movie won the Best Film at the Asia New York Film Festival, the Golden Mulberry Audience Award, the Black Dragon Critics' Prize, and the White Mulberry Award for Best First Feature at the 25th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy. Taiwanese actor Wu Kang-ren also won the Best Leading Actor in the Golden Horse Award, considered the equivalent of the Academy Awards in the Chinese-speaking world. Abang Adik is also a box office hit, achieving record-breaking screenings.
In a statement, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) said the debut film by director Jin Ong was chosen following several evaluation rounds by the Finas Film Selection Committee, which consists of professionals from the film industry and ensures compliance with Academy Award submission requirements.
The film is produced by More Entertainments.
Abang Adik is a crime drama and it was filmed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
To check out all previous submissions for Malaysia, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
"Next time, let me be the older brother and protect you."
Jin Ong’s Abang Adik is a powerful exploration of brotherhood and survival, set against the gritty backdrop of Kuala Lumpur’s Pasar Pudu district. With its evocative storytelling and raw, emotional performances, this neo-realist drama transcends clichés to deliver a profound message about identity, resilience, and the human spirit. Anchored by the dynamic performances of Wu Kang-ren and Jack Tan, Abang Adik is a deeply affecting debut feature that boldly tackles themes of statelessness and inequality while celebrating the strength of familial bonds.
At the heart of the film is the touching relationship between Abang, a hardworking and deaf-mute meatcutter, and his younger, free-spirited brother, Adik. Their contrasting personalities—Abang’s quiet determination and Adik’s rebellious streak—create a compelling dynamic that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Through tender moments, such as their playful ritual of cracking hard-boiled eggs on each other's heads, and their deeply personal conversations in sign language and words, Ong paints a vivid picture of their mutual dependence and unwavering love. It is this bond that gives the film its emotional core, as the brothers navigate a world that constantly tests their resilience.
Ong’s direction masterfully blends gritty realism with poetic beauty, vividly capturing the struggles of the stateless and marginalized. Indian cinematographer Kartik Vijay’s work stands out, with his stunning use of warm earth tones and shadowy compositions that bring the bustling yet decaying Pasar Pudu district to life. The film’s immersive visuals, paired with Ryota Katayama and Wen Hung’s hauntingly sparse score, create a sense of place and mood that lingers long after the credits roll. Whether in moments of quiet intimacy or high-stakes suspense, the film’s aesthetics amplify its themes of fragility and hope.
Midway through the film, the narrative takes a gripping turn into thriller territory, raising the stakes for the brothers and testing the limits of their bond. This shift, marked by tense silences and atmospheric lighting, demonstrates Ong’s skill as both a storyteller and a visual stylist. Despite this tonal change, the film never loses sight of its emotional grounding. Wu Kang-ren’s subtle yet powerful performance as Abang culminates in a moving monologue delivered in sign language, while Jack Tan captures Adik’s mix of bravado and vulnerability with remarkable authenticity.
Abang Adik is a striking debut that cements Jin Ong as a bold new voice in Malaysian cinema. By weaving a deeply personal story within a broader social context, Ong delivers a film that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally resonant. The plight of stateless individuals, the harsh realities of poverty, and the enduring power of brotherly love converge in a narrative that is as unforgettable as it is important. This is a film that deserves to be seen, discussed, and celebrated.
(This review contains spoilers.)
"Next time, let me be the older brother and protect you."
Jin Ong’s Abang Adik is a powerful exploration of brotherhood and survival, set against the gritty backdrop of Kuala Lumpur’s Pasar Pudu district. With its evocative storytelling and raw, emotional performances, this neo-realist drama transcends clichés to deliver a profound message about identity, resilience, and the human spirit. Anchored by the dynamic performances of Wu Kang-ren and Jack Tan, Abang Adik is a deeply affecting debut feature that boldly tackles themes of statelessness and inequality while celebrating the strength of familial bonds.
At the heart of the film is the touching relationship between Abang, a hardworking and deaf-mute meatcutter, and his younger, free-spirited brother, Adik. Their contrasting personalities—Abang’s quiet determination and Adik’s rebellious streak—create a compelling dynamic that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Through tender moments, such as their playful ritual of cracking hard-boiled eggs on each other's heads, and their deeply personal conversations in sign language and words, Ong paints a vivid picture of their mutual dependence and unwavering love. It is this bond that gives the film its emotional core, as the brothers navigate a world that constantly tests their resilience.
Ong’s direction masterfully blends gritty realism with poetic beauty, vividly capturing the struggles of the stateless and marginalized. Indian cinematographer Kartik Vijay’s work stands out, with his stunning use of warm earth tones and shadowy compositions that bring the bustling yet decaying Pasar Pudu district to life. The film’s immersive visuals, paired with Ryota Katayama and Wen Hung’s hauntingly sparse score, create a sense of place and mood that lingers long after the credits roll. Whether in moments of quiet intimacy or high-stakes suspense, the film’s aesthetics amplify its themes of fragility and hope.
Midway through the film, the narrative takes a gripping turn into thriller territory, raising the stakes for the brothers and testing the limits of their bond. This shift, marked by tense silences and atmospheric lighting, demonstrates Ong’s skill as both a storyteller and a visual stylist. Despite this tonal change, the film never loses sight of its emotional grounding. Wu Kang-ren’s subtle yet powerful performance as Abang culminates in a moving monologue delivered in sign language, while Jack Tan captures Adik’s mix of bravado and vulnerability with remarkable authenticity.
Abang Adik is a striking debut that cements Jin Ong as a bold new voice in Malaysian cinema. By weaving a deeply personal story within a broader social context, Ong delivers a film that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally resonant. The plight of stateless individuals, the harsh realities of poverty, and the enduring power of brotherly love converge in a narrative that is as unforgettable as it is important. This is a film that deserves to be seen, discussed, and celebrated.
