Cinema
Hang Tuah
Phani Majumdar · 1956
Synopsis
In the time of the Sultanate of Malacca, the legendary admiral Hang Tuah and his four sworn brothers, Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu, enter the sultan's service and rise quickly at court, Tuah above all, an accomplished warrior and leader. Their loyalty to the sovereign is put to the test when jealous dignitaries try to bring Tuah down with a false accusation.
Context
The film was produced in Singapore by the Shaw brothers' Malay Film Productions and was released on 28 January 1956. Shot entirely in Eastmancolor, it brought together a Bengali director and P. Ramlee, who plays the title role and composes the music; one scholar reads in it, through the leitmotifs, an allegory of resistance. Malay activists criticised its praise of blind loyalty, what they judged pro-colonial sentiments, and music they thought too little Malay.
Who it is for
An adventure film in Malay, with its songs; the legend of Hang Tuah can be followed without preparation.
Prizes and reception
The first Malay film shot entirely in colour; prize for best music at the Asian Film Festival in Hong Kong in 1956, then in competition at Berlin in 1957.