Silat Legenda

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Wikipedia

Silat Legenda
Theatrical release poster
Directed by
Screenplay by
  • Hassan Muthalib
  • Hisham Harun Hashim
  • Nik Othman Ariff Kamil
Produced byHisham Harun Hashim
Starring
  • Noor Kumalasari
  • M. Amin
  • Othman Hafsham
  • Hamid Gurkha
  • Jalaluddin Hassan
  • Razali S. Buyong
  • Ayie Ibrahim
  • Kamal Effendi
  • Mohd Rizal
  • Rafidei Mohamad
  • Sham Yunus
Edited byElias Mydin
Music bySha'aban Yahya
Production
company
Peninsula Pictures Sdn Bhd
Distributed byPeninsula Pictures Sdn Bhd
Release date
  • August 27, 1998 (1998-08-27) (Malaysia)
Running time
78 minutes
CountryMalaysia
LanguageMalay
BudgetRM 5-6 million[1][2]
Box officeRM 141,700[2]

Silat Legenda (Silat Legend) is a 1998 Malaysian animated fantasy adventure film directed by Hassan Muthalib and produced by Peninsula Pictures Sdn. Bhd. The film is recognised as Malaysia’s first full-length animated feature film and was the most expensive Malaysian film produced at the time of its release.[1][3][4]

Synopsis

In 15th-century Malacca, two silat exponents, Seleman and Mona, train under the same grandmaster and compete for the right to become custodians of five powerful mystical weapons—a sword, armband, shield, whip, and staff. Although Mona is the more technically skilled fighter, she abuses her knowledge and seeks to use the weapons for selfish and destructive purposes. Recognizing Seleman’s wisdom and discipline, the grandmaster entrusts the weapons to him instead. Enraged by the decision, Mona vows revenge and turns to dark sorcery and black magic in an attempt to seize the weapons, but ultimately fails.

Seleman later becomes an adviser to the Sultan of Malacca and entrusts the mystical weapons to five warriors to maintain law and order throughout the realm. Once peace is restored, the weapons are returned to Seleman. Anticipating Mona’s eventual return, he transforms the weapons into five miniature kris and conceals them in a cave on Mount Ledang. Deprived of the weapons, Mona is placed into a long state of suspended animation, destined to awaken only when the weapons are rediscovered.

Centuries later, in 21st-century Malacca, five boys who share a passion for silat and the legendary warriors of old Malacca—such as Hang Tuah and his companions—chance upon an ancient book that leads them to the cave on Mount Ledang. There, they uncover the five kris, which have remained hidden for more than 500 years. While examining the kris using a computer in their clubhouse, a holographic image of Seleman appears and reveals that the kris are in fact mystical weapons capable of transforming their bearers into the Legendary Warriors of Silat.

The boys accept the challenge and activate the weapons, unknowingly awakening Mona from her long slumber. Determined to reclaim what she believes is rightfully hers, Mona resumes her quest for power. After her two minions fail to seize the weapons, she enlists the help of Professor Keefli, a modern-day scientist. Unable to locate the weapons unless they are actively used, Mona and Professor Keefli devise a plan to lure the Legendary Warriors into revealing themselves. Guided by Seleman, the boys are instructed to seek Tok Guru Pujangga and must confront the combined forces of ancient sorcery and modern science to prevent chaos from once again engulfing Malacca.[5][6]

Voice cast

  • Noorkumalasari as Mona - a silat master practising black magic and main antagonist.
  • Karim Latiff as Tun Seleman / Pak Leman – a 15th-century silat master who safeguards the mystical weapons.
  • Othman Hafsham as Prof. Keefli – a scientist who assists Mona in her plans.
  • M. Amin as Tok Guru Pujangga – a silat master and mentor to the five boys.
  • Ayie Ibrahim as Zack / Hang Tuah – the leader of the Warriors’ Club; wields the sword (sundang).
  • Kamal Effendi Md. Kamal as Dino / Hang Jebat – athletic student; inherits the arm band (sanggang).
  • Mohd Rizal Karman as Roy / Hang Kasturi – intelligent student; wields the shield (perisai).
  • Rafidei Mohamad as Burn / Hang Lekir – cheerful student; wields the whip (cemeti).
  • Sham Yunus as Jefri / Hang Lekiu – calm student; wields the staff (pancang).
  • Nurul Alis as Ema – Zack’s younger sister, adventurous but not part of the club.
  • Hamid Gurkha as Mo – a monkey transformed by Mona, assisting her minions.
  • Ahmad Nizam as Ewak / Biawak – a warrior transformed into a reptilian creature serving Mona.
  • Puteri Nor as Tuti – supporting character (friend/associate of the boys).
  • Jalaluddin Hassan as lecturer.
  • Razali Buyong as Burn’s father.
  • Ismail Din as Zack’s father and Internet voice-over.
  • Ramli Abu Bakar as the storyteller/narrator of the film.
  • Farid Amirul as young version of Tun Seleman in flashbacks.
  • Siti Nurbaya Ahmadiah as young Mona in flashbacks and Zack’s mother.

Production

The idea for an animated project emerged in early 1995 following discussions between producer Hisham Harun Hashim and animator-director Hassan Muthalib.[7] Their decision to pursue animation was reinforced after attending the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France in June 1995.[4] Originally conceived as a television series, the project was later expanded into a feature-length film for wider distribution.[8] The screenplay was written by Hassan Muthalib, Hisham Harun Hashim, and Nik Othman Ariff Kamil and followed Joseph Campbell Hero’s Journey paradigm.[9][10]

The film draws heavily on Malay history and folklore, incorporating the traditional martial art of silat and stories from the Malacca Sultanate, with particular inspiration from the legendary warrior Hang Tuah.[10] The film’s design highlighted Malay culture, including traditional dress, the kris as a weapon, symbolic landscapes such as Mount Ledang, and references to historical and spiritual elements. [3] [10]The concept was further developed by art director Mohd Fazly Abdullah.[3][11][12]

Production spanned more than 3 years at a cost exceeding RM 5–6 million.[1] It involved approximately 200 artists across hand-drawn animation, digital art, graphic design, and technical work.[13] According to the producer, approximately 99% of the film was made in Malaysia.[14] Production took place in four workstations in Peninsula Digitan's studios, with some background painting done in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Manila, Philippines.[15] For background painting, artists were guided by the watercolour style of Kazuo Oga, the concept artist for Hayao Miyazaki films, and were inspired by films such as My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Princess Mononoke (1997).[10][14]

The 78-minute film blends 2D and 3D animation and was influenced by Japanese and Disney animation styles.[3][4] The production faced technical challenges due to limited local experience, losing approximately 250,000 drawings and requiring recreation of 100–200 scenes.[16][17] Voice recording was done before animation, requiring careful synchronisation.[18][19]

Release and reception

The film was officially launched on 20 August 1998 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at Merdeka Hall, Putra World Trade Centre, and was released to the public on 27 August 1998.[20] It was distributed by Peninsula Pictures Sdn Bhd.[16]

International release

Silat Legenda was also released in Singapore, with plans for international distribution in Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, and selected Western countries, supported by an English-language dub for wider audiences.[8]

Box office

Despite extensive marketing efforts, Silat Legenda grossed only RM141,700 at the box office and did not recover its production costs.[2]

Marketing

Peninsula Pictures allocated approximately RM1 million for marketing and promotion. Campaigns included planned carnivals, treasure hunts, school outreach programmes, and the provision of free transportation for children in rural areas to attend screenings. Merchandise included mugs, caps, and T-shirts.[4][21]

As part of the promotional campaign, The Making of Silat Legenda, a behind-the-scenes feature highlighting the animation process, voice acting, and soundtrack production, was released.[4][22] A dedicated website launched in July 1998 and reportedly received 1,500 international enquiries even before its official launched.[4][23]

Critical reception

Critical response to Silat Legenda was mixed upon release, with several reviewers expressing disappointment despite acknowledging its historical significance.[24] Marina Abdul Ghani of The Malay Mail wrote that “Silat Legenda, the country’s first animated film, is a less than mesmerising effort despite being a big-budget production.”[25]

Roslen Fadzil of Harian Metro commented, “If you expect this film to be on the level of The Lion King or Mulan, you will be disappointed. However, Silat Legenda is not as weak as television cartoons such as Usop Sontorian or productions by Filem Negara.”[26]

A. Wahab Hamzah of Utusan Malaysia awarded the film a B rating, describing it as a bold and creative first effort. He praised its cultural themes and sound design, particularly the use of Dolby Digital Surround, while noting shortcomings in animation quality when compared to international productions.[27]

Soundtrack

The film’s original soundtrack, Silat Legenda, was released in June 1998 by KRU Records Sdn Bhd and EMI (M) Sdn Bhd.[28]The film’s score was composed and conducted by Sha'aban Yahya.[14]

Accolades

Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
43rd Asia Pacific Film Festival (1998) Official Selection Silat Legenda Nominated [29][30][31]
14th Malaysia Film Festival (1999) Best New Director (Pengarah Harapan) Hassan Muthalib Nominated [32]
Special Jury Award
(First animated film)		 Silat Legenda Won [32][2]

Legacy

Following Silat Legenda, director Hassan Muthalib planned an animated film about Panglima Awang, a renowned Malay navigator, intended for international audiences, but the project was ultimately not pursued.[16]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Kos filem Silat Legenda RM5 juta". Harian Metro. 24 June 1998. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Silat Legenda / 1998". Filem Kita. Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Hang Tuah inspires animated film". The Straits Times. 18 March 1997. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Shuib Taib (2 July 1998). "All Animated Over New Movie". New Straits Times. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  5. ↑ Azian Adnan (12 July 1998). "Legenda pahlawan Melayu". Berita Minggu. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  6. ↑ Hasleen Bachik (5 September 1998). "Filem kartun Silat Legenda cukup istimewa". Berita Harian Singapura. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  7. ↑ Ahmad Azlan Pa' Wan (6 March 1997). "Feature On Local Superhero". New Straits Times. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  8. 1 2 Karim Iskandar (19 October 1998). "'Silat Legenda' bakal ke luar negara". Berita Harian Singapura. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  9. ↑ Lim Li Min (6 March 1997). "Our first animated feature". New Straits Times. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Hassan A. Muthalib. "THE DESIGN AND NARRATIVE OF SETTING IN SILAT LEGENDA, MALAYSIA'S FIRST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM". Academia. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  11. ↑ "Hang Tuah versi moden". Berita Harian. 30 November 1997. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  12. ↑ Rosidi Daud (4 March 1997). "Hang Tuah in animation". The Malay Mail. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  13. ↑ Marina Abdul Ghani (15 November 1997). "One-of-a-kind". The Malay Mail. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  14. 1 2 3 Roslen Fadzil (25 June 1998). "Kehebatan Silat Legenda". Harian Metro. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  15. ↑ "Silat Legenda uji kemampuan". Harian Metro. 18 April 1998. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  16. 1 2 3 Zainuri Misfar (21 August 1998). "Kos Silat Legenda luar biasa" (PDF). Berita Harian. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  17. ↑ Zainuri Misfar (29 August 1998). "Pahlawan legenda menggegar". Berita Harian. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  18. ↑ Hasleen Bachik (9 September 1998). "Perit tekak Noor kerana 'Silat Legenda'". Berita Harian Singapura. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  19. ↑ Roslen Fadzil (29 July 1998). "Mona cabar Noor". Harian Metro. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  20. ↑ Roslen Fadzil (21 August 1998). "Silat Legenda sudah sedia". Harian Metro. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  21. ↑ "Lima senjata jadi rebutan". Berita Harian Singapura. 10 August 1998. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  22. ↑ "Exception For Animation Courses". New Straits Times. 20 August 1998. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  23. ↑ "Pelancaran Laman Web Silat Legenda". Utusan Malaysia. 13 July 1998.
  24. ↑ Zainal Alam Kadir (29 August 1998). "Animators not up to mark yet". New Straits Times. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  25. ↑ Marina Abdul Ghani (24 August 1998). "Disappointing debut". The Malay Mail. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  26. ↑ Roslen (28 August 1998). "Eksperimen Peninsula". Harian Metro. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  27. ↑ A. Wahab Hamzah (4 September 1998). "Silat Legenda antara kuasa dan dendam". Utusan Malaysia. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  28. ↑ "'Original soundtrack' pertama dari filem Malaysia". Berita Harian Singapura. 5 September 1998. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  29. ↑ "Silat Legenda ke Festival Asia Pasifik". Utusan Malaysia. 13 October 1998.
  30. ↑ Marina Abdul Ghani (2 January 1999). "Local films score at film festival". The Malay Mail. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  31. ↑ "Data Pencapaian Filem Cereka Tempatan Di Peringkat Antarabangsa (1950 - Terkini)" (PDF). Finas. 28 December 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  32. 1 2 Roslen Fadzil (8 October 1999). "Persaingan sengit dalam FFM14". Harian Metro. Retrieved 20 August 2020.