SET in a dystopian Malaysia in which different races are forbidden to mix, a Chinese family moves into their new house to find a scared Malay girl still hiding in it.
Should they get rid of her or try to smuggle her back to safety? The content on YouTube warns of some violence, profanity and racism.
The movie by Kuman Pictures Production in association with Sunstrong Entertainment & Tapir Films was posted on YouTube two days ago and has garnered more than 250,000 views. It is considered a success on the streaming channel.
The Cantonese-language movie received good reviews from viewers and most of the comments were about the racism highlighted by the movie.
It also got the attention of political analyst James Chin who wrote:
I’m sure by now you have heard about the movie Pendatang. 200K views. Bypass the censorship board and all the govt regulations.
I really hope more filmakers, esp doco filmmakers, will follow the the same route and produce doco on what is really happening in Malaysia.
Meanwhile…— James Chin (@jameschin110) December 23, 2023
In response to Chin, X user @Kumar_Zone wrote:
Quite possibly the most important movie any Malaysian must watch; the danger and perils of racial isolation and monopoly only leads to oppression, rent seeking and violence. An imaginative “1984” moment in Malaysia.
— kumarzone (XY, biology) (@Kumar_Zone) December 23, 2023
Another user believes that the film actually depicts where Malaysia is heading in the future.
I enjoyed the movie and the storyline depicts where Malaysia is heading given how things are really happening these days.
Acting is commendable and good production. I would give it 8.5/10.— Nazrin B. (@nazbala51) December 23, 2023
Moreover, netizen @Jambul_XX may be quite right in saying this is all about us, Malaysians. – Dec 24, 2023
Pendatang is about us, the rakyat, who will decide our own fate. Vote wisely. Supporting the wrong people will bring suffering.
— Jambul (@Jambul_XX) December 23, 2023
