A deeply moving humanist drama with potent social and political undercurrents, “ Abang Adik ” charts the hardships faced by two orphaned Malaysian brothers who have no legal identity in the country of their birth. The mightily impressive first feature written and directed by renowned producer Jin Ong will move many viewers to tears as the brothers’ struggles within the large community of stateless Malaysians and undocumented migrant workers in Kuala Lumpur spiral toward tragedy. Featuring standout lead performances by Taiwanese actor Wu Kang-ren and local star Jack Tan , “Abang Adik” has proved a commercial and critical hit since releasing locally in December 2023 and on Netflix in mid-2024.
A significant achievement in Malaysian social realist cinema and winner of numerous awards at regional and international film festivals including Udine Far East, New York Asian and Taipei Golden Horse, it marks a standout among this year’s crop of Oscar international feature film contenders. Abang Adik (meaning “older brother and younger sibling” in Malay language) continues the focus on social justice, economic inequality and cultural identity in films produced by Ong, such as “Shuttle Life” and “Miss Andy.” In his first assignment as writer-director, Taiping-born Ong has fashioned a tale that is often bleak and confronting but never tilts into melodrama or indulges in poverty porn.
First and foremost an engrossing character piece — one that should connect with .
