We've been tracking the progress of Gareth Evans' Indonesian martial arts flick Merantau for a good while now, anxious for a good look at the silat martial arts being used in the picture and very seldom seen on screen. Well, Evans has just passed along the latest behind the scenes reel from the film, this fifth installment in the series being the first put together since principal photography began which means this is our first chance to see sets and some raw footage. And what sort of task have Evans and company set for themselves? Well, imagine starting a film shoot with a minute + single take, steady-cam fight sequence as the first shot of the film. Fifty six takes later, it was finally in the can ...
“Merantau” is an Indonesian martial arts action drama feature due for release April 2009. Written and directed by British filmmaker Gareth Evans the film showcases Silat Harimau, a branch of Indonesia’s ancient martial art of Pencak Silat. With choreography from renowned master Edwel Datuk Rajo Gampo Alam and Team Silat Harimau, “Merantau” will also introduce to the world Indonesia’s rising action star and Silat Tiga Berantai expert, Iko Uwais.For the past 5 months Iko has been trained in Silat Harimau to perform the complex choreography designed for the film to be shot on location in both West Sumatra and Jakarta. The film also stars Sisca Jessica, Mads Koudal (Footsteps, The Feral Generation, Six Reasons Why), Laurent “Lohan” Buson (Silverhawk, Z-Team Stunts Group), Yayan Ruhian, Donny Alamsyah (9 Naga, Fiksi), Ratna Galih and Award Winning Actress/Producer Christine Hakim (Tjoet Nia Dien, Leaf on a Pillow, Whispering Sands).
In Minangkabau, West Sumatera, Yuda a skilled practitioner of Silat Harimau is in the final preparations to begin his “Merantau” a century’s old rites-of-passage to be carried out by the community’s young men that will see him leave the comforts of his idyllic farming village and make a name for himself in the bustling city of Jakarta.
After a series of setbacks leave Yuda homeless and uncertain about his new future, a chance encounter results in him defending the orphaned Astri from becoming the latest victim of a European human trafficking ring led by the wildly psychotic, Ratger and his right-hand man Luc.
With Ratger injured in the melee and seeking both his “merchandise” and bloody retribution, Yuda’s introduction to the city is a baptism of fire as he is forced to go on the run with Astri and her younger brother Adit as all the pimps and gangsters that inhabit the night hound the streets chasing their every step. With escape seemingly beyond their grasp, Yuda has no choice but to face his attackers in an adrenaline charged, jaw-dropping finale.
Check the new reel in the Twitch Player below the break.
looks like Ong Bak Redux, to me. But if its got solid martial arts, and good camera work i'll chec it out.