The more I see of Gareth Evans' upcoming Indonesian martial arts flick Merantau the more impressed I am. He's locked on to a discipline seldom seen on screen - silat - found a compelling master of the form - Iko Uwais - and then built a solid cast and story around his stars' skills. The film shows a nice balance of action and drama, character and ass-whuppin, and what we've seen of the cinematography and choreography so far has been impressive. Evans and co have been releasing regular behind the scenes reels from the film so far and while previous entries have showcased the performers, the choreography, camera tests and fight sequences with his latest entry Evans has opted to take a quieter route, taking us behind the scenes of the Sumatran leg of the production, when most of the dramatic roots of the film are laid down in the midst of some stunning scenery. Seriously, if the film comes out looking like this Evans should be hitting up the local tourism board for some sponsorship dollars because it certainly makes me want to go there.
“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.
You'll find all of the production videos below the break.
