Cast
View AllBront Palarae
as Major Adnan
Shaheizy Sam
as Lance Cpl. Ramlee
Hairul Azreen
as Lt. Ismail
Zahiril Adzim
as Lt. Dahari
Iedil Putra
as Lt. Mustafa
Adlin Aman Ramlie
as Col. Rahman
Fauzi Nawawi
as Maj. Osman
Tony Eusoff
as Maj. Abd Samad
Syazwan Zulkifly
as Lt. Johan
Dafi Ismail Sabri
as Lance Cpl. Zulkifli
Taufiq Hanafi
as Lance Cpl. Fuad
Nafiez Zaidi
as Lance Cpl. Nik Zainal
Dini Schatzmann
as Sgt. Hamid
Gambit Saifullah
as Sgt. Mukhriz
Theebaan Govindasamy
as Lance Cpl. Shah
Crew
Director
- Adrian Teh
Writer
- Adrian Teh
- Ashraf Modee Zain
Producer
- Adrian Teh
- Syed Ali Shahul Hameed
- Budi Citawan
- Esther Hau
- Catalina Mae Hubband
- Lim Teck
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Malbatt: Misi Bakara examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Adrian Teh brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Malbatt: Misi Bakara took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $4.2 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 131 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 160 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 32 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Malbatt: Misi Bakara shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Doom, which focuses more on action than character development, Malbatt: Misi Bakara subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Standard Operating Procedure and The Bank Job explore similar territory, Malbatt: Misi Bakara stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 24, 2023
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Budget: $4,200,000
- Revenue: $6,866,680
Where to Watch

