Backdrop preview Datok Merah’s Grandson backdrop
Datok Merah’s Grandson

Datok Merah’s Grandson (1963)

Jan 01, 1963 1h 38m Drama Action

A period drama with Malay symbolisms, myth and folklore, the title Chuchu Datok Merah points to the mental image Malays have of themselves as descendants of Hang Tuah, the legendary Malay warrior of Malacca. Awang Janggut is very much a pseudo-warrior. Instead of a “keris”, a warrior’s weapon, he owns a prize-winning rooster. His battlefield is the cock fight arena. Home is a big but empty house inherited from his ancestor, and prefers living in poverty to working. The closest he comes to the high life of a warrior is when a rich businessman employs him as a bodyguard after he prevents hooligans from taunting the latter’s daughter Siti. Despite knowing Awang is married, Siti continues to flirt with him, causing him to leave his pregnant wife alone. She eventually falls sick and has a miscarriage. The film is a social criticism of people who rest on their laurels and ancestry instead of working for themselves. It is also one of the finest examples of the anti-hero in Malay cinema.

Directed by M. Amin

Cast

View All
Nordin Ahmad
View Profile
Nordin Ahmad

as Awang Janggut

Latifah Omar
View Profile
Latifah Omar

as Wan Kuntum

View Profile
Rose Yatimah

as Siti Molek

View Profile
A. Rahim

as Long Daik

View Profile
Yem Jaafar

as

View Profile
Yem Jaafar

as Hassan

View Profile
Dollah Sarawak

as Pak Hanif

View Profile
Rahimah Alias

as Inang

View Profile
Menah Yem

as Mak Dukun

View Profile
M. Osman

as Wan Embong

View Profile
Mansor

as

Crew

Director
  • M. Amin

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Datok Merah’s Grandson examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director M. Amin 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 1963, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Datok Merah’s Grandson took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The musical score contains over 31 unique compositions.
  • The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1963, when this film was released:
  • The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
  • Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 1963
  • Runtime: 1h 38m

Similar Movies