Merah (transl. Red) is a 1996 Malaysian Malay-language romantic action film directed, co-written and composed by M. Nasir in his directorial debut and starring himself, Awie in the titular role and Ziana Zain.[3]
| Merah | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | M. Nasir |
| Written by | M. Nasir Loloq |
| Produced by | M. Nasir |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Jamaluddin Maarif |
| Edited by | Dr. Deris Hashim King Jamaluddin |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Skop Productions[1] |
Release date |
|
| Country | Malaysia |
| Language | Malay |
| Box office | MYR 1.5 million[2] |
Cast
edit- Awie as Merah
- Ziana Zain as Kasih
- M. Nasir as Hassan
- Hani Mohsin as Salleh
- Jalaluddin Hassan as Kasih's father
Production
editThe film deviated from the norm by having a predominately male cast.[4]
Soundtrack
editThe music was composed by M. Nasir and was released by BMG on 18 November 1996.[5][6]
Release and reception
editA charity screening of the film took place on 30 November 1997 at Tunku Syed Putra Hall, University Sains Malaysia (USM) in Penang.[7]
The film was well received.[8] Reviewing the film at its premiere, a critic from The Malay Mail called the film "simply superb".[5] A critic from The New Straits Times wrote that "Merah is an impressive directorial debut and an example of Malaysian film acting at its best". The critic criticised the supporting cast, uneven dialogue, and Ziana's undeveloped character and concluded that the film gives hope to the Malay film industry.[9] A critic from Berita Minggu wrote that the film is full of suspense.[10] Haliza Ahmad of The Malay Mail wrote that "Awie, Ziana put up a creditable show".[11] The film was noted for having a different style of storytelling than other Malay films.[12]
Accolades
edit| Year | Event | Category | Recipient | Outcome | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Anugerah Skrin by TV3 | Best Film | M. Nasir | Won | [13] |
| First East Asian Film and TV Festival (EAFTAB) | Pearl Awards | Merah | Shortlisted | [14] |
References
edit- ^ "Saya puji cara M. Nasir" [I praise M Nasir's method]. Metro Ahad. 29 September 1996. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ Salleh, Hanim Mohd (15 January 1997). "Filem Merah akan dijadikan komik" [The film Merah will be made into a comic]. Berita Harian. Retrieved 17 October 2024 – via Prahara Seni.
- ^ Ahmad, Haliza (22 November 1995). "Nasir's debut as director". The Malay Mail. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ Taib, Shuib (23 November 1995). "Males rule in M. Nasir film". New Straits Times. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ a b Ghani, Marina Abdul (27 November 1996). "Merah simply superb". The Malay Mail. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ Waheed, Sajahan (26 November 1996). "BMG releases soundtrack of 'Merah'". New Straits Times. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ "Charity film premiere". New Straits Times. 23 November 1996. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ https://www.google.com/books/edition/Sinema_dan_penontonan_di_Malaysia/Os6VwvDJMuEC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=Merah+(1996)+M.+Nasir&dq=Merah+(1996)+M.+Nasir&printsec=frontcover
- ^ Mokhzani, Charon (1 January 1997). "'Merah' forwards Malay film". The New Straits Times. p. Arts 5. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ Adnan, Azian (15 December 1996). "Merah penuh saspens" [Merah is full of suspense]. Berita Minggu. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ Ahmad, Haliza (21 December 1996). "Awie, Ziana put up a creditable show". The Malay Mail. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ https://www.google.com/books/edition/Dewan_budaya/eZ9uAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=Merah+(1996)+M.+Nasir&dq=Merah+(1996)+M.+Nasir&printsec=frontcover
- ^ Abidin, Zainul (2016). Majulah! 50 Years of Malay/Muslim Community in Singapore. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ Ahmad, Haliza (26 August 1997). "Merah among best 10 for Pearl Award". The Malay Mail. Retrieved 17 October 2024.