Malaysia has a long, rich history of film-making that is too often overlooked by lovers of world cinema. From light-hearted comedies, to riveting dramas, to intriguing documentaries, there is a variety of works to be enjoyed.

Some of Malaysia’s best cinema has always tackled the tough topics. The storylines explore the barriers that impede racial harmony, challenges imposed by tradition and the contrast between life in the kampungs and the big cities.

The following are five outstanding films by a few of Malaysia’s most acclaimed (and at times controversial) directors. So grab a box of tissues and some popcorn because this list has something for everyone.

1. Nujum Pak Belalang (1959) – Directed by P. Ramlee

No list of classic Malaysian films would be complete without mentioning the iconic P. Ramlee. As a consummate actor, director, musician, composer and producer, P. Ramlee has appeared in more than 60 films and directed more than 30.

One of his most acclaimed works is Nujum Pak Belalang (“The Fortune-telling of Pak Belalang”). This comedy film, loosely based on a Malay folk tale, follows the exploits of the lazy villager Pak Belalang (P.Ramlee), and his intelligent son Belalang (Bad Latiff).

Using an array of schemes, the young Belalang convinces the people of the village that his father is a great astrologer with the ability to perform psychic feats. Pak Belalang happily plays along with the charade, but when word of his alleged skills spread, the sultan seeks him out to recover his stolen treasure. As the web of lies grows, so does the hilarity.

With its light-hearted Arabian Nights feel, first rate comedy and smooth theme song (crooned by P.Ramlee himself), it’s easy to see why Nujum Pak Belalang remains such a beloved classic to this day.

2. The Big Durian (2003) – Amir Muhammad

This raw, vibrant and provocative documentary examines the racial tensions that were felt prominently in Kuala Lumpur in the late 1980s. It focuses around an event that occurred one night in 1987, when a rogue Malay soldier armed with an M-16 went on a rampage through the Chow Kit area.

The shooting killed one and injured three others, which led to a citywide panic that disrupted commerce and caused schools to close for days. The widespread fear of another racial riot, a sequel to the notorious 13th of May 1969 incident that left hundreds dead, culminated in Operation Lalang. Following the shooting, the police crackdown led to the controversial arrest of individuals suspected of provoking racial unrest.

3. Sepet (2004) – Directed by Yasmin Ahmad

It’s easy to see why the films of Yasmin Ahmad have garnered such glowing praise both locally and internationally. Before her tragic death in 2009, Yasmin created a great selection of works that celebrated the vivid cultural diversity of Malaysia, as well as the aspirations of the country’s youngest citizens.

Even her commercials for Petronas have attracted broad praise for highlighting the importance of family and community, without being melodramatic.

Sepet (a Malay word meaning ‘slit eyes’) tells the story of a romance between a Malay schoolgirl named Orked (Sharifah Amani) and the young Chinese pirate VCD seller Ah Loong (Choo Seong Ng).

The film seriously examines the struggles of interracial romance in the context of two rigidly traditional cultures, though it features lighthearted moments as well. Due to its touchy subject matter, Sepet was censored by Malaysian authorities until Ahmad agreed to make a total of eight cuts to the film. Sepet is the first instalment of a trilogy, with the story of Orked and her family continuing in Gubra (2006) and Mukhsin (2006).

4. Rain Dogs (2006) – Directed by Yuhang Ho

Set in the bustling backstreets and seedy pool halls of Kuala Lumpur, Rain Dogs paints a harrowing picture of life on the outskirts. While on a pre-university trip to Kuala Lumpur, Tung — the film’s 19 year old protagonist — suffers a sequence of misfortunes that cause his life to rapidly unwind.

After Tung loses his brother to a violent death — and falls afoul of the man who is having an affair with his mother — he flees to live with his uncle. Tung finds himself far from greener pastures, confronted with yet another world where stability is fleeting and the threat of violence ever present.

While this part gangster part coming-of-age meditation drama stands in stark contrast with Yasmin Ahmad’s films, she brings her optimist influence to Rain Dogs in the form of Tung’s aunt.

Unlike the unceasingly volatile characters in Tung’s life, Yasmin’s character represents stability and compassion. Rain Dogs is a must for lovers of serious cinema, though it also features plenty of riveting moments for lovers of crime dramas and thrillers.

5. The Journey (2014) – Directed by Chiu Keng Guan

Currently the highest grossing Malaysian film, The Journey is an uplifting story about overcoming cultural barriers, the universal importance of family and hot air ballooning. When his daughter returns from abroad with British fiancé Benji (Ben Pfeiffer), traditionally-minded Uncle Chuan (Sai Peng Lee) is opposed to the union.

Though hindered by the language gap and Uncle Chuan’s conservative values, Benji eventually persuades Uncle Chan to give his blessing. The provision, however, is that Benji must assist Uncle Chuan in upholding the Chinese custom of personally hand delivering invitations to his childhood friends. The unlikely pair embarks on a quest that eventually draws the families from both East and West closer together.

The Journey was awarded Best Non-Malay Language Local Film and Best Cinematography categories at the 27th Malaysian Film Festival. Chiu Keng Guan is known for giving major rolls to more amateur actors, and certainly made the right choice in choosing Sai Peng Lee, who was awarded Best Actor at the festival, and holds the title for being the oldest recipient of the award.

Interested in discovering more about Malaysia’s intriguing relationship with international cinema? Check out this article on 7 Hollywood Movies Filmed in Malaysia!