Kick-Ass ‘Merantau’ Trailer Intros Us Iko Uwais, Future Action Star
Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on May 4, 2009
The folks over at Twitch have pointed the world in the direction of a new trailer for an Indonesian martial arts film called Merantau. And based on what I’m seeing here — and what Todd Brown is saying over there — it looks like we’ve got another action star on our hands cut from the mold of Tony Jaa. His name is Iko Uwais, and he is the man at the heart of this potentially kick-ass new film. I have no doubt that some of you will be ready to keep track of this release after watching the trailer below.
Official Synopsis: “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.”
Merantau will be screening at the Cannes Film Festival later this month, where it will be seeking further distribution. We will keep you in the loop, as always. You can also check out a few stills from the film below, courtesy of the film’s official site.
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