Clash of Empires (2011)
"The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines" (original title)

The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines (released in Malaysia as "Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa") is an adventure feature film set against the backdrop of ancient Malay, Roman and Chinese ... See full summary »

Director:

Yusry Abd Halim

Writers:

Amir Hafizi (screenplay), Yusry Abd Halim (screenplay)

Stars:

Stephen Rahman Hughes, Gavin Stenhouse, Jing Lusi

5 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Stephen Rahman Hughes	...	Merong Mahawangsa
Gavin Stenhouse	...	Marcus Carpenius
Jing Lusi	...	Princess Meng Li Hua
Rahim Razali	...	Kesum (as Dato' Rahim Razali)
Ummi Nazeera	...	Embok
Khir Rahman	...	Kamawas
Craig Fong	...	Admiral Liu Yun
W. Hanafi W. Su	...	Taji
Jehan Miskin	...	Embi
Ahmad Muhariam	...	Pilus
Nell Ng	...	Ying Ying (as Nellie Ng Suet Lin)
Henrik Norman	...	Lycius
Manogaran Maniam	...	Goan 1
Umie Aida	...	Lang
Acong	...	Native 1

Storyline

The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines (released in Malaysia as "Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa") is an adventure feature film set against the backdrop of ancient Malay, Roman and Chinese civilizations. It tells the tale of the journey of Merong Mahawangsa escorting a Roman prince to wed a beautiful Chinese princess during the 2nd century. Featuring an international cast, The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines combines elements of romance, adventure, coupled with a strong dose of hand-to-hand combat & martial arts.

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Plot Keywords:

roman | prince | 2nd century | asia | cgi | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for bloody violence and battle sequences

Details

Official Sites:

KRU Studios [Malaysia] Official site

Country:

Malaysia

Language:

English Malay Chinese

Release Date:

10 March 2011 (Malaysia)

Also Known As:

Clash of Empires

Filming Locations:

Malaysia

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

KRU Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

A Malaysian Epic Movie of the Century

I guess it is the most awaited Malaysian movie by far. Help by various source of publicity due to the story line filled with international taste, the movie The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines or 'Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa' in Malay does not disappoint.

Script: The English script looks to be a bit modernize but it does not hurt the movie as the Malays, Chinese and the Roman do not use English at that time. The Roman at the time is using the ancient Latins which is not practical to be used. For those of you who love history and ancient language, the use of 'Malay Purbakala' or some might say a dead language show the efforts of the script writer. Even the Malaysian audiences are having hard time to understand the language.

Story line: The story lines are quite fast and do not make you sleep, I promise. In some scene it could be ridiculously fast and in some it is understandable. It is understand that the Director wanted to limit the duration under 2 hours, so that the audience do not feel uncomfortable.

Cast: Most of the major actors and actress are doing a great job by portraying their character. Stephen as Merong, Jing Lusi as Princess, Khir Rahman as Kemawas has play their part greatly. Although, most critic in here, agree that Gavin as Marcus and Henrik as Lycius can do a little bit more.

Fighting Scene: I guess the fighting scene are amazing knowing the limited resource that the production's have, the end result is still above average. Help by a group of experience fighting scene choreographer from Hong Kong and Merong masculinity, it is safe to say that it will blow your mind.

History: For those of you who argue that the movie filled with history inaccuracies, please do your study. It is well known that 'Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa' is verbally told from generation to generation added with mystical elements which are not logical. In the 'Hikayat' or book it is told that the Geruda is not pirates but a big man eating bird known as 'Geruda'. In the book it also stated that Merong comes from Rom and in other source says he is a demigod. There are also a tale about Merong meeting Prophet Solomon.

All in all, I've got to say that the movie will not disappoint you. Reminder: If you see any problem with the CGI, well do not expect the movie will be as good as Gladiator or Alexandre or 300. Pity the production who works with only 13 graphic designers (add amateur after 13) and limited budget.