‘Abang Adik:’ Jin Ong’s Malaysian Oscar Entry Proves Stirring and Heartbreaking [VIDEO]

Abang Adik translates as older brother, younger sib in Malay. It’s also the title of the feature directorial debut for producer Jin Ong. The engaging, often bleak but deeply moving film centers on two very different, marginalized, undocumented orphans trying to get along in the Pudu Market section of crime-infested Malaysia.

Abang (Kang Ren Wu) is a deaf market worker struggling to survive. Adik (Jack Tan) is his prideful, wayward younger brother who is usually involved in illegal activity. Both, though, are totally devoted to one another–and are part of a queer community of sorts, with a trans Aunty at its center, that are family to each other.

The film takes a sharp and shocking turn from character study to suspense thriller around the midway mark, and the genre switch pays off as we delve more into the psychology of the story, and it’s lead characters.

Abang Adik is a stirring heartbreaking work with both lead actors delivering magnificent performances.

Jin spent over 20 years in the record industry and as an artist manager. He then crossed over into producing TV dramas in both Malaysia and Taiwan. He broke into films as Executive Producer in 2014 with The Gathering and went on to EP a handful of other movies before helming Abang Adik, which has won numerous awards at Festivals throughout Asia.

Abang Adik is currently streaming on Netflix.

Malaysia has never been Oscar nominated. This is their 9th submission.

The Contending had a zoom-chat with Jin about his impressive film.