Father’s Day is a day full of celebration: food, presents and perhaps even some karaoke afterwards. But what to do when the sun finally sets on an otherwise momentous occasion? Well, you swap out your party hats for a pair of pyjamas, of course. Because what’s Father’s Day without a movie night, right? If you’re looking for some local gems to indulge in, here are some good film suggestions. Here are 7 Malaysian Films to Watch With Your Dad on Father’s Day
Family Man
If your dad is a fan of films about chaotic family roadtrips, A Journey of Happiness will hit all the right spots. Determined to bring her estranged family members closer after her mother’s death, Siew Shen decides to take her two siblings and her grumpy, retiree dad on an unforgettable roadtrip to Genting Highlands. They get separated and lost along the way, getting into various shenanigans and even ending up in trouble with the law. Only to be reunited despite impossible odds. But within the chaos and confusion, their relationships slowly mend, as they slowly confront their issues with each and with themselves.
Adrenaline Junkie
Balistik is an action-packed film about crime, violence and the shady underworld of drug-dealers and gangsters. And in the middle of it all, police officer and single dad Saga and his young son, Rykarl. Embroiled in an undercover operation to dismantle a notorious crime ring, Saga disguises himself as a prolific marksman to infiltrate the syndicate. But his cover is compromised when an old friend and fellow detective, Nizam, threatens to blow his cover. Things get complicated when Rykarl, and Saga’s love interest, Zira, get kidnapped by the murderous kingpin who’s out for blood. Will Saga be able to save his loved ones, or will it all end in tragedy?
Hopeless Romantic
Dads with a penchant for love stories will enjoy this 2011 rom-com about fatherhood. Papa, I Love You is about single dad, Baha, who tries to make ends meet while raising his only daughter, Mia. When candy-seller Elly, walks into their lives, Mia is hopeful that she will finally get a mother. But Elly and Baha’s relationship is strained when Elly’s father starts to meddle in their lives. This wholesome movie about blended families and estranged parents quickly transforms from heartwarming to heartwrenching when family, duty, and status collide.
Thriller Seeker
Blood, love and vengeance meet in this locally-produced Tamil film called Villavan: The Vigilante. Haunted by memories of the past, a young man becomes a masked crimefighter determined to avenge his father’s death. Donning a Batman get-up, Vinod tracks down the perpetrators whilst evading law enforcement. But his killing spree slowly unravels a conspiracy that throws everything into chaos. Reminiscent of Hollywood’s The Punisher, Villavan is a spine-chilling film with a slow burn and a shocking ending. Something that will surely keep you at the edge of your seat.
Diversity Advocate
Kongsi Raya will definitely tickle your dad’s fancy if he’s a fan of diversity movies. Centered around the fierce rivalry between two celebrity chefs, a young interacial couple strives to get their dads to get along so they can be together. Determined to have their way, the two fathers compete in a cook-off. The better chef get to decide the fates of the starcrossed lovers. A comedic film about race, prejudice, tradition and culture, this melting pot masterpiece will pull the heartstrings, and tickle your funny bone, all at the same time.
Classical Buff
A classic P. Ramlee movie about fatherhood that your Gen X dad may enjoy is Anakku Sazali. If the black-and-white films of the 1950s is your dad’s jam, then you may want to add this title to your watch list. Starring the legendary comedian and actor P. Ramlee, Anakku Sazali is about a troubled young man named Sazali, whose life takes a turn for the worst despite being raised by a loving father. Torn by guilt and love, Hassan, Sazali’s father, makes a difficult choice that no parent should have to make. Melodramatic fans will definitely enjoy this convoluted story about the trials and tribulations of single fatherhood.
Foodie Father
Starring Afdlin Shauki and Liyana Jasmay, Papadom is about single dad Saadom who owns a successful nasi kandar restaurant and papadum making factory. As a result of neglecting his family to grow his business, Saadom’s relationship with his wife gets more and more strained. Until an argument resulted in a fatal car accident. Racked with guilt at the loss of his wife, Saadon becomes overly protective of his daughter Miasara. Even when Miasara gets the opportunity to continue her studies in another state, Saadon poses as a gardener to make sure she’s safe. A comedic but heartwrenching tale about one father’s love and guilt.
Movie Night with Daddy Dearest
We may not spend enough time with our parents while being busy with work or our kids, and perhaps least of all with our dads. Take Father’s Day as an opportunity to strengthen your familial bonds even if it’s with a movie, or two. Local films reflect so much of our own cultural values and relationships. Fatherhood movies in particular are meant to showcase the sacrifices and contributions that are so synonymous with being a Malaysian father. Seeing these themes on screen may reignite your own long-lost appreciation for your dad—such is the power of a good movie.
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