Uploaded January 2021 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago

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(Gareth Evans, Indonesia 2009, 112 min.)

Inspired by the star of the film and the martial art of Silat, this Indonesian action film started the careers of both Iko Uwais and director Gareth Evans. Uwais stars as Yuda, a young man departing on his Merantau - a journey to gain experience outside of his village, in which he will complete his maturation before returning home. Traveling to Jakarta, Yuda is immediately thrust in the middle of conflict as he defends the helpless, putting him on the wrong side of human traffickers.

Recommended by Kelly Chisholm (Selznick '02), Head of the Moving Image Archival Unit, Library of Congress.

Link to the Gareth Evans interview referred to by Kelly in the conversation: youtu.be/KVIn8itbVtk