Nizarimi Abdul Wahab

It seems to have become a bit of a trend for Malaysian movie producer to feature special forces like PASKAL, PASKAU, GGK even PTK-APMM (Malaysian Coast Guard Special Tasks and Rescue), and now VAT69. This has even sparked jokes among local movie fans, saying, *"What’s next? A movie about RELA?"* Now, about "Conquer: Lahad Datu"—what a fantastic film! However, it’s a bit disappointing that, while it claims to be based on a true story, only about 40–50% of it seems historically accurate. I was hoping for something akin to "A Bridge Too Far" or "Midway" (70's movies), where the storytelling stays closer to the facts. Unfortunately, the movie clarifies right from the start that it’s “based on true events.” That said, it’s still a great watch! Though I’d rank *Sheriff* a notch higher. The shooting sequences, the "tactical movements" seems realistic (maybe real VAT69 personnel involved) and sound effects are top-notch, but I wish it leaned a bit more into realism. For instance, special forces wouldn’t carry mobile phones in their pockets during operations—they’re supposed to be completely “sterile.” But hey, it’s a movie; they had to add such elements for dramatic flair. Special mention on that that neck-slashing scene by the militants. Absolutely chilling! I’m hoping more movies about VAT69 especially their contributions fighting the communist. They're quite underrated IMO. It’s an exciting time for Malaysian cinema, but let’s hope future films balance the cinematic spectacle with more authenticity.

**Review: A Must-Watch Malay Action Movie on Netflix** I went into this movie with not so high expectations, thinking it would be another run-of-the-mill action flick like *Paskal* or *Polis Evo*. But lo and behold, I was pleasantly surprised—it exceeded my expectations by a mile. First, a word of advice: don’t watch this movie expecting Hollywood-level production. Instead, approach it with an open heart and mind, and you’ll find yourself truly immersed. Now, onto the movie itself. A good film is like a good cake—it needs to taste as good as it looks. There’s no point in having a visually stunning movie if the content falls flat. Fortunately, this film is the full package. The acting, particularly by Zul Ariffin and Syafiq Kyle, is exceptional. Zul's character is the opposite of Syafiq's. He seems cynical, but he's sharp and observant while Syafiq is a meticulous, careful, and precise person. The plot, though straightforward at first glance, has enough twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s been a while since a Malay movie had me glued to my chair. The action scenes are top-notch, the plot is as twisty as a frayed knot, and the story, though simple, is engaging. The mission is to catch a meth killer while exposing corrupt cops is well-executed. I highly recommend this movie—it’s an enjoyable watch from start to finish. Of course, there’s always room for improvement. For instance, the UTK operation could have been grittier. It felt a bit too polished, almost like a demonstration rather than a real operation. While I understand that PDRM might not want to reveal their true tactics, a touch more realism wouldn’t hurt. Another point worth mentioning is the portrayal of the villains. It seems to be a trademark of Yusof’s kids films that the bad guys are always covered in tattoos. The judge in the movie, for example, could have been an even more compelling antagonist. Imagine a character who is charming and soft-spoken yet psychologically unstable and unpredictable—that would have added another layer of depth. Despite these minor critiques, the movie is a solid piece of work. I applaud the entire team for delivering such a quality film. I hope there’s a sequel, and if there is, I’m looking forward to seeing even more polished plotlines, character development, and action sequences.