This action-packed movie made its debut in the 100-year-old LFS Coliseum cinema on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur for just over a week, and will soon play in cinemas throughout Malaysia.
It tells the story of the recently divorced Moon, played by Tan, as she tries to stage a comeback as an actress in an action flick while struggling with motherhood and her identity.
Local talents Pete Teo, James Lee, Mano Maniam and Bront Palarae co-star, while Woo Ming Jin serves as producer.
“Barbarian Invasion” is a production by Da Huang Pictures, which was established in 2005 by Tan, Lee, Amir Muhammad and Liew Seng Tat, who are all part of the new wave of Malaysian cinema.
“Barbarian Invasion” is more than just a fast-paced film with gripping fight scenes; it is laden with philosophical questions regarding one’s identity.
At the start, Moon appears to be going through an existential crisis due to the recent events in her life: the dissolution of her marriage and the struggle of raising a boisterous child.
As an actress, the different characters she assumes in her profession also contribute to Moon’s confusion over who she is and her role in life.
Through the intense martial-arts training required for her upcoming movie, Moon slowly rediscovers her sense of self and begins her journey towards inner peace, as she tries to reconcile her mind and body.
The action scenes in “Barbarian Invasion” are tempered with unexpected, sweet, funny and poignant moments.
As the main star, Tan brings her talent and versatility to the fore as the film delves into the deeper questions of life.
The multitalented Teo is terrific in his role as Roger, the director who wants to shoot a Southeast Asian version of “The Bourne Identity”; while Lee is perfectly cast as the martial-arts sifu Master Loh.
It is delightful to see Maniam play the saffron-robed wise monk, while Palarae portrays his character flawlessly.
Experimental musician Kamal Sabran created the score, which is especially bewitching in the hypnotising scene where a singer performs a familiar tune, paying homage to David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive”.
The inspiration behind the title “Barbarian Invasion” comes from a quote by philosopher Hannah Arendt, which Tan first came across while she was in school and recalled several years ago when she became a mother: “Every generation, civilisation is invaded by barbarians – we call them ‘children’.”
The movie, which runs for 106 minutes, was mostly shot on location along the tranquil beaches of Kemaman and Cherating.
“Barbarian Invasion” is also unique in that it features Mandarin, Cantonese and the Terengganu Malay dialect, in addition to a little bit of the Chin language.
This movie within a movie is definitely worth watching, perhaps even more than once. You will leave the cinema with questions best contemplated alone, preferably over a hot glass of teh tarik.
Towards the end of the movie, the monk tells Moon: “You are not your name, you are not your job, and you are not your relationships.”
In that case, who are you, really?
Don’t miss FMT’s interview with Tan Chui Mui.
If you’d like to bring ‘Barbarian Invasion’ to your location, join the crowdfunding campaign for Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor. Also follow its Facebook page for updates.