Watch Bunohan: Return to Murder

Bunohan: Return to Murder is a critically acclaimed Malaysian drama film directed by Dain Iskandar Said, and released in 2011. The narrative is set in a rural village in the district of Bachok, where three estranged brothers are forced to confront their past and their present in order to secure their future. The film opens with Ikon (Zahiril Adzim), a successful kickboxer and a recovering drug addict, returning to his hometown, Bunohan. He is there to pay his respects to his late father, who left him and his two half-brothers, Bakar (Pekin Ibrahim) and Adil (Faizal Hussein), with a strange last will and testament. The father has requested that the three brothers come together and bury him in the ancestral grave, located deep in the jungles of Bunohan, and that they must do so within seven days of his passing in order to inherit his land.

While the brothers have not seen each other in years and are not on good terms, they reluctantly agree to the request, and set off through the treacherous terrain. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and are forced to confront their own dark pasts, which include murder, family secrets, and betrayals.

As the journey progresses, the story shifts between the present and flashbacks of the brothers’ childhood and teenage years, revealing how they became estranged and how their father’s actions shaped their lives. The flashbacks show the boys growing up in a poverty-stricken village and dealing with various hardships, including their abusive and alcoholic father (played by Wan Hanafi Su), who frequently punishes them for not living up to his expectations.

Meanwhile, in the present, the brothers are up against dangerous external forces, ranging from corrupt local officials to ruthless gangsters, who are also vying for control of the land that the brothers are soon to inherit. As the deadline approaches, tensions rise, and the brothers are forced to confront their past and work together to protect their inheritance and their own lives.

The film's stunning visuals of the Malaysian countryside, especially the jungle and its surrounding beaches, are shot by the accomplished cinematographer, Chin Ting-chang. Said’s direction strikes a perfect balance between a character-driven drama and the suspenseful nature of the threatening external forces. The story unfolds slowly, giving enough time for both the audience and the characters to reflect upon the emotional complexities of their backgrounds and relationships. It is not just a story of greed and survival but of brotherhood, love, and self-discovery.

The acting is a true powerhouse, especially that of Faizal Hussein, who delivers a memorable performance as Adil, the prodigal son who left the village to work in the city and abandoned his family responsibilities. He brings depth and gravitas to the role, portraying a flawed and tragic character with a range of emotions. Zahiril Adzim portrays Ikon with rugged charm, realism, and sensitivity, capturing both his toughness and vulnerability. Pekin Ibrahim also delivers a solid performance as Bakar, the eldest brother torn between his loyalty to his father’s wishes and his own moral code.

In conclusion, Bunohan: Return to Murder is not just another Malay film, but an exceptional piece of filmmaking that engages viewers with its multi-layered characters, compelling story, breathtaking visuals, and powerful performances. It is a blend of a classic family drama, a socio-political commentary on land disputes, and a suspenseful thriller. The cultural nuances and the subtle commentary on issues ranging from land exploitation to familial conflict also make the film more universal and relatable. Overall, Bunohan is a must-watch film that deserves a global audience, showcasing the wealth of talent and creativity in Southeast Asian cinema.

Bunohan: Return to Murder is a 2011 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.