Watch River of Exploding Durians

River of Exploding Durians is a 2014 Malaysian film directed by Edmund Yeo. This movie revolves around the lives of two teenage girls, Li and Tan, who reside in a small village in Malaysia. Their village depends heavily on the production of durians, which is the staple fruit of the region. However, the government has plans to build a dam that could potentially destroy the village along with its durian farms.

Li and Tan are both strongly opposed to the dam plans and decide to initiate a protest against it. They believe that the dam would lead to irreversible damage to the village's ecosystem, and the lives of the people residing there would be ruined. They are joined by other villagers, including a group of older activists who fought against the British colonial government in the past.

As the group is not succeeding in their peaceful protests, they start taking more violent measures to stop the construction of the dam. Li's father, who is a businessman, supports the government's plan and is opposed to Li's actions. He tries to convince her to stop the protests and work to find other ways to solve the issue.

The events in the movie escalate as the government and the protestors engage in violent clashes. The villagers are arrested and beaten up by the police. Even though the protest is full of tension, the teenagers continue to push forward, determined to save their village from destruction.

The movie is not only about the fight against the government and the dam but also focuses on the various relationships between the characters. There are love interests, family bonds, and friendships that are all tested as the situation intensifies. The movie also touches on many themes like environmentalism, political corruption, and social inequality.

The movie is visually stunning, with beautiful shots of the Malaysian landscape and serene durian orchards. The cinematography is well thought out, and the director uses the setting to create an immersive experience for the audience. The acting is impressive, especially by the two leads, Zhi-Ying Zhu and Koe Shern. Daphne Low also delivers a fantastic performance as Tan's best friend, who supports her protest.

Additionally, the movie features a musical score by indie rock band, DeepSeaGreen. The score adds to the ambiance of the movie and offers a sense of nostalgia and introspection that fits well with the plot.

In conclusion, River of Exploding Durians is a movie that offers a unique take on the Malaysian lifestyle and environmental issues. The plot is gripping and keeps the audience on edge throughout the film. The teenagers' story is inspiring, and their commitment to fighting for their home is inspiring. The movie leaves you with a lot to reflect on, especially regarding the power of community and perseverance.

River of Exploding Durians is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.