Merong Mahawangsa

Most of you would probably have a vague idea of Merong Mahawangsa from the boring history lessons during our school years. Well, you can refresh your memory by watching the film Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa (inaptly named The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines).

At first glimpse, it reminds me of 300. Remember a bunch of 300 burly, muscular men (lead by Gerard Butler) in war during the Spartan time?

After watching the trailer, it reminds me more and more of 300. The CG used, the fighting scenes, the half naked muscular men. Hmmm....Stephen Rahman-Hughes does look ooolalalallaa.....*drool*
Anyway, back to the film, it's a product of KRU Studios, directed by Yusry. Did I tell you that I used to adore KRU? I used to love their songs so much and I think Norman looks so handsone. I was young and immature then...LOL.
A lot of money (second to Puteri Gunung Ledang) and hardwork has been put in the film. Considering that it's a local production, I would say that it looks promising. It's going to be in the cinema next week and I've yet to see any serious effort in promoting it.

Below is the synopsis:
Based loosely on the 16th century historical document entitled ‘The Malay Annals’, ’The Chronicles of Merong Mahawangsa’ is an action-packed epic feature film, with mythical characters, magical moments and dazzling visual-effects sequences. Merong Mahawangsa was a descendant of Alexander the Great, a renowned naval captain and traveler who came to Asia several hundred years ago.
The year is 120 AD… a time when the Roman Empire is at the height of its power, during the reign of Hadrian – one of the Five Good Emperors. Meanwhile in China, the Han Dynasty is firmly cemented as the ruling empire and is expanding into Central Asia… one hundred years before the period of the Three Kingdoms. As the Roman fleet did their repairs and traded in Goa, they asked Merong Mahawangsa to escort a Roman prince to Southeast Asia, to wed a beautiful Chinese princess from the Han Dynasty. The Chinese princess and the Roman prince are supposed to meet halfway and be married on neutral grounds.
However, the pirate nation of Geruda had other plans. They decided to kidnap the Chinese princess and use her as ransom. En route to the Straits of Melaka, Merong Mahawangsa’s fleet was attacked by Geruda’s forces while stopping at a small island to replenish supplies.
Will Merong Mahawangsa be able to rescue the Princess and re-unite her with her betrothed in a marriage that is set to bring together two great civilizations from the East and West ?

Go watch it if you have time. :P Local film like this is hard to come by.