AFTER three decades as a versatile actor, rock legend Datuk Awie is marking his directorial debut on the silver screen.
His first film as a director is a title befitting a rock star — 'Rebel'.
With the tagline 'Berontak Untuk Berotak' (Fight To Be Smart), its theme is looking into the mind of young and restless people.
ACTION-PACKED
Awie, who was the action director for the crime drama 'Iskandar' in 2003, said that he had always wanted to direct a film which was action-packed.
"I was invited to direct 'Rebel' by the late director Dr Ahmad Ibrahim two years ago. He saw potential in me and I will always be grateful to him for this," said Awie.
Awie was speaking at the press preview of 'Rebel' at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) The Starling Mall in Petaling Jaya recently.
SQUATTER VILLAGE
The film is produced by Wau Production and Rumah Produksi Merah.
It stars Ben Amir, MK, Shiqin Kamal, Azlan Komeng and Awie himself.
'Rebel' tells the story of Luka (Ben) who grows up in a squatter village surrounded by bad influences.
The RM1 million film opens on May 2.
FIGHT SCENES
Awie revealed that producer Zamin Fakry Zainol invited him to direct the fight scenes, but he picked Azlan as he was an experienced fight choreographer.
"'Rebel' is my idea, though. It is a hard look at why we become angry youths."
Awie chose Ben and MK for the main roles as they looked like "lions ready for a fight".
"Ben has been acting in romantic dramas so this is a different side of him, and it suits him great.
"MK is a talented singer and dancer and he has the looks of a leading man, too," said Awie.
CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
As a first-time director, Awie said that he was bound to make mistakes and he hoped fans would give him constructive feedback on how to improve.
"'Rebel' is not a one-off film, I might do a sequel about Luka's redemption.
"In future I would love to direct police or adventure films," said Awie.
200 PER CENT
Zamin said that Awie gave 200 per cent as a director and the results showed.
"I hope he will continue to thrive in this genre as he loves it."
MARTIAL ARTS
'Rebel' is about Luka who grows up in a squatter village and is surrounded by youngsters who are drug addicts, gangsters and prostitutes.
He is bullied by the biggest village gangster Bono (MK), who constantly harasses his mother as well as their neighbours.
The bullying makes Luka an angry man, and he takes up martial arts to toughen himself.
SILAT MASTER
Luka is soon forced to leave the village as a result of threats to the lives of his loved ones.
He works hard in the big city, and a silat master who is also a businessman and philanthropist, Pak Long Biring (Awie), takes him under his wings.
Luka realises that Bono has also moved to the city and is working for a former associate of Pak Long Biring.
Bono is determined to "finish off" Luka, and sends him a warning that they must fight, lest he harms his loved ones.
ANTI-HERO
Ben said that he had always been a fan of Awie.
"Luka is a good anti-hero and it is great to play such a well-developed character in my first action movie," he said.
Azlan said that it was an honour to work with Awie.
"He is a perfectionist. Ben and MK really sparred each other though not injuring themselves."
GOOD TEACHER
MK said that he was happy to be part of the movie.
"I love to be a bad guy because bad guys sell.
"Awie gives precise instructions and pushes all of us hard. But he never loses his cool."
TANDA PUTERA
Shiqin said that it was a once in a lifetime experience to work with a legend like Awie.
"He was very sweet. We met in 'Tanda Putera' a decade ago, where I played the daughter of Tun Dr Ismail while Awie sang the theme song 'Tanda'."
SEMBILU
Awie thanked the cast and crew for being a great team.
"We worked over a month around the Klang Valley last year.
"There is a bit of 'Sembilu' in the story. It is a tribute to my first movie."