KUALA LUMPUR: Barbarian Invasion, the third feature film directed by Malaysian film director Tan Chui Mui has received positive reviews when it opened in Taiwan cinemas on July 15.
The screening also marks the movie's first international market release. It is still currently showing in major cities in Taiwan including Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Kaohsiung.
The movie, praised by the international media as "inventive and witty", and regarded as Tan's best work, had also won the Grand Jury Award at the 24th Shanghai Film Festival.
It was selected for international film festivals including the ones in Vancouver, Rotterdam and Singapore.
Barbarian Invasion was also premiered at the 24th Taipei Film Festival.
"The script is very well written and wonderful. It breaks the rigid form of movie watching of the audiences, and can even inspire the film industry practitioners," said Gene Yao, general manager of distribution company, Swallow Wings Films in a press statement today.
"I'm very proud that a Malaysian film is getting the attention from the Taiwanese," said Barbarian Invasion leading actor Pete Teo.
His co-star Bront Palarae added: "This is great news for everyone involved with the film and I look forward to see the response from the Taiwanese audiences."
The movie tells the story of a divorced and exhausted, retired actress Moon Lee (acted by the director herself) who is offered the chance to make a comeback as the lead character in a do-your-own stunts martial arts film.
Besides Tan, Teo and Bront, the cast lineup also includes James Lee and Zhiny Ooi.