Also known as UCHMUCSM, Indonesia really seems to be on the rise in the realm of martial arts movie making these days. Beginning with Gareth Evans and Iko Uwais first collaboration “Merantau”, and followed by their acclaimed modern classic, “The Raid: Redemption”, more and more of the most popular and revered martial arts films today are coming from Indonesia. Indeed, as we head further into the New Year, Indonesia is poised to release what is almost universally regarded by fans as the martial arts flick to beat in 2014, “The Raid 2: Berandal”, which recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it drew comparisons with “Terminator 2” for sequels that surpass the original. Talk about sending expectations into the stratosphere!
But Gareth Evans’ acclaimed Silat-driven series is just one specimen of martial arts fueled perfection hitting cinema screens from Indonesian soil. Accomplished stuntman Andrew Suleiman of L.A.’s Zero Gravity Stunt Team (the alma mater one Mr. Lateef Crowder – who starred in movies such as “Tom Yum Goong” and “Undisputed 3”) recently released a proof of concept trailer for his upcoming film “You Can’t Hear Me. You Can’t See Me”, which is being produced in Indonesia. Co-directed by Suleiman and Awi Suriyadi, the proof of concept features Suleiman as the character Mo, alongside Hannah Al Rashid and Verdy Bhwant in the roles of May and Mickey. According to Suleiman, the film’s action choreography will feature a blend of Capoeira, Brazilian Jujitsu, and other grappling arts energized in the Hong Kong Style.
If the proof of concept and production stills are any indication, the film will really be something to look out for. The idea of blending such radically different fighting styles into a fluid ballet of combat is the very definition of mixed martial arts, and it’s rare to see the unification be done as seamlessly as the initial offerings for UCSMUCHM.
Donnie Yen pioneered the introduction of grappling-based choreography into Hong Kong cinema with “Kill Zone” aka “Sha Po Lang” and “Flash Point”, showing that world that the grappling arts can provide the basis for fight choreography that’s every bit as engaging and thrilling as fist and foot-based combat. Keep your eyes peeled for UCHMUCSM, and watch out for more from Andrew Suleiman, as well – He may soon be working alongside Joe Taslim of “The Raid” and “Fast and Furious 6″ on the upcoming film”The Night Comes for Us”! Stay tuned for more Indonesian-based martial features coming soon on KFK!
Feast your eyes on the proof of concept and production stills below!
