Cicak Man
Encyclopedia
Cicak Man is a 2006 Malaysian comedy-superhero film. It is the first Malaysian film of this genre, and features almost 40% CGI footage. The film was directed by KRU member Yusry
and starred comedian Saiful Apek
. The name "Cicak-Man" literally translates to "Gecko
-Man".
A sequel, Cicakman 2 – Planet Hitam was released on 11 December 2008 in Malaysia, Singapore
and Brunei
. The original announced release is in the end of 2007.
Set in the make-believe city of Metrofulus, "Cicak-Man" is about the last person on earth anyone would expect to turn into a superhero. But funnyman Saiful Apek, does, quite by accident and becomes a shock to his friend, who also tries his best to adjust to his superpowers. When he's not climbing walls, Cicakman reverts to his alter ego, the unassuming Hairi.
Meanwhile, the people of Metrofulus are constantly being infected by new strains of viruses, and the only cure seems to come only from Professor Klon's Aznil Nawawi lab. Suspecting something amiss, Hairi and Danny launch their own investigation and discover that Professor Klon is not only the creator of such viruses, but also has a more sinister plan up his sleeve, backed by his business partners, the Ginger Boys (played by Adlin Aman Ramlie and AC Mizal, who first tend to take revenge on Professor Klon's failed experiment on them; making their senses turn abnormal.
Hairi soon makes use of his new-found powers as "Cicakman" when he saves Tania Fasha Sandha, Professor Klon's secretary from a threatening situation, and also ends up falling for her. However, he finds that his powers are more of a threat to his life, than a gift, and embarks on a mission to bring down Prof Klon and the Ginger Boys before his time runs out.
, and about 40% of the film was shot in Green Screen
. The visual effects team led by the director, Yusry
, used CGI technology
to fully realize the fictional city of Bandar Metrofulus (which was based on Kuala Lumpur
), the protagonist's super-hero movements and various digital sets. Over 90% of the rotoscoping and compositing
work were carried out by KRU Films
(now known as KRU Studios
), who were also behind the musical scores and audio effects.
Of note, Adlin Aman Ramlie and AC Mizal previously worked together on the Puteri Gunung Ledang
musical.
alias "Six Million Dollar Man".David Teo as a film producer
and CEO of Metrowealth International Group referred Cicak Man as a miracle with the response and difference shown in Malaysian filming industry. Besides film maker, ex-president of Persatuan Sutradara Malaysia (FDAM), Ahmad Ibrahim
, praised this masterpiece created by Yusry and KRU
.
said that the film has no 'soul', aesthetic values and culture. There were individuals who compared between Cicak Man and Spider-Man
, Batman
, Superman
, and other superhero films from Hollywood, but before it was released to public, the director, Yusry had advised people to not compare Cicak Man with other superhero characters because the budget is obviously lower compared to Hollywood productions.
KRU
KRU is a Malaysian pop group that was formed in 1992. The group comprises three brothers: Norman Abdul Halim, Yusry Abdul Halim and Edry Abdul Halim...
and starred comedian Saiful Apek
Saiful Apek
Mohd Saifulazam b. Mohammad Yusoff , also known as Saiful Apek, is a famous comedian in Malaysia.He used to be the member of a comedy group called Senario,the word "Apek" is a Chinese slang for an old man,he is called Saiful Apek because he used to be the host for the television show called Melodi,...
. The name "Cicak-Man" literally translates to "Gecko
Gecko
Geckos are lizards belonging to the infraorder Gekkota, found in warm climates throughout the world. They range from 1.6 cm to 60 cm....
-Man".
A sequel, Cicakman 2 – Planet Hitam was released on 11 December 2008 in Malaysia, Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
and Brunei
Brunei
Brunei , officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace , is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia...
. The original announced release is in the end of 2007.
Set in the make-believe city of Metrofulus, "Cicak-Man" is about the last person on earth anyone would expect to turn into a superhero. But funnyman Saiful Apek, does, quite by accident and becomes a shock to his friend, who also tries his best to adjust to his superpowers. When he's not climbing walls, Cicakman reverts to his alter ego, the unassuming Hairi.
Plot
Hairi Saiful Apek, is a loser who lives in Metrofulus. While working in the lab, he accidentally drinks coffee that has been contaminated by a virus-infected gecko. He soon finds himself doing the most insane things, such as sticking to walls, making chirping cicak noises and adding bugs to his menu. He turns to his best friend and apartment mate, Danny Yusry Abdul Halim, and begs him to find the reason behind his strange antics.Meanwhile, the people of Metrofulus are constantly being infected by new strains of viruses, and the only cure seems to come only from Professor Klon's Aznil Nawawi lab. Suspecting something amiss, Hairi and Danny launch their own investigation and discover that Professor Klon is not only the creator of such viruses, but also has a more sinister plan up his sleeve, backed by his business partners, the Ginger Boys (played by Adlin Aman Ramlie and AC Mizal, who first tend to take revenge on Professor Klon's failed experiment on them; making their senses turn abnormal.
Hairi soon makes use of his new-found powers as "Cicakman" when he saves Tania Fasha Sandha, Professor Klon's secretary from a threatening situation, and also ends up falling for her. However, he finds that his powers are more of a threat to his life, than a gift, and embarks on a mission to bring down Prof Klon and the Ginger Boys before his time runs out.
Production
The film was shot using Dolby TrueHDDolby TrueHD
Dolby TrueHD is an advanced lossless multi-channel audio codec developed by Dolby Laboratories which is intended primarily for high-definition home-entertainment equipment such as Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. It is the successor to the AC-3 Dolby Digital surround sound codec which was used as the...
, and about 40% of the film was shot in Green Screen
Chroma key
Chroma key compositing is a technique for compositing two images together. A color range in the top layer is made transparent, revealing another image behind. The chroma keying technique is commonly used in video production and post-production...
. The visual effects team led by the director, Yusry
KRU
KRU is a Malaysian pop group that was formed in 1992. The group comprises three brothers: Norman Abdul Halim, Yusry Abdul Halim and Edry Abdul Halim...
, used CGI technology
Computer-generated imagery
Computer-generated imagery is the application of the field of computer graphics or, more specifically, 3D computer graphics to special effects in art, video games, films, television programs, commercials, simulators and simulation generally, and printed media...
to fully realize the fictional city of Bandar Metrofulus (which was based on Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the second largest city in Malaysia by population. The city proper, making up an area of , has a population of 1.4 million as of 2010. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.2 million...
), the protagonist's super-hero movements and various digital sets. Over 90% of the rotoscoping and compositing
Compositing
Compositing is the combining of visual elements from separate sources into single images, often to create the illusion that all those elements are parts of the same scene. Live-action shooting for compositing is variously called "chroma key", "blue screen", "green screen" and other names. Today,...
work were carried out by KRU Films
KRU
KRU is a Malaysian pop group that was formed in 1992. The group comprises three brothers: Norman Abdul Halim, Yusry Abdul Halim and Edry Abdul Halim...
(now known as KRU Studios
KRU Studios
KRU Studios is one of the media and entertainment companies in Malaysia. Founded in 1992, KRU has since diversified, and now provides a range of services related to the media and entertainment industry, specializing in both production and distribution capabilities.With offices and representatives...
), who were also behind the musical scores and audio effects.
Cast
- Saiful ApekSaiful ApekMohd Saifulazam b. Mohammad Yusoff , also known as Saiful Apek, is a famous comedian in Malaysia.He used to be the member of a comedy group called Senario,the word "Apek" is a Chinese slang for an old man,he is called Saiful Apek because he used to be the host for the television show called Melodi,...
as Hairi Yatim/Cicakman - Yusry Kru as Dannial Johan
- Aznil NawawiAznil NawawiAznil bin Haji Nawawi or better known as Aznil Nawawi, Aznil Haji Nawawi, Aznil or Pak Nil, is a TV host in Malaysia. He is said to be the man who revolutionized hosting on Malaysian TV; turning it from rigid and monotonous to witty, fun and lively.He won the Best Talk Show Award at the Asian...
as Professor Klon - Fasha SandhaFasha SandhaNur Fasha Sandha binti Hassan or commercially known as Fasha Sandha is a Malaysian actress who has appeared in movies, television shows, and commercials. She was born in Johor Bahru, Johor, but moved to Penang and later to Perlis due to her father's work...
as Tania Ashraf - Yasmin Hani as Nadia
- Adlin Aman Ramlie as Ginger 1
- AC Mizal as Ginger 2
Of note, Adlin Aman Ramlie and AC Mizal previously worked together on the Puteri Gunung Ledang
Puteri Gunung Ledang (musical)
Puteri Gunung Ledang is a Malaysian musical directed by Zahim Albakri, co-directed by Adlin Aman Ramlie, book by Saw Teong Hin and music composed by Dick Lee. The musical is based on the 2004 Puteri Gunung Ledang film. The original production was staged at the Istana Budaya in February 2006, this...
musical.
Soundtrack listing
- The Times – Cicakman
- SpiderSpiderSpiders are air-breathing arthropods that have eight legs, and chelicerae with fangs that inject venom. They are the largest order of arachnids and rank seventh in total species diversity among all other groups of organisms...
– Telinga ke Tulang - Pretty Ugly – Diari Seorang Lelaki
- Ezlynn – Menunggumu
- Aznil NawawiAznil NawawiAznil bin Haji Nawawi or better known as Aznil Nawawi, Aznil Haji Nawawi, Aznil or Pak Nil, is a TV host in Malaysia. He is said to be the man who revolutionized hosting on Malaysian TV; turning it from rigid and monotonous to witty, fun and lively.He won the Best Talk Show Award at the Asian...
– Professor Klon - YusryKRUKRU is a Malaysian pop group that was formed in 1992. The group comprises three brothers: Norman Abdul Halim, Yusry Abdul Halim and Edry Abdul Halim...
– Jika Ku Tak Bangun Esok Pagi - Dr. Kronik – Bukan Ilusi
- Syuga – Dialah Aku
Response
Cicak-Man created Malaysian movie history by grossing RM350,000 with an audience attendance number of 47,116 in its first day. The film eventually gave its production company, KRU Group of Companies, a RM6.7 million boost due to sales.Honours
The film received praise from some critcs. One of them is Dato' Yusof HaslamYusof Haslam
Yusof Haslam is a Malaysian film maker and director. His film production are mainly focus on the world of police, such as Gerak Khas and Roda-Roda Kuala Lumpur. Now his legacy are continue by his sons, one of them is Syamsul Yusof....
alias "Six Million Dollar Man".David Teo as a film producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
and CEO of Metrowealth International Group referred Cicak Man as a miracle with the response and difference shown in Malaysian filming industry. Besides film maker, ex-president of Persatuan Sutradara Malaysia (FDAM), Ahmad Ibrahim
Ahmad Ibrahim
Ahmad Ibrahim may refer to:* Ahmad Ibrahim , Singaporean politician* Professor Ahmad Mohamad Ibrahim, Singaporean State Advocate-General from 1959 to 1965, Attorney-General of Singapore from 1965 to 1967...
, praised this masterpiece created by Yusry and KRU
KRU
KRU is a Malaysian pop group that was formed in 1992. The group comprises three brothers: Norman Abdul Halim, Yusry Abdul Halim and Edry Abdul Halim...
.
Comparison
While there were people who praised Cicak Man, there were many others who criticized this film greatly. Mansor Putih in an interview by Harian MetroHarian Metro
Harian Metro is a Malaysian newspaper published in Malay language and available in the afternoon. It was launched on 25 March 1991. A Sunday edition, Metro Ahad was launched on August 19, 1995.The format of the newspaper is tabloid...
said that the film has no 'soul', aesthetic values and culture. There were individuals who compared between Cicak Man and Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
, Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
, and other superhero films from Hollywood, but before it was released to public, the director, Yusry had advised people to not compare Cicak Man with other superhero characters because the budget is obviously lower compared to Hollywood productions.
Malaysianisms
The film contains many in-jokes or references to Malaysian culture. Among them are:- Where clones "hang" (malfunction), the characters comment that the clones are just copies and not "ori" (original) This is a reference to Malaysian movie pirates, and the government's current crackdown on piracy and promotion of "ori" items instead.
- When Hairi uses Tania's pass card to gain all-access to the entire Klon Technologies headquarters, he yells "Tahniah! Tahniah!" (Congrats! Congrats!) as a word play to cover up when the card reader system reads Tania's name.
- When Hairi is trying to distinguish the 5 original ministers from their cloned counterparts, he gives a humorous question, "Original ke Spicy?"("Original or Spicy?"), which refers to two of KFC'sKFCKFC, founded and also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a chain of fast food restaurants based in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States. KFC has been a brand and operating segment, termed a concept of Yum! Brands since 1997 when that company was spun off from PepsiCo as Tricon Global...
fried chickenFried chickenFried chicken is a dish consisting of chicken pieces usually from broiler chickens which have been floured or battered and then pan fried, deep fried, or pressure fried. The breading adds a crisp coating or crust to the exterior...
flavour options in Malaysia.
External links
- Cicak Man at Superheroes Lives