The Arsonist involves the struggles of an undocumented immigrant family and a boy's coming-of-age. The son Kesuma must forge his own identity against the intimidating presence of his father Kakang, a man proud of his Javanese heritage and well aware of the social inequalities that allow his exploitation. Kakang counteracts by torching the property of those who slight him, leaving Kesuma simultaneously proud, fearful and ashamed. A clash of wills is all but inevitable. The film climaxes in a poignant conflagration, literal and metaphorical.
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Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
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Cast
16 people
Khalid Salleh
Kakang
Also in
Buai Laju-Laju
Jogho
Bell Ngasri
Kesuma
Also in
Bibik Bibikku
Hantu Van Sewa
William Faulkner
U-Wei Haji Saari
Tini Arshad
Kuswadinata
Tok Empat
Also in
Serampang Tiga
Indera Bangsawan
Anuar Idris
Mustapha
Also in
Wayang
Anwar Idris
Also in
Mountain of Gold
Azizah Mahzan
Isteri Kakang
Also in
Don't Hate My Love
Chinta Arjuna
Jamaluddin Kadir
Tuan Kassim
Jamaluddin Abd Kadir
Tuan Kassim
Also in
Momok The Movie
Roda-roda
Ochee
Also in
Orang Kampung Otak Kimia
U-Wei Haji Saari Director · William Faulkner Story
United States release September 2, 1995 · Produced in Malaysia · Original title Kaki Bakar
Production
Satu Gitu
Production
Malaysia
Produced in
Languages
Original title
Kaki Bakar
Original language
Malay
Spoken on screen
Malay
Release dates
France · May 17, 1995
Premiere · Cannes 1995 - Un Certain Regard
United States · September 2, 1995
Telluride Film Festival
Malaysia · October 25, 2001
Theatrical
Germany
February 19, 1996 · Berlin International Film Festival
Hong Kong SAR China
April 5, 1996 · Hong Kong International Film Festival
Indonesia
November 25, 1999 · Jakarta International Film Festival
Japan
September 15, 1996 · Fukuoka Film Festival
Singapore
April 13, 1996 · Singapore International Film Festival
South Korea
September 14, 1996 · Pusan International Film Festival
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Some details come from TheTVDB.