The Story of Southern Islet (2020) - full transcript

Cheong, a Chinese man, falls sick after a row with his neighbour. His wife Yan is desperately looking for a remedy to cure her husband. Throughout the journey, Yan endures strange encounters and unearthly experiences. Finally, Yan is convinced that she should seek help from the village shaman. Mysteries, legends and shamanism surround Yan with unknowns yet to be solved.

"The state of Kedah once ruled by Siam"

"An ancient civilised kingdom in South East Asia”

“deeply influenced by"

"Hinduism, Buddhism and Islamic cultures.This is a story that happened in real life”

“Set in 1987, the story unveils in a small village at the foot of Mount Keriang located at Kedah”

“relating livelihood and Shamanism along the cross border of Siam and Malaysia”

(The Malay shadow play to worship bloriek Keriah)

To Nenek Keriang

Please accept this play as a gift

Pray for srriooifi sailing daspfto iris rapids

No misforturne along the journey



May it bloom like a coconut flower

May it expand like the spirit of a snake

August

An, Biao, you just don't listen

There could be snakes around, so play elsewhere

Go back to the house

Close the door

Cheong, bring the incense

Stay away

Be careful

Don't stay too close

Place it there

Let's go back

Don't get mad, Datuk Gong



Next Thursday night

We'll prepare a ceremony for you

I hope you won't harm my family

All right. Let's leave

Don't get mad, Datuk Gong

Next Thursday night

We'll offer you a goat

I think it is moving

It's coming out

It’s slithering away. Cheong

Biao, don’t go over

An, come here

I wonder what he's busy with

Didn't you cook the fish

that I caught in the evening?

I'm busy. I have no time to cook

They won't get to eat anything if I cook

Where did you buy this dried meat?

Chinese New Year is over

Dried meat still available?

We do not have enough dishes today

Do I took it out

Or else, they'll be bored of eating chicken curry every week


Can we

relocate Datuk Gong elsewhere?

It's very inconvenient to dry the laundry there

Why don't I move you elsewhere?

Didn't you see that snake just now?

It's a manifestation of Datuk Gong

You just won't listen

Hanging ladies' lingerie daily before the deity

will definitely make him mad

Fortunately, that snake

How can you tell that it was his manifestation?

Why not?

You are english educated and westernized

You know nothing about Chinese taboos

Fine. I'm a westernized and you're a Chinese

Fine. I know nothing

Do you want more?

He's making a scene again. He's so bad-tempered

Aunty Loy mentioned just now

She'll speak for us

We'll compensate him tomorrow

Alright

Did you lock the main gate just now?

I did

Cheong, don't go out

You go into hiding after damaging my house

Both of you stay in the house and eat

I'm not a pushover

Ah Nam, forget about it

Don’t be so hot tempered

Mum, you go back first

I want you to come out now

I tell you, come out now

Let’s discuss amicably

You don't bother

You come out now

I want you to come out now

Don’t be angry

Here’s twenty ringgit for you as compensation

You think I’m a beggar?

Twenty ringgit

Alright

Be more generous, he broke it accidentally

I'll accept your money

Buy the plywood

I'll come back to you

if this isn't enough

Leave now (Siamese language)

Forget about it

Don't simply come out if there's nothing

He will be alright tomorrow

Alright, we go in first

Aunty Kaew, Aunty Kaew...

Nam met with an ancident...

Aunty kaew... Open the door...

What happened to Nam

Nam fell from his motorbike

got runover by a lorry at the road

You rush there fast

He body is covered with blood...

Where is he now

Bring me there

Where is this dried shrimp from?

Produce from Kuala Kedah

Kuala Kedah

I’m looking for dried shrimp produce from Siam

Produce from Siam is dyed it with colour

It's fine, then

Thank you. Come again

Good morning, Cheong

Come

How much is the dried shrimp?

MYR 1.20 for 50g

That's expensive

Can be cheaper?

MYR 1 will do

MYR 1

50g, then

50g? Yes

How about anchovies?

MYR 0.80

Can it be more cheaper?

No. Our cost is high

Why aren't you selling Siamese dried shrimps?

They are tastier

No, I don't sell them

They are tastier

I know

But the cost price is higher

The local dried shrimps doesn’t taste that nice

It’s locally produced. Yes

MYR 1

Thank you

Hoe's your child recently?

Which year is he in?

Standard six. Standard six

Same like my son, An

What a coincidence, they study in the same class?

I don t think so. An study in Class A. Your child?

He's in Class B

He's very naughty

All children are the same

Quarrel again

I know you want to buy it, but you've broken the eggs

What are you looking at?

What are you looking at?

Is Aunty Kaew back?

Not yet.

That night, after Nam's mishap

she returned to her hometown, Danok

There's no one to look after the paddy fields after that

I figure

The Paddy Field Deity will also return to Siam

You've plucked so many chillies

To cook curry?

I'm going back to prepare shrimp sambal

"The loyalty and unity"

"From all will drive"

"The country progress to a greater height"

"Unite as one, together we progress"

"to the beloved country"

"Contribute loyally'

Stop tuning it. It'll come back automatically

Will it take very long?

A short while

You look so sweet when you sleep

Never in your thoughts that you will be in my hands

You are just like an angel

Your body is so enchanting

I always wanted your body, your soul

From now on, I will not let any man have you

What are you watching?

Nothing. The TV has tuned to Siamese programmes

Enough. Eat it at the back, then go and take a bath

You'll be sorry if dad still sees you in your school uniform

Grab your towel or you’ll shout for me again

"He made the above statement"

"While attending the National Speech Contest"

"To coincide with this year’s 30th National Day celebration"

"He persuaded all teachers"

"especially national primary schools of all ethnics group"

"cooperate with education policy"

"to inculcate students' patriotism"

"At the same time"

"the new education policy that appoint teachers"

"from diverse ethnic groups is crucial"

"This is in line with this year's National Day Theme"

Don't fight when you play together

Yan

You haven't done washing the blue shirt?

The shirt that I wore to go fishing

I have asked you to wash yesterday, have you not wash it yet?

If you can't find it, put on another shirt

Put on the brown color one first

What's wront with you lately?

Put the shirts back after washing them

How many salted fishes are left in the box?

You want to catch it from their field again?

I saw the field was irrigated when I passed by

Fishes in the stream had swam into the field

Others would have caught them all

if I didn't go now

I advise you not to go to their field again

Remember to prepare turmeric rice and chicken curry

I'm leaving

Come back early

An, Biao

Do you want to follow?

Are you guys going with your dad to play at the paddy field?

An, look after Biao and be careful

Leave me alone. I'm keeping you safe

Don't play at the Paddy Field Deity's offerings area

Come out. People worship the deity inside

The Paddy Field Deity will catch you later

Come out

What is dad doing?

I don't know. Hurry, Biao

Wait for me

Aunty Loy

Here’s two packets of salted fish

Help me to pass one packet to my mum

The other packet is for you

I don't cook

Don’t hesitate

We dried it ourselves

What time are you going back tomorrow?

What?

What time are you going back tomorrow?

9 O’clock

Cough?

Mum

Something happened to dad

What happened?

Come in first

Cheong

Cheong

Cheong, what happen to you?

Be careful

One, two, three

What happened?

Bitten by snake?

Is it?

No idea, when we saw him, he has already fainted

Cheong

Can you hear me, Cheong?

An, go get me the medicated oil at the altar table

Quick, quick

You hear me? Faster

Stand a side

No idea, maybe he has offended the deities

Impossible

This morning, he told me

He is not feeling well. Maybe is because of the weather

Too hot

How? Can talk?

Yes, getting better

I think he’s getting better

Let him take a rest first

Sorry for bothering. Thanks for sending him back

Cheong, take a good rest

Thank you everyone

Sorry for bothering everyone

Maybe after vomiting out you will feel better

Later, we’ll go to the doctor

Are you feeling better?

Hold on... Here...

Vomit into this

An ordinary human being

shouldn’t have vomited

so many nails from his stomach

I didn't believe it last time

Otherwise, my husband

wouldn't have died for unknown reasons

I figure Cheong will be admitted to the hospital

Aren't you going back to JB tomorrow?

You may go home first

Once you're home

you...

Remember to inform An to lock the door

I'll accompany Cheong here

I’ll be back tomorrow morning

Thank you

Take care of yourself, then

Cheong must have food poisoning

Take good care of him

I'm leaving

Why you came out so fast?

Sit down first

What did the doctor say?

The doctor suspected

it must be food poisoning

And?

lack of sleep

The doctor had given me some medicine

Once back home

rest for a few days

should be ok

Won't be admitted

You won't be admitted?

Madam, collect the medicine later at the counter

then take it according to the instructions

Wait, nurse

Look at my husband

He's seriously ill

He didn't eat today

Take it easy, madam. We understand

but the doctor is treating another patient

I know, but he...

He vomited blood. Look

My goodness!

What's this?

This isn't a temple

He's a doctor, not shaman

I know and I understand, but...

Please respect us

I understand

But he...

Do you think we'll simply admit your husband

to the hospital just of these nails?

No, nurse!

Let’s leave

No

Let’s go home

Where to?

Mount Keriang

Get in the car

Thank you

Come. The taxi is here

Let’s get into the taxi

Slowly

Walk slowly

Watch out your head

Madam, looking for something?

How can I help you?

Your boss around?

Looking for boss, wait awhile

Boss, someone looking for you

Boss. Madam, can I help you?

I’m looking for this type of nails

We have many varieties of nails

All hung there

Maybe you can let me know what type of nails are you looking for?

I’m looking for this type of nails

Do you have it here?

Are you crazy?

No one will run a business

by selling rusty nails

Amin, go and get that bucket of rusty nails

For free. Give her the whole bucket

Boss

Did anyone come looking for these lately?

Boss

Take it all

She comes for trouble

The Sun is in my face

The Sun is in my face

Venus is my eyes

The bull elephant is within my body

Snake scales are my skin

Buffalo is my vehicle

If you get on my way

If you don't back off

I will curse you

If you get on my way

If you don't back off

I will curse you

September

Aimah

98 points. Excellent

Chua Sim Khim

86 points

Thank you teacher

Sim Khim, your mum collected your IC last week

Your name is Somchair, right?

Yes

When you sit for your exam next month

stop writing

Chua Sim Khim as your name on the paper

Write Somchair

Got it, teacher

Go to the office and collect a form for your mum to fill up after school

Okay. Thank you, teacher

An, are you done?

Wait a minute

I don't want to clean it anymore

Why do you change your name?

Speak Chinese or I'll be punished again

Why are you afraid? Teacher has left

I didn't change my name

But my mum did

She said I will have more privilege when I grow up

I can even enter a university

I don't know. My mum told me so

Will you do black magic in future?

How much is this for 50g?

I mean MYR0.80 for 50g

This will be MYR0.90

Look, it’s a local fish

It's fresh

Lady boss. Yes?

You forgot your newspaper again

For you

Thank you and sorry. I was busy just now

Cheong hasn't showed up for so long

How's he doing?

He's recovering well. Thank you

That's great. I'll get going, then

“Last week in «Today's XingTan» program”

“weve introduce Mr Hasan Hamid”

“a newly appointed principal at the XingYue Chinese Primary school”

“to share with us his view”

“on his new appointment that 30th National Day”

“In this issue”

“we have invited another female principle”

“Ms fatima to share with us her experience of learning Chinese”

"and how she breaks through the language barrier"

“and integrate into the multi-ethnic society”

Your legs. You’ll be sorry if you do it again

There'll be a worship ceremony opposite our house

Stay in the house with your brother

Tonight, we came here to worship you

Fetch you home

Sambo Buhhda fetch you home

Nam

Come home

Nam

Come home

Nam

Come home

Come home now

"Siamese Chanting"

Here, Cheong

Eat more

You can't take the medicine

It's a new prescription from the doctor

It should work better

Sleep early after this, okay?

I heard Aunty Kaew's voice

Help me out

I want to talk to her

You can't even stand

How can you to walk out?

What do you want to tell her?

Nam died

because of me

He was hit by a lorry when he went out by himself

He's already dead

It doesn't matter who is right or wrong

Help me out

so I can talk to Aunty Kaew

Maybe

she can remove the black magic on me

Here you go again

You just won't stop

There's no black magic

If you feel unrest listening to the prayers outside

I’ll help you to the next room

Retreat now

Otherwise

I'll put a curse on you

Retreat now

Otherwise

I'll put a curse on you

(Shadow play for transgression)

Dear Madam Pon and Madam Marini

Fairies are gathered here

Madam Pon and Madam Marini

Fairies are gathered to serve you here

Pass through seven layers of Heaven

Pass through seven layers of Heaven

Pass through, my son, God of Sun

Pass through seven layers of Earth

Pass through, my son, God of Sun

Strong like a rock

Tough like a steel column

Nam

Nam

October

Tell me

Your husband has been illed for two months

Why are you only coming to me now?

You don't trust me?

Datuk Gong said it's been happening for some time

Why are you only coming to him now?

You don't trust him?

I'm sorry, Datuk Gong

This woman comes from Johor Bahru

and got married here

She didn't know you treat illnesses

Does no one worship Datuk Gong in Johor Bahru?

He asked

If no one worships him in Johor Bahru

Datuk Gong, she doesn't pray

You live in Malaysia. Don't you understand Malay language?

Answer me. Understand

I don't know how to pray

I went to your house just now

to visit your husband

He's ill after he urinated at Mount Keriang that day

Nenek Keriang is furious now

Do you understand?

Yes

Please help

Please help her husband

Their lives are tough

Please help

Datuk Gong will help regardless you are rich or poor

Listen carefully

This coming Thursday

Get ready with a sarong, fragrance powder and betel nut leaves

Go to Mount Keriang


Worship Nenek Keriang

Seek for forgiveness from Nenek Keriang

Understand? Understand

Alright, now

Datuk Gong will bless you with holy water

When you reach home

Let your husband drink

Let him calm down

Understand? Understand

Why did you come home early?

The teachers were busy

They have no time to teach

What's this?

My teacher wanted you to sign

She asked if you can go to the school tomorrow

I have one, too

Put your schoolbags away and go take your bath

Did you come alone?

Normally when I have time

I’ll come here alone

What do you pray for?

I have seen many people praying over here

I’m curious

I didn't know what they were praying for

I heard that

Nenek Keriang is very efficacious

Did you come to ask for lottery numbers?

My husband

has been ill

for more than a month

The medicine prescribed by the doctor

didn't work

Someone said that

he had provoked Nenek Keriang

So, I came here to pray and seek for forgiveness

Don't listen to their nonsense

Nenek Keriang is not that short-tempered

Moreover, she not a Malay

She doesn't eat betel nuts

nor wears a sarong

She isn't a Malay?

Haven't you heard of her story

All this while?

I’m just like you

I'm not a local here either

My hometown is very far from here

In fact, Nenek Keriang is a princess

from Quanzhou of China

Her actual name

was Princess Keriang

She travelled with her Prime Minister

on a ship loaded with paddy

After arriving at Siam

They stopped by Kuala Kedah

Upon reaching

A shaman on an elephant

fell for Princess Keriang's beauty

He wanted the Prime Minister to let her marry him

The princess is afraid

and urge the Prime Minister

to leave immediately

The shaman was furious

He cast a spell on the ship

In an instant, the elephant sucked up all the sea water

The ship couldn't move

and transform the ship into a big mountain

Everyone on the ship

was trapped in the mountain until they died

Then

The paddy in the ship was scattered alongside surrounding the mountain by wind

Eventually, they’re turned into a sea of paddy fields

surrounding the mountain

Nenek Keriang was a victim of the shaman

She won't harm anyone

Surely

She won't curse your husband

It's getting dark. I'm going home to cook

An, Biao

What are you doing out here?

Mum

Why aren't you at home?

What's the matter?

Dad has gone crazy. We're scared

What's wrong with your dad, An?

He's broken the window. We dare not enter

Let's go home

Don't be afraid

Cheong

Cheong

Cheong

It's fine. Go back to sleep now

Cheong

What are you looking at?

You miss your pet bird?

I'll hang the cage at the tree tomorrow, okay?

The window is broken

It can't be shut

Mosquitoes will come in

I'll fix it tomorrow, okay?

No

It mustn't be shut

Someone will come to me later

They can't find me

Good evening, Uncle Tam

Good evening

Aunty Loy?

What's up?

I've brought my neighbour, Yan

That day, I told you that her husband is ill

Can you still remember?

Aunty Loy

Have you forgotten?

I've stopped practising shamanism to treat illnesses

If you have any illnesses

Go to the Chinese temple to seek for spiritual treatments

Please, Uncle Tam

Her husband has been cursed for almost three months

Please help this her once

Your so called Black magic

is casted upon when you superstitiously worshiped evil deities

What if it isn't black magic?

Maybe is not black magic

It might be mental illness. That's more dangerous

Uncle Tam

Please, Uncle Tam

My husband is seriously ill

Please help her just once, Uncle Tam

They're good people

Uncle. Uncle Tam

Please help, uncle. Uncle Tam

Uncle

Now

Aunty Loy

Sit and wait there

This lady

Come in

Thank you Uncle Tam

There's a big tree at your house, right?

Yes

There's a spirit attached to the tree

Go back

Pour this jug of holy water around the tree

After that...

This..

Use this Malay Kris

Place it upright

at the foot of the tree

Soon, you'll have an answer

If you find anything weird under the tree

wrap it in a black cloth

All of them

All of them. Don't miss anything

This includes the Datuk Gong's statue

Go to middle of the sea

Throw all of it into the sea

I suppose

this is all I can help

Figure it out the rest by yourself

whether or not he can recover

It's your husband's fate

Well...

You don't have to return

all these instruments in this box

It's all yours

You're accountable to it

And here's another important matter

You mustn't let anyone knows

that you came here tonight

Understand?

Yes

Remember

I'm no longer a shaman

(Shaman’s curse)

Get up

Go upstairs with your brother

Get up

You'll be bitten by the mosquitoes here

Get up now

Get up

You're so heavy

Cheong

Why are you sitting on the floor? Get up

He's here

He came to return my shirts

It's under the tree. Go and get it now

Get it now

I'll go with him

after I've changed

Stop talking. Get up now

There. Right under the tree

Go and get it

After I've changed

I'll leave

Come out!

Come out now!

I don't care what you are. I'm not scared

Come out!

Brother

I want to go out to the sea. Can you help?

Please help, brother

Brother

Sister

We have to rush home

after we finish our work

No boat will travel out to the sea these days

You better stay home if there's nothing special

You want to go out to the sea?

Can you help?

My boat is quite old

If you don't mind

I can help you

The boat got to stop here

It can't go any further

Don't look back

No matter what happens later

don't look back

Let him go now

Hurry and throw it into the sea. Let him go

Depart from the border of Han Dynasty Kingdom

to here

Later

you can go home

But for me

I can never

cross this border

I can't return to my hometown

“Dedicated to parents at the border"

“In reality, Cheong upon recovering"

“dedicated his life to become a Chinese medium by practising Shamanism"

"to help the locals"