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"
"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"