Barbarian Invasion

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Barbarian Invasion

2021

Drama

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100%

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5 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Moon Lee, a celebrated award-winning actress, has become a full-time mom and divorcée since retiring. Desperate to regain her sense of self, she jumps at the chance to work with her long-time collaborator, director Roger Woo, again. Only this time, he casts her as the lead in a do-your-own stunts martial arts film. The role requires extensive training and though Moon is at first uncertain, she leaves her young son in the care of Roger's assistant and commits herself to back-breaking training. As soon as she starts to gain some confidence, Roger breaks the news to her: the only way the film can move ahead is to cast her ex-husband, Julliard, as the male lead.

Casey Chong

Casey's Movie Mania

[Barbarian Invasion] is an arthouse gem of a comeback film [from Tan Chui Mui].

Rated: 5/5

Nov 26, 2022

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Rob Aldam

Backseat Mafia

A thoughtful and multi-layered drama about a woman trying to wrestle control of her life back and rediscover her selfhood.

Jan 27, 2022

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Matt Lynch

In Review Online

As the movie-within-the-movie bleeds ever further into reality, we're treated to a simple, stylish fight picture with some decent displays of athleticism from its director.

Aug 30, 2021

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Lee Jutton

Film Inquiry

The film's remote setting-a small Malaysian fishing town - and Gwai Lou's easygoing, unshowy cinematography only add to the intimate feel that pervades the entire film. Barbarian Invasion is occasionally confusing, but it's never boring.

Aug 27, 2021

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Taylor Baker

Drink in the Movies

Barbarian Invasion is a unique film, one of transitions, in life, in self worth, in storytelling, in cinema, and in relationships.

Rated: 75/100

Aug 27, 2021

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LABEL 2

“母亲育儿”和“电影创作”间的相互照应比较有趣，由母职惩罚所引出的自我迷失在感受疼痛的习武过程中逐步缓解，李圆满也在亦真亦假的电影中逐步摸索着和世界相处的新方式。影片末段的形而上表达有些用力过猛。

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/05/24

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Chui Mui Tan

Director

Chui Mui Tan

Actor

Pete Teo

Actor

James Lee

Actor

Bront Palarae

Actor

Chui Mui Tan

Screenwriter

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Synopsis

Moon Lee, a celebrated award-winning actress, has become a full-time mom and divorcée since retiring. Desperate to regain her sense of self, she jumps at the chance to work with her long-time collaborator, director Roger Woo, again. Only this time, he casts her as the lead in a do-your-own stunts martial arts film. The role requires extensive training and though Moon is at first uncertain, she leaves her young son in the care of Roger's assistant and commits herself to back-breaking training. As soon as she starts to gain some confidence, Roger breaks the news to her: the only way the film can move ahead is to cast her ex-husband, Julliard, as the male lead.

Director: Chui Mui Tan
Producer: Woo Ming Jin, Bianca Balbuena
Screenwriter: Chui Mui Tan
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Chinese