Hang Tuah

1956

The Legend of Hang Tuah

P. Ramlee As Hang Tuah · Directed By Phani Majumdar

• Best Musical Score — 3rd Asian Film Festival, Hong Kong, 1956
• Official screening — 7th Berlin International Film Festival, 1957

Hang Tuah is a 1956 historical drama starring P. Ramlee as the legendary Laksamana Hang Tuah and directed by Phani Majumdar. The film is based on the story of Hang Tuah, a renowned admiral who served under the Malacca Sultanate, and his four sworn brothers, Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu.

Hang Tuah and his sworn brothers had pledged to protect the Sultan of Malacca. Due to their unwavering loyalty, the five brothers rose quickly through the ranks, particularly Hang Tuah, who had demonstrated exceptional leadership, bravery and martial prowess.

The older court officers, feeling threatened and envious, framed Hang Tuah. Without investigation, the Sultan ordered Hang Tuah executed. Feeling betrayed by the Sultan’s actions, Hang Jebat swore revenge. He caused chaos in the city of Malacca and captured the Sultan’s palace.

Unbeknownst to Hang Jebat, Hang Tuah was secretly kept alive by the wise Bendahara Tun Perak.

The ultimate clash between the two brothers led to the famous duel between Hang Tuah, who defended the Sultan of Malacca, and Hang Jebat, who sought to avenge the execution of his sworn brother and leader, Hang Tuah. To this day, the contentious issue of who was right and who was wrong continues to ignite passionate debate, and has even served as a catalyst for the development of political and cultural philosophies in the Malay world.

The film explores themes of loyalty, friendship and injustice, set during the 15th-century Malacca Sultanate. This historical drama is notable for being the first Malay film to be fully shot in Eastmancolor, and was released on 28 January 1956. The story was adapted from The Adventures of Hang Tuah by Mubin Sheppard, inspired by the events described in Hikayat Hang Tuah and Sejarah Melayu (The Malay Annals), foundational texts in classical Malay literature.

P. Ramlee’s score for the film, with the songs Berkorban Apa Saja, Kesuma Jiwaku and Joget Tari Lenggang (Joget Pahang), won Best Musical Score at the 3rd Asian Film Festival in Hong Kong (1956), his first international award.