Siti Zubaidah (1962)
A fantastical cross-cultural epic of duty, justice and disguises
Siti Zubaidah is based upon the 19th century poem 'Syair Siti Zubaidah Perang Cina'. It centers on Siti Zubaidah, the wife of Sultan Zainal Abidin, who is left defenseless after her husband is taken hostage by a Chinese empress. She eventually allies herself with Princess Rukia of Yunnan, who had fled her own palace under threats of sexual assault. Taking matters into their own hands, they adopt male identities and lead a military conquest across China to rescue the Sultan. Directed by B. N. Rao and starring Maria Menado, the Cathay production borrowed from both of its niches at the time: the film language and costume styles of Malay cinema and Chinese wuxia films, resulting in an imagined reality fusing both visual cultures. At the core of the myriad garbs, armour, accessories and makeup donned by the characters, the tale chronicles the adoption of transformative identities to overcome adversity, enact justice and revenge.
Cast
- Nordin Ahmad - Sultan Zainal Abidin
- Maria Menado - Siti Zubaidah
- Siput Sarawak
- M. Amin
- Rose Yatimah - Puteri Zaharah
- Mat Sentol
- Mahmud Jun
- Leng Husin
- Wahid Satay
- Shariff Medan
Screenplay
- Ralph Modder (Story)
- Hamzah (Screenplay)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Siti Zubaidah about?
- Siti Zubaidah is based upon the 19th century poem 'Syair Siti Zubaidah Perang Cina'. It centers on Siti Zubaidah, the wife of Sultan Zainal Abidin, who is left defenseless after her husband is taken hostage by a Chinese empress. She eventually allies herself with Princess Rukia of Yunnan, who had fled her own palace under threats of sexual assault. Taking matters into their own hands, they adopt male identities and lead a military conquest across China to rescue the Sultan. Directed by B. N. Rao and starring Maria Menado, the Cathay production borrowed from both of its niches at the time: the film language and costume styles of Malay cinema and Chinese wuxia films, resulting in an imagined reality fusing both visual cultures. At the core of the myriad garbs, armour, accessories and makeup donned by the characters, the tale chronicles the adoption of transformative identities to overcome adversity, enact justice and revenge.
- Who directed Siti Zubaidah?
- Siti Zubaidah was directed by B. N. Rao.
- Who stars in Siti Zubaidah?
- Siti Zubaidah stars Nordin Ahmad, Maria Menado, Siput Sarawak, M. Amin, Rose Yatimah, Mat Sentol.
- How long is Siti Zubaidah?
- Siti Zubaidah has a runtime of 1h 55m (115 minutes).
- What genre is Siti Zubaidah?
- Siti Zubaidah is a Drama, History film.