Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Historical drama

Anwar: The Untold Story (2023): Cast & Ratings

Anwar: The Untold Story (2023) movie poster

Anwar: The Untold Story is a 2023 historical drama directed by Viva Westi, starring Gisellma Firmansyah as Nurul Nuha Anwar, Saskia Chadwick and Zidane Khalid. It runs 1 hour 48 minutes and was made on a reported $10 million budget. Its Echo Score is 54/100.

Echo Score
54
budget
$10M
Loading streaming availability…
Anwar: The Untold Story (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 48m (108 min)
Director
Viva Westi
Genres
History , Drama
Original language
Malay
Budget
$10M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Anwar: The Untold Story About?

The premise of Anwar: The Untold Story without spoilers.

The film chronicles Anwar’s battle against entrenched corruption during his years in government from 1993 to 1998. His relentless anti‑graft campaign ultimately provoked a politically driven prosecution that sent him to prison, igniting the Reformasi movement and a push for democratic reforms across the country.

Anwar: The Untold Story Themes & Keywords

· 30 tags
  • based on real people
  • political drama
  • prime minister
  • 1990s
  • year 1993
  • year 1997
  • year 1998
  • 20th century
  • period drama
  • cabinet
  • corruption
  • life
+18 more
  • career
  • government
  • politics
  • minister
  • prison
  • jail
  • cell
  • police
  • justice
  • fired
  • period piece
  • wife
  • couple
  • office
  • community
  • docudrama drama
  • based on true story
  • character name in title
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Anwar: The Untold Story Cast & Characters

Gisellma Firmansyah leads the cast as Nurul Nuha Anwar, with Saskia Chadwick as Nurul Izzah Anwar and Zidane Khalid as Mohd Ehsan Anwar. Directed by Viva Westi; 48 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Anwar: The Untold Story

· 44 more
Show all 48 cast members
Ratings

Anwar: The Untold Story Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 54/100, strongest in rewatch factor (62) and weakest in art & craft (38).

54 /100

Anwar: The Untold Story Echo Score Breakdown

In summary, Anwar: The Untold Story delivers a mixed viewing experience, with notable strengths in its thematic ambition and occasional emotional resonance, yet it is hampered by uneven craftsmanship. Reviewers repeatedly criticize abrupt editing, weak scene transitions, and a sluggish narrative pace, which diminish engagement. Conversely, several commentators praise the film’s historical insight and moments of compelling performance. The cumulative effect is a film that appeals to viewers interested in the subject matter but struggles to sustain broad appeal.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 38

    In terms of art and craft, the film is frequently faulted for jagged editing and abrupt scene cuts, which disrupt visual continuity. Critics also note amateurish cinematography in certain sequences, though a few reviewers acknowledge generally competent production design. The overall craftsmanship is therefore perceived as inconsistent and below professional standards.

  • Character & Emotion 58

    When evaluating character and emotion, opinions diverge sharply. Several reviewers point to flat performances and a lack of chemistry between leads, describing the acting as uninspired. Others highlight nuanced portrayals, particularly of Acha Septriasa, and commend the emotional depth achieved in select scenes. The mixed feedback results in a moderate assessment of the film’s character work.

  • Story & Flow 48

    The story aspect draws mixed reactions; many viewers describe the plot as disjointed, with a slow pace, repetitive dialogue, and an unsatisfying climax that undercuts narrative momentum. Some praise the inclusion of historical context and the attempt to humanise political events. Overall, the storytelling is seen as uneven, offering moments of relevance amid broader structural weakness.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    Sensory experience receives a varied response. Critics deride the soundtrack for being intrusive and the sound design for abrupt cuts, while others applaud the film’s ability to recreate the era’s atmosphere through visual detail. Cinematography is praised in parts but marred by editing glitches. The net sensory impression is therefore modestly positive, tempered by technical flaws.

  • Rewatch Factor 62

    Rewatch factor is contested. Viewers who value the political subject matter and occasional strong performances express willingness to revisit the film, citing its educational merit. Conversely, those irritated by pacing, editing issues, and repetitive dialogue deem a second viewing unlikely. The balance of opinions yields a moderate rewatch potential, favoring audiences with vested interest in the story.

Videos

Anwar: The Untold Story Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 1 trailer and 3 teasers.

Anwar The Untold Story - Official Trailer
  • Teaser ANWAR THE UNTOLD STORY official teaser
  • Teaser THRILLER Film ANWAR The Untold Story
  • Teaser Official Teaser Film ANWAR The Untold Story

Seen Anwar: The Untold Story?

FAQ

Anwar: The Untold Story FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, post-credit scenes and language of Anwar: The Untold Story, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Anwar: The Untold Story?

Anwar: The Untold Story runs 1 hour 48 minutes (108 minutes).

When was Anwar: The Untold Story released?

Anwar: The Untold Story was released on May 8, 2023.

Who directed Anwar: The Untold Story?

Anwar: The Untold Story was directed by Viva Westi.

More films by Viva Westi

Who is in the cast of Anwar: The Untold Story?

Anwar: The Untold Story stars Gisellma Firmansyah as Nurul Nuha Anwar, Saskia Chadwick as Nurul Izzah Anwar and Zidane Khalid as Mohd Ehsan Anwar, among 48 credited actors.

What was the budget of Anwar: The Untold Story?

Anwar: The Untold Story had a reported budget of $10 million.

Does Anwar: The Untold Story have a post-credit scene?

No. Anwar: The Untold Story has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Anwar: The Untold Story in?

The original language of Anwar: The Untold Story is Malay.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app