Ah, this is looking better all the time. Indonesian martial arts film Merantau began principal photography this week and, true to form, posted up yet another compelling look behind the scenes of the picture. Last week's bit featured a look at the martial arts choreography - a fascinating look at the Pencak Silat fight style used in the film - and this week gives even more reason to believe that this could be something remarkable: a look at the extensive camera, make up and stunt testing done leading in to active production. The locations used are frequently breathtaking, as are the stunts being tested out in this reel. They are clearly aiming for something big with this and when you take this reel and keep in mind the very well thought out approach to fight choreography shown in last week's entry and all the signs are looking good.

In Minangkabau, West Sumatera, Yuda a skilled practitioner of Silat Harimau is in the final preparations to begin his “Merantau” a century’s old rites-of-passage to be carried out by the community’s young men that will see him leave the comforts of his idyllic farming village and make a name for himself in the bustling city of Jakarta.

After a series of setbacks leave Yuda homeless and uncertain about his new future, a chance encounter results in him defending the orphaned Astri from becoming the latest victim of a European human trafficking ring led by the wildly psychotic, Ratger and his right-hand man Luc.

With Ratger injured in the melee and seeking both his “merchandise” and bloody retribution, Yuda’s introduction to the city is a baptism of fire as he is forced to go on the run with Astri and her younger brother Adit as all the pimps and gangsters that inhabit the night hound the streets chasing their every step. With escape seemingly beyond their grasp, Yuda has no choice but to face his attackers in an adrenaline charged, jaw-dropping finale.

Check all three behind the scenes reels below the break in the Twitch Player.