‘Untamed’: a roaring tribute to JDT’s football legacy

"Untamed" is a new 76-minute documentary exploring the remarkable success of Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club (JDT), one of Malaysia's leading football teams. Over the past 13 years, JDT has won 35 trophies and has been ranked No 1 in Southeast Asia and 10th in Asia. The documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of JDT's rise, showcasing their journey from a modest club to a dominant force in Malaysian football.

The documentary begins with JDT's early days and highlights the transformation under the leadership of Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the club's owner and Regent of Johor, since 2012. JDT's major milestones, including their AFC Cup triumph in 2015, are detailed, along with the ongoing ambition to become a powerhouse of Asian football.

Interviews with club figures such as JDT chief operating officer Alistair Edwards, finance director Mohamad Jaifuddin Bujang Mohidin, and special projects manager Kevin Ramalingam provide insights into JDT's management style.

Prominent players Arif Aiman, Bergson da Silva, Matt Davies, and Corbin Ong, as well as former players Safiq Rahim and Safee Sali, share their perspectives, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the pressures and demands of maintaining JDT's reputation on the pitch. Notable personalities such as former youth and sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin, rapper Joe Flizzow, and sports journalist Keesh also contribute to the documentary, adding to its variety and appeal.

Visually, "Untamed" impresses with polished production values and sharp editing that complements the candid remarks of the interviewees. One particularly amusing segment features a new player recounting his first experiences with the club, providing some of the documentary's biggest laughs. However, condensing over a decade of JDT's history into a 76-minute documentary leaves some aspects unexplored in depth, such as the club's unique culture and winning mentality.

While the documentary leans towards a self-congratulatory tone, it remains an engaging tribute to JDT's remarkable rise in Malaysian football. For Malaysian football fans, "Untamed" offers an informative and visually impressive celebration of a club that has made a significant impact on the sport.