kaki bakar
tells a story about a Javanese family who migrated to Malaya after the war. Kakang was the father in the family with his wife and 3 childrens which are Kesuma, xxx, sisters. kakang is dictating every moves of the family and its members doesnt dare to obbey him.
Kakang and family was rushed out from the village because he was suspected in a fire accidents. Village folks forced him to leave the village after the incident. Kakang and family moved to a new village, he was told that he could work as rubber tapers. He pay a visit to his employer mr kassim who owns the land of the place, his egoism and ignorance has caused him trouble when his 1st visit to Mr kassim house.
Mr kassim ask kakang to clean up the carpet which he stepped on it on purpose to strip off his wages for working with him. Mr Kassim asked tok empat which is the penghulu of the village they stayed in to justify. Sentences was on Kakang which kakang found it difficult to accept. Kakang then decide to burn down kassim's Cottage but his son kumuran tells Mr kassim because he wanted to correct his father's wrong doing, but as a result, his father was killed in the struggle.
Jogho
Jogho tells the story of Mamat from Kelantan who moves to Southern Thailand in search of a new and better life with his family and works as a bull fighter trainer. Trouble ensues when a defeated challenger Isa shot dead his brother, Lazim. The story continues with the search for the killer and tells a story of revenge.
the story tells about Mamat and family who lived at the border of Thailand and kelantan. Mamat is a native of Kelantan, Malaysia. He chooses to give up the career in politics and join his brother Lazim in South Thailand as a bull trainer. He lives with his wife and three daughters, he sent his only son to study in Kelantan hoping he could be success one day. One day, Lazim was killed by Isa. This leaves Mamat and the young men responsibility of taking revenge and preserving the honor of the village. Both tow sons of Lazim and a friend have gone into the town and manage to get the revenge from Isa’s son, Hamdan. They killed Hamdan and his assistant Dollah Munduk. All the young man hide after the killing while Mamat has been arrested by the Thai police. Mamat’s wife Minah pay the bait as request from Mamat, and save him out in order to attend the bullfight in the coming day. During the day, Isa come and take revenge of his son, and Isa has fail to kill Mamat. At the end, Lazim’s son Sani grabs the gun from Mamat and shoots Isa. Mamat surrenders himself to the Thai police and take the responsibility for the murder.
both film was directed by U-WEI, there is a few significant symbolic authorship such as stories usually evolve around Male dominant family, " father knows best" and the portrayal of female role in these 2 movie.
the portrayal of hyper masculinity in both the movie reflected the society back in the years where male in rural setting. They themselve displayed a strong faith in their religion and traditions when dealing with matters surrounding them. Male dominant role can be seen in both Kakang and Mamat when Kakang determines his son, Kusurma only education was religion and Mamat holds the responsibility to take care of the village when the Thai police came to arrest them.
both the movies display a unconditioned family love, Kakang's family support him no matter what he did and they believe that 'FATHER'S KNOW BEST" they follow exactly what's the father want despite they were having arguments. while in Jogho, when mamak was arrested by the police. His wife would sacrifices everything so that Mamak can be release as soon as possible. even volunteer to be the 1st female Jogho.
the female portrayal in both the movies remains as female are a second class gender, unlike Selubung when female are more actively seek for their rights and dignity. U-wei portrays female as a passive and dependent character.
Dislike to the movie
this is of cause the flow of the movie and the story telling in general, it is slow and unattractive. though he uses a lot of dolly tracking in and out to increase the excitement but I would prefer better compiled actions and dialogues.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
ABANG
"Abang" directed by Rahim Razali 1981, tells a story of Fuad Din who mysteriously gone for 10 years leaving his family and his one and beloved fiancé Mona. One day, he sent a telegram saying he is returning to the family from london. The news shocked all the family members. When Fuad returns, he faces a lot of conflicts with his family. which his brothers sees him as a threat seizing family fortune.
Fuad has no intention to the family fortune, his only goal was to make sure the family is doing good and all his brothers and sisters are in good shape. Finally after a few incidents, his brothers realizes his intention and was regret for treating him badly.
FUAD misses his country and pay a visit to the village he grew up and made a generous donation to the foundation. doctor Raslan pays a visit on the day Fuad visited the village, The family found out the reason why Fuad leave the family 10 years ago, again they were shocked hearing the news that Fuad is suffering from leukemia, a deadly disease who could kill him anytime. the doctor also told the family that his condition is getting worse. The family immediately drive to the village to see Fuad.
Fuad passed away before he had the chance to meet his family one last chance.
The director is trying to mirror the 80's malay society in the movies, language, culture and lifestyle hybridity could be found in the movie. Each of the character in the family represent a specific role in that time of malaysia. Fuad and family came from a rich and highly educated background which practices westernized culture.
language hybridity can be noticed during the conversation between Farid and Faud. they uses a mixture of english and malay as well as while reading Faud telegram from London. the usage of "I" and "you" was being use to replace "saya" and "kamu" was popular even in today's society.
the portrayal of female's adaptation to the western culture can be seen. Nazreen, Dila and Mona represent the modern malay women who practices westernized lifestyle. Seeing from the way Nazreen and speak and also the scene when Dila stand out to speak for Nazreen when Farid doesn't wanted to forgive her.
consuming Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims yet when Farid was upset, he drank alot of alcohol in the welcoming party. Cultural hybridity also can be seen during the welcoming party, they practices tradition customs but serve with western cuisines.
the scene i like the most is the scene when Faud pay a visit back to his village, the scene when they are rafting, playing around the village. this is a remark for people to remember when is their greatest time of their lives, not having lot of fortune and properties. Eventhough Faud has everything, but his most happiest moment is living in the village and such he choose to rest in peace there.
Faud portrays a strong mental role when he came back from London , he is able to withstand all the westernized culture in London at the same time practices Malay customs. He speak fluent Malay and his way of life are still behold on the principle of Islam. He still go to mosque, he put strong faith in his religion no matter where he is.
the scene i doesn't like was the part when Farid chase over a guy with his shotgun, even in the 80s getting a gun in Malaysia is relatively difficult but everyone seems to be equipped with a gun. Farid chase over some random guy after he was drunk, that scene was all dark and the scene draw suspense to the audience but did not come to a very entertaining ending.
hybridity doesn't always means a bad thing, learn from others but keep the best from your own root.There was a scene when Faud scold Farid who couldn't apply he learned from university in actual life. This is a failure of hybridity, while Faud staying at London for 10 years was able to adapt to the culture at the same time remain his own customs.
Fuad has no intention to the family fortune, his only goal was to make sure the family is doing good and all his brothers and sisters are in good shape. Finally after a few incidents, his brothers realizes his intention and was regret for treating him badly.
FUAD misses his country and pay a visit to the village he grew up and made a generous donation to the foundation. doctor Raslan pays a visit on the day Fuad visited the village, The family found out the reason why Fuad leave the family 10 years ago, again they were shocked hearing the news that Fuad is suffering from leukemia, a deadly disease who could kill him anytime. the doctor also told the family that his condition is getting worse. The family immediately drive to the village to see Fuad.
Fuad passed away before he had the chance to meet his family one last chance.
The director is trying to mirror the 80's malay society in the movies, language, culture and lifestyle hybridity could be found in the movie. Each of the character in the family represent a specific role in that time of malaysia. Fuad and family came from a rich and highly educated background which practices westernized culture.
language hybridity can be noticed during the conversation between Farid and Faud. they uses a mixture of english and malay as well as while reading Faud telegram from London. the usage of "I" and "you" was being use to replace "saya" and "kamu" was popular even in today's society.
the portrayal of female's adaptation to the western culture can be seen. Nazreen, Dila and Mona represent the modern malay women who practices westernized lifestyle. Seeing from the way Nazreen and speak and also the scene when Dila stand out to speak for Nazreen when Farid doesn't wanted to forgive her.
consuming Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims yet when Farid was upset, he drank alot of alcohol in the welcoming party. Cultural hybridity also can be seen during the welcoming party, they practices tradition customs but serve with western cuisines.
the scene i like the most is the scene when Faud pay a visit back to his village, the scene when they are rafting, playing around the village. this is a remark for people to remember when is their greatest time of their lives, not having lot of fortune and properties. Eventhough Faud has everything, but his most happiest moment is living in the village and such he choose to rest in peace there.
Faud portrays a strong mental role when he came back from London , he is able to withstand all the westernized culture in London at the same time practices Malay customs. He speak fluent Malay and his way of life are still behold on the principle of Islam. He still go to mosque, he put strong faith in his religion no matter where he is.
the scene i doesn't like was the part when Farid chase over a guy with his shotgun, even in the 80s getting a gun in Malaysia is relatively difficult but everyone seems to be equipped with a gun. Farid chase over some random guy after he was drunk, that scene was all dark and the scene draw suspense to the audience but did not come to a very entertaining ending.
hybridity doesn't always means a bad thing, learn from others but keep the best from your own root.There was a scene when Faud scold Farid who couldn't apply he learned from university in actual life. This is a failure of hybridity, while Faud staying at London for 10 years was able to adapt to the culture at the same time remain his own customs.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Selubung by Suhaimi Baba
Selubung means clothes or fabrics that is being used to cover our body parts, usually an Islamic term.
Selubung was a film directed by Datuk Paduka Shuhaimi Baba back in the year 1992.
The story tells a story surrounding two individuals, E.J and Mastura, they were best friends until E.J choose to follow the path of the religious extremist. She married to a guy name Brother Musa at a young age that practices polygamy. Mastura goes against her decision but all her effort trying to convince her was failed. Soon, Mastura returns to Malaysia from her studies abroad, she joined Rescaid, one of the volunteer organization who provides for the children refugees from Palestine back in the year, she wanted to promote good will for the society and was backed by Halim who had been serving in the Middle east. Soon, Mastura was told that E.J has came back to Malaysia and was abused by his sister whom they share the same husband, goes with the name Hani. Hani kills E.J baby due to her jealousy over E.J that drove her insane. E.J was stoned and in trauma. Mastura refuses to see E.J as she blame herself for what happened to E.J because of her refusal and rejections towards her all these while. But she changed her mind after she heard the news. She supported E.J and help her thru her saddest moment. Mastura , being a strong and capable girl, falls in love with Kamal, a divorcee who shares the cause she is pursuing. Kamal joined Rescaid and soon all his hard work come in place and Rescaid become the pride of the locals, until one day, tragedy strikes unexpectedly. However, it does not kill Mastura’s determination to protect the fate of the unfortunates.
the story portrays female roles and consequences of the choices in life, their ability to struggle no matter how hard the situation is, the last scene of the movie shows Mastura stood up high among all other people signifies that no matter what obstacles she met she was able to overcome them. at the other hand E.J who fought strong after her son was killed by Hani, stood up and are willing to contribute to good will and help those who are in need.
The scene I like the most
revolve around the scene Hani and E.J, the portrayal of insanity. style was quite significant who sometimes defines the standard being using at that period of time. the scene when Hani attempt to kill E.j baby. The usage of a low key light gives a traumatic feeling towards the whole scene, and the makeup of Hani which imposed a strong sense of insanity. The editing phrase was well suited to the taste of the scene, and also the approaching music brings the horror part to the next level. few dialogues could mysteriously review the inner part of the subjects emotions.
The scene that i don't like
the scene when the Palestine was attacked by the enemies, brother Musa suddenly appeared in the scene, the story is contradicting with the build up for the character Brother Musa who suppose to be the antagonist of the film which everybody and the audience should hate.shouldn't he suppose to take care of E.J after her son got killed? and what happened to Hani?
what i like about
This is at least one of the most accomplish Malaysian movies of all time, the story is well told and the purpose is clear and the audience would able to relate. acting and the dialogue are all pretty well done. this film has better story telling ability as compare to recent malaysian films ep, kl gangster or rempit just to name one. the touch of shumaimi baba gives the film a whole new interpretation, both from the society and the strong will of women.
what i doesnt like about
the film uses parallel editing style which often practice by hollywood movies ranging from drama series to film for instant 24 or Heroes the series, even until now the style is still there defining a standard. but the lack of prominence attempt of the editor to try sync all the scene together is a failure. it doesnt contribute to the story telling of the story. The style of the film wasn't strong enough, thou the story line was decent. the lightning of the whole story was quite flat and dull, especially the scene when Mastuka was changing in the room waiting for Kamal to come, the use of hard lightning reflected a strong shadow casting on the wall which its look so artificial.
mis en scene
generally the lighting is pretty bad, hard shadow due to harsh lightning directed on the subject. I think they lack of a constant lightning design to suit the scenes. some part of the lightning was nice especially the scene when Hani kills E.J baby. the acting of the actors especially the main lead was pretty natural, which gives the film a new breathe, which is alot better than what we have in Malaysian cinema today. M.nasir was truly a master seeing his movie from Selubung to Puteri Gunung Ledang.
Selubung was a film directed by Datuk Paduka Shuhaimi Baba back in the year 1992.
The story tells a story surrounding two individuals, E.J and Mastura, they were best friends until E.J choose to follow the path of the religious extremist. She married to a guy name Brother Musa at a young age that practices polygamy. Mastura goes against her decision but all her effort trying to convince her was failed. Soon, Mastura returns to Malaysia from her studies abroad, she joined Rescaid, one of the volunteer organization who provides for the children refugees from Palestine back in the year, she wanted to promote good will for the society and was backed by Halim who had been serving in the Middle east. Soon, Mastura was told that E.J has came back to Malaysia and was abused by his sister whom they share the same husband, goes with the name Hani. Hani kills E.J baby due to her jealousy over E.J that drove her insane. E.J was stoned and in trauma. Mastura refuses to see E.J as she blame herself for what happened to E.J because of her refusal and rejections towards her all these while. But she changed her mind after she heard the news. She supported E.J and help her thru her saddest moment. Mastura , being a strong and capable girl, falls in love with Kamal, a divorcee who shares the cause she is pursuing. Kamal joined Rescaid and soon all his hard work come in place and Rescaid become the pride of the locals, until one day, tragedy strikes unexpectedly. However, it does not kill Mastura’s determination to protect the fate of the unfortunates.
the story portrays female roles and consequences of the choices in life, their ability to struggle no matter how hard the situation is, the last scene of the movie shows Mastura stood up high among all other people signifies that no matter what obstacles she met she was able to overcome them. at the other hand E.J who fought strong after her son was killed by Hani, stood up and are willing to contribute to good will and help those who are in need.
The scene I like the most
revolve around the scene Hani and E.J, the portrayal of insanity. style was quite significant who sometimes defines the standard being using at that period of time. the scene when Hani attempt to kill E.j baby. The usage of a low key light gives a traumatic feeling towards the whole scene, and the makeup of Hani which imposed a strong sense of insanity. The editing phrase was well suited to the taste of the scene, and also the approaching music brings the horror part to the next level. few dialogues could mysteriously review the inner part of the subjects emotions.
The scene that i don't like
the scene when the Palestine was attacked by the enemies, brother Musa suddenly appeared in the scene, the story is contradicting with the build up for the character Brother Musa who suppose to be the antagonist of the film which everybody and the audience should hate.shouldn't he suppose to take care of E.J after her son got killed? and what happened to Hani?
what i like about
This is at least one of the most accomplish Malaysian movies of all time, the story is well told and the purpose is clear and the audience would able to relate. acting and the dialogue are all pretty well done. this film has better story telling ability as compare to recent malaysian films ep, kl gangster or rempit just to name one. the touch of shumaimi baba gives the film a whole new interpretation, both from the society and the strong will of women.
what i doesnt like about
the film uses parallel editing style which often practice by hollywood movies ranging from drama series to film for instant 24 or Heroes the series, even until now the style is still there defining a standard. but the lack of prominence attempt of the editor to try sync all the scene together is a failure. it doesnt contribute to the story telling of the story. The style of the film wasn't strong enough, thou the story line was decent. the lightning of the whole story was quite flat and dull, especially the scene when Mastuka was changing in the room waiting for Kamal to come, the use of hard lightning reflected a strong shadow casting on the wall which its look so artificial.
mis en scene
generally the lighting is pretty bad, hard shadow due to harsh lightning directed on the subject. I think they lack of a constant lightning design to suit the scenes. some part of the lightning was nice especially the scene when Hani kills E.J baby. the acting of the actors especially the main lead was pretty natural, which gives the film a new breathe, which is alot better than what we have in Malaysian cinema today. M.nasir was truly a master seeing his movie from Selubung to Puteri Gunung Ledang.
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