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.