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.