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Reviews
Lenjan (1998)
Best of the worst
1998 was a really bad year for Malaysian cinema so this seems like a gem compared to some of the other dross out there. The story has suspense although the two leads are wooden and annoying. Full credit to Rosyam as the baddie; he makes the film come alive.
Syukur 21 (2000)
A waste
You wouldn't believe that this is the most expensive Malaysian movie. The sets, costumes, and effects looks pretty cheesy. Worse, the story is patronising and dialogue like something from a school play. None of the Raihan guys can act. Even Man Bai (who had shown that he can act in LAYAR LARA) cannot act here. It's also too shallow to be about faith, despite copious shots of people praying. For a more impressive Malaysian epic (war rather than futuristic) check out LEFTENAN ADNAN instead.
Ringgit Kasorrga (1995)
Good theme
Shuhaimi's second film has a good theme of corruption among the elite, which takes the form of prostitution and abuse of power. Good acting by Tiara as an ultimately tragic mistress. Hans and Deanna look good. Also notable for being probably the only Malaysian film to deal with relative directness on politics. But the editing is really choppy (result of censorship?) and as a result the story gets a bit confusing at times.
Nafas Cinta (1999)
Really bad
This film takes the Yusof Haslam formula of romantic pop-star melodrama and does almost everything wrong with it. At least Yusof's movies, mediocre though they are, have pace. The story is outdated and dialogue cliched beyond belief. Even the pretty Maizurah can't save this one. Awie's worst movie.
Maria (1984)
A small gem!
This is the movie that made Shuhaimi Baba famous and although it was made for TV, it is her best work, with none of the bombast that marks some of her later film work. A newly married couple, fresh out of university, finds that life isn't so rosy when you have to deal with the responsibilities of marriage and domesticity. Two of the finest local actors - Fatimah Abu Bakar and the late, great Mustaffa Noor - are crucial in making this anchored in reality. The lazy, phone-hogging maid is great! As are the supporting characters, the friends who help this couple cope with life.
Sayang Salmah (1995)
Lovely period melodrama
This melodrama set in the 1950s revolves around a Malay family. It may not be as emotionally rich or sophisticated as the films of, say, Zhang Yimou, but it is still a very worthwhile effort. Norish and Azhar look great in the leads but Sofia Jane should have been given more screen-time. The values of family and resilience are well-portrayed although the ending is a bit too pat.
Iman Alone (1998)
Tragic
Why was this movie even made? The story (a man suspects that his son isn't really his) is rather outdated: haven't these supposedly modern Malays heard of DNA testing? Production values are really shoddy, as well: it's so obvious the interiors and exteriors of the houses don't match, and the final river-chase scene is limp and suspense-free. The tragedy is that Rahim's movies in the 80s were really promising. Boo!
Menunggu pelangi (2000)
Too easy
I normally like Ú-Wei's work but this one seems kinda lazy. It's not even a music video, more like a home video. There's nothing that special about the music either: you can get this supposedly unique kind of "mix" in quite a few village wedding bands, the difference being that no one makes short films about them. Make another feature film, U-Wei!
Fenomena (1990)
Entertaining
This is the one that woke Malaysian cinema out of its prolonged box-office slump. A crowd-pleasing musical romantic melodrama (based on the unrequited-love hit song "Isabella") which nevertheless has serious themes about religious tolerance, it's well-written and well-directed. The beauty of Terengganu state and the haunting "ulek mayang" song are well-exploited, too. As is usual with Malaysian movies there are limitations to do with budget and technical aspects, but they can be forgiven for delivering a good story.
Fantasi (1994)
Good start
This is the first time in many years that Malaysia attempted a supernatural story. The best thing about this is the acting by the ever-dependable Erma and others - the relationship between Faizal and his sister Melissa is especially touching. The build-up is good, with some spooky moments. But towards the end the good-vs-evil fight becomes quite formulaic and it just drags on. Still, one of the better Malay movies around.
Perempuan Melayu Terakhir (1999)
Nice-looking but heavy-handed
The second movie by Erma has some nice photography - those beach scenes on the East Coast - and had the potential to be an engrossing but provocative drama about cultural conflict (Plot is about a Western-educated man who tries to find his native Malay identity). But there's something preachy about the way the issues are presented; the dialogue is too heavy and everyone is so solemn. The closing shot is kind of obnoxious, too. But credit to Vanida as the female lead - and even the normally wooden Eizlan is not THAT bad here.
Dari Jemapoh ke Manchestee (1998)
Journey of discovery
I caught this movie during its short run in Singapore and found it quite fun - at least it tried a different genre (road movie) than the normal Malaysian stuff. The leads were easy to like but the pacing is a bit slow and the youth slang rather outdated (is it supposed to be set in the present or the sixties?). The ending could have been stronger but I suppose they didn't have the budget for proper special effects. Still, your interest is held as these young people make a journey to discover the values of friendship, persistence, etc. Unfortunately this film has never been released in Malaysia even though many want to see it. The director is quite controversial for his political views but the movie is sweet and harmless, so I don't see why it has never hit our screens.
Bukak Api (2000)
Sincere and provocative
This is a sort of film I never expected to be made in Malaysia - a sympathetic view of prostitutes (especially transvestites) as they ply their trade and face harassment. Some parts are a bit melodramatic and the lighting could have been brighter (then again, maybe things were dim on purpose?) but there is a strong sense of purpose and community here. Kudos to director Osman and his team. I'd love to see the reaction if this is ever aired on our oh-so-proper TV channels!
Amok (1995)
Overdone
This overheated melodrama-thriller is spoiled by some bad performances and a camera that does not know when to stop moving. Still it's a daring theme for Malaysia (it was banned here for a while) and tries to say something about cultural conflict - West vs East.
Leftenan Adnan (2000)
Not too bad
This attempt to make a war epic is pretty impressive by Malaysian standards. The characters are well built-up (except, curiously, the lead, who remains too much of a paragon to be believable) and production standards are good (except for some budget limitations during the battle scenes). I like the look, the sound effects, the acting. Sure, the dialogue gets a bit too preachy, but what do you expect from a film sponsored by the Armed Forces? Director Aziz has shown that he can handle a big theme on a big scale; give this man more money!
Lips to Lips (2000)
Refreshing!
OK, so this is Malaysia's first indie movie....not as slick as Hollywood stuff but very different from the normal run-of-the-mill Malaysian drama. The sense of humour is quirky (and maybe startling). Some people might find it a bit over-the-top and self-indulgent, but the situations and dialogue are still very Malaysian even though presented in a semi-surreal and cartoony way. Good effort from those involved, and I hope to see more of such local works. Simply loved those two cops - they should have been given more scenes!
Mimpi Moon (2000)
Oh dear
Shuhaimi's fourth movie is by far her weakest. Her previous films dealt in some way with social issues (religion in SELUBUNG, prostitution and corruption in RINGGIT KASORRGA, artistic heritage in LAYAR LARA) and were entertaining even though a bit messy and convoluted. This one tries to be a light romantic comedy and falls flat on its face. The two leads have NO chemistry whatsoever; they just look nervous around each other and the jokes are strained. The director should go back to what she does best; Nora Ephron she ain't. Nice photography of Langkawi, though.
Black Widow Wajah Ayu (1995)
U-Wei's worst
This is the worst film by Malaysia's best filmmaker. The lead actress is simply awful - no wonder she never made any more movies after this - and the story is ridiculous. (The book it's based on is pretty bad, too). The photography is good and some scenes, especially the village ones with the mother, are worthwhile. But the film is too long and pointless. The director's best works are the ones set in the rural areas: PEREMPUAN ISTERI DAN JALANG, JOGHO and KAKI BAKAR.
Abang '92 (1992)
Banal
Rahim Razali hit his peak in the 80s with movies like the original ABANG and MATINYA SEORANG PATRIOT which depicted the new breed of Malays - modern and yet affected by tradition. This new ABANG (not so much a sequel as a remake) feels superficial and coasts along without saying anything. Azhar can't carry the lead and Deanna becomes annoying. If it's any consolation: The movie Rahim made after this, IMAN ALONE, is far worse.
Mekanik (1983)
Malaysian classic!
In my opinion this is the finest Malaysian comedy of the post-P Ramlee era. Director Hafsham created a satirical yet affectionate and unpretentious look at the habits of KL people, with some of the most charismatic actors of its time. Definitely worth watching if you want a light-hearted, multi-racial look at how Malaysia was like in the 80s.