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Reviews
Shirkers (2018)
Be Thankful Shirkers Exist
Firstly, credit to Sandi and her friends for having the courage and will to revisit their teenage past and release their film in this documentary when the rest of us (including the judgey user reviewers we lot are) would have chosen to bin it from the back of our minds.
If there were any lingering doubts, this film must see the light of day.
So it is not a complete coming-of-age type of movie, so what? This documentary amazes, surprises and most importantly does what it sets out to do. We see glimpses of a pretentious yet determined teenage girl who convinces her partners-in-crime to be her accomplices in this wild ride. Sinking her life savings into the film wasn't nearly a sacrifice as nearly having her creative soul all but taken away as a result. It must have been a miracle the reels survived.
As for the director, perhaps some people may desire more screentime to be dedicated to him and his background. I for one don't see the necessity to give him that honour and esteem. He is as the film would describe - a lowlife. This documentary doesn't need him ruining it.
Honestly would independent movies thrive if I solely read reviews first? Well, I'm glad I watched it and I highly encourage others to do the same.
Ola Bola (2016)
A truly Malaysian movie!
This movie deserves 10/10 if only for one reason: It beautifully captures what it means to be Malaysian.
When I first saw the trailers, I was thinking this was just going to be about football, or reliving the glory days of Malaysian football.
I'm sure glad I was proved wrong, this movie has so many strengths and one of them is it made the audience feel as if they were part of the movie. Get ready to experience a range of emotions. Football was just part of the overarching theme of what truly makes Malaysia great: our unity in diversity. How we triumph together despite any challenges.
I'm unapologetic that this is a patriotic movie. It will make you love more about Malaysia or rather, love the fact you're a Malaysian. If sounding 'patriotic' seems foreign to you, this movie will give you a good reminder of it. Even if you aren't a Malaysian, I would still highly recommend it for giving you a feel of what Malaysian culture and society looks like.
A side note: I haven't watched a Malaysian movie in ages. I was blown away by this film's sheer quality. This film sets the benchmark for future Malaysian movies and it got me optimistic about our local film industry: no other direction but up.