Film Review : Hantu Kak Limah Balik Rumah!

This week we reviewed a commercial film namely "Hantu Kak Limah Balik Rumah" released in 2010. As dated in 2014, this film is ranked at no.8 in Top 10 highest grossing Malaysian film (Source: Here)! Clap clap!

Mamat Khalid is the director and scriptwriter of this local film. It is a sequel from his previous work "Zombi Kampung Pisang". The main lead include the rock singer Awie as Hussein, Ummi Nazeera as Cik Nin, Johan Raja Lawak as Abi Huraihah, Shy8 as Usop and Delimawati as Kak Limah. The genre is a mix of horror and comedy.

The storyline is about Hussein went back to his hometown Kampung Pisang after he worked for a long time in Singapore. He feels strange when he talks to his neighbour Kak Limah but she doesn't respond, only stare at whatever in front of her. He tells the villagers about this. Pak Abu suggests them to investigate on it, which is the spirit of Kak Limah. Apparently they have no idea why they keep getting haunted. They even hire two bomoh (medicine men) from Thailand and Indonesia to chase away the spirit but both of them failed. Then they discover the mystery behind Kak Limah and her haunting.

Perak Malay dialect plays a big role in the dialogues. For instance, 'teman' means me, 'mi-ke' means you. These are the dialect terms used when the characters are talking to each other. The main setting is in Kampung Pisang and Warung Pak Jabit. Most of the scenes are shot at night because people tend to believe ghost appear at night. Hence, the dark lighting is involved in many scenes to raise curiosity.

Since it's a horror-comedy film, you can expect some funny moments! For example, Usop unintentionally farted when the villagers are very serious observing Kak Limah's house from outside. The film advised people to behave appropriately, don't be like Usop! The running scenes when the villagers "bumped into" Kak Limah are hilarious as well! Even Usop the disabled guy also can stand up to run away from Kak Limah... hahaha.

The overall film is entertaining and exciting, but do you realize the hidden messages? Usop highlighted the importance of English education. He can pronounce English words fluently but his friends can't do it well. Furthermore, the two bomoh from overseas... does that mean imported stuff is better? Why do we rely on others when we can do the task ourselves, right? In addition, public workers are supposed to carry out their tasks willingly, I mean they shouldn't give excuse when they're on duty. For instance, the male nurse from St. John Ambulance shouldn't blame the villagers for making him to work. Usop also said the younger generation should be given the chance to lead the country and his way of doing it is democratic! The real democratic.

The film also marked a big step in the development of Malaysian commercial film. The addition of CGI (Computer-generated imagery) enhances the storytelling and visuals. After that, many Malaysian films start to use CGI as well.

I love the character Usop. It's so unique! He is disabled, he speaks good English, and dare to speak up! His iconic right hand gesture, never stopped for even a second! Although he is a supporting character, but definitely stands out!

Still can't stop laughing? 

The director Mamat Khalid is influenced by the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee. Just like his idol, Mamat criticizes issue through comedy and sarcasm so that no party will feel offended! Ha!

I have always wonder how the horror and comedy will be presented in Malaysian film context, this it how you do it! ;) By the way, do Malays also have a superstition on believing ghost exists? I have no clear answer yet...

Film Review : 15Malaysia short films

For this week's class, we didn't watch any feature film. Instead, we watched 3 short films which are "Duit Kecil", "Lollipop" and "Meter" released in 15Malaysia project. 

15Malaysia was a short film project launched in conjunction with Malaysia Independence Day in 2009. It featured 15 short films from 15 renowned Malaysian filmmakers such as late Yasmin Ahmad, Ho Yuhang, Nam Ron, Amir Muhammad, Liew Seng Tat. The content of these short films mainly concerns with the socio-political issues in Malaysia. All of 'em are controversial but filmmakers are free to speak up by making their short films!

"Duit Kecil", written and directed by Johan John, starring Nam Ron (the filmmaker!) and Ilya Qastalanni. It's about a guy (acted by Nam Ron) asks for small change after spending his time in the red light district. The prostitute (acted by Ilya Qastalanni) kept asking the guy whether he is joking at asking for small change because it sounds ridiculous. The prostitute insists she has no small change. While getting the small change, the guy and prostitute talk over the difficulties living in Malaysia. It has middle shot in all scenes, and close up shot to show the focus of Nam Ron has the money (which is the "main character") in his hand. The dim lighting helps to establish a sense of lack of hope. 

At first, the guy searches around the place to look for which lady suits his preference. It's like political leaders only do what benefit them. Besides, this short film depicts Nam Ron as a person who has higher social status, as in he is capable to spend for the wants in life. At the same time, he is stingy, he even ask her hurry up to get him the small change, ask for discount, ask for freebies. The prostitutes portrays the citizens who struggles for their livings due to bad economy. From taxi fares, food price to salary. Not only that, the high social status man even look down on the prostitutes because it is considered as a degrading profession. (The irony part, they still go for the prostitutes for sexual pleasure!) The society think the job is immoral and cheap. This is quite a reality in the society nowadays, people judge and jump to conclusion too fast. Well, I think no one has the right to judge a person's profession as they made their own choices. You may know them, but you don't know their stories. Every job deserve a respect. High social status doesn't mean you're the best in everything. 

Next up, deng deng deng deng...

Nam Ron's short film, "Lollipop", written and directed by himself, starring Bront Palarae. 

"Lollipop" is about a pedophile hunts for kids and kidnap them by using lollipop - kid's favourite! Without a dialogue, Bront Palarae transforms himself to a pedophile by having a creepy look, breathing heavily, and even masturbate while thinking of the child as sex object. Hmm I really don't want to relate him to Rahman the sports commentator in the "Ola Bola" film released this year but his acting is fabulous! I think somehow the masturbating part will be edited out in Malaysia due to censorship but Bront Palarae fulfilled his character requirements, cool and brave!

The short film uses lollipop as as symbol of male sexual organ, ok, but child is naive, they might not think more than that. They just think someone is nice to offer them something, they are happy and receive it. But who knows, they are in the trap! 

Actually "Lollipop" is trying to poke at the rising child sexual abuse and crime cases happen in Malaysia. However, the authorities fail to solve the problem. UHHHHH...

Here you go, the next short film...

"Meter", directed by Benji Lim along with the principal cast Khairy Jamaluddin (KJ), a political figure who is currently a federal minister of youth and sport & head of UMNO Youth. Incredible cast who acted as taxi driver with star-studded passengers!

Benji's short film employed documentary style while having KJ acted as a taxi driver being interviewed on some controversial topics like party-hopping, importance of English and gave his perspectives while fetching his passengers. But most of the time, his perspectives are contradicting with his behaviours, and he even blamed the passengers for behaving the inappropriate act. For instance, he goes mad talking about how Malaysians hang out at the mamak in the midnight to show supports for foreign football teams, his passengers reveals himself is a fan of a foreign football team. But guess what? His phone ringtone ringing "Glory Glory Manchester United". In addition, when he mentioned the importance of learning English (with his grammatically incorrect English), the next moment he questions his Malay passenger for not speaking Malay, because he is a Malay... 

Think before you speak, or act like how you speak, double faced people -_- 

Don't some political leaders behave like that? They change their stance, their words within few days or month? Or even blame the journalists for wrong reporting? 

I have watched Ho Yuhang's "Potong Saga" (not Proton Saga though) few months ago. His approach is hilarious by presenting one of the misconceptions hold by Malaysians. Yasmin Ahmad's "Chocolate" is lovely too, the inter-racial element made me reminisce her award-winning film "Sepet" :) 

We Malaysians know that it's hard and sensitive to discuss the socio-political issues publicly, so I think it's a pretty interesting way to voice it out through short films. The filmmakers are able to highlight the issues by presenting it via the ideologies with their styles (Mostly sarcasm, comedy...) in it. Well done! I learned some issues from there too :) 

You can click here to watch the full list of 15Malaysia short films. You should! 

Film Review : 3 Abdul

Movie of the week: 

Bring you back to 1964, "3 Abdul" that written and directed by one of the Malaysian legendary and multi-talented artist, late Tan Sri P. Ramlee. 

Since it's a 1964 production, it's a black & white film. Genre? Comedy - P. Ramlee's style, you can't missed out!

The film title is made up by the name of three brothers: Abdul Wahab, Abdul Wahib and Abdul Wahub, hence 3 Abdul! (Can't resist myself to sing the theme song, too additive!) The trio are acted by Haji Mahadi, S. Kadarisman and P. Ramlee, along with other main casts Ahmad Nisfu as Sadiq Segaraga, Mariani as Hamidah, Dayang Sofia as Rafidah and Sarimah as Ghasidah. (Another trio here, Hamidah + Rafidah + Ghasidah, three sisters!)

Sadiq at the entrance with his three beautiful daughters! 

The story is about after three Abdul's father passed away, the youngest brother Abdul Wahub parts away with his two eleder brothers Abdul Wahab and Abdul Wahib due to differences in mindset for inheriting their father's properties. Although the youngest brother doesn't like his elder brothers, but he has to save them from getting conned by Sadiq's family. In the end, tiga Abdul realize the meaning of being a family and brotherhood. 

There are many panning shots in this film to show that a character has a continuous movement in a scene. The film hired a storyteller to tell the story from a third person's point of view (which in current era, we don't really see this anymore). The mise-en-scene is set on three brothers who grew up in an upper-middle class family in Isketambola.

In 3 Abdul, some moral issues can be seen to raise awareness. For instance, even if you come from a wealthy family background, you shouldn't be greedy. One should be contented for what they have and contribute something good as a return to the society. Social class makes no difference when your character is ugly. You can take advantage on others, but whatever you have, is not really yours. Just like Abdul Wahab and Abdul Wahib want to inherit their father's wealth, Sadiq and lawyer Kassim who make plan to con Abdul's family wealth.

Besides, real love equals to unconditional love, just like the loveline between Abdul Wahub and Ghasidah. It seems like they dislike and forced to be with each other, but in the end, they embrace each other by ignoring the ridiculous rules set by Ghasidah's father, Sadiq. On the other hand, family is where you belong and people should learn to treasure the relationship. 

This Malay language film has added some English lines into the dialogue. I believe it's because that time the nation still live under the influence of British colonialism as this film was released in 1964, not long ago after independence in 1957.

There's a scene of a seller saying the profit he got from selling people is higher than a camel. I feel sad for that. Does that mean the value of a human being = profit? Oh my gosh, people shouldn't be blinded by money. 

Although it's a comedy film, but it also slightly touched on the politic. 

What is dictatorship? What is democratic? How do you define these two terms?

This discussion between the two elder brothers is less than a minute but that's powerful enough. Maybe P. Ramlee has this special ability to predict what will happened in the future, I mean now?  A country that practice democracy system since independence, is the democracy system still in shape? Does the word "derma" from the video clip sounds familiar to you? Want a Malay to English translation? Donation. 

To be honest, this is my first time watching P. Ramlee's film, it amazed me! I thought movie back in those days would be boring, ok I'm wrong. I got to learn some moral values while enjoying this comedy film! Since P. Ramlee acted in it, means you get to hear his singing and song! I love the singing parts! Let's have some eargasm now!

I think a good film can entertain a person and makes him or her to think. The messages delivered from "3 Abdul" serve as pretty good advices for the society we live in now.  

Do watch out for Abdul Wahub's intelligence! :)

Film Review : Perempuan, Isteri dan .....?

First film of this month's film class! 

"Perempuan, Isteri & ....." released in 1993, written and directed by U-Wei Haji Saari. 

The main characters are Zaleha and Amir, acted by Sofia Jane and Nasir Bilal Khan respectively. 

The storyline begins with Zaleha, who is a village girl about to get married with Amir but elopes to southern Thailand to marry another man. After that, Amir tracked them down. Amir who was mad at the two, decided to kill the groom, rapes Zaleha then sells her to a pimp for six months. 

Six months later, Zaleha is not submissive as Amir hoped but became sexually experienced and defiant. Zaleha tricks Amir to marry her by reporting Amir to an authority. The six months of Zaleha spent being a prostitute have changed her mentally and physically. It makes her to look for revenge and encourages other women who live in the same village to lead their own lives. In the end, the whole village seeks punishment for Zaleha. 

The film genre is drama and fiction. The background music will make you feel intense by following the progress of storyline!

In terms of mise-en-scene, almost 80% of the scenes happened in Malay village (Malay kampung). As compare to city, kampung is not so much developed, hence, the scenes in kampung are less vibrant than the city. The dark lighting shown in Malay kampung denotes that is a less happening place. Furthermore, instead of warm colour, the overall scenes are more to cool colour to hint there are some dark sides stories happen in the Malay kampung!

Move on to the cinematography, there are many middle close-up shots. While the focus is on the characters, it shows their facial expressions and at the same time, it reveals a little of the surroundings. 

Regarding the content... In Muslim country like Malaysia, it's less obvious to see how sexuality portrays in Malaysian films. After six months of Zaleha being a prostitute, she has become the ideal sexual objects for the male villagers. You can see that she tries to seduce men from her gestures, dressing style, the way she walks and stuff like that. Apart from feeling guilty and shameful, Zaleha actually enjoy herself being the spotlight of male villagers especially when she is able to express her sexuality while keeping the men in interest. 

Although she is already a wife of Amir, but we still can found her involved in many sexual transgressions. For instance, she asked the guy who sells accessories, "Is there other way to pay the debt?". I guess you know what she meant by asking that right... 

From her presentation, she is trying to say that she would be happy to pay the debt by using her body. Another example is she has sex with random man, including the village idiot (the one who peak her though a hole in Amir's house). Why Zaleha did all these? It's her revenge towards Amir.

My thoughts after watching this film... I'm surprised at how brave was Mamat Khalid making this film. The storyline and the character Zaleha, somemore a female protagnist, WOW! Back in the 90s, I think it's very rare to have a film that revolves around a female. Although in those time people's mindsets were so conservative and close-minded, Zaleha herself as a female still able to express her sexuality, but the downside... she doesn't have the power to challenge the patriarchy that makes her a victim in the end. Even now, there are more influential women, but the men are still dominating the world. 

U-Wei's films always revolve around the Malay rural community. He likes to examine the Malay identity, traditions, cultures, lifestyles, gender roles and social inequalities as male is always position higher than a female. To portray that, there is a scene where Amir tells Zaleha that she doesn't qualify to sleep on the bed, he asked her to sleep on the floor. Amir emphasizes only his wife can sleep on the bed, not the prostitute. 

In addition, the film name was not supposed to be named as "Perempuan, Isteri dan .....?". Hmm, you can try to fill in the blank in the dots. If you still have no idea, here it is. The original name is actually "Perempuan, Isteri dan Jalang", literally 'jalang' means whore or slut, yeah you know what's that. The film name embarked a controversy, it's too sensitive to mention in the 90s and in Malaysia as well. That's why the 'jalang' word was replaced with dot dot dot and a question mark. But I don't think this controversy is a bad thing, people are welcome to put their interpretations into the dots! 

"Perempuan, Isteri dan .....?" managed to walk away with 5 awards in 11th Malaysian Film Festival that held in 1994, including Best Actor, Best Director, Best Story, Best Original Screenplay and Best Film!

Best! Thumbs up!