Chermin

Malaysia 2007

Poster and details malaysia.movies.yahoo.com

Seen 24 March 2007

Surprisingly enjoyable thriller. I did not expect much from a new director but was pleased that I went to watch the film. I was especially impressed by the camera work and art direction. That in itself held me spellbound throughout the almost two hour long film. Acting wise, Deanna Yusuf and Natasha Hudson who had the most screen time did well. They were ably supported by the other cast members. The focus tend to be on the women and the men had minor roles. Sometimes the dialogue sounds stilted but otherwise a good first effort.

Mukhsin

Malaysia 2006

Poster and details twitchfilm

Seen 8 March 2007

I need to see this film again. There is something missing in the film. I can't pinpoint exactly what is the missing ingredient but I left the cinema feeling unfulfilled. This film has all the hallmarks of a Yasmin Ahmad film. Good script, art direction and a steady hand in putting all the different pieces into one congenial whole. The soundtrack does add another dimension to the whole story and the actors deserve a big round of applause for their superb portrayal of each character. Special mention must be made to the two young actors who are very engaging and believable. Alas, I still have a nagging feeling that something is amiss. Maybe there were a few relevant scenes that have been left on the cutting floor. I am unsure but the version I saw today needs a little bit more gumption. Nevertheless it is a wonderful love story and deserves all the accolades that has been given so far.

Dreamgirls

USA 2006

Poster and details imdb

Seen 4 March 2007

Not a dull moment. Tight editing, good songs and an engaging story makes this musical an examplary representative of the genre. Of course, the fact that the story is loosely based on the phenomenally successful trio, the Supremes, adds to the pull factor. Jennifer Hudson as the talented Effie White who is sidelined for the more glamorous Deena Jones (played by Beyonce Knowles) does steal the limelight, notwithstanding the capable leads. I'm not sure Ms Hudson will be able to expand her acting career in a similar meaty role in future. She is truth be told, is a full bodied woman and might not find opportunities forthcoming even with an Oscar win as compared to someone with Beyonce's looks and figure. Nevertheless, she would certainly have a fine career as a singer as there is depth and soul in her voice.

Good entertainment value.

The Tin Mine

Thailand 2005

Poster and details rottentomatoes

Seen 4 February 2007

This is a gentle coming of age saga. Four years spent in the wilderness of southern Thailand, working in a tin mine. Of course this was not the protagonist’s first choice but his failure at school pushed him to this god forsaken place. The story unfolds slowly, taking its own sweet time to show the audience each facet of the hero’s life at the tin mine. The good ensemble acting and script takes us through the ups and downs of working in a tin mine at the turn of the twentieth century. There were even a few scenes where the actors spoke in Malay, and in Kelantanese dialect. The realistic depiction of those involved in the tin mining industry makes the film different from the usual love and horror stories from Thailand.

Some may not like the slow pace but with patience, we can see some gems.

Iberia

Spain 2005

Poster and details gsc

Seen 1 February 2007

Iberia dances and songs set to music by the Spanish composer Isaac Albeniz. No subtitles except at the beginning when there was a note on the liberties the producers took on the music without compromising the spirit it was written. Brilliant photography. Never a dull moment. The choreography is scintillating. The first few dances had titles depicting various regions in Spain. Some had glimpses of the historical influences that affected the particular region. There was even a solo dance in nude (I think it was nude) which surprisingly escaped the Malaysian censors' scissors. There were a number of favourites in my books including a guitar solo accompanying four matronly dancers as well as a cello solo with three magnificent couples. Not forgetting a song so heart wrenching that I felt so powerless in its web. A good start to my movies this year.