Sell Out!

Malaysia 2008

Details  amokfilms

Seen 22 May 2009

The opening scene itself is a hint of what the audience will get from the rest of the movie. If you like films like “Borat” or “Ali G” by Sacha Baron Cohen, or maybe the Monty Python series, this might be your cup of tea. A heaven sent, Malaysian version.

A well written script, based loosely on the powers of money, the pervasive and intrusive present day media, kept the whole film together. An impressive cast, glorious art direction and music score, makes this small film, big in my books.

Kudos to all involved.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

USA 2009

Details  imdb

Seen 3 May 2009

Another installment of the Marvel Comics superhero. This time we go back in time, to see for ourselves what made Logan tick. This is a tale of those born not ordinary, bestowed with extraordinary gifts, alas a gift that cannot be returned. As usual, a tale of good versus evil, the dividing line between humanity and his animal instinct, blood thicker than water or does love conquer all.

Despite the usual action per minute treatment from the director, the film does manage to highlight the other side of Wolverine. Those moments are illuminating, at least we know that he is not just brawn and brute strength.

Delightful.

Bohsia - Jangan Pilih Jalan Hitam

Malaysia 2009

Details  malaysia.movies.yahoo

Seen 24 April 2009

Surprisingly good in all departments – story, acting and direction. Of course, the action sequences could not match anything that Hollywood does, or even touch any that Hongkong produces. But, for a Malaysian effort, with the usual budget constraints, it is a commendable effort. I was taken in by the fast pace, and well thought off editing. It helps a lot that no major dud scenes were there except maybe a few.
The film definitely gains from the two leading actresses who seem to live and breath the lives of 'bohsias', the Malaysian equivalent of the easy to get girls, just out for the fun. But underlying the seemingly disastrous lives, there is a social commentary on family values and relationships as well as our perceptions of these group of young adults. They are not there to be condemned, but they deserve more heartfelt attention to help them rise up and out of their current situation.
A must see local production.

Jangan Tegur

Malaysia 2009

Details  sinemamalaysia

Seen 17 April 2009

The title is a misnomer. Usually, the title would translate into “do not mention or say anything about something”, and in the Malay belief system, that particular “something” is most probably of another world. Whenever anyone mentions the “something”, bad karma will befall that person. In this movie that something is always present but there was no scene of any of the characters mentioning it or I may have missed it.

The main character is haunted by images of a woman, who died mysteriously. So throughout the film the audience is regaled with bumps in the night, shadows lurking or passing behind the actors, the stock and trade of the horror film genre. Nothing new, but if you go and watch the movie with the lowest of expectations, I guess you'll get your fair share of goose bumps, courtesy of the extra loud sound effects.

An added bonus, might be the pretty heroine. She still looked pretty in whatever situation she was in.

Talentime

Malaysia 2009

Details  malaysia movies

Seen 27 March 2009

What can one say about a director who tries to show the fabric of Malaysian society, warts and all in her previous films? She has pushed the envelope further with this story of love and devotion against the background of a school talentime. I was quite pleasantly surprised that the Malaysian Censorship Board did not ban the movie or cut certain scenes. Certain parts of the dialogue does touch a raw nerve for any Malaysian who hold their country and nation close to heart.

We Malaysians will always have that bogey man lurking, the race and religion issue, the two demons that have to be confronted upfront, not swept under the carpet as is the present norm. It will take a gargantuan effort for Malaysians to rise above the fray and make a success of this country despite the setbacks.

As usual, the director has managed to bring forth an effortless portrayal of the characters from the ensemble cast and special mention have to go to the new talents. The soundtrack and lyrics added another dimension to this poignant tale.

Stupendous.

Maut

Malaysia 2008

Details  cinema

Seen 16 January 2009

I try to bend backwards whenever I see a local production. In this case, I’m a bit disappointed. I expected more from the director, Bade, who has had quite a number of years of experience under his belt, behind the cameras.

The good things first, the camera work and art direction is commendable. The actors did their best but the overall direction itself falls short of what can be expected from an experienced director. Maybe the whole concept of death, life and its ramifications are just too deep a subject to be portrayed this way.

The heavy handedness of the hell fire and brimstone message of life after death, reminds me of the concerns some parents had when a school teacher showed to young schoolchildren a video clip of the gory scenes of after death.

The film leaves one with a dissatisfied after taste. It could have been so much better.

 

Anak

Malaysia 2008

Details malaysia movies yahoo

Seen 24 February 2008

In the mould of Japanese and Korean horror flicks, this Malaysian movie tries to localise the genre. The art direction, photography and main actors are competent. But the script needs that extra oomph to make it memorable. A commendable effort but I wish there were more depth to the story line or another twist to the ending.

Atonement

UK 2007

Details imdb

Seen 16 January 2008

This is a biased view of the movie. As I have not read the book yet, I fell hook, line and sinker from the word go. The whole movie titillates, stimulates and gave many lump in the throat moments. I've always been partial to glances and looks and this movie has them in abundance. The close-ups magnify the emotional turmoil underneath and I especially love that tremor and electricity when hands were barely touching each other.

A very compleat movie and I'm quite certain the author approves of this cinematic vision of his work as he is one of the producers. It was also a delightful treat to see Vanessa Redgrave on screen again.

Flower in the pocket

Malaysia 2007

Details dahuangpictures

Seen 12 January 2008

The child actors in this movie remind me so much of child actors in Iranian films. Natural. I guess a director cannot go wrong if they cast the right child in his movie.

The three main actors in the movie depict the normal life of children at school, home and play. The innocence of children playing and enjoying each others company seem such a wild dream compared to what man do when they reach adulthood.

There were also snippets of Malaysian life juxtaposed against the progress the nation has made in terms of material development. The family is still the core of society even if there are more single parents at the helm at present. They do try to give the best to their offspring. I guess in hopes that the children will have a better life in future.

In the meantime, the children should be allowed to be children, enjoying their childhood years without the prejudices of the adults colouring their experiences.

After the wedding

Denmark 2006

Poster imdb
Details aftertheweddingmovie

Seen 2 December 2007

Decisions have to be made and we are in a quandary. How do we solve this dilemma? In this film, the main character had to make a choice. On hindsight, his final decision is not so much surrendering his ideals, but a win-win situation albeit with lots of heartaches and emotional baggage in tow.

Good ensemble and believable script puts above a notch over similarly themed films.

Shanghai Dreams

China 2006

Poster and details seattlefilm

Seen 12 October 2007

My nominee for one of the ten best films I've seen in 2007. Simple story line but the script, acting and direction make this a very satisfying outing. The film is set in 1980s China. The main focus is on a family who has been relocated to the countryside as part of the country's strategy to build a third front against their enemies.

We have a domineering father who has dreams of going back to Shanghai. He keeps a close watch on his daughter ever since she became close to a local boy. Some might say an obsessive watch. These two characters alone is worth the admission ticket.

The inner turmoil of the family is delicately set against the backdrop of the changes happening in the world at large. The change in the political climate is also reflected in the small hamlet and the consequences felt by the inhabitants. This has the incidental side effect on the social climate as depicted by the group of youngsters who want to build their own version of China.

Another plus point is the inclusion of songs by Teresa Teng and Boney M to reflect the mood of the decade. But the silences were also deftly put at the right moments to convey the emotional state of the characters.

Me Myself

Thailand 2007

Poster and details movieseer

Seen 12 August 2007

A tear jerker especially towards the end. Memory lost, new encounters, memory regained, love lost? That is the dilemma facing the two main characters. The pace is a bit slow in some parts as the director takes his time building up the scenes to its emotional peaks. Lovely soundtrack helps a lot. In the end, all of us have a choice and have to make that important decision. In this instance, the girl needs to know that the man loves her. Once she was assured, she is certain that together they will be able to manage any obstacles that come along the way.

Loved the teary scenes.

Perng Mang

Thailand 2007

Poster and details sensasian

Seen 12 August 2007

Can a ghost from the past fall in love with a boy from the present? Yes, they can in this film. She is the spirit of the Thai musical instrument, perng mang while he is the destined player. We'll see how she saves him from many close encounters with the bad guys and how he in the end has to let her go to find her peace in the next world.

What is intriguing and a recurring theme is the sacrifices each of them made. She made hers when she was a young adolescent whereas he devoted himself to her the moment he set eyes on her. Sacrifices aplenty, a high price paid and a happy ending?

Maybe in the next life.

Little Children

USA 2006

Poster and details newline

Seen 29 July 2007

A clandestine love affair between a couple who are already married to others. They might have problems in their marriages and their secret relationship seems a good antidote. But it takes more than physical and emotional attraction to each other to maintain a healthy and long lasting relationship. At a certain point, they were deluded into thinking that what they have can be built into something permanent but life is much more complicated. Interspersed with the couple's story, we are also presented with a story on a sexual pervert and a man who is determined to be the protector of the innocents in the town. Unfortunately, no one is totally guiltless. Everyone has erred along the way and we should take everything into consideration when passing judgement on others.

Ratatouille

USA 2007

Poster and details imdb

Seen 29 July 2007

A rat who knows how to cook. A kitchen helper who is thrown into the cut throat world of fine dining in Paris. Friendship, loyalty and love are added spices. The pace is hectic. We get villains and distractors. But of course there is a happy ending but not before the hero has surmounted countless obstacles. Joyful ride.

Belle tojour

Portugal/France 2006

Poster and details rottentomatoes

Seen 28 July 2007

This is a tribute to Belle de jour. The film takes us to the present day when the friend of the family encounters the wife. She is a widow now and does not want to be reminded of the past. The friend tries very hard to meet her again and promises to tell her what happened during that fateful day fifty odd years ago. She finally relents but does the friend keep his promise?

Belle de jour

France 1967

Poster and details imdb

Seen 28 July 2007

Catherine Deneuve as a housewife who has what seems a perfect life but needs that something extra to love her husband. She becomes a part time lady of the night which leads to a tragic episode involving her husband. The psychological drama unfolds layer by layer to reveal a woman's unspoken desires for something out of the ordinary to spice up her love life. The price paid is very high indeed but the woman seems contented at last living the life of a loving wife.

Andalusian Dog

Country France 1929

Poster and details imdb

Seen 28 July 2007

The French title is "Un chien andalou". A short film in black and white by Luis Bunuel. This film was made in the same era as the Charlie Chaplin movies. We get exaggerated expressions from the actors. Salvador Dali lent a hand in the film's making and there are glimpses of the limp watch paintings. The film itself revolves around the love affections of a girl with many admirers. There are hints of sado masochism tendencies in some scenes. Maybe love does bring out surprises.

Scoop

USA 2006

Poster and details imdb

Seen 28 July 2007

A Woody Allen film, so expect a lot of ramblings, lightning speed monologues and quirky wit and humour. Don't forget the pretty heroine and macho male lead. In this outing, the ghost of a recently departed journalist has to use a visiting student to London as the instrument towards the scoop. We get the scoop at the end with a journey that meanders through a homage of the detective genre of the 1930s films.
As always, the cast seems to geld beautifully under the experienced direction of Woody Allen.

The Edge of Heaven

Turkey 2007

Poster and details bangkokfilm

Seen 27 July 2007

An exploration of love between parents and their children, as well as love which comes unexpectedly. There are deaths which trigger deep seated emotions. The director manages to intersperse the events seamlessly. Of course the deaths had a deep impact on those affected. At first, there was anger and later acceptance that there is a reason behind the tragedy. The events bring those involved closer to the edge of heaven.