Authorship-Kaki Bakar(1995) & Jogho (1997)

Kaki Bakar(The Arsonist) is a film who was directed by U-Wei Bin Haji Saari in 1995. The drama film was screened in Un Certain Regard Section at the 1995 Cances Film Festival.

Kaki Bakar is a story of love between a father and his son. Kakang who was an Indonesian that come from javanese family living in Malaysia. Kakang (Khalid Salleh) is an Indonesian Javanese who had married with Malaysian wife and has two daughters and two son. With his proud of Javanese 'element' in his blood, he wanted his son to have similarities qualities of him as a Javanese . Kakang, father of Kesuma said Malaysian is a group of people who are "weak, and also wait for subsidies". "They also had forget roots, ancestors " in heritance. The theme of this drama film is Identity.

Kesuma is the youngest among the four childrens that doesn't go to school too, is emotionally unstable kid. Sometimes he adored his father's fierceness and awkard decisions but sometimes he puzzled with is father's illness. Sometimes he agreed to all his dad's doing but sometimes he doesn't. And these is worsen by Kakang's moment of trnasitions (climax) from a very tough and aggresive man to a considerate and tolerate person, which Kesuma did not catch the signal.

The theme of "Kaki Bakar" drama film is to looking for identity . For example, Hyper Masculinity,  Father knows best and also adat discussion among  Indonesian Javanese and also Malaysia Malay. besides that, "Kaki Bakar" also commenting about the society among  Malay people that come from two different country that is Indonesia and Malaysia. Through "Kaki Bakar' drama film, Kakang had commenting about what he think about of Malay. For Kakang, Kesuma is the only son he has . He treat kesuma everything that he knows and always give advice to Kesuma how to be a great Javanese malay. It is so different if compare to Kesuma's brother that only was doing simple daily routine such as feeding goat, and helping mother at home by the way Kesuma was doing all the musculine daliy routine such as helping parents to collecting rubber at rubber estate, cutting timber and chanting. All of this is not doing by Kesuma"s brother who are actually done by oldest son but in this film it was doing all by kesuma who are the youngest children in Kakang's family. It is because compare to Kesuma's brother, kesuma is more trusthworthy and more responsible compare to his brother.

Because of trusthwothy from Kakang, Kesuma was training to take responsible to complete all the things that been given by Kakang. For Kakang, Islam is very extremist an they are not allowed to do certain things that are violate by Adat Islam.

In this "Kaki Bakar' film, it also bring out the Adat Discussion that including Hyper Musculinity. First, Father Knows best. Kakang is dictacting family members such as telling family what to do or not to do it. When Kakang is not happy or in bad mood, he would slap family members to expres his bad mood. In Kakang Family, no matter who their are, they would not have chance to speak or making decision. The best example is the decision and place to be stay is all determine by Kakang who are the head of household. Kakang is also not concern and care about his children education. For him, it is enough for Kesuma to smart only in  religion  education. For Kakang family members, no matter what Kakang had done is all good for family. As a family members, they should be on the side of Kakang no matter what. For them, no matter how the bad of his father, he still is a hero.

Camera movement for "Kaki Bakar" , the director-U -Wei Bin Haji Saari use a lot of Dolly in and tracking shots. For Example, Kakang put bowl to collect rubber, tracking stop when three members in a same line, then they move again.

The part that I Like:

The part of i like of this drama film is the respecting of parents. Kesuma  will listen to his father to complete the duties that give by his father, Kakang. Kesuma understand that no matter what duties that announced by Kakang is benefit for Kesuma.no matter what Kakang asking kesuma to complete , Kesuma will try to do it and complete it as soon as possible but it doesn't including the scene that Kakang telling Kesuma bringing kerosene to burn Tuan Kassim( Jamaluddin Kadir) village . Through this scene, we can found Kesuma is clever when he was making decision. Eventhough he hate Tuan Kassim so much but he doesn't planning to  kill Tuan Kassim.   Besides that, the part that i like is the scene when Kakang walked Kesuma Tuan kassim's house and lectured him  the issue  being jantan and stand up by your priciple.

The Part that I dislike:

The part that i dislike for the "Kaki Bakar" is about the ending part of the film. in the ending part of "Kaki Bakar" film, it doesn't clearly explain the future of Kakang's family after the death of Kakang that are murderd by Tuan Kassim.What had happened after the death of kakang is unclear and it doesn't convey the actual message to audiences.

Jogho (1997)

Jogho is another film directed by U-Wei BinHaji Saari in 1997. Jogho is an film which was origin adapted from a novel which was writed by S.Othman Kelantan .Besides that, Jogho is also the first Malaysian movie to be filmed in Kelantanese dialect.

Malaysian Mamat(Khalid Salleh) is a bullfighting,called "Jogho" in Thailand and outlawed in Malaysia. He had wife and three daughters.His only son was studies at the boarding school  at Kelantan. The film begins with the murder of Lazim, the leader of the small village. Mamat is held responsible for the mayhem that follows and is locked up. 

The movie was set in the bull-fighting Patani Malay community of Southern Thailand. An ungracious loser in this arena kills his rival ,whose brother  Mamat (Khalid Salleh) then vows to get even. His wife (Normah Damahuri) fails to stop this cycle of vegeance, who also affect the younger generation.

The theme of "Jogho" film which by U-Wei Biin Haji Saari is also the whole idea of identity. In this film, daughter is the person who was teaching the father about the religion when Mamat is getting lost control after he had facing problem and also attacked by bull.

The technique of Self for "Jogho" film is by using same actor that is Khalid Salleh who was the main character in "Kaki Bakar" film ,Kakang and also Pak Mamat in "Jogho" film. The camera movement of "Jogho" is using tracking shots and also pan that are moving from left to right . Besides that, In both U-Wei Bin Haji Saari film , both diegetic and also non diegetic sound had been used a lot . For example, music is playing an important role to express the emotion of the film .

The role of voice of male and the female is also can be founded in both U-Wei Bin Haji Saari film, "Kaki Bakar" and "Jogho". In the film, male charachter is playing an important role to becoming decision maker but female would voice out when she was dissatisfied with the decision that made by male. For example, the scene where Samah, the wife who was having conversation among Mamat and Minah when Minah was washing pot at the kitchen.

Besides that, "Kaki Bakar" and "Jogho" film both is talking about the power. U- Wei's film is talking about the fight of a person who are fight for freedom ,justice and also honour.

The theme of U-Wei's film is going against the mainstream , U-Wei prefer to use the middle class malay people as his film characters and also contrasting the hypermasculine Malay male in the rural settings. This establishes his discussion of adat and the tradition of the mould of the malay male and his bandings with the people and environment around him. For example, "Father Knows best", "The Unconditional Love", "The Role and Voice of the Male and Female". Last but not least the "Power" of people who are fighting hard for justice, freedom and also honour.

From "Kaki Bakar" to "Jogho", we have see the improvement of skill and shooting of a film .U-Wei has maintaining his style and is noted that director such as U-Wei was aware the technique and style that he use to produce the film.

ABANG 1981

Hybridity is an association of ideas, concepts and also themes that are all combined once contradict to each other. It can be apply to the "ABANG "1981 film.

'ABANG' or 'Big Brother"(1981) is a film that was directed by Rahim Razali in 1981,which was produced and directed before the existing of FINAS. "ABANG" is starring by  Rahim Razali, Noorkumalasari, Ahmad Yatim,Ahmad Tarmimi Serigar, Fauziah Ahmad Daud and S.Romainoor. It is a film about homecoming. After being abroad from London,England for a decade ago, Fuad Din(Rahim Razali) had decide to return to Malaysia, his e to ameliorate his interaction with his creator(God), others human being and nature.

Fuad Din(Rahim Razali) who are the oldest son had abroad to London, England a decade ago suddenly returns to home and reunion with family members. His family was struggle with their emotins about his return while he was try to make life as normal as normal as he possibly know how and keep his secret intact.The reason of Fuad abroad to London is because of he have leukimia disease after the incident that happened in science when he was trying to save his youngest sister, Dila(Fauziah Ahmad Daud) who was  pursued by few guys to get a try for smoking at science lab. Fuad was punch by few guys untill felt on floor and knocking all over those bottles in the process "cue :swoon, brave abang!"

In the past ten years, Fuad's family has lost contact with Fuad after Fuad had dissapear from Malaysia untill Fuad's father, Datuk Din received a telegram that telling them taht Fuad will be coming back to Malaysia at 9 September 1980. This "surprise" had made Fuad's two brothers Faizal and Farid become worry and feeling unconcious. What comes to their mind is the aim of Fuad coming back to Malaysia, his home is to figthing and get properties from them. They become worry because they have no idea what action will Fuad take and maintain his oldest son in Din's family.

Fuad Din is a modern malay man that come from a rich malay family. He owned his own business for him and himself family. Fuad is an educated modern malay guy, he is also an open-minded that he believe in pursuing their dream .From Fuad we can find the element of hybridity, that is the combination of modern and also traditional thinking person. They are not only happy with what God given, but they also do their best to achieve more benefit and successful in their life.

Since the Fuad coming home news been announced by Faizal, all the family members have given a call to Fuad-"Ghost of the past" that means the "ghost " that had dissapear for ten years ago but return again ten years later.The aim of his return is to enjoy his entire limited life with family ,helping his other siblings to settle their problem and also rebuilt the happiness of the family.

The Part that I dislike of the Film:

When Fuad was having conversation at Mona's house, the reason of Fuad dissapear ten years ago is not clear. Besides that, the editing technique of that part is not really smooth, it keep on repeating the same scene few times because of the unconvenience of the editing technique. From here, we can know the improvement of the 70's is still on improvement level. The aim of Fuad meeting with Mona is to hoping forgiveness from Mona because of dissapeared for ten years. Neither Mona or Fuad is still loving each other. Mona sad because of the unclear reason that given by Fuad that advice her to stay happier with Faizal and also the son of Fuad and Mona-Feroz.

The part that I Like:

Fuad, the modern malay guy that come from modern rich malay family had never forget his rule. This is the traditional way that he play when he back to kampung nearly at the end of the movie. During the kampung ,Fuad had enjoy recape all the sweet childhood memories by spending time with his family and  also relatives. As the position of first son, he need to carry out responsible of protecting family members from the trouble that maybe faced. For example, Fuad had save Farid, the youngest brother from been murdered by a guy. because of the over exhausted after Fuad back from London, England. Fuad asleep at the sofa, everyone was worry of him.

Besides helping his family members, Fuad also donated RM100,000 to kampung's village head and villagers as fund to improve the facilites and education of there.This film shows that isn't a failure, but the important is the rople that each person played that able to maintain hybridity well.

Costumes of this film is also included of Hybridity, that is modernized ,westernized and also traditional costumes.  The modern and westernized costumes mostly are been fixed by Fuad's family members. In other words, it also representing the status of Fuad Din's families. In other way, traditional costumes are mostly dress up by lower income people .For example: Datuk Din's family maid, Wan Teh and also all the villagers.

Music also played an significant role in this film. Mostly, western music are played in this film. Western music instruments such as piano, guitar and others also appeared in the scene of Dila, the youngest sister where she was singing in the nightclub and also piano that been played by her during she was waiting for Fuad's coming back scene .

All in all, "Abang 1981" is a not bad film that should be watch by all of us. It really convey some useful and informative message to us such as maintaining Hybridity ,Responsible of first son, Relationship among family members and also a good attitude will cause long happiness untill forever.

SELUBUNG

SELUBUNG is refering to the covering of the head or body part with clothes.

Synopsis:

Mastura, who was returns her studies abroad from Perth, Australia, feels upset because of  losing of her good friend E.J. who was atrtracted by the former alternative ,through the figure of  Brother Musa, a member of Tabligh, a worldwide Islamic fundamentalist missionary group.Besides that, E.J also choosed to marriage with Brother Musa in a short time .Because of  love, E.J had decided to stop her final year studies by follow Brother Musa eventhough Brother Musa have first wife, Hani that have mental problem after losing her baby.When Mastura back to Malaysia, she had decides to pick up the voluntary work as to promote goodwill that focusing on helping Muslims in the Middle East. Halim who has experienced in working serving abroad to the Middle East. has encourage Mastura to enjoy Rescaid, a voluntary  organization.  In her line up to help the children, Mastura slowly falling in love with Halim. a divorcee who shares the cause she is pursuing. The success of a nation-wide charity concert promoted by Mastura and the team from ‘Rescaid’ becomes the pride of the locals, until one day, tragedy strikes unexpectedly. However, it does not kill Mastura’s determination to protect the fate of the unfortunately.


Review


"Selubung" film was describes as "a complex and off-beat story of a young woman who are maturing in three loves- that a close of friend, the displaced children in Palestine and also the love story of her male employer . There are actually two endings for"Selubung" film. First, the bombing of Rescaid's Office had seriously injures Mas who seem unlikely to survive until her godfather and her fellow villagers chant the Muslims Testament of Faith in Terengganu Kampung. Second ending is return to the two shots of lovers ,Mas and Kamal rolled up in screen.  It is the one of the part that i liked very much .When the Muslim testament of Faith was running in Mastura Terengganu Kampung,  a lot fo butterflies invade her mental( Dr,Sardar, Palestine childrens, and her godfather) and soonly butterflies filled up her hospital room that shines down upon her and suddenly she wake up from coma. Kamal's mobile phone was rang before the praying was began, he stood in tears next to his car overlooking Kuala Lumpur in down. The combination of East Coast mysticis and also Muslim Faith was representing the Malay culture identity. The second ending of "Selubung" is when those Palestine childrens reached Kuala Lumpur during the charity concert that was performed by Pinto, ,played by Hattan singer ,which are unimportaned character  who performed in the second half in the film even recording a song for rescaid with Mas and Kamal (the singer M.Nasir who also compose music for that film).  Besides that, the other part that i like most is when Hani is killing E.J's baby in the first half part flash back of the film )highlights the psychological disorientation caused by the cultural environment in which they are 'forced' to live.


After killing E.J's baby ,Hani had reduce her envy feelings of E.J as her husband-Brother Musa's second wife. Hani was suffering after she lost her baby and uncomfortable feeling of sharing husband with E.J that had replaced her status deep inside Brother  Musa's heart. The part that i do no like is the reason of Brother Musa joined with Halim after E.J's baby had been killed by Hani.  Brother Musa makes more direct commitment to do volunteery work as a doctor in the Lebanese refugee camps.It had appeared without a clear explanation, the same situation also happened when two european students watched a women being tortuted in a jail that now this fiction is not clear. In the following scene, it also shows an unidentified men spray s"Arab go Home' on wall, throwed gas on framed quotation from the "Al-Quran" and on a number of books.All the unclear scenes showned on film maybe because of the unimproved editing that caused audiences convey the unclear message when they was watching the film.
According to the fire burning scene, culturally,socially and politically ,Australia is been stated as dangerous and also intolerant places for Muslims. Brother Musa preaches Muslim seperateness in the face of abhorrent western sexual and moral values.


 We can categorized that E.J is an traditional Malay women that are strong in religious .She is an extremist in religion and always wearing conservatively clothes. E.J is an women that love and able to sacrifice to her loving person no matter husband and friends.  E.J make a choice to live with other's husband, eventhough it is suffering for her but she is happy with that at the end.


Compare to E.J, Mastura is an modern, self-driven and also independent women. Mastura is practising islam religious as well. Mastura also wearing modern costumes and applying makeup compare to E.J that seldom wearing progressive modern costumes in "Selubung" film. Eventhough Mastura is an modern, self-driven and independent women,  but she still  stand strong netiher for her culture or religion.