28-yr old nocturnal over@nal geekette Malaysian.
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Let's Sumo!
As promised, a review of Sumolah minus the gala night's fanfare. (Shaz and I sort of missed out on the "blue" carpet event prior to screening, because we were doing the bridal talk instead. *cheesy grin*) Spoiler warning.
Without trying to wax lyrical about a film I worked on, I will say that from the two screenings I'd attended, I initially found the film's story somewhat cluttered and too crammed. Only because I couldn't help noting what scenes were cut, which sub-plots had to be sacrificed and how it was edited to eventually convey or introduce characters. I was told that the first cut was four hours long! Quite an epic-wannabe hey? Heheh... But what you'll be viewing in the cinemas is 150 minutes.
Despite being two and a half hours, I have to say that Afdlin definitely has comedic talent which you will find exudes in this film very entertainingly from the first minute. And I don't mean merely slapstick comedy. Sumolah is armed with honesty and wit that captures the essence of Malaysian values and humour. Hence, each frame will never be a dull moment.
Another aspect of Sumolah which breaks away from your regular Malay film plots, is the Japanese-Malaysian relationship theme.The film introduces Honda-san (played by Patrick Teoh), the Japanese owner of Boleh Sushi restaurant, who've long made Malaysia home; and his daughter Siti (Nang Nak's Inthira Charoenpura), as a rojak child of Malay-Japanese parentage. The two, along with Boleh Sushi's two employees Haris (Awie) and Andy (Radhi Khalid), show Ramlee (Afdlin Shauki) the spirit of the Japanese phrase, nokotta (used in the sport sumo).
Though a handful of the original sub-plots were left out, there will be many facets of the film which you will find to embrace. Even from repeated viewings. From learning about the Japanese culture and pride, to relating about what makes Malaysia home. Or merely to enjoy it from it's entertaining mockery of Japanese anime come alive. Or go to see nekkid Japanese butts on the big screen!!! x_X
What makes Sumolah's screening special for me was the line when Honda tells Ramlee why he calls Malaysia his home and not Japan,
Malaysians are sincere and dedicated people.That ranks right up beside Ramlee cussing Akira (Phua Chu Kang's Gurmit Singh)
Pokemon punya Dragonball!
If you haven't given any Malaysian films a go at the cinemas yet, especially with the revolutionary age it's going through now, give Sumolah a chance. May 10th onwards the date to let's Sumo!
postdate. The other thing I forgot to mention was Sumolah's soundtrack. Although it hasn't been produced yet, I *heart* the songs in the film!
***
Seadevilyn's review - You Son of Pokemon, Spawn of Dragonball!
Kim Hooi's photos - Sumolah
Tech Supremo's - SumoLah : Advanced Review & Premiere Gala Report
All Sumolah internally related posts:
*Let's Sumo!
*Sumolah, other views
*Sumolah themes and songs
*Sumolah in cinemas this week!
*Sumolah's a wrap!
*Fluttering Sumolah at the film festival
*Sumolah, going ons
*Sumolah people
*Sumolah's begun
*Feeling the "nokotta" spirit
Comments
Hmm, actually, I am pretty interested in seeing this if I have the chance, and judging from the reactions of other people when is trailer was playing during the Spidey 3 preview I attended, guess this film's likely going to be a big hit. Congrats in advance? :D
Swifty | May 10, 2007 12:57 AM
I can't wait for the sequel, Sumodabido! :-)
Dabido (Teflon) | May 10, 2007 11:09 PM
Hey, just watched this film in cinema and got home straight to google the soundtrack (i want that song!!) when i stumbled upon your blog. Malaysian films are indeed going through a revolutionary. I have been quite a frequent viewer of Malay films and i would tell everyone it is now worth watching them in cinema. 150-minute is a long runtime for a film but trust me this film would not bores you. There are some so-so moments in the film (camera shot, script, etc.) but overall it is entertaining and meaningful. Come on Malaysia! Produce more good films like this! Malaysia Boleh! Nokatta!
Zhong Chuen | May 27, 2007 9:41 PM