Good debut attempt from Teck Tan.
Harry Lee, played by Craig Fong, the protagonist, returns to KL with news that he has failed in his studies. His autocratic, typically Chinese father is disgusted, and Harry leaves home after a major argument over determining life directions. Western-influenced, Harry really wants to form a dance-music band and become famous. Yati, Harry's childhood friend, is a modern city girl in her early 20s. Although Yati adopts a fashionable gen-x lifestyle, she has been raised to believe in her Malay culture and Muslim religion, both of which are under threat in this fast-developing country. Her personal perspective is a balanced one; she observes her religious rites, but is in no way a fanatic. Harry forms a new band, which comprises Yati, Chantal (a glamorous Eurasian singer), Ariff (a gay keyboard player) and JJ (an Indian percussionist and tabla player).
The story revolves around these five figures in achieving their dreams and encountering social and cultural obstacles. The movie touches on issues that are not touched by majority of the Malaysian movies: clashes of ethnic groups and contrasting faiths - but in a modern gen-x setting.
Overall, the movie is very sincere in reflecting the current society in Malaysia. Acting wise, Ellie Suriyati played Yati very well with convincing facial expressions. Though she may look forced sometimes, she manage to hide it with her natural suave moves and authentic look. Craig Fong, on the other hand, sounded pretentious with his too-thick Australian accent, which is very unrealistic to represent the country's youth. Also, dont understand why he had to bare his chiseled body in almost every scene... a crowd puller or a heart-throb in creation?
Harry Lee, played by Craig Fong, the protagonist, returns to KL with news that he has failed in his studies. His autocratic, typically Chinese father is disgusted, and Harry leaves home after a major argument over determining life directions. Western-influenced, Harry really wants to form a dance-music band and become famous. Yati, Harry's childhood friend, is a modern city girl in her early 20s. Although Yati adopts a fashionable gen-x lifestyle, she has been raised to believe in her Malay culture and Muslim religion, both of which are under threat in this fast-developing country. Her personal perspective is a balanced one; she observes her religious rites, but is in no way a fanatic. Harry forms a new band, which comprises Yati, Chantal (a glamorous Eurasian singer), Ariff (a gay keyboard player) and JJ (an Indian percussionist and tabla player).
The story revolves around these five figures in achieving their dreams and encountering social and cultural obstacles. The movie touches on issues that are not touched by majority of the Malaysian movies: clashes of ethnic groups and contrasting faiths - but in a modern gen-x setting.
Overall, the movie is very sincere in reflecting the current society in Malaysia. Acting wise, Ellie Suriyati played Yati very well with convincing facial expressions. Though she may look forced sometimes, she manage to hide it with her natural suave moves and authentic look. Craig Fong, on the other hand, sounded pretentious with his too-thick Australian accent, which is very unrealistic to represent the country's youth. Also, dont understand why he had to bare his chiseled body in almost every scene... a crowd puller or a heart-throb in creation?