As Suanie Sees It

I received an invitation from some lovely people to attend a preview of the movie “KAYANGAN“, a local movie that will be released in selected Malaysian cinemas come 9th August 2007. Being a supporter of most things local ( unless they are known to really suck beyond reasonable doubt ), I heartily agreed. Now I am regretting my decision a little, because… well, I belatedly found out that the movie had a whole list of Malaysian royalty involved. Dude, the producer of this film is the director of Antah Group, ok? He looked really nice, mild and friendly throughout the press conference, but well… if I write disastrously negative things about the movie, will heads roll?! I mean, RPK is not exactly in the best of situations now, is he?

Kidding lah. I thought it was funny. Anyway… like someone said during his opening speech, there are bound to be negative remarks alongside any positive ones, yah? Sekiranya patik silap tulis, patik mohon ampun. Daulat Tuanku.

Kayangan ( which means something like Mount Olympus, not really heaven ) is a romantic comedy, the first feature film by Raden Pictures Sdn Bhd ( assisted by Grand Brilliance Sdn Bhd ), and directed by Y. M. Raja Ahmad Alauddin ( also director of ‘Qaisy dan Laila’, ‘Lurah Dendam’ and ‘Hati Bukan Kristal’ ). It tells the fictional story of Tengku Amir (Teuku Zacky Azwar), a prolific businessman and member of the royal family falling in love with a commoner, Masiera (Nur Fazura), and I think the official synopsis will serve to elaborate better:

When two individuals from different worlds meet by chance, life becomes a kaleidoscope of twists and turns. “Kayangan” sees the lives of Tengku Amir, a royal prince at the forefront of the corporate world (played by Indonesian sensation Teuku Zacky Azwar), and Maseira, a simple lass from a quaint little village in Negeri Sembilan (played by rising star Nur Fazura Sharifuddin) converging by way of a most unfortunate (and embarrassing) occurrence.

Maseira is then exposed to the glitzy urban world of Tengku Amir when she accepts his offer of employment with his family’s company. Despite her initial unease with new surroundings, Maseira slowly adapts to the bright city lights without abandoning her down-to-earth nature. However, both have to deny the romantic feelings developing between them. But why?

The film has abundant comedic twists and turns, impending tragedy, heart-wrenching despair and entertaining scenes. Supported by a soundtrack written by Ajai that promises to be a hit with viewers and listeners alike, both young and old, “Kayangan” is set to captivate and capture the imagination

Will differing backgrounds prove an insurmountable barrier? Or will love conquer all? Come to cinemas this August 2007, and be whisked off to “Kayangan”.

Tengku Amir cajoling his spoiled and materialistic girlfriend, Erina

The Bad in a nutshell:

1) The first 5 minutes (after the montage of how important Tengku Amir was) were rather torturous. It was like being slapped with Murphy’s Law, and everything in the beginning too! It is one of the movies where good money is not spent on proper sound production, so you have the actors sometimes speaking out of sync. I later learnt that Teuku Zacky’s Indonesian accent was too strong, so they had to use another actor’s voice to say the former’s line. But the sound thing is a thorn in my arse lah.

Sorry that this had to happen in the beginning of the movie. But the opening scene was too pretentious for my liking lor. Maybe what transpired was inspired by real life, and maybe it was my problem for not being able to relate to the scene, but that was how I felt lah.

2) Overacting seems to be something that we have to get used to. But sometimes it gets OTT, especially with Dynaz Mokhtar’s role as Erina, Tengku Amir’s spoilt girlfriend. Another reason why I fully support sound to be recorded on location is that the actors would not have so much time to overact, over gesture, over anything because they would have to deliver convincing lines as well, and if they can’t do both, they would have to skip the over performing part.

3) The ludicrous stage performance by Dee and Opie during a proper dinner function. Was that supposed to be the comedy part of this movie? I feel that they could have done well by forgoing this slapstick, which came out from nowhere, and everyone present was supposed to be enjoying it so much that the whole scene was very unconvincing.

4) Tengku Amir’s attraction for Erina. Maybe it is to Dynaz’s credit for her ability to portray such an annoying role, but come on lah… you the handsome prince with both looks and money can get any girl in the world, and you settle for this annoying piece of trash (the role, not Dynaz)?! Makes me geram want to slap someone. Well I have a reaction, so maybe that’s a good thing…

5) Tengku Amir’s original PA who was pregnant = not funny at all and OTT. Sorry.

Erina and Suraya eyeballing each other

The Good in a nutshell:

1) After a while you get acquainted with the characters and focus on the story, so the whole bad sound/ voice over thing passes you by. That’s a good thing, right?

2) I liked the performances by Fazura, Eja and all the kampung folks. In most local movies, I find that the performances by the kampung folks to be the best, maybe because they are veterans and have starred in one too many ‘Cerekarama’, which I actually enjoy. The only irritating part of Fazura was when her role latched on to the whole ‘KL is the state of capitalism’ bs. Har har. That’s comedy.

3) Costumes were rather awesome! Rich and colourful. Me likey.

4) Positive portrayal of blogging in the movie! That is so refreshing in this country You’ll have to watch ‘Kayangan’ to see the role of blogging here. Reminiscent of ‘The Perfect Man‘ though.

5) The little side stories, and everything else not mentioned.

Tengku Alyssa reading a blog on her laptop

And now, for the Most Awesome Part:

THE SOUNDTRACK!!!!!!!!!111111 The theme song, “Kayangan”, written and composed by Ajai, sung by Ajai and Tunku Mimi ( who also came up with the story of the movie, who was present at the press conference and looked rather hot ) is very catchy, pleasing, and I can’t wait to buy the album so I can listen to it over and over again and again and again.

I also really like the rest of the songs on the album. You can listen to clips from the soundtrack here, then you should really go out and buy the album because I think it’s awesome Ajai, you are hot.

Tengku Amir and Mas discussing on how to spend RM2 million…

I guess this is the part where I tell you to go watch the movie. Well, only if you want to, beginning 9 August 2007. But I must stress to you not to get your expectations up, and just go with the flow, so to speak.

Overall KAYANGAN is idealistic, but maybe that is not a bad thing. Some funny and heartwarming parts here and there, and will definitely be a hit with those who enjoy romantic films. There will be a ‘Kayangan The Roadshow’ in Penang (5th August at the Seberang Perai Carrefour), Selangor (11th August at Mydin Subang Jaya and Selayang Mall), Seremban (12 August at Terminal One) and Johor Bahru (18 and 19 August at City Square, Plaza Angsana and Danga Bay). Go catch the stars of KAYANGAN at those dates and venues, and to end, here’s the trailer for the movie ‘KAYANGAN’…