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Mimpi Moon (eng/malay)
 Mimpi Moon is the first
Malaysian English language film for cinema release. It tells of the romance story between
Moonir (Rashidi Ishak )and Vina (Kavita Kaur), who were young sweethearts. They were
reunited when they returned to their hometown of Batu Suara, a small sleepy community
where nothing much ever happens. Love once lost is now rekindled. Directed by Shuhaimi
Baba, who brought us Ringgit Khasorga and Layar Lara. Starring Rashidi Ishak, Ida Nerina,
Ning Baizura, Jalaluddin Hassan, Afdlin Shauki, and model-actress Kavita Kaur in her first
leading role. |
Movie Review By: Chin Kit Sen
Click here for pictures
With
a generous handful of Malaysian humour interwoven into the complex structure of a romantic
drama, this is Malaysia’s first movie to be released in two flavours… Malay and
English. With this in mind, do be careful which ticket you buy. However, for true-bred
Malaysians the difference will only be slight, as the dialogue commonly is mixed between
English and Malay for the duration of the movie. It is only the narrative of lead actor
Moonir (Rashidi Ishak), which is seldom and far between, that is offered in one of the two
mentioned languages.
This is indeed a heart-warming story
of families, of love, of growing up… and with it, growing apart. Moonir and Vina’s
families have always been closely knit. Moonir’s father, Dr. Mansoor (Jalaluddin
Hassan) worked alongside Vina’s mother, Dr. Anna (Asha Gill) in a clinic they ran
together in the small, sleepy town of Batu Suara in Langkawi. Each had their obsessions
with using their medical ‘know-how’ to improve people’s lives. Dr. Anna
frequently made excursions to Cambodia to help landmine victims, while Dr. Mansoor
fervently believed in and developed medicinal balms from the local harvest of sea
cucumber, otherwise called “Minyak Gamat Dr. Mansoor” (Dr. Mansoor’s Sea
Cucumber Oil).
Winning a talent and song contest
while still at school, Moonir chooses to go with Dr. Anna on one of her Cambodian
excursions as prize. On this fateful trip however, Dr. Anna herself becomes a victim of
the landmines in an unfortunate turn of events which prove fatal. Shortly after, Vina is
sent to England to stay with relatives and to read Medicine. Moonir, or Moon as he is
lovingly called by friends, goes into the ‘recording’ business in Kuala Lumpur.
After a less than successful stint in Kuala Lumpur and a ‘rocky’
love life, Moon decides to ‘cut his loses’ and return to Batu Suara.
Unknowingly, thousands of miles away in London, Vina was also planning a visit home with
her new found love and fiancée.
With the help of family, friends and especially Moon’s
sister Nona (Ning Baizura), as well as a comical and convoluted plot which involves
Miranda (Ida Nerina), an international spy from Spain, the teenage love between Moon and
Vina are slowly, but surely rekindled.
Mimpi Moon successfully bridges the divide between races in
Malaysia to bring you funny and comical tones of expression in common kampong day to day
life. The language, intonation and mixture between English and Malay is something all
Malaysians can identify with and take close to heart.
Hassan gives a solid and convincing performance from beginning to
end in the unmoving, yet caring Dr. Mansoor. His character, though not the leading role,
is a large portion of Moon’s life and the lives of all his Kampong folk.
Model/Actress Kavita proved herself in her first leading role. Her tall, slender build
along with wide smile and elegant composure remind me very much of Julia Roberts. She has
good facial expressions and a mannerism which is instantly lovable. The very funny
supporting roles of Sok Van (Afdlin Shauki) and Miranda (Ida Nerina) add a very welcome
comedic element to an otherwise regular romantic comedy.
There is good, wholesome family fun in this movie which truly
deserves the attention of every true-blue Malaysian. |
  
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