Let me tell you a secret.

I don't enjoy watching modern commercial Malay movies. P.Ramlee classics I absolutely love! But all those modern stuff? Not my cup of tea. I was forced to watch Mimpi Moon. I mildly enjoyed Malaikat Di Jendela. I was blackmailed to watch Lady Boss. And I was threatened with grievous bodily harm if I didn't sit through Diva. That is my little secret. (Matilah aku kena sula lepas ni.)

Why don't I enjoy commercial Malay movies? Simple: they're mostly quite badly made, or just not entertaining enough to sustain my interest and my very short span of attention. Hate me all you want now but at least I'm honest.

And then I discovered Yasmin Ahmad. There was light at the end of the tunnel. Then I saw Osman Ali's Anak Halal. Things were getting better.

Yesterday I went to watch ANAK, the first film by my business partner and good friend Michael Ang. I was dreading it. Not because it's a horror flick and I have a rule NEVER to watch horror flicks. I was dreading it because I was terrified that I might not have anything nice to say about the film. And it would be very impolite not to say anything nice about your best friend's film, kan? So I told myself - sit and watch and then lie through your teeth, Vernon.

So I sat and watched the film. Half way through Michael came and sat by me.

Michael: How so far? OK?

Me: Emmmm.

Michael: Acting ok?

Me: Emmmm.

Michael: Script ok tak?

Me: Emmmm.

Michael: Cinematography cantik?

Me: Eh, boleh diam tak? I'm trying to watch the film, ok?

Then it hit me. Like a lightning bolt, it hit me. I was actually glued to the screen and enjoying the film! Wow! I was loving the short and crisp script, I absolutely loved the devices the director and scriptwriter used to keep each scene down to the necessary minimum, and Erra actually looked fabulous without make-up on.

Although I have only seen Erra act in Lady Boss, I must say that what I saw yesterday was superb acting by her. She was controlled, emotionally charged, and delivered an extremely convincing portrayal of a very complex role. Ida Nerina was flawless as the bitch from hell. She effortlessly moved from conniving to bitter to twisted to tormented - all in one scene. Breathtaking! Walking hard-on Philip Jusuff with a sexy Indonesian accent played the heroic psychiatrist more than convincingly. Everyone else in the cast was better than average. Surprisingly.



And yes Michael, the cinematography was more than cantik, it was of international quality. I'm not blowing smoke up your ass - it really was quite impressive, especially the blurred and burnt out scenes, and the framing. And how much did you spend on the CGI?

Take a look at the trailers... don't worry, no spoilers. And what you think may be spoilers actually aren't.

30 seconds trailer


MELANKOLIA - the full trailer for ANAK

senilagu Audi Mok, senikata Ad Samad, artis Ning Baizura

Nikki came along to lend her support. And she was pleasantly surprised that three of her songs from her album MAHARANI were featured in the film. It's called cross-marketing, Nikki. Though personally, I call it shameless cronyism. And why not, kan? Suka hati Michael lah kan nak letak mana mana lagu dia suka, kan?

Ad Samad and Nikki

After the film, we had the press conference. Which went on and on and on. Always a good sign when journalists ask too many questions. It means they are excited. And then, as usual, I elbowed my way to the front, nonchalantly pushed aside the photographers and yelled, “funny faces for Mr. Manager's blog, everyone!”

After the press conference, the media cornered Ida. For the obvious question lah...

Reporter: So is that you in the infamous video clip that's making the rounds on the internet?

Ida: What do you think? Have you seen it, and do you honestly think it's me? My lawyer has advised me to take all the necessary action to clear my name. Let's leave it to the police to investigate the matter.

Back to ANAK. I will watch this movie again. If only to enjoy the delicious play of tension and release between Erra and Ida. So it's official - ANAK is the first COMMERCIAL Malay film that I wasn't bored watching, and thankfully, I didn't have to lie to Michael when I said I honestly enjoyed his first film.

ANAK hits silver screens all across the nation on Thursday 21st February.

Barney Lee (Director), Philip, Erra, Ida and Michael Ang (Executive Producer)

For more info (synopsis, gallery, pics), check out the official website.