There is the thing that connects you to a film that makes multiple viewing still as good as the first one. It could be the music, the story or the journey of the character. Or in this case, the childhood memories we all have going through the school years.
There was some talk after the screening about how there are less from the new generation interested in going to universities or boarding schools. There might be a day then, say in 50 years from now, that this film will be a historical record on that matter. But looking at how ‘revolutionary’ our own education system is, that time might take a little bit longer.
In the post-screening dialog, director Al Jafree Md Yusop said the movie is pretty much about his boarding school years. Azlan is Al Jafree. Other characters - Shake, Todak (Shapawee!), Malik, Shah and Hanna - represents Al Jafree’s real schoolmates back then.
Like how Jagat is actually about Shanjey Kumar Perumal’s childhood and The 400 Blows is also about the childhood of François Truffaut.
“All art is autobiographical.” – Federico Fellini. And according to Al-Jafree, Melur vs Rajawali has a big piece of him in it.
I think the film also critical on the education system. The character of the teachers are lacking leadership and not setting good example to the students. The headmaster give a speech like general ready for war and with the map of Italy behind his desk. The Add Math teacher had most of his student failing accept Azlan who came from the United States and scored 100%. In the shot from the bus, the students being suspended are on the clear side of the window and the two teachers are on the dirty, closed side.
The abandoned house where Shah argued with Hanna and where Shake brawled with Azlan in the rain symbolises the broken families. Most of them are poor and parents are separated.
Education and family, two key factors in nation building is not having a great picture here. But the one who actually took the role of a leader, guiding the fellow students to improve themselves is Shake. His hard life and broken family has turned him into a character who desires change. Even after being betrayed by Malik, as a close friend, he understands why and forgives him.
Life gives us the best lesson.
Kudos to Sharpened Word and Port Ipoh for organising this Sharpened Word & PORT - Panel Discussion with Movie Directors - Cinematic Contribution to Nation Building and the Film Weekend!
*also was screening, Dr. Razli Dalan’s Haruan and James Lee’s Tolong! Awek Aku Pontianak where I will write next.
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Hello @nazirullsafry, thank you for sharing this creative work! We just stopped by to say that you've been upvoted by the @creativecrypto magazine. The Creative Crypto is all about art on the blockchain and learning from creatives like you. Looking forward to crossing paths again soon. Steem on!