I have to admit I'm not one for Malay movies,well maybe yes when i was a whole lot younger.Anyway,throughout the years i have witnessed the downfall of Malay movies,a sad and slow demise.Malay audiences are more interested in seeing foolish teen-flicks with pop stars rather than actors. Sepet however is nothing like this.Its a movie about 2 people from totally different backgrounds who in the end(or in the very beginning of the movie) fall in love.However many complications arise since these lovers are from different races. What i really like about this movie is that finally someone has made a movie involving the Chinese and Malays,two races that until this day still cannot stand each other yet still try to live with one another.This movie is not ashamed to point out the flaws of each race but yet at the same time also praises the races concerned. All and all,this is a different kind of love story which should be watched by everyone especially if your a Malaysians.As i mentioned earlier,its not your typical Malay movie and thank God for that. (P.s: There's even one scene where Malay movies are criticized,and i loved that part.A slap in the face for people who like such MORONIC Malay movies)
20 Reviews
Malaysia has a bright, new hope in movie-making...
wkkl1317 April 2006
I was always a prejudice in Malaysian movies. I have never in my life gave it a thought of watching a Malay movie. But when I watched this movie, Sepet, I was overwhelmed. I watched it five to seven times because it was so good. There were some witty parts and some sad parts. I love the parents and Kak Yam in this movie. They were hilarious. I liked the part where Jason was dancing at the first part of the movie until they were interrupted by one of the lonesharks...There was one part where Orked's parents were dancing. I also liked the part where Orked's parents were playing Scrabbles. Whatever it is, Yasmin Ahmad's hardwork for this movie was paid off when she won many international awards. Well, I'm certainly glad. Yasmin Ahmad, I salute you!
Great!
kyogunner21 March 2009
This movie easily grab my attention to watch. I love the main idea and Yasmin did well for this movie. I've seen her works, Mokhsin and Gubra, both cannot compete with this one. This movie is one of the best in Malaysia cinema and one should watch this. Yasmin give an honest view through her film with this one and the last part, i mean the ending is the real large view of what Malaysia cinema can be. Two races from two different races and religion, there is no issue of converting whatsoever but, dark message here is, either hero convert to heroine religion or one of them need to die. This movie is great and it deserved 8 out of 10 stars! Well done Yasmin!
A Leap for Malaysian Cinema
superratty-tmy5 January 2006
For those of you who are not in Malaysia, it is important to give you a background of what the local film scene is like. This is written from a regular audience/citizen's point of view, so I could be wrong.
From my understanding and observation, it is the independent films that draw diverse crowds, with little marketing and funding as compared to officially funded projects. This is so because generally, the standard to storytelling is better expresssed in the independent scene.
Rarely do indie films make it to the silver screen for commercial screenings, and Sepet is one of the first to make it. So... there are two ways to write this review. 1) In comparison to other Malaysian films to date, 2) Film as film, period, without any other contextual bindings.
1) It is a very good film. It is among the best film to be made in the last 20 years or so, perhaps, in Malaysian cinema. If there is one film that quite accurately gives viewers a taste of what Malaysian village/town lifestyle is like, Sepet is the movie to go. It is not so much captured in forced dialogue, or marketing of typical trademark Malaysian structures, but rather in the subtleties that are made obvious, like slangs, choice of words, bla bla bla.
2) Film as film, it still is a very good film. I have qualms about how the film is cut in some scenes, and the editing is choppy at best, but that is in no way a turn-off point for viewers. The scenes where I cringed because of technical messups were few, and the scenes where I gazed at the screen in awe were plenty.
The story is good. Interracial relationships is a common issue in Malaysia, and it is good to see it discussed widely. The acting is fairly good, and the songs selected to accompany the film does well to boost the film's quality.
This is by no means what Schindler's List is to the Jews, or Braveheart to the Scots, but it is certainly a big boost for Malaysian cinema. Watch it if you can.
7.5/10
From my understanding and observation, it is the independent films that draw diverse crowds, with little marketing and funding as compared to officially funded projects. This is so because generally, the standard to storytelling is better expresssed in the independent scene.
Rarely do indie films make it to the silver screen for commercial screenings, and Sepet is one of the first to make it. So... there are two ways to write this review. 1) In comparison to other Malaysian films to date, 2) Film as film, period, without any other contextual bindings.
1) It is a very good film. It is among the best film to be made in the last 20 years or so, perhaps, in Malaysian cinema. If there is one film that quite accurately gives viewers a taste of what Malaysian village/town lifestyle is like, Sepet is the movie to go. It is not so much captured in forced dialogue, or marketing of typical trademark Malaysian structures, but rather in the subtleties that are made obvious, like slangs, choice of words, bla bla bla.
2) Film as film, it still is a very good film. I have qualms about how the film is cut in some scenes, and the editing is choppy at best, but that is in no way a turn-off point for viewers. The scenes where I cringed because of technical messups were few, and the scenes where I gazed at the screen in awe were plenty.
The story is good. Interracial relationships is a common issue in Malaysia, and it is good to see it discussed widely. The acting is fairly good, and the songs selected to accompany the film does well to boost the film's quality.
This is by no means what Schindler's List is to the Jews, or Braveheart to the Scots, but it is certainly a big boost for Malaysian cinema. Watch it if you can.
7.5/10
The best Malaysian movie in recent years
faisal_al27 December 2006
I'll be honest, I'm not a big fan of Malaysian movies. To be even more honest, I *dislike* Malaysian movies. But hey, with a movie scene plagued with ridiculously clichéd love story lines, even more ridiculously clichéd characters, stupid comic relief characters, can you really blame me? When I read about Sepet pretty much gobbling up all the awards in the 2005 Malaysian Film Festival, and with such hype and controversy surrounding the movie, you can imagine I was more than just a little curious... so I watched it.
And let me tell ye something, this movie isn't only as good as I expected it to be, it's better than I ever hoped it to be! It's a simple story, really - Orked, a Malay girl from a well-off family, living in a contemporary city environment, with a soft spot for pretty-much-everything-Chinese, falls in love with Jason, an average Chinese guy, a VCD vendor pushed about by gangsters. As the story unfolds, we are presented with the world that Orked and Jason live in - their friends, families, and day to day lives - along with some buried tales of the past.
Sure enough, the plot doesn't sound like something completely original - one girl, one boy, from completely different backgrounds, fall in love. What makes this movie so good is the execution in everything, and especially depth of the characters in Sepet. Each one of them - from Jason's mother, to the couple themselves, even right down to Orked's maid (!) - all have deep, interesting personalities. Each of them creates a beautiful atmosphere, and the viewers are immersed completely into the lives of Orked and Jason. And director Yasmin Ahmad actually makes you feel like you care for these characters, and will take you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions as we feel the world they live in. To top it off, the regular doses of humour (especially from Orked's parents, played by Ida Nerina and Harris Iskandar) fit in well with the pacing and overall atmosphere of Sepet, adds some flair and colour to the story but never goes overboard. I heard the actors were never given scripts and were to improvise the characters themselves - Don't know how true this is, but if that's a way of praising the superb performance by the actors and actresses in the movie, I wholeheartedly agree!
But what REALLY sets this movie aside from all the other Malaysian movies out there today, is that Sepet isn't just a deep love story with bright characters, it's a painfully realistic outlook into the world of city life in Malaysia. The conflicting cultures, imperfection and sincerity in people, the underlying truths beneath each untold story, insecurity, repentance, trust.. the list goes on. I'm particularly impressed with how Yasmin Ahmad is not afraid to display common stereotypes in Malaysia - races, age, social hierarchy, etc. It is shockingly realistic, and it's not surprising why this movie did stir up some controversy back home.
Overall, this is perhaps the best Malaysian movie I've seen in recent memory, and I'm hard pressed to deny that this is the best Malaysian movie ever, and perhaps one of the few which I dare say is good enough for international standards. Kudos and hats off to Yasmin Ahmad; Great stuff!
And let me tell ye something, this movie isn't only as good as I expected it to be, it's better than I ever hoped it to be! It's a simple story, really - Orked, a Malay girl from a well-off family, living in a contemporary city environment, with a soft spot for pretty-much-everything-Chinese, falls in love with Jason, an average Chinese guy, a VCD vendor pushed about by gangsters. As the story unfolds, we are presented with the world that Orked and Jason live in - their friends, families, and day to day lives - along with some buried tales of the past.
Sure enough, the plot doesn't sound like something completely original - one girl, one boy, from completely different backgrounds, fall in love. What makes this movie so good is the execution in everything, and especially depth of the characters in Sepet. Each one of them - from Jason's mother, to the couple themselves, even right down to Orked's maid (!) - all have deep, interesting personalities. Each of them creates a beautiful atmosphere, and the viewers are immersed completely into the lives of Orked and Jason. And director Yasmin Ahmad actually makes you feel like you care for these characters, and will take you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions as we feel the world they live in. To top it off, the regular doses of humour (especially from Orked's parents, played by Ida Nerina and Harris Iskandar) fit in well with the pacing and overall atmosphere of Sepet, adds some flair and colour to the story but never goes overboard. I heard the actors were never given scripts and were to improvise the characters themselves - Don't know how true this is, but if that's a way of praising the superb performance by the actors and actresses in the movie, I wholeheartedly agree!
But what REALLY sets this movie aside from all the other Malaysian movies out there today, is that Sepet isn't just a deep love story with bright characters, it's a painfully realistic outlook into the world of city life in Malaysia. The conflicting cultures, imperfection and sincerity in people, the underlying truths beneath each untold story, insecurity, repentance, trust.. the list goes on. I'm particularly impressed with how Yasmin Ahmad is not afraid to display common stereotypes in Malaysia - races, age, social hierarchy, etc. It is shockingly realistic, and it's not surprising why this movie did stir up some controversy back home.
Overall, this is perhaps the best Malaysian movie I've seen in recent memory, and I'm hard pressed to deny that this is the best Malaysian movie ever, and perhaps one of the few which I dare say is good enough for international standards. Kudos and hats off to Yasmin Ahmad; Great stuff!
A Nutshell Review: (DVD) Sepet (2004)
DICK STEEL1 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I've always been unable to answer confidently when someone asks me what my favourite movie is. You're learning it here first, I've found it. It is Sepet. I love this movie to bits. And I find it so unforgivable to have missed it when it was released on the big screen locally. But the question would be, why Sepet? You'd know by now I'm a sucker for a good old fashioned romance. Sepet is one of those classic romances, with a contemporary touch, and a realistic take on love, life, relationships at all levels. It is honest, sincere storytelling, and having it ring so close to home, with a multi-religious, multi-cultural, multi-lingual take, just makes it endearing. It's not a Malay film, or Chinese film, but it's a Malaysian film, one in which a person like me, from across the Causeway, can and will definitely enjoy.
Director Yasmin Ahmad has crafted two charismatic leads, in Jason (Ng Choo Seong), the pirated VCD peddler with a penchant for poetry, and Orked (Sharifah Amani) the student. One's Chinese, the other's Malay, and Yasmin has weaved a loving story between the two, sans all misconstrued prejudices. We're drawn into their love at the start of their budding relationship from their chance encounter when Orked patronizes Jason's stall in a busy market street, and witness them grow in their affection for each other.
The diverse family backgrounds are highlighted from the beginning. We see Jason reciting poetry so lovingly to his Peranakan mother (played by Tan Mei Ling). He seemed closer to her than his father, and we learn that all is not too well between the squabbling parents. In a dinner scene with his family, we learn that his brother (later played by Alan Yun in Gubra) had married a Singaporean, and the relationship with the in-laws are not that cordial too.
Contrasted with Orked's family, the loving parents portrayed by Ida Nerina and Harith Iskander, who share many a scene expressing their love (which had irked Malaysian censors), and with a housemaid Yam (played by Adibah Noor) adding to the comical close knit ties within their family.
But, cliché as I may sound, love knows no bounds. Sans race, sans religion, sans family backgrounds, love will find a way. We follow their courtship, and it isn't that these obvious differences are swept beneath the carpet. No, they were brought out, and we realize the challenges that lie ahead if our couple were to be together, and to challenge these misconceptions.
But in typical boy-meets-girl, boy-loves-girl, boy-loses-girl fashion, we see how their relationship loses ground when Jason confesses to Orked to have impregnated another girl. To be "fair", he did the deed before he became committed to Orked, but felt that sense of responsibility to take care of the other. It's somewhat depressing, knowing that he and Orked are a match made, but events that transpired before meeting your soul mate, came back to haunt. I thought deeply about this, and was wondering if there was any possibility about reconciliation and forgiveness. Sometimes there will be, sometimes there will be not, but sometimes they may come too little too late. And from what Yasmin told us, I understood the ending, why it ended the way it ended, drawn from her personal experience, and the emotions I felt.
But therein lies a higher objective, which I thought was a respectable Wow moment. With the way it ended, I felt that yes, I believe that Yasmin has achieved with most audiences (unless you're on the road to no redemption) throwing away any deep sense of prejudice, to want the two leads to be together, after the fact that is akin to riding on a ferris wheel to the top, enjoying the sights, and then being thrown over. It dawned upon me the power of her story, simply told.
The movie's also peppered with plenty of movie references and subtle jokes, besides the obvious ones which you laugh out loud. There are digs at society, and some events will make you ponder, like how Orked managed to get a scholarship with 5As, when Jason actually scored 7, and got none (hey, VCD peddler also got the smarts, OK!) The chemistry between the leads is so believable, that you cannot help but fall in love with both. Jason is the atypical sam-seng boy with dyed hair, dances a quirky dance, filial son, with a heart of gold. You might presume that Orked is the demure pint-sized girl next door, but inside, she packs quite an opinionated punch, which works in her favour when battling against prejudices. And the two of them put together, genuinely make a cute couple.
The musical selection is beautiful, and I was initially surprised that Sam Hui songs were used throughout the movie. They were the evergreens in Hong Kong Pop, and contributed effectively to the mood of the movie. The cinematography too emulates picturesque moments when the leads are together, be it sharing a meal or conversation in a fast food restaurant, or sitting at a pier or a bus stop to wait out the rain. Things and situations associated with budding love.
There are tonnes of films out there which are loud, brash, and easily forgotten once the lights come on. I've come to appreciate smaller films which are intricately crafted, a simple story with layered complexity, and something which can endure the test of time. A story that comes straight from the heart. I believe Sepet is one of them. I like.
Code 3 DVD contains behind the scenes footage (though I had hoped it could have more), and the trailer. How I'd wish there would be a director and casts commentary. :-)
Director Yasmin Ahmad has crafted two charismatic leads, in Jason (Ng Choo Seong), the pirated VCD peddler with a penchant for poetry, and Orked (Sharifah Amani) the student. One's Chinese, the other's Malay, and Yasmin has weaved a loving story between the two, sans all misconstrued prejudices. We're drawn into their love at the start of their budding relationship from their chance encounter when Orked patronizes Jason's stall in a busy market street, and witness them grow in their affection for each other.
The diverse family backgrounds are highlighted from the beginning. We see Jason reciting poetry so lovingly to his Peranakan mother (played by Tan Mei Ling). He seemed closer to her than his father, and we learn that all is not too well between the squabbling parents. In a dinner scene with his family, we learn that his brother (later played by Alan Yun in Gubra) had married a Singaporean, and the relationship with the in-laws are not that cordial too.
Contrasted with Orked's family, the loving parents portrayed by Ida Nerina and Harith Iskander, who share many a scene expressing their love (which had irked Malaysian censors), and with a housemaid Yam (played by Adibah Noor) adding to the comical close knit ties within their family.
But, cliché as I may sound, love knows no bounds. Sans race, sans religion, sans family backgrounds, love will find a way. We follow their courtship, and it isn't that these obvious differences are swept beneath the carpet. No, they were brought out, and we realize the challenges that lie ahead if our couple were to be together, and to challenge these misconceptions.
But in typical boy-meets-girl, boy-loves-girl, boy-loses-girl fashion, we see how their relationship loses ground when Jason confesses to Orked to have impregnated another girl. To be "fair", he did the deed before he became committed to Orked, but felt that sense of responsibility to take care of the other. It's somewhat depressing, knowing that he and Orked are a match made, but events that transpired before meeting your soul mate, came back to haunt. I thought deeply about this, and was wondering if there was any possibility about reconciliation and forgiveness. Sometimes there will be, sometimes there will be not, but sometimes they may come too little too late. And from what Yasmin told us, I understood the ending, why it ended the way it ended, drawn from her personal experience, and the emotions I felt.
But therein lies a higher objective, which I thought was a respectable Wow moment. With the way it ended, I felt that yes, I believe that Yasmin has achieved with most audiences (unless you're on the road to no redemption) throwing away any deep sense of prejudice, to want the two leads to be together, after the fact that is akin to riding on a ferris wheel to the top, enjoying the sights, and then being thrown over. It dawned upon me the power of her story, simply told.
The movie's also peppered with plenty of movie references and subtle jokes, besides the obvious ones which you laugh out loud. There are digs at society, and some events will make you ponder, like how Orked managed to get a scholarship with 5As, when Jason actually scored 7, and got none (hey, VCD peddler also got the smarts, OK!) The chemistry between the leads is so believable, that you cannot help but fall in love with both. Jason is the atypical sam-seng boy with dyed hair, dances a quirky dance, filial son, with a heart of gold. You might presume that Orked is the demure pint-sized girl next door, but inside, she packs quite an opinionated punch, which works in her favour when battling against prejudices. And the two of them put together, genuinely make a cute couple.
The musical selection is beautiful, and I was initially surprised that Sam Hui songs were used throughout the movie. They were the evergreens in Hong Kong Pop, and contributed effectively to the mood of the movie. The cinematography too emulates picturesque moments when the leads are together, be it sharing a meal or conversation in a fast food restaurant, or sitting at a pier or a bus stop to wait out the rain. Things and situations associated with budding love.
There are tonnes of films out there which are loud, brash, and easily forgotten once the lights come on. I've come to appreciate smaller films which are intricately crafted, a simple story with layered complexity, and something which can endure the test of time. A story that comes straight from the heart. I believe Sepet is one of them. I like.
Code 3 DVD contains behind the scenes footage (though I had hoped it could have more), and the trailer. How I'd wish there would be a director and casts commentary. :-)
A class of its own
Godale15 March 2005
In this movie there will be a moment where you will laugh and there will be a moment when there are tears at the corner of your eyes, your throat feel lumpy and you tried so hard to control your emotion coz you don't want your fellow audience noticed that you are crying when watching a movie.. a malay movie that's it.
It has been quite some time since I watched such a movie that can move me into tears. The plot is simple. It's just about how people can fall in love at the first sight. The way Yasmin Ahmad took it and delivers it to us is enriching and enlighten. In this movie you'll learn to laugh at yourself and at your own race. The dialogues are well crafted and delivered in such convincing manner. It's where Malay, English and hokkien language used swiftly without any oddity.
Orked is a Malay gal that is different with her peers. She likes Takeshi and watched Hongkie movie such as A Better Tomorrow and Wong Kar Wai movie. Ah Loong meanwhile is a pirated vcd seller who falls in love at the first sight of Orked. He was so fascinated with Orked and tried to court her. Orked friends especially the guys really despise of her because she choose to have a Chinese boyfriend instead of her own race.
The ending left me dumbfounded. Totally different with what I had expected. Experience watching Malay movie makes it easier me to anticipate the ending but then this is not the same...
Go and watch this movie guys... You won't regret it...
It has been quite some time since I watched such a movie that can move me into tears. The plot is simple. It's just about how people can fall in love at the first sight. The way Yasmin Ahmad took it and delivers it to us is enriching and enlighten. In this movie you'll learn to laugh at yourself and at your own race. The dialogues are well crafted and delivered in such convincing manner. It's where Malay, English and hokkien language used swiftly without any oddity.
Orked is a Malay gal that is different with her peers. She likes Takeshi and watched Hongkie movie such as A Better Tomorrow and Wong Kar Wai movie. Ah Loong meanwhile is a pirated vcd seller who falls in love at the first sight of Orked. He was so fascinated with Orked and tried to court her. Orked friends especially the guys really despise of her because she choose to have a Chinese boyfriend instead of her own race.
The ending left me dumbfounded. Totally different with what I had expected. Experience watching Malay movie makes it easier me to anticipate the ending but then this is not the same...
Go and watch this movie guys... You won't regret it...
A movie about Malays & Chinese told in a movie by Yasmin Ahmad
TwoThirdsMajority19 February 2005
I haven't watch this movie. But i've seen the trailer. It was beautiful. At first this movie was banned in Malaysia, but fortunately, with the support from the Malaysian government, this movie was finally shown after all. It has a look at how two young lovers from totally different background cope with family and social pressure between Ah Loong and Orked. Ah Loong is a Chinese VCD vendor, while Orked is an all Malay girl. I found this movie is interesting, and fun. If this movie is shown in the USA, critics like Roger Eberts, Richard Roeper, AO Scott, and James Bendralli will sure like it. Don't waste your time watching mindless crap such as those rubbish teen movies, start watching Sepet. 10/10
Fantastic!
drcsyee31 August 2005
I was impressed with the story telling ability of the director. A simple and yet touching story. The best movie that I have seen this year. Very different from the type of movies that I would usually watch (e.g. Lord of the Rings, Star Wars). I am looking forward to its sequel.
Perhaps its appeal was the realistic rendition of life in Malaysia. That's how we talk... a 'rojak' (mixture) of various languages... with the Englishman's English to become Malaysian English. Despite being a multicultural country, very few Chinese or Indians intermarry with the Malays in West Malaysia. Whilst in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo, the proportion of intermarriages in the population between the Chinese and the local populations of Ibans, Bidayuhs, Kayans, Muruts, Kadazans, Melanaus etc is much higher. The proportion of the population with mixed blood may approach 30 - 40%.
Lots of my Indian and Chinese friends who never watches any Malay movies before actually went to see SEPET. Lots of my Malay friends also felt that it was good. We couldn't understand the massive protests from the movie directors' association when the movie emerged as the best movie in Malaysia's annual movie award recently.
Perhaps its appeal was the realistic rendition of life in Malaysia. That's how we talk... a 'rojak' (mixture) of various languages... with the Englishman's English to become Malaysian English. Despite being a multicultural country, very few Chinese or Indians intermarry with the Malays in West Malaysia. Whilst in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo, the proportion of intermarriages in the population between the Chinese and the local populations of Ibans, Bidayuhs, Kayans, Muruts, Kadazans, Melanaus etc is much higher. The proportion of the population with mixed blood may approach 30 - 40%.
Lots of my Indian and Chinese friends who never watches any Malay movies before actually went to see SEPET. Lots of my Malay friends also felt that it was good. We couldn't understand the massive protests from the movie directors' association when the movie emerged as the best movie in Malaysia's annual movie award recently.
Extremely uneven movie
eugeneyip23 March 2005
Went to watch this with an open mind, knowing how poor local Malaysian movies have been for the few decades. Generally felt slightly disappointed as the initial script promises so much potential but delivered only occasionally. Quite an uneven movie, excellent at times but real crap at times too. It's also a bit of a let down at the end.
On the plus points - some good acting performances (especially from the Malay girl and her family). Some of the scenes had me laughing out loud, Harith steals them each and every time he appears, and the two elder Malay ladies are excellent too.
On the negative side - very poor directing to the point of being amateurish. I wonder is there such a budget limitation that on many occasions, there is only one video camera used. The camera pans in close up on actors who's not even speaking (hospital scene) for far too long. On another scene (street at night), an unfocused shot stays for a second or two before the characters walks into it. And on many other incidents, the directing shifts from one shot to another rather too quickly and incoherently. Screen shots of Ipoh streets (and street life) are inserted in throughout the movie (roadside musician) without any apparent reason. And while I understand the costs of using a second camera to follow a moving vehicle, still that should not detract the producers/director from engaging one. Harith's dialogue to his daughter and wife from the front of his car (almost at the end of the movie) is relegated to background noise without a second camera.
Overall, script is generally quite funny, but not enough so. Some supporting characters should have been developed more. Certain parts of the script also need more work. I would expect there'd be some conflict(s) between the Malay group and the Chinese group, but maybe the director fears to play the 'race' card too excessively. She also tries to make this into an 'artie' film but fails miserably. Some bad/lazy screen writing /directing spoils the overall fun. The producer/director should also spend much more time on post production and possible re-shoot some half dozen scenes. To best sum it up, a commendable effort but as in the movie 'Try Again' harder the next time, please.
Plot/Story/Directing 1.6/4 Acting 1.2/2 Cinematography/Action 0.4/2 Must-See Factor/Others Misc. - 1.7/2
Overall Total 4.9/10
On the plus points - some good acting performances (especially from the Malay girl and her family). Some of the scenes had me laughing out loud, Harith steals them each and every time he appears, and the two elder Malay ladies are excellent too.
On the negative side - very poor directing to the point of being amateurish. I wonder is there such a budget limitation that on many occasions, there is only one video camera used. The camera pans in close up on actors who's not even speaking (hospital scene) for far too long. On another scene (street at night), an unfocused shot stays for a second or two before the characters walks into it. And on many other incidents, the directing shifts from one shot to another rather too quickly and incoherently. Screen shots of Ipoh streets (and street life) are inserted in throughout the movie (roadside musician) without any apparent reason. And while I understand the costs of using a second camera to follow a moving vehicle, still that should not detract the producers/director from engaging one. Harith's dialogue to his daughter and wife from the front of his car (almost at the end of the movie) is relegated to background noise without a second camera.
Overall, script is generally quite funny, but not enough so. Some supporting characters should have been developed more. Certain parts of the script also need more work. I would expect there'd be some conflict(s) between the Malay group and the Chinese group, but maybe the director fears to play the 'race' card too excessively. She also tries to make this into an 'artie' film but fails miserably. Some bad/lazy screen writing /directing spoils the overall fun. The producer/director should also spend much more time on post production and possible re-shoot some half dozen scenes. To best sum it up, a commendable effort but as in the movie 'Try Again' harder the next time, please.
Plot/Story/Directing 1.6/4 Acting 1.2/2 Cinematography/Action 0.4/2 Must-See Factor/Others Misc. - 1.7/2
Overall Total 4.9/10
Malaysian love story
sumichikins4 April 2005
Sepet is an excellent depiction of Malaysian life and the ups and downs that come with it. Kudos to Yasmin Ahmad on this great effort. I found myself relating to almost every scene as this is exactly how it is in Malaysia. The story line of boys meets girl, and both fall in love is given a twist as both are from different races and religions. To actually see on film how the different races react to the rest is amusing. As for the cast, the most refreshing is Sharifah Amani. She's a gem - and so cute in her mannerisms, which only lends to the innocence of her character. She does a great job portraying the typical Malaysian teen who's in love. Let's hope we see more of her. This movie aims to transcend racial boundaries, and I believe it will do so. I will watch it again and again. This movie will make you laugh, cry and think.
A classic love story between a Chinese VCD seller and a sweet Malay girl ...
snuffles-15 March 2005
This classic love story between a Chinese VCD seller and a Malay girl embodies both the spirit and passion of Malaysia. Suitably tag-lined "One Chinese boy, one Malay girl, one unforgettable love story", this beautiful movie captures the love between two individuals from very different worlds and presents them to us, the awaiting audience -- and it has managed to have us begging for more.
Sepet is different from many Malaysian films because it is truly 100% Malaysian in the sense that there is hardly any Western influence in the producing and directing. The jokes were hilarious, the actors were excellent and Yasmin Ahmad has indeed did it again! Sharifah Amani was an excellent Orked while Ng Choo Seong wasn't too shabby as Jason a.k.a Ah Loong as well. Harith Iskandar and Ida Nerina were hilarious at playing Orked's parents and Adibah Noor was an amazing Kak Yam.
A definite must watch!
Sepet is different from many Malaysian films because it is truly 100% Malaysian in the sense that there is hardly any Western influence in the producing and directing. The jokes were hilarious, the actors were excellent and Yasmin Ahmad has indeed did it again! Sharifah Amani was an excellent Orked while Ng Choo Seong wasn't too shabby as Jason a.k.a Ah Loong as well. Harith Iskandar and Ida Nerina were hilarious at playing Orked's parents and Adibah Noor was an amazing Kak Yam.
A definite must watch!
Awesome Movie
asiangirl932 July 2005
Hi, people of IMDb I must say, Malaysian movies like this should be known. I mean, Malaysians directors have been making all these stupid Malay movies, which is giving Malaysian's entertainment world a bad impression.
This movie really shows how Malaysians live like. Do you notice that Orked mixed both language uses of English and Malay. That's exactly how normal Malaysians talk Like. Like if I wanted to ask my friends how was her day: "Hey, Steph. How was your day ha?" She would answer: Ala,nothing la. Why do you even 'ambil berat' of my life?
That's how Yasmin had directed this movie. She had made the movie look like an ordinary life of a Malaysian. That's why I think this movie should be known as the Greatest Malaysian Movie, along with: Puteri Gunung Ledang, Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam, (at least it was better than any other horror Malaysian movies)Do Re Mi, Tiga Abdul and other old films written by P. Ramlee. Dude, he is AMAZING. Bye
PS: Ambil berat means: care about
This movie really shows how Malaysians live like. Do you notice that Orked mixed both language uses of English and Malay. That's exactly how normal Malaysians talk Like. Like if I wanted to ask my friends how was her day: "Hey, Steph. How was your day ha?" She would answer: Ala,nothing la. Why do you even 'ambil berat' of my life?
That's how Yasmin had directed this movie. She had made the movie look like an ordinary life of a Malaysian. That's why I think this movie should be known as the Greatest Malaysian Movie, along with: Puteri Gunung Ledang, Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam, (at least it was better than any other horror Malaysian movies)Do Re Mi, Tiga Abdul and other old films written by P. Ramlee. Dude, he is AMAZING. Bye
PS: Ambil berat means: care about
Malaysia Memang Boleh my friends!
rockyunderscore29 April 2009
Before this movie came along, I never really like Malaysian films. Most of them are very stiff, boring, lousy and horrible. Rarely there's any really good films from this country has to offer. Then of course you have the old P.Ramlee movies which is still quite a hit with Malaysian audience of young and old. But seriously, I never bother to watch Malaysian films.Then came this movie Sepet which I saw on a cable channel on one Hari Raya back in 2006. I heard it was an indie produced movie. A rarity for our country. So i go check it out. Soon as I watch the opening, I literally stick through the whole movie without leaving my sit.(Laugh)What really makes this movie works is the formula that dear Yasmin was using. Not your typical Malay movie one watches in cinema. Bad acting,lack of character development, stupid lines, illogical scenes and whole lot of AWFULNESS painted all over those movies. This one tends to stray away all those elements. It was really the first proper piece of Malaysian Cinema.
Sepet tells a simple story yet a complicated relationship between a young Malay girl and Chinese VCD seller. Both with different religious and life backgrounds. What Kak Yasmin was trying to show is that love is a wonderful thing in the world. But there's still issues among us when it comes to love. And that is race and religion. Especially here in Malaysia when it comes to religion. There's still a divide between non-Muslims and Muslims. Such issues like banning certain foods. Touching,cuddling and kisses are not allowed. This eventually made others feeling divide over such matter. The themes are strongly show here in Sepet. Is not about religion as a factor. Its about finding out your true love regardless of what religious background he/she is from and spend the rest of his/her life with them.
In terms of story telling and its plot. Its kind of moving. And also funny. If one was a Malaysian, you'll surely laugh harder with those comical scenes.I love most of the character in there. The movie is also rich with Malaysian culture as it portrays accurately of everyday Malaysian citizen of what they're like. Everything from their accent, their culture, their mannerism and their thinking. How that we are also rich in music coming from different countries.At this point, I wouldn't even call this movie a Malay movie but a Malaysian movie. The only weak point that i gave this movie is probably the use of static camera. It works greatly with some scenes. But some scenes with this method didn't make it engaging enough. Yasmin could've use more closeup shots.
Right after this movie, I began to open up to Malaysian films. To my surprise i found there are movies that are as good as Sepet. With the rise in a new wave of Malaysian film directors, the future for Malaysian Cinema is bright. Sepet I save to say, should be an influential film for newbies in the industry as it shows the prowess of true Malaysian Cinema. It'll give them inspiration to push further for our growing film industry
9.6 out of 10 ratings.
Sepet tells a simple story yet a complicated relationship between a young Malay girl and Chinese VCD seller. Both with different religious and life backgrounds. What Kak Yasmin was trying to show is that love is a wonderful thing in the world. But there's still issues among us when it comes to love. And that is race and religion. Especially here in Malaysia when it comes to religion. There's still a divide between non-Muslims and Muslims. Such issues like banning certain foods. Touching,cuddling and kisses are not allowed. This eventually made others feeling divide over such matter. The themes are strongly show here in Sepet. Is not about religion as a factor. Its about finding out your true love regardless of what religious background he/she is from and spend the rest of his/her life with them.
In terms of story telling and its plot. Its kind of moving. And also funny. If one was a Malaysian, you'll surely laugh harder with those comical scenes.I love most of the character in there. The movie is also rich with Malaysian culture as it portrays accurately of everyday Malaysian citizen of what they're like. Everything from their accent, their culture, their mannerism and their thinking. How that we are also rich in music coming from different countries.At this point, I wouldn't even call this movie a Malay movie but a Malaysian movie. The only weak point that i gave this movie is probably the use of static camera. It works greatly with some scenes. But some scenes with this method didn't make it engaging enough. Yasmin could've use more closeup shots.
Right after this movie, I began to open up to Malaysian films. To my surprise i found there are movies that are as good as Sepet. With the rise in a new wave of Malaysian film directors, the future for Malaysian Cinema is bright. Sepet I save to say, should be an influential film for newbies in the industry as it shows the prowess of true Malaysian Cinema. It'll give them inspiration to push further for our growing film industry
9.6 out of 10 ratings.
Malaysia From Another Perfect, Untested Angle. Very Honest
anuox220 November 2005
This film is really one that touches you deep into your heart while it makes you search for answers in your head as well as it enables you to see through the borders of humanity. As much as love is the main theme that surfaces this film all along the way, it is almost vague and unseen of directly. You have to find the love in it although you know it's there. And that's just how beautiful the script was written, how unique the camera was played and how powerful the actors of this movie played their role. As effortless as their acting may seem, still they can move our feelings profoundly. You won't fall in love with this film before the end credits roll. The ending is the climax, and, for a Malay film pessimist like me, who always thought that all Malay films are a bunch of stupid romantic comedies with endings that we can predict the moment we see the starting credits, this film was simple but far from the ordinary. Extraordinary, is wonderful. Don't look at the little budget. Look at how big the effect it did to your soul. Can you name a blockbuster money-spinning Hollywood movie that makes you think of it for weeks?
Exactly.
Exactly.
The dialog is not that good.
fahrulhakim197229 September 2005
I did not enjoy watching this movie at all. The dialog spoil everything. I confuse whether this movie is in English or in Malay. Dialog in English contains 0% of art. The plain-conversation between the actors/actress make this movie more dull. This movie recall me American teenage drama-movie dated back in 80s. The plot is out of date. The storyline is obsolete. The director was trying hard to make audience feel pity to the hero ~ Ah Loong but absolutely he/she fails. How can I feel pity to the hero if the hero can't even express his entire feeling towards the girl. His stiffness worsen the storyline. Ah Loong's best friend also fail to lighten-up the tragic scene in this movie. Verily this movie is not worth watching if you pay the ticket. For those who haven't seen this movie, just wait until it will be shown on your television during HariRaya Qurban or Christmas while you take your lunch.
Sepet Makes the Audience Laugh with Joy
mindy-351 March 2005
This is the kind of movie I always feel really lucky to see. It may play for only one week, or even one day, in a U.S. theater. But if you have the chance, you must see it. Open a window into another culture, and another place. I am living in Malaysia, and the censors were so harsh toward this movie, the director almost decided not to release it in her own country. But in the end, she said okay. Scenes were cut. If you can see it outside Malaysia, think how lucky you are to see it as the director intended, with the playfulness and the honesty left intact.
It's not some complex, artsy, literary story. It's just first love. Two kids. You know this story. We all know this story, no matter where we grew up. But what's so good about this film is that it's not dressed up in some Hollywood (or even Bollywood) fakeness and overdone. There's no stupid John Williams soundtrack telling you how you should feel. There are just the streets of Ipoh, a boy in a T-shirt, a girl in her baju kurung (and her dad in his sarong, hee hee!), and that human adventure of discovery that happens when you really, really like someone.
It's not some complex, artsy, literary story. It's just first love. Two kids. You know this story. We all know this story, no matter where we grew up. But what's so good about this film is that it's not dressed up in some Hollywood (or even Bollywood) fakeness and overdone. There's no stupid John Williams soundtrack telling you how you should feel. There are just the streets of Ipoh, a boy in a T-shirt, a girl in her baju kurung (and her dad in his sarong, hee hee!), and that human adventure of discovery that happens when you really, really like someone.
a true malaysian love story
rapturedbliss17 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
i just managed to watch SEPET.. and i agree with many people here how thought-provoking and how real it was. it was a powerful movie, and i'm sure it opened a lot of eyes, those which were 'sepet' or not.
what i enjoyed about the movie was how it emphasized on the relationships of people in malaysia of different race. and there wasn't any fakeness or cheesiness about it at all. it was real. it was familiar. and it touched many of us because of this.
the many issues raised, comments about malays, the scholarships issues, dysfunctional families, love, destiny and everything that falls in between was portrayed so well by the characters.
at the end of the movie many of us felt like we knew the two leads... many of us cried for them. many of us wanted to see them be together. in a country where there still exists racism amongst such a multi-cultural society, i felt that this was something that we all needed to see. to see past race, backgrounds, differences. to come to pure emotion, pure love that transcends the colour of your skin or the language you speak.
you make us proud, yasmin. and for that we salute you.
what i enjoyed about the movie was how it emphasized on the relationships of people in malaysia of different race. and there wasn't any fakeness or cheesiness about it at all. it was real. it was familiar. and it touched many of us because of this.
the many issues raised, comments about malays, the scholarships issues, dysfunctional families, love, destiny and everything that falls in between was portrayed so well by the characters.
at the end of the movie many of us felt like we knew the two leads... many of us cried for them. many of us wanted to see them be together. in a country where there still exists racism amongst such a multi-cultural society, i felt that this was something that we all needed to see. to see past race, backgrounds, differences. to come to pure emotion, pure love that transcends the colour of your skin or the language you speak.
you make us proud, yasmin. and for that we salute you.
Anything But Typical (Minor Spoilers)
artemis-fowl-sues26 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
'Sepet' is basically the story of love between two people of different races. Now, what makes it different that the usual culture-clash romance, is that instead of making a big deal out of the racial/religious/cultural issues, 'Sepet' focuses on the love itself. While there were remarks made here and there, it doesn't seem to take the focus away. Jason (Ah Loong) and Orked just simply do not care.
Race, to them, was not an issue.
A refreshing take after the landslide of inter-relationship movies nowadays.
The plot was great though it does feel like a semi-documentary and what I loved about it was the itty-bitty foreshadowing littered all over the script. For example the scenes where Jason's friend's handphone rang at the most inopportune moments. While it was funny, the ringing handphone makes a comeback that spells tragedy to the main character.
There were no real antagonist in this movie, the one who would closely resemble one was Jimmy and Johari. Jimmy was like the head thug of a Pirated VCD business, whose younger sister had an affair with Jason; Johari was a typical young Malay boy who was jilted by Orked after he made an unwanted move on the girl. In most typical romance movies, they would predictably be turned into the obstacles that blocked the ways of the two lovers instead they merely appear and reappear during the crucial points.
They did not bog down the storyline they merely enhanced it.
The parents too were not so typical, Ida Nerina and Harith Iskandar portrayed a husband and wife who were truly in love. Prancing around the house in sarongs, the eyes showed nothing but loyalty and passion, something that would not be normally showed in Malay movies today. They actually made me believe that they are husband and wife, not someone who had been forced to act like one.
In fact almost all of the characters were likable, even Jimmy and his younger sister. The 'rojak' dialogue used in the script made them more real, more human instead of sounding like someone who had just read from a book. The jokes were quite funny and witty none of the farce which plagued the local cinemas.
My only pet peeve was the ending.
Other than that this movie is a must see, for most of the Malaysians who had given up hope for the local cinema this should be quite a treat for you. Just give it a try.
4/4
Race, to them, was not an issue.
A refreshing take after the landslide of inter-relationship movies nowadays.
The plot was great though it does feel like a semi-documentary and what I loved about it was the itty-bitty foreshadowing littered all over the script. For example the scenes where Jason's friend's handphone rang at the most inopportune moments. While it was funny, the ringing handphone makes a comeback that spells tragedy to the main character.
There were no real antagonist in this movie, the one who would closely resemble one was Jimmy and Johari. Jimmy was like the head thug of a Pirated VCD business, whose younger sister had an affair with Jason; Johari was a typical young Malay boy who was jilted by Orked after he made an unwanted move on the girl. In most typical romance movies, they would predictably be turned into the obstacles that blocked the ways of the two lovers instead they merely appear and reappear during the crucial points.
They did not bog down the storyline they merely enhanced it.
The parents too were not so typical, Ida Nerina and Harith Iskandar portrayed a husband and wife who were truly in love. Prancing around the house in sarongs, the eyes showed nothing but loyalty and passion, something that would not be normally showed in Malay movies today. They actually made me believe that they are husband and wife, not someone who had been forced to act like one.
In fact almost all of the characters were likable, even Jimmy and his younger sister. The 'rojak' dialogue used in the script made them more real, more human instead of sounding like someone who had just read from a book. The jokes were quite funny and witty none of the farce which plagued the local cinemas.
My only pet peeve was the ending.
Other than that this movie is a must see, for most of the Malaysians who had given up hope for the local cinema this should be quite a treat for you. Just give it a try.
4/4
Let Love be just LOVE
mkcen20005 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Sepet. a simple movie with some serious message of Malaysia's racial dilemma intertwine in between the topic of, LOVE. In the age of 2005, love is mostly overrated, Sepet somehow see love differently from today's perspective.What i like most about this movie is the simplicity of the movie, however the simplicity really add some classic touch to the movie. Sepet, leave us with some racial foot note to think about when we leave the cinema. Are we loving enough to accept and give love as what it is? in Sepet content: love towards your family, friends, other races and most importantly the society. Love in Sepet doesn't focus just with Orkid and Jason love story only. love is all over Sepet. Mrs director did a good job on crafting the theme. I hope, (and i think she hope too) that the audience really get the message from Sepet. She wants the public to see love as the way our ancestor see it. pure and innocent(love is not just sex kinda thing - its the way we show our love to someone without even doing the sex thing). Thats why i think she use the 'antique' setting for the movie even though the movie were actually set in the present time. I hope at the end of this movie, at least some amount of people will open up their heart and be open enough to love people around you. Because love is indeed simple, its just us who put barrier and obstacles around it. We, without realizing who made our mind treat certain things from a Sepet(small eyes) point of view.We have to open our eyes big enough to enable us to understand what is 'Sepet'-the movie is all about.Thanks Mrs director, other than the confusing ending, i must say, Sepet is an 'eye opener' movie. A must watch!
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