Ola Bola (2016) User Reviews

The Best Malaysian Movie so far...

[mushanaz · 9/10 · 17 February 2016]

I'm reserving one out of 10 because I'm expecting a better movie coming from Malaysia's Movie Industry after this excellent movie.

Please keep it up and producing an original film rather than the same old lame ghost movies or same old love stories.

I like the idea of this movie where it shows the unity of the citizens, the enthusiastic of sports and patriotic spirit to lift up the pride of the country.

To all people out there, go and watch this very inspiring and emotional movies! You won't regret it. You will believe it. Again.

If this movie don't get any award, I don't know how those retarded judges thinking. Just saying.

Pride & Glory

[dvc5159 · 7/10 · 23 February 2016]

I want you readers to pay attention to the plot outline describing this film: 'A team of Malaysian footballers struggle and rise through all odds to qualify for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.' The keyword here is struggle. Readers and audiences who know their history will realize that Malaysia boycotted the Moscow Olympics following the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan. Although that knowledge looms with dread over the suspecting audience member throughout the film, I had not imagined what actual feelings went through the minds of the football team the moment they realize they were competing for a Pyrrhic victory. This film, and the obligatory "inspirational speech" that comes with all sports movies, captures that moment quite beautifully.

Chiu Keng Guan's "Ola Bola" is a film that won't just be described as very good solely in Malaysian cinema terms, but also very good, period. This pleasantly surprising underdog soccer/football story by born filmmaker Chiu is blockbuster filmmaking of superlative calibre; about as viable and inspiring as other major Hollywood sports films such as "Hoosiers" and "Rudy", and even better than some entries. This perhaps is the first mainstream local film of our generation to be proud of, proudly showcasing just what our country has to offer alongside the big boys in the global cinema arena.

Yes, it does tick off the sports genre tropes; that speech at the end is a must; but dial it back a notch and think for a while. Those American sports films focused on ragtag underdogs defying all odds and ultimately winning the grand championship. That qualifying match between us and South Korea was the only chance we got in entering a major football/soccer arena, and was sadly blown to hell due to a political boycott. A quick glance at Wikipedia shows that the Malaysian football team had not once qualify for the FIFA World Cup. So the odds are pretty much stacked against us there.

For Malaysian cinema, this is an important film – it comes at a time when there is clear political strife within the country (and it would be a bald-faced lie to ever think otherwise), and racial tensions feared simmering to a boil. It would not be a mistake for the cynical and jaded to proclaim this film a callback to the "good- ol-days", a nostalgia for the days of old where racial unity was prevalent but never paraded. But it is also false not to call this a rally cry for hope – for us to come together as a nation again; it is an unabashedly patriotic film – that wonderfully – does not condescend its audience with saccharine overtones. When things get tough – they really get tough. But the rally cry in the film stands tall and true – "we win together, or we lose together".

Truly - without the slightest ounce of sarcasm and cynicism - Malaysia Boleh.

Yet another film to unite Malaysians!

[azarimy-81-453717 · 8/10 · 5 February 2016]

Let's be honest, most recent Malaysian films are catered for one demographic or another. There have been attempts at targeting the general Malaysians before, but none as successful as Ola Bola.

Ola Bola is inspired by a true story. It's not exactly a historical account. So don't expect accurate historical drama. It took liberty here and there, but left enough reference to the inspiring story that anyone who grew up in the 70s and 80s can relate to them immediately. There are some interesting character development going on, but juggling ensemble films aren't easy. Suffice to say the director manages to get the balance right, although it isn't stellar.

The only downside I found in this film is several cringe-worthy dialogues. In fact, we could see how the actors struggle to deliver those lines, particularly in the earlier part of the story.

But that aside, this is a very moving and inspirational story with enough juice to draw the audience in and enjoy the journey.

A truly Malaysian movie!

[lohc · 10/10 · 3 February 2016]

This movie deserves 10/10 if only for one reason: It beautifully captures what it means to be Malaysian.

When I first saw the trailers, I was thinking this was just going to be about football, or reliving the glory days of Malaysian football.

I'm sure glad I was proved wrong, this movie has so many strengths and one of them is it made the audience feel as if they were part of the movie. Get ready to experience a range of emotions. Football was just part of the overarching theme of what truly makes Malaysia great: our unity in diversity. How we triumph together despite any challenges.

I'm unapologetic that this is a patriotic movie. It will make you love more about Malaysia or rather, love the fact you're a Malaysian. If sounding 'patriotic' seems foreign to you, this movie will give you a good reminder of it. Even if you aren't a Malaysian, I would still highly recommend it for giving you a feel of what Malaysian culture and society looks like.

A side note: I haven't watched a Malaysian movie in ages. I was blown away by this film's sheer quality. This film sets the benchmark for future Malaysian movies and it got me optimistic about our local film industry: no other direction but up.

You Will Believe Again

[lingsy81 · 8/10 · 9 February 2016]

I have not watch the recent Malaysian movies, and I believed many Malaysians are like me, preferring foreign movies for better storyline, better cinematography, better acting and in short, better movies. But after viewing this movie with the last ticket in the hall, it somehow restores a small faith in me, both in our football team, as well in the movie industry. Perhaps, this movie can serve as a catalyst for reignite our dying Malaysian spirit.

The movie's background is set in the late 70s and early 80s in Malaysia, deemed as the golden era for Malaysian football.Those who follows or know a thing or two about local football history, you will immediately relate the characters to the actual football legend. Chow Kok Keong = Soh Chin Aun a.k.a "Tauke"; Eric "Balak" = James Wong, Ali = Hassan Sani, Muthu = V.Arumugam.

Just like many of the sports themed movies, it did not escape the cliché formula. The team was struggling due to personal ego of each of the characters, the inner conflict between the players and the coach, and eventually the team came to unite together for the same pride, to bring glory to our country.

The storyline was simple enough for all Malaysians to understand and to relate to. To know that our country was multicultural, not divided by politics and religion, to know that a Chinese can consult his best friend which was a Malay when facing inner conflicts, I find it refreshing somehow.

The director, Chiu Keng Guan who gain fame after his box office smashing movie "The Journey", did well again. As a viewer, I can understand his motives and ambition for the movie.

The story was told from 3 perspectives of 3 main characters in the movie. Coincidentally, the 3 characters were forms the 3 major ethnic race in our country. However, I was a little bit puzzled of his choice to narrate the story from the sports caster view (which of a Malay Ethnicity) instead of using the narratives from the the main player Ali in the football team. But nevertheless, I am still pleased that he pays his tribute to the sports casters and I could relate almost immediately to the sports casters that I grew up with like Rahim Razali or Hasbullah Awang.

As a continuation from "The Journey", Chiu did not forget to showcase breathtaking scenery in this movie. To me, the quiet montage of the scenery reminds me wildly that this beautiful place is my country. And what ever I do, I do it for this land of abundance. The chorus of "Inilah Barisan Kita" that was echoing in few scenes brings a sense of patriotism in me even before the climax of the movie.

As for the acting, I was told that the characters were not actors and training were given just before they started shooting. Despite all that, the cast was able to give a commendable performance. In fact some of the smaller characters like the substitute player Ah Chai and the 3 brothers of the goalkeeper Muthu did well provides much of the comedic aspect in the movie.

Overall, this movie is both uplifting and inspiring. It is important for us to be reminded that we had a better Malaysia back then. And as per the tag line "You will believe again", I choose to believe that we Malaysians will be able to unite again, looking past our racial and faith differences, and perhaps just perhaps, I will be able to witness our football team can rise again and enter Olympics or World Cup in my life time.

One for Malaysians

[synazirmas · 8/10 · 10 May 2020]

Malaysians will truly appreciate this movie, especially those who lived and enjoyed Malysian soccer back in the 70s and 80s. This is based on some historical facts though not exactly depicting the lives of the characters. But many of us who have experienced the era would be able to identify the roles played by the actors to the real life characters. Havent enjoyed this much watching a Malaysian movie for a long time. This one, I watched with three generations of my family. And everyone loved it.

Best Malaysia Sports Movie

[parameswaranrajendran · 10/10 · 12 March 2018]

Ola Bola movie is fully occupied of human emotion themes such as pain, struggle, happiness, glory, hard work. The movie also occupied unity & patriotism themes. The best thing is that, this movie by Chiu is an inspiring for our Malaysian. "Kita menang sama-sama, kita kalahpun sama-sama. This film is a winner when the climax made my eyes to drop tear without even my consent. I will give 10/10 for IMDB rating.

By far the best malaysian movie and probably the best movie in the world

[omar_hussin · 10/10 · 26 March 2016]

Bola Ola story began when a journalist named Marianne who was commissioned to do a study of the national football team that has made its mark in the '80s when the first of which was the name of Malaysia in football so feared by opponents, especially in the Asian region. Marianne started to get bored with his career and decided to emigrate to England. Before he left the country, he decided to complete his task for the last time. However, he discovered something that turned out to change his life.

Recalling the early '80s, the national football team when it faces the challenges when players have a difference of opinion and not aligned, causing defeat in an important match. The situation is further complicated when almost every player has issues and problems of each. However, they only have one chance to play on the world stage. So, the players must put aside personal things for the sake of the nation. When the spirit back in self-ignite, the national team once again allegedly with a challenge that break their spirit and hope of the nation.

Ola Bola inspired from real events will take viewers from various nations to work together to feel the spirit of togetherness and goodwill. Prompted full story will bring the audience to see the spirit, uniqueness and strength inherent in the diversity of the peoples of Malaysia.

TOO GOOD!

[personalacc-87247 · 9/10 · 6 September 2021]

I'm proud as a Malaysian.

What a great film!

Music, Acting, Cinematography, Storyline was awesome This is what you get from a good team of hard work!