Change Your Image
afiqjiwastudio
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Sheriff: Narko Integriti (2024)
WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS NOT ALWAYS THE TRUTH
Action packed and filled with plot twists, Sheriff: Narko Integriti will definitely put you on the edge of your seat. It has a unique storytelling, elements of mystery and suspense that keeps you engaged, and actors/actresses that played their characters very well.
The premise of this movie is not really special. We've had plenty movies revolving around cops and guns. But what makes this movie different from others is its plot and execution.
Looking at it internationally, it may seem just normal but for the local cinema it is a big improvement.
-SUMMARY (SKIP IF YOU WANT)-
This film tells the story of Nazri, a narcotics policeman who wants to end the growing syabu syndicate. The problem with bringing these perpetrators to court is that they almost always avoided punishment due to lack of evidence.
This made Nazri lose faith in the law, distorting his sense of justice and felt determined to uphold justice in his own way even if it'd violate his morals.
Then we're introduced to Sheriff from the Integrity Department who's known for fighting against corrupted cops. He was sent to the Narcotics Department to help find the infamous 'Meth Killer' which happens to be revealed as an inside man.
At this point we may have already know who the 'Meth Killer' is (or do we?) but we don't know how he will be caught. What will the 'Meth Killer' do now that Sheriff is getting closer? How will he operate his killings without getting caught? Will this be a game of chess? Who exactly is the 'Meth Killer'?
In this period, narcotics operations have also failed many times. Are there traitors inside narcotics? Are they working with the 'Meth Killer'?
This movie had a way of misguiding you to answers that you may think is right, but it's actually left. Always reminding you that you should trust no one.
-SUMMARY END-
There's a lot of positives for this movie but in my personal opinion, it's not a masterpiece yet. It's close though and it has all the ingredients to reach there.
What I can say for certain is that this is Syafiq Yusof's best work that I have ever watched. Exceeded my original expectations which wasn't really high but also wasn't really low either.
That aside, this movie still has room for improvements. Here's what I can think of quickly:
1. The 'Meth Killer' Mystery
While I do understand that it was the director's intention to use 'howcatchem' and not 'whodunnit', but I still would've preferred if it was not revealed early. I love it when movies make us doubt our answers and I love it when I got it right.
If the movie focuses only on finding the 'Meth Killer' and expands the story from there, I probably wouldn't complain about making it a 'howcatchem' story. That would be good and engaging too.
2. Character Background
There are many culprits in this movie like traitors, "rats" and murderers. But there are some characters whose writing was not developed or explored enough for the audience to build an emotional connection. When plot twists happened, it's hard to feel the impact and shock.
3. Lack Emotions
I'm probably alone in this but there are scenes that I feel it supposedly is emotional, but as I watched it I failed to capture the emotions conveyed. I didn't manage to cry but my tears almost went down though. Scenes like the one where Sheriff reminisced his childhood memory made me emotional too.
4. Sheriff Third Act
At the beginning of the third act, Sheriff's character presence felt missing. At this stage of the movie I was expecting some mad genius move from Sheriff that maybe shows how he outsmart his enemies. But I unfortunately didn't see much. He did get the spotlight back in the end though.
I actually really like this Sheriff dude. But I'm not quite satisfied with his development and depth. I need to know more about this character. I want to know his background in depth. How he forms his sense of justice despite his past. His name is literally the movie.
I have more to say but it's hard to share without spoiling the story. So maybe later.
Anyways, well done to the director, Syafiq Yusof and all the crew. Lots of improvements on the quality of writing and execution. We need more quality local movies like this.
It's time that we stop insulting the intellectuals of our local people by feeding them with poor quality movies.
Avatar: The Last Airbender: Aang (2024)
PLEASE DON'T EXPECT TOO MUCH
..that is my first impression.
Things that I like:
+ Beautiful cinematography with some stunning visuals.
+ The soundtrack and sound design are good and in line with the narration.
+ High production value such as costume design, set design and special effects.
+ Decent casting so far.
1) Interesting opening scene that was not in the cartoon. I kinda like this addition. It sets a good foundation to move the story along while illustrating the director's vision by highlighting the brutality of the Fire Nation first. It provides a serious tone for the series.
2) Aang's back story was told too early for me. In the cartoon, his story is told in a flashback as nightmares of his past haunted him. It feels more effective in understanding his character this way. We get to know the boy trapped in the iceberg first before we get to know Aang, the last Airbender. It allows you to build a good emotional connection with the character.
3) Oddly in this series, Aang doesn't actually run away (or maybe I see it wrongly?). He just went to get some air in the sky to think about all this sudden stuff of becoming the next Avatar. I don't love this as I feel that this affects his character development a bit.
4) Sokka and Katara's character writing is relatively weak compared to the cartoon. Although Sokka is a serious person, he is actually funny. Katara's character is not a softie, she's a strong willed woman. But her heart is still soft and caring like a mother.
The scene when Sokka and Katara fight in the cartoon for me is important in portraying their characteristics. So I feel a bit disappointed when they used another approach instead. To be honest, the characters of Sokka and Katara felt a little bland and boring here.
5) The scene when Aang surrenders to Zuko is very rushed. A lot has been cut out and changed. There were many emotions felt in the cartoon that failed to be conveyed in this series. I don't really know what to feel. Just confused.
6) Aang's character feels a little too serious. I recognized him as a boy who is always relaxed even in difficult situations. The action scene when he escapes from Zuko's ship also felt less fun compared to the cartoon.
7) There is no scene showing Aang using waterbending unconsciously when falling into the sea. Zuko shot a fireball far into the sky without Iroh's help. Katara used waterbending to block the fireball when her waterbending power is actually very weak.
8) The destination of their adventure is unclear after successfully saving themselves. They had no discussion or anything and suddenly they reached the Air Temple.
In the cartoon, Katara talked about how the Avatar needs to master waterbending first so they need to go to the Northern Water Tribe to find a waterbending master. At least here it's very clear where they're headed.
9) The scene at the Air Temple also felt very rushed. When Aang found Gyatso's corpse, I felt that it wasn't emotional enough. Also I noticed there was no crying or deep remorse. Just blood rage. I get that they need to make it compact. So yeah. The dialogues in the cartoon was way more effective in conveying the right emotions.
I think it's still watchable for me. It's just that I'm always annoyed when they make certain changes that felt off. I wish I could forget the original to enjoy this one LMAO.
Hwang-ya (2024)
WHO CARES ABOUT THE STORY AS LONG AS DON LEE IS KICKING ASS, RIGHT?
Starring Ma Dong-seok (also known as Don Lee), this movie is a sequel to Concrete Utopia (2023) which was just released last year. Also a directorial debut for Heo Myeong Haeng who was originally a stuntman. Ma Dong-seok himself is always the main attraction in any movies but is this worth watching given his reputation?
Well if you just want to see Ma Dong-seok in action, punching here and punching there, killing his enemies like nothing, then you won't be disappointed. Although it's not perfect, but the action scenes in this movie can be praised. I can understand why the action scenes directed by Heo Myeong Haeng are a little interesting in terms of choreography and camera angles due to him having experience as a stuntman.
Other than that, nothing was interesting to me. It's just the usual popcorn movies that doesn't challenge your brain and one that you watch when you're bored on weekends.
The storyline was too simple and were not explored much, the character development was weak enough that I failed to connect emotionally, and the ending was just meh without any pure satisfaction.
Unlike Concrete Utopia which discusses the nature of humanity at its worse, Badland Hunters is really just an action packed Ma Dong-seok kicking ass thriller movie.
I felt that this movie is more of a spin-off than a direct sequel, but I noticed that the apartment in this movie is the exact same apartment in Concrete Utopia. Apartment 103.
So it's set years later after Concrete Utopia? Suddenly there were soldiers looking for survivors in Seoul? Where were they before? Also it just so happens that there are still so many survivors doing okay? I thought there was really no hope before and no one survived due to food scarcity?
I overthink too much haha.
Konkeuriteu yutopia (2023)
THE ONLY DISASTER IS HUMANITY ITSELF
A film that tells the story of humanity's survival from a terrible disaster. But the disaster that really threatens them is actually human nature itself. This film depicts humanity at its worst.
I love how the film opens with a documentary about the development of apartments and their importance in upgrading modern lifestyle and providing convenience. Throughout the film, the apartment becomes a symbol of protection and not just a place for them to live.
Right after that, we get to see the terrible disaster that seemed funny and absurd to me. They said it was an earthquake, but what I saw feels like Godzilla is coming out from surface of the earth. No reason prior to it, no news from the government, no presence of military powers.
There is a scene that discusses whether to accept the outsiders (non-resident) or to evict them. Since food resources have become scarce with the increase of people, they need to make an important decision which will be voted according to the majority of the original residents.
I felt like this scene should've been more intense and more dramatic because it questions the moral of humanity. Accepting and helping them will result in reducing food resources while casting them out means letting them to die with no protection. Doesn't this count as a 'Collective Act of Murder'?
But the scene felt light and less serious and the decision they chose also seemed easy to make without any strong objections from others. Maybe it's the director's vision to show the selfish nature of human greed when they feel threatened.
To be honest, there is not a single character in this movie that I like. The lack of character development makes it difficult for me to connect with them.
Overall, this movie is quite good and fun to watch especially for fans of disaster movies and survival movies.
Monsutâzu Ippaku Sanjô Hiryû Jigoku (2024)
A FEAST FOR ZORO FANS
This Original Net Animation (ONA) produced by E&H Production and is an adaptation of the one-shot manga titled 'MONSTERS' written by the legendary Eiichiro Oda, creator of the popular anime One Piece.
This short ONA tells the tale of a legendary samurai named Ryuma. One Piece fans (especially Zoro fans) will definitely know who this swordsman of the Land of Wano is.
I was really excited for this one and enjoyed it very much given that I am a fan of Roronoa Zoro from One Piece. The animation was well done, the fighting scenes were amazing and it felt really good overall.
If there is one thing I don't like it's that it feels too short. But nevertheless the adaptation of the one-shot manga is still a decent one. 👍
Although some have discussed that this is 'stand-alone' story, but now with how Oda tied it into Thriller Bark arc in the end, we can officially agree that it is canon to One Piece. 😎
Abang Adik (2023)
A SIMPLE STORY YET VERY EMOTIONAL
This film managed to collect RM5.2 million within 24 days of screening in Malaysia and made history as the first Malaysian film to break the screening record in Taiwan by collecting more than RM13.5 million.
A local Malaysian film that, for me, almost reached the level of a local masterpiece.
The movie started off really well that it gave me high expectations throughout, coupled with the quality cinematography and soundtracks.
The story is actually very simple. The 'Abang' and 'Adik' wishes to live like ordinary citizens in Malaysia but the lack of citizenship status and Identity Card (IC) prevents that, showcasing how hard it is to live like them.
One thing that I disliked and which I think can be improved is the second act of the movie where the accident happened. The writing is not strong and convincing enough, Abang seems to be acting out of character, the story feels rushed and there were scenes that are too 'draggy'.
Despite that, the film managed to build a good emotional connection with the main characters from the beginning of the story and the strong performance by Wu Kang Ren and Jack Tan easily made it happen. So when I got to the end of the movie, I really teared up and cried, trying to understand Abang's feelings.
I like movies that touch on the aspects of society like this. Although it is not perfect, it gives a small picture of life in Malaysia that some people may not know. We need more local Malaysian films like this. No need for fancy effects, just solid writing.
Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan (2022)
TOO PREACHY AND WASTED OPPORTUNITIES
Watching this movie just to get the feels before I see the new spin-off movie Pendekar Awang: Darah Indera Gajah (2024).
To be honest, I laughed more than I cried. The film has many potentials but missed its golden opportunity. There were already lots of discussions so I'll shorten my thoughts below.
.
POSITIVES:
+ It has a decent cinematography overall.
+ The action scenes displaying the indigenous martial arts Silat was also good and entertaining.
+ High production value.
+ The original soundtracks are okay.
.
NEGATIVES
- The premise was there but very poor storytelling.
- It has some decent ideas but very poor execution.
- Lacks story depth and emotional connection.
- Poor character development.
- Dialogues are way too boring and too slow for some reason. Just talk normally.
- Movie felt too long.
- Soundtracks are loud and almost covered the whole movie. Learn to appreciate the beauty of silence.
.
There were some interesting storylines that I feel were done poorly such as Kilau's wisdom in leading the Malay uprising, Wahid's anger and avenging his wife, Awang's redemption arc after his failed plan cost some lives. It could have shown a good character development.
Pendekar Awang: Darah Indera Gajah (2024)
LOTs OF IDEAS BUT VERY POOR STORYTELLING
The basis of this story is actually quite simple. The British want to capture Tok Gajah before he reaches Terengganu to get support. This is where Awang's role is to protect Tok Gajah.
Although the story is simple, the arrangement of the story is a bit messy, making the journey of the story less clear and the viewing experience unsatisfactory.
This film is a spin-off from Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan (2022) which focuses on the character of Awang, but it feels like a sequel.
My expectation for this movie was to learn about Awang's backstory, his redemption arc and to see his character development from the previous movie. But I was disappointed because it was not achieved.
.
POSITIVE THINGS:
1. High production value.
2. Good cinematography overall.
3. Nadhir Nasar's acting for Tahir is ok.
4. The action scenes are decent.
5. No shaky camera work this time.
.
NEGATIVE THINGS:
1. The plot was messy and unclear.
2. The premise was not strong and the themes were not explored enough. Lacking depths.
3. Lack of emotional connections making it hard to feel the scenes that were supposed to be sad.
4. The way some new characters were introduced was not impressive enough. Sometimes it felt like they were suddenly there. Were we supposed to know them? Introduce them properly.
5. The dialogues are too boring and too preachy. It was supposed to tell the story in an implicit manner, not tell it directly. Also why do they have to talk like a poet? Just talk normally and not with a Batman's voice.
6. The female fighter group had no back story which made their appearance so sudden and awkward. Who were they? Who were their teachers?
7. The way the soundtracks are used in the film does not provide enough emotional impact.
8. The editing is bad.
9. Character writing for the villain was weak. There was potential and it could have been a lot better.
10. Sometimes it preaches too much. We get it, you're very faithful and islamic, but overusing such element becomes too redundant and boring. Learn to express it subtly.
11. Feels like watching a cartoon. It doesn't feel serious. Sometimes I just laugh.
.
Spin-off stories are often well-received and more successful than the original because they are based on the popularity of an aspect of the original film. In this case, the chosen character is Awang.
Unfortunately, this film cannot overcome or match the quality of Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan (2022).
In conclusion, Pendekar Awang: Darah Indera Gajah (2024) has many shortcomings but it is not completely garbage. I understand why some people like it very much. This type of film has its own target audience but I sure am not one of them.
La sociedad de la nieve (2023)
Captures the essence of humanity's survival excellently.
It's been a long time since I've watched a survival film and watching Society of the Snow as my first movie in 2024 did not disappoint.
It had a slow start but became very interesting after the tragic incident happened. I haven't watched Alive (1993) and I didn't know much about the real story. So my mind was focused on wanting to know how they survived for 72 days in a place where it's practically impossible to live. It was crazy.
When Roberto Canessa said this was more than just a movie and it was an experience of humanity not giving up, I felt that. I personally feel J. A. Bayona succeeded in portraying the survival instincts that humanity possesses, and as a society we can overcome anything.
What I love the most are the cinematography and soundtracks. Beautiful, captivating and touching. I literally burst into tears at the end of the movie. Wish I could've seen this in cinemas.