Mukhsin

Needing something different, I watched this coming-of-age film - read: riding a bike, flying a kite, climbing trees, being raised by goofy yet loving parents (ditto for the maid) and finding a friendship that lasts a lifetime. It is written and directed by the late Yasmin Ahmad. She also plays a minor character. It's my first Malaysian movie. In it, the characters in particular and, Malaysians in general, are endearing.

The film is probably low budget, not having the multimillion dollar bells and whistles of overproduced films from Hollywood. Or for that matter, Asia. These are not your crazy rich Asians. As such, it is easy to scroll past. But behind the cheap optics, Mukhsin is a hidden gem rich in beauty using simple but delightful dialog. It's well cast (no over-the-top acting here) and has the right blend of poignant and funny.

Nina Simone's 'Ne Me Quitte Pas' is a soundtrack smartly and timely placed at the right scene...and its reprise at the climax is filmmaking perfection, and has to tug at the heartstrings.

Yet there are lighthearted moments. Malaysians point with their lips, too?! And dance in the rain? Wanna know how to get new furniture every few months for nothing? Then watch this.

High up in my 2022 chart - easily Top 2 - I will long remember this one. I'm now hoping to watch Ahmad's other films. From the reviews, apparently she is highly respected. She certainly got mine.

Rating: TV-PG I identified a couple of storylines, cultural practices that are not suitable for young children.