This latest project by Yasmin Ahmad, is something for all. Despite using kids as the main casts, adults would enjoy it because of the story, and the nostalgia it brings.
Mukhsin, in a nutshell, is about a naive love between 2 matured children. Orked is a 10 year old girl who prefers to play with the boys, rather than joining with the girls, simply because she loathe the stereotypical things other girls do, following the typical Malay women template. Mukhsin, is a poor boy living with his father, and were staying with his aunt for the semester break.
Both of them quickly grew fond of each other, and soon starts to develop a relationship beyond a platonic one.
Staying true to other films by Yasmin, the main story is not the only story you’ll see. There’ll be other subplots, which is developed enough to be a short movie on it’s own. From the tales of Orked’s neighbour, to the concept of 36 months installment. All told nicely, not much thinking is needed. It is laid in plain for all to see and feel, making this movie feels close to heart.
One thing I’d like to say is, I’m utterly jealous of Orked’s family. They dance around, they joke around, and even in facing a problem, they seem happy. Maybe they are considered as being untrue to themselves, or maybe that is their true self.
Mukhsin, prior to it’s release, have been generating enough positive publicity, with it’s winnings in Berlin Film Festival, word of mouth (and hand, by fellow bloggers), coverage from mass media, and even advertisements. This in itself, have put down much of the flames from her previous controversies.
Yasmin, loves to mention about her happenings in her movie. If you’ve followed her news long enough, you’d find snippets of dialogues mentioning about her controversies, her past films and projects. For example, there’s a mention about the bathing scene in Rabun. Not to mention dialogues that sounds like Yasmin’s reply to her critics. Or maybe it’s just me.
Technical wise, Yasmin’s shots and angles are as her trademarked shots, with minimal camera movement. Although there are glimpse of today in this movie (which is set to the year 1994), it’s minimal and blurred in the background. It won’t matter, especially after you see the props her crew had prepared like the public phone, and the road tax sticker. It really does bring back memories.
Another thing I like about Yasmin’s movie is, technical wise, they almost have no lip-synching issues. Most of the dialogues were recorded on set, and sounds credible, which is to me, critical in believing a film.
All in all, this is an enjoyable movie, but I know some will not like it, especially for those who dislikes her previous work. But for me, I give it a 4/5 rating.