Movie Review Muallaf (2008)

 

Muallaf | 2008 | 1h 20m
Genre: Drama | Country: Malaysia
Director: Yasmin Ahmad | Writers: Yasmin Ahmad
Cast: Leysha Al-Yahya, Sharifah Amani, Brian Yap
IMDB: 6.8
My Rate: 6/10

Brian's heart begins to stir towards faith and God after meeting Ana and Ani, two sisters running away and hiding from their abusive father and stepmother.

Warnings:

Contains violence, strong language, and mature themes.

 

Synopsis:

Rohani (Sharifah Amani) and her younger sister, Rohana (Syarifah Aleysha), live alone after their mother's death. They choose to hide from their father. However, Rohana often gets into trouble at school because she keeps saying numbers that her teacher doesn't understand, which frustrates her teacher.

One day, her teacher punishes her, believing that Ana is constantly defying her and seeking attention after her mother's death. Brian (Brian Yap), one of the teachers at the school, finally takes action. He tries to defend Ana and takes her home.

The school, along with Brian, visits Ana's house, concerned about her condition. Ani explains the numbers that Ana has been saying. Ani says that the numbers are excerpts from verses of the Quran.

Their mother had a previous interest in religious studies and became a teacher in this field. So indirectly, Ana and Ani do the same. They study religious knowledge from various religions self-taught. However, because there is no one to guide them, they find it a bit difficult.

Brian, seeing the Quran for the first time, is fascinated and tries to learn it. Their search for God ultimately brings them closer to each other. However, problems arise after Ani and Ana's father finds out about their whereabouts.

What happens to them next?

 
Review:

Muallaf is a film that might feel different from what viewers expect when reading the title. As is generally known, the meaning of Muallaf is when someone converts to Islam. However, we don't find this explicitly in this film.

Yasmin acknowledges that the use of the term Muallaf in this film has a different meaning. Where, because the main character is Catholic, but doesn't practice his religion well due to trauma he experienced in the past. After that, he becomes better after meeting two sisters who embrace Islam with their impressive knowledge.

The story idea taken in this film is actually very interesting, which is about the search for God. The three characters show their own ways of seeking God. However, unfortunately, the execution of the story idea is still less than perfect.

The conflicts and problems raised are too superficial. The building of the story foundation and character development is also weak. So the story presented doesn't really give a deep meaning to the audience. The lack of a story that really sticks in memory.

Even, the main theme about the search for God is not really visible and deep. So the audience will lose focus on the core story that is actually being raised. Is it the search for God, is it family relationships, or is it about romance? Because everything is presented with a shallow depth of story.

The ending also still raises questions about the resolution of each problem. It is not known for sure how Ana and Ani meet again after their father forcibly takes Ana away? The relationship between Brian and Ana, which is also presented ambiguously. The resolution seems to be rushed, if some scenes could be given that make the story deeper, it might be better.

In terms of story systematics, this film presents a systematic and easy-to-understand story. However, it seems to lack flow, many scenes feel disjointed. The transition using a black screen also makes this worse.

In addition, some other weaknesses include the character of the teacher at the school and the use of verses, both the Quran, the Bible, or others. The character of the teacher shown does not show a good teacher at all. None of the teachers seem professional with the behavior and words shown.

The use of verses also seems to not look at the context, as if it were just randomly displayed. The use of numbers in quoting a verse without explaining its contents can cause confusion or misunderstanding among viewers. Especially for viewers who may not understand such things.

The acting of the cast is also nothing special. The chemistry between the actors is also a bit lacking. Overall, there are still many things that could be optimized. Especially regarding the focus and depth of the story. So that the storyline can be felt by the audience better.

 
Memorable Scene:

Brian, who initially disbelieved in religion, is unexpectedly moved when he reads the Quran and its translation for the first time. This experience opens his mind and touches his heart. This scene reminds us that God has many ways to reach out to His servants.

 
Memorable Dialogue:

"Everyone is looking for God in their own way."

 

Ending:

Cliffhanger

 

Recommendation:

Okay to watch.

 

(Aluna)