The above blog post title, is about a movie my long-time family friend just made and is now showing in selected cinemas near you, namely the Golden Screen Cinemas ( GSC) in 1 Utama, Mid Valley Megamall and Pavilion, Bukit Bintang.
Basically, it was and is adapted from the writings of William Shakespeare in his play, Othello, but with an added Malaysian flair to it. Before you all become judgemental, it isn't one of those movies that you perceive whereby it is another one those copied- from- Hollywood type but made in Malaysia movie. Due to the fact that the director is a good family friend, I may sound biased here, but please go and support the movie as it has only about two more days of its original run as of date.
Some of you may have read the Star newspaper for the past month or so, and may have heard of this movie. It is an all- local cast, namely Christien New ( of ChristienLavin fame), Juliana Ibrahim ( Impian Illyana, Gubra), Douglas Lim ( Kopitiam), and the renowned actor Dato Rahim Razali. This main cast of actors are also joined by Razif Hashim ( of Gol & Gincu and 8TV Quickie fame), Farah Putri ( Butakah Cinta and Janji Semalam), Megat Shahrizal ( Puteri Gunung Ledang- The Musical), Justin Chan ( in the BBC/HBO drama, As You Like It and M! The Opera- Musical) and featuring model/actress/host Stephanie Chai ( of Perhaps Love , a reality TV show, and the musical/comedy/drama, KL Lights).
"Jarum Halus" is a story about the complexity and fragility of relationships, and how "little sins" can easily snowball into great tragedy.
Daniel Oh (CHRISTIEN NEW) has risen from his troubled childhood to chart his own destiny as one of the fast-rising young corporate stars at Ecotech, where he works together with his best friend Iskandar (RAZIF HASHIM) for Datuk Kalel (DATO RAHIM RAZALI).
However, Daniel's success, as well as what he perceives as Kalel's apparent favouritism towards Daniel in the workplace, builds resentment within Iskandar.
When Daniel elopes with another Malay colleague's daughter Mona (JULIANA IBRAHIM), Iskandar hatches a plot to discredit Daniel. He uses the headstrong and trusting Mona, gullible fellow employee Michael (JUSTIN CHAN), a brash secret admirer of Mona's named Rahim (MEGAT SHARIZAL) and even his own distanced wife Emilia (FARAH PUTRI) as pawns in what appears to start out as a spiteful game. But Iskandar's jealous scheming snowballs to disproportionate levels, finally climaxing in tragic consequences.
Yes, I have watched it, and you definitely would not be disappointed. However, the film may seem draggy and long-winded but for those who have not read Othello, it is an easy film to watch and is easy to grasp. This film is directed by Mark Tan, aged 23 who studied Film & Literature at The University of Warwick, England, graduating with a Masters in Art ( Creative & Media Enterprise). Plus, this film has cameos by Yasmin Yusuff and Hilmi Nor as well as Colin Kirton ( of Footstool Players and Broken Bridges- The Musical).
As someone who does not really watch local films, this film is definitely one not to be missed and it brings about good exposure towards the writings as well as works of the famous William Shakespeare. So, please go and watch it and tell me your comments:) !
