Sepet 2004 by Late Yasmin Ahmad, A True Malaysia Movie

Sepet 2004 / (Slit Eyes)

IBJ: 7/10 by @Ipohboyjourney

IMBD: 7.2/10

Google TV: 93/100

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 (Sepet available for free at  Sepet 2004 starting 30/5/2020 for a week)

The main reasons the whole movie were attractive for its storyline, and how taboo an interracial relationship can be in Malaysia, and of course, it was filmed in IPOH. (1 mark for location; 1 mark for the director). The word “Sepet” is kinda a mean word to laugh at the small and single eyelid of Chinese. But, I like how Yasmin turns this around. To me, my eyes have been quite nice and double-eyelids, so nobody did tease about my eyes though. Hahahahahaha. With so much racism issues going locally and internationally, I highly recommend this movie on exploring how differences could co-exist.

A simple love story between a Chinese guy and a Malay girl, by the late Yasmin Ahmad who has always been and will inspire a lot of Malaysians to be united regardless race and sex. Jason or Ah Loong (played by one-time actor Choo Seong Ng) and Orked (played by Sharifah Amani) were supposed to destined, I guess, but to meet and to love, without a good ending. Jason perhaps met little Orked when they were in primary school, however, he missed out her name.

Years later, when Jason is working with Chinese gangster in pasar malam/ pasar pagi (night market/ morning market) to sell pirated VCD, he bumps into the all-grown Orked who is looking for (金城武)Takeshi Kaneshiro’s movies. Then, the love progresses very fast, when he gives her a VCD “Chungking Express” for free attached with his phone. However, Jason is not entirely innocent, involving in illegal sale of VCD, sexual relationship with boss’s sister, and kinda samseng. Actually, both families are okay with the interracial relationship. Yet, when the boss’ sister is pregnant, everything falls apart. When Orked leaves Ipoh to England, Jason is rushing to meet and involves in a car accident. Eventually, it is up to the audience to decide whether they are together, whether Jason live to be with Orked. Choo Seong Ng, actually is kinda cute with his single eyelid with nice built too. I think this is the main reason Yasmin chose him. Orked is one open-minded sassy girl. 

The movie really touches a lot taboos in Malaysia:

1. The ladies in the movie, did not wear tudung and were in sarong, but they were respectful to their religion and other people
2. Molest scene on Orked was kinda traumatising if you watched it, when a guy you kinda like, forces himself on you.
3. Orked got 5 As in SPM can get scholarship to England; Jason got 7As remained with no scholarship (This has been a huge topic since my era and way beyond)
4. Gangsterism in Malaysia can be quite awful

Little details, which Yasmin Ahmad put into the movie, also amazes me:

1. Movie started with a Jawi greeting (A tribute to Malay community)
2. But the movie theme songs were by Sam Hui (#许冠杰)， 《浪子心声》and《世事如棋》
3. Chungking Express was a Hong Kong cult movie in 1995! I love this movie a lot
4. Ipoh town has been beautifully filmed, and I kinda know where is Orked’s house actually.

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