A Freak's Review: After This Our Exile

When I first read the synopsis of this film, I half expected it to be another silly movie (you know, one of those that has a sad title but being presented in the lamest comedy that equals to jackass) but I was surprisingly engaged to the screen as the first scene of After This Our Exile unfolds. It didn't run across my mind that this award-winning film could be different from the many I have watched. No wonder it successfully won a couple of awards during the 2007 Asian Awards season. It was simply intelligent! Definitely one of the best Father & Son story in the entertainement industry. I truly encourage families to watch this because as the credit rolls up, your heart will somehow be overwhelmed with gratitude for the people you love the most - your family.

Filmed in Malaysia, heartthrob Aaron Kwok slipped effortlessly into the role of Shing, a Chinese violent man who has insecurity issues, thus manifesting it upon his loved ones. He lives with his girlfriend and they have a son named Ah Boy. A poor man trying to make a living by working as a chef, Shing is first and foremost a fulltime gambler, before a father, resulting in huge debts with the local loansharks and the runaway of his girl. With nothing left but Ah Boy, Shing tries to strive through day by day with the little money he can get hold off - even if it means forcing his son to be a thief.

In this story, we get to see a different side of Aaron Kwok (compared to the many superhero, prince charming movies which he has been staring in). In After This Our Exile, a darker side of him is being portrayed, which I have yet to see in any production previously. He is aggresive, violent, rude and loud - and maybe a little clumsy - but definitely charming in a more rugged and realistic way. I actually felt sympathetic towards his character at the end of the movie, which is totally unexpected. (Would would be sympathetic towards a father who abuses his wife and forces his son to be a thief?)

A beautifully shot movie to begin with, the message of the story is even more beautiful. Subtle but beautiful. Director Patrick Tam successfully teleports me (the audience) into the tough lives of lower working class Chinese ethnic in Malaysia. The melodrama is draggy and slow but necessary to enhance the lifestyle of this working class to perfectly bring out the authenticity of the story. A perfect warp into one of the local culture we often overlooked.

A well deserved award winning film recommended to all Malaysians in the world. Don't press the FastForward button halfway through; It's the art that counts!

Foundations Of My Reviews

Books
I believe a good book is one that contains a strong main plot and lots of interesting mini ones to build up to the peak. It has to be written in a simple language that enables the readers to read with ease, not with a dictionary at hand. Most important of all, the characters have to be crafted in such a way that readers will believe in their existence.

Drama Series
Consistency is important as far as characterization is concern. I believe that everyone has a habit of their own that define them. And that is important when it comes to watching a drama. The presentation of the story shouldn't be too draggy as well, because it is a drama series. If it only captures attention in the first few episodes and dies down later on, then it should probably be better of as a film.

Films
A strong message behind film is really important. I hate films that teaches me nothing at the end of it, or films that simply doesn't have a beginning and ending to it. Those are just a waste of time. A good film is one that makes you nod when the credits roll out and you know that when you walk out of the cinema, it was worthy for the dollars you paid.

Games
My definition of a good game would be a partially addictive one with missions and goals to drive the gamer to want to push further in the game world. It has to be user-friendly in terms of controls and settings. The graphic has to be of standard quality because when you are into a game, it hurts when the graphic sucks.

Manga
A good manga is one that keeps you reading from one page to another, one chapter to another, one volume to another. It doesn't get too draggy and the plot must have a pull-string to drive readers to want more of it. Most importantly is the graphic - it has to have details to enrich the reader's imagination to picture the whole scene in mind.

Music
A good music is one with powerful lyrics and a suitable tune to go with it. It might not be accompanied by instruments or vice-versa. It might be a band or solo singer. The most important of all, the presenter of the song has to feel it with their heart before they present it to their audience. That's the best music ever!

Music Videos
I think a good plot is essential in music videos. The purpose of having a music video is to help audience to engage in the song through visuals. It helps to bring the audience to another world where the song makes sense in order for them to experience the music fully.

Personality
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to admiring others. I, for one, admire women who have full control of their life. I look up to women who have made it to the top in the field of their choice. A dynamic personality interests me.

Plays
The essentials of a good play include presentation, the engaging power and outstanding audio system. The storyline is just a vessel to carry out a message. What matters is how entertaining can it be while sending out that message. No one watches a boring play.

Products
A good product have both physical and emotional benefits for the users. It is also affordable and user-friendly. Most of all, it has to leave the users feeling good about themselves.

Video Clips
Lengthy does not mean good. There are some short videos that tell stories as good as a full length film does. Keeping the video short while trying to tell the entire story perfectly - that is a good video clip.

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After This Our Exile

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