"Sepi"

I just finished waching 'Sepi' directed by Khabir Bhatia.

I actually expected a lame duck movie. Knowing that Malay movies never make it big. But I had to give this film the benefit of doubt because the director is Khabir Bhatia. The renowed director of the movie "Cinta" and the current show "Frontpage". "Frontpage" is a series of drama involving the lives of five journalists.

Lets talk about "Sepi" today.

It was beautifully woven. I think I was nearly moved. But I didnt. So the movie isnt that great. But thumbs up have to be given to the camera crew. Lighting, sound system and casting was good. Although, I think Mr.Bhatia you shouldnt have taken Vanida as your actress. Thats the only complain. She seems...plain. The rest of the cast I could see their character grow. Each had a tale to tell. Each was painfully growing. But hers is so...dull. Her character and herself. Through the trailer of this movie I thought she could act. Apparently she was the spoiler. The Khalil's girlfriend looked like she was wearing a wig the whole time. Mr.Bhatia I think she was good, especially when she was reading the poetry in the library. But you should have kept that part at pin drop silence. Everything just still.

The performance of Tony's lover in the movie both his wife and the one after is amazing. My GOD! When she nearly died and when she was acting in the past reflection scene she was just beaming through the camera. Theres a sort of pull that I can feel from her. You should hire her more for your movies, Sir. Then his lover, I liked the part when she cried. Wow. That was the part that caught my breath.

Sir, you are a very good director. But I think on your next movie you need to relax abit on your camera angles. I am not going to deny you are a fabulous director but you need to reduce the so many beautiful shots you take. Its getting abit dull. It was funny I was watching "Sepi" at 9pm on channel 952 and on channel 103 they were showing "Cinta" and at 9.45pm they were showing "Frontpage" at channel 107. All your movies at one time. Anyways,Mr.Bahtia, I think you really need to be abit more dramatic with your cast. Tell them to talk abit more louder. Put their thoughts and emotions in. Some of them seem blur while they are acting.You also need to reduce the many songs you put in. Its to much song. Very beautiful songs, although. But its too much. we dont want a musical. We want a moving and touching one.Put songs, but not at every ohter noock and connor.

I suggest you next make a movie without so many main characters. Try with just two. Play around with it. Get a good script and a good cast. Try making a love movie but with lots of ups and downs and suspends thats kills. I suggest you hire people like Ida Nerina or Umie Aida as your heroin. Or you can take that wife of Tony in "Sepi". She seems like an untounched jewel. As for your hero, I hope you would find someone new. Who has talent and looks. And when I mean talent, please train the person well. Let there be blood, tear, sweat, joy, rain, laughter, death, friendship and mainly drama all in this one movie. I believe(and this is sincere) if ever one were to make a movie such as this and make it successfull, it can be you Sir.

For "Sepi" I wouldnt say its good, but its better then the normal Malay movies.Congratulations.

Contact me if possible on further critiques on movies. Thank you.