The Movie: Muallaf (The Convert)

While everyone busy blogging about "Avatar" or perhaps "Holmes" or any other much more 'famous', worldwide known films that has been released recently, I decided not to blog about it, for I knew, my review will be the same as those you read in others' blogs.

Now, why "Muallaf (The Convert)" you may ask?

I was wondering myself the question too, and my heart almost sank when Tracy and I stared at the screen at the counter to buy our tickets and found that we're both the 7th and 8th customer that purchased the tickets for the movie. Not so much to expect on the late Yasmin Ahmad's movie, huh?

Yes, this is one of the controversial movie that was supposed to release much more earlier (was already released in Singapore in year 2008, and re-released again early 2009 due to much demand). This long awaited movie in this country does not failed me, very much to the late Yasmin's trademark that has elements of our everyday living.

The main characters of the movie, A Catholic school teacher, Brian Goh (Brian Yap) who copes with his traumatized childhood, and the constant begs from his mother who wishes him to come home; 2 muslim siblings, Rohani (Sharifah Armani) & Rohana (Sharifah Aleysha) that was forced to stay in an abandoned bungalow, running away from an abusive wealthy father, while grieving for the demise of their beloved mother.

Brian, the ever skeptical man that doubts his faith, find it interesting to get to know the 2 sisters who has this peculiar habit of reciting passages from the Holy Quran, Bible and Tao Te Ching. Their friendship became closer, that they willingly to share the pain and hardship that they went through. 3 souls - with fate met them together, finding comfort in each other through friendship, love and trust.

As good as it goes, the movie also has some funny scenes that would cheer your soul as you went through. As said, very much to the late Yasmin's touch. These elements - religion, respect, love, friendship and family make this movie a heartfelt one, and you can only reach the message if you watch it with an open mind.

With the title, you would expect any so called 'conversion' of religion? Then you must be narrow minded. 'Conversion' came in more perspective than what we see in front of us. I am sure what the late Yasmin wants is to see the real message behind the movie and it's title. It's a conversion from an old life to the new one.

With forgiveness, you can live a good and peaceful life.

With forgiveness, you can let go the grudge of the past and reconcile with those who hurt you.

So what's in a title when you haven't see the real message behind it? Watch, and you will know.

Thank you Yasmin...for this farewell gift that you had given to us. There will be none like you, and we sure going to miss you and your great works, a lot. Rest in Peace.