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‘Juang’: touching tribute to local frontliners or bloated docu-drama?

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With five different directors and a large cast, this film dedicated to those on the frontlines in Malaysia seems to lack focus.

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Free Malaysia Today
Although ‘Juang’ features many narratives and characters, the story of delivery woman Santhia is the strongest. (Asia Tropical pic)

Can you believe it has been over two years since Covid-19 first landed on Malaysian shores, upending the way Malaysians lived and worked?

Fortunately, for the most part, a sense of normalcy has returned, especially with the recent announcement that indoor mask-wearing is now optional (although…).

While one would be justified in celebrating this development, it might also be a good time to reflect on what the country and citizens have gone through.

It is worth remembering that during the height of the pandemic, many went out of their way to sacrifice their wellbeing and comfort for the sake of others.

The recently released local film “Juang” aims to pay tribute to these homegrown heroes by telling the stories of ordinary Malaysians who tried their best during an unprecedentedly challenging time.

Free Malaysia Today
The film is dedicated to the frontliners of Malaysia, especially doctors and medical staff caring for those infected with Covid-19. (Asia Tropical pic)

Directed by five filmmakers – Aziz M Osman, Yusry Abdul Halim, Kabir Bhatia, Osman Ali and Matt Lai – this movie had been in the works since September 2020.

It features a star-studded cast – with 15 names on the movie poster – that includes Zul Ariffin, Zizan Razak, Janna Nick, Izzue Islam, Sangeeta, Chew Kin Wah, Angeline Tan, and Steve Yap.

Not to be forgotten is the late Adibah Noor, who makes an appearance in what was to be among her last cinematic projects.

While “Juang” centres on the pandemic and how Malaysians responded, describing it as a “documentary” would be inaccurate. It is, in fact, more akin to a series of episodes that follow different characters as they navigate the difficulties of pandemic life.

These personalities range from a policeman serving on the streets and a nurse caring for the infected, to a father based in Wuhan.

It isn’t difficult to relate to these characters. Who can forget the fear and uncertainty that set in during the early days, or being worried for their family’s welfare with the introduction of the movement control order?

Free Malaysia Today
Wong is a Malaysian based in Wuhan who has to catch the plane back home before it takes off. (Asia Tropical pic)

It should be noted that most of the characters and the stories in “Juang” are fictional. Some, however, are based on real people and events, such as the government-chartered flights to Wuhan to pick up Malaysians there, and the traffic incident that cost one policeman his life while manning a roadblock.

As a film made with everyday Malaysians in mind, you can bet there are emotional moments interspersed throughout. That said, some of the stories and characters are stronger than others.

One particular tearjerker involves an elderly couple who are hospitalised because of Covid-19. With the chances of her husband’s survival being low, the wife asks medical personnel for one last favour: to let her die side-by-side with her beloved.

It is a well-written scene that, ironically, brings up one problematic aspect of the film: namely that the bloated cast seems to lack screen time or presence.

Despite the number of big names in the lineup, the episodes are often too short to leave a meaningful impact on the audience. In fact, the more well-known celebs only appear for a minute or two at most, in what should really be called cameos.

Free Malaysia Today
The late Adibah Noor also makes a brief but meaningful appearance in one of her last cinematic roles. (Asia Tropical pic)

The old adage/cliché “too many cooks spoil the broth” comes to mind, as the vast cast, irrespective of their talents, severely limits one another’s screen time.

Nevertheless, praise can still be dished out to the actors, with Sangeeta Krishnasamy’s role as a delivery woman, Santhia, being a highlight. In addition to doing her best to help fellow Malaysians receive the supplies they need, she has to deal with marital problems at home.

It is an issue that isn’t discussed enough: how being cooped up together would have put many relationships to the test – some to dismaying degrees.

All in all, is “Juang” worth your time? It is, if you do not go in expecting a documentary – this is more like a big-budget drama series.

But in terms of acknowledging those Malaysians who braved the pandemic, it is a fitting-enough tribute.

‘Juang’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.

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