Ever since I watched his first flick, Ciplak, I have always been a big fan of Khairil M. Bahar. His movie single handedly changed my views on Malaysian films and gave me faith in our industry again. Ever since then, I have had the honour to call him my friend and had the chance to work with him a couple of times in his independent films. Well, last night was another major night for him due to the fact that it was the premiere of his second big feature film, Relationship Status....
For those who are clueless about this film, their website states Relationship Status is based on the numerous options available on sites such as Facebook and tells the story of a number of KL-ites from all walks of life whose relationships are created, changed and sometimes even ruined by social networking and the way we communicate in this day and age. Some of the stories in Relationship Status may make you laugh whilst some may make you cry. What is for certain, though, is that all the stories will ring true. In fact, most if not all stories are based on actual events that have happened and could have only happened in the 21st century with the popularity of social networking sites....
Just like Malaysia, the country in which the stories in Relationship Status are situated, the film is multi-ethnic and multi-lingual. Some of the characters speak English, some speak Malay, some speak Hokkien. The stories in Relationship Status feature people from all walks of life and of all ages - from students in puppy love and young professionals in blossoming relationships to those that are married and even widowed. But regardless of how different all these characters are, by the end of the movie all their relationships will be directly affected due to social networks. Some for the better, and some for the worse.....
The premiere took place last night at TGV in Sunway Pyramid. It had been a long time since I stepped foot there and things certainly had changed. As being instructed to by the man himself, I suited up. Heading towards the cinema was an experience in itself considering I was walking around the mall in a full blown suit, bow tie in tow (I wear bow ties now. Bow ties are cool). Upon arriving, I noticed Khai, in true fashion, had suited up as well, with The Doctor's red converse in tow. Bastard....
photo courtesy of Ariff Aris
The film stars an extremely strong cast from both the film and theatre industry. That list includes Gavin Yap, Davina Goh, Tony Eusoff, Daphne Iking, Baki Zainal, Ruzana Ibrahim, Alfred Loh, Shuba Jay, Benji Lim, Amanda Ang, Adeline Ong, Pete Teo, Susan Lankester & Will Quah. There are also two cameos by two theatre actors who will remain a secret until you watch it. Khai undoubtedly chose the right people to put this piece together.....
The story is fantastic and is easily relate-able to anyone, old and young, those on Facebook or not, there is definitely something for everyone. Even though the stories were intertwined with each other, it was incredibly straight forward to understand and never left me questioning who was dating who, unlike other ensemble pieces I have watched. You could easily connect with the characters and leave you sometimes wanting to take sides in their situations. There was never a dull moment and left me wanting to see more. As I had mentioned to him yesterday, Relationship Status is Khai's very own Chasing Amy.....
The film opens today at selected TGV cinemas and I highly recommend that you watch it. To find out more information, you can always head to the Relationship Status website here or the TGV website here. Lastly, you can always check out Khai's website here....
This is again another movie that has inspired me to start writing and directing my own short films. Khai, you have done it again. I have been and will always be a humongous fan of yours and am always eagerly awaiting your next film, be it independent or feature. Anything you do is just awesome. Thanks so much for everything you've done for me and doing the honour of letting me work with you in your flicks. Oh and also for changing my life completely by introducing me to The Doctor. You rock!!!!
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