The Star Online: Metro: South & East
The Star Online: Metro: South & East |
| Nasi Lemak 2.0 packed with the necessary ingredients Posted: 23 Sep 2011 05:54 PM PDT I FIRST met Namewee (Wee Meng Chee) last year, at the preview of the local film Ice Kacang Puppy Love. Unlike how some organisations have portrayed him, he appeared to be full of good manners, humility and down-to-earth practicality. So when news of his debut film Nasi Lemak 2.0 surfaced, I thought, "Wow, good for him. Let's see how this goes." And then came the controversies. But above it all, came the huge number of praises the film received after its special screening in Melbourne on Merdeka Day and after opening night in Malaysia. So I had to go watch it. And watched it, I did. Never mind that this movie is primarily in Mandarin and I barely understood five words of it. Never mind that I barely got any of the Chinese jokes that were told and thank heavens for the subtitles! But at least there were different languages spoken in the movie, such as English, Malay, Tamil and several other Chinese dialects. Namewee's social commentary was brought to cinemas via a food-themed comedy celebrating Malaysia's famous dish. The comedy gives an unflinching but ultimately endearing perspective of the racial stereotypes that Malaysians are accustomed to. The film's plot is anchored in Malaysia's undisputed common cultural touchstone: love of the country's diverse and spicy cuisine. Namewee plays Chef Huang, who studied Chinese cooking in China and is unable to adapt to the 'localised' versions of Chinese food, something his Malaysian customers prefer. In order to get his life and the restaurant business back on track, Chef Huang must now seek help from a mysterious hawker stall lady who summons him to embark on the extraordinary journey of his life. During this self-enlightenment experience, he meets many 'local heroes' — including a Malay man with four wives and an Indian man who dances around trees and bushes, Bollywood-style — to create a delicious new version of nasi lemak. They each lend their support to help him re-discover his roots and the real hidden message of Nasi Lemak. This film is not out to be artful, nor it is to win awards or rave reviews from uptight film critics. It is a show full of racial gags and cultural nuances that Malaysians are all too familiar with, but done with a fresh perspective. Here are my top five favourite parts of the film I am excited to share: 5) Karen Kong and Namewee's characters singing in a Chinese kopitiam, in hope of getting more flower garlands from Pete Teo's character. 4) Afdlin Shauki's character with his four hilarious wives in the kampung 3) Datuk David Arumugam hiding behind the tree, Bollywood style. 2)The famous Baba Nyonya characters played by Kenny and Chee, from my favourite local 90s sitcom, Onde Onde. 1) The finale song, aptly named Rasa Sayang 2.0, which is still ringing in my head to this day. Nasi Lemak 2.0 was made on less than RM1mil, after failing to obtain funding from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) and Creative Industries Fund (CIF), who were supposed to be supporting the local arts and entertainment scene. For a film that faced all these obstacles, it has currently made over RM4.5mil in box office sales alone. I also got a big shock when Namewee told me over the phone that this film did not get "Wajib Tayang" approval, which is supposed to guarantee a local film is shown at cinemas nationwide for 14 days. Speaking in a serious tone, Namewee told me that he hoped that his movie does its bit to help stop racism in Malaysia. For all that it's worth, I believe that it's an unusually daring exploration of the racial ties that bind us all and I applaud the film for its success in doing so. Watching Nasi Lemak 2.0 will make Malaysians (those who possess some sense of humour anyway) take a good look at themselves in the mirror and laugh. This film is produced by Fred Chong and Sylvia Lim. The cast includes comedian and singer Adibah Noor, Karen Kong, Afdlin Shauki, Kenny & Chee, Reshmonu, Dennis Lau, Nur Fathia, Nadine Thomas, Pete Teo, Ho Yuhang, Dian Sharlin, and Felixia Yap. Dawn Jeremiah would like to sing Rasa Sayang 2.0 out loud but unfortunately, she's almost tone deaf. Armed with a passion for television and journalism, she handles regional marketing at a high definition lifestyle channel. An actress part-time, she also tweets at www.twitter.com/dawnjeremiah |
| Posted: 23 Sep 2011 05:53 PM PDT STEAMBOAT TREAT Steamboat lovers are welcome to Manja Coffee House of Hotel Grand Continental Kuantan for this month's promotion 'Steamboat Pantai Timur, priced at RM29nett per adult (min two persons). The promo is available from 11am-2.30pm and 6.30pm-10pm. For reservations, call 09-515 8888. NOODLES DELIGHT The Hou Mei Noodle House (Level 2 of First World Plaza in Genting) brings Sze-Chuan Noodles (RM15++) to spice out your taste buds from 11am-11pm. For reservations, call 603-6101 1118. (www.genting.com.my) BUFFET SPREAD First World Cafe (Level 3 of First World Plaza, Genting) offers a buffet spread for the month featuring a wide variety of street food such as Fried oh chien, cuttlefish served with kangkong, prawn mee, different types of satay, chicken kebab, roti john, roti hot dog, steamed coconut rice and waffle ice cream. Buffet lunch from noon to 2.30pm is priced RM41++ (adult) and RM20.50++ (child) while buffet dinner (5.30pm-9.30pm) is priced RM48++ (adult) and RM24++ (child). For reservations, call 603-6101 1118. (www.genting.com.my) |
| Posted: 23 Sep 2011 05:52 PM PDT MAGIC SHOW Watch the Chinese magic show and Shaolin Kung Fu performances at Johor Baru Sutera Mall today. For details, call 07-558 9009. BOOK FAIR Sin Sin Book store is having a book fair offering Chinese novels and childrens story books with discounts up to 50% at Johor Baru KSL City today. The book fair starts at 10am. For details, call 07-228 2888. COMMUNITY CARNIVAL Members of the public can go to the Love Malaysia community carnival today at Taman Tun Aminah mini stadium at 9am. The activities include free medical check-ups and a blood donation drive. ROAD SHOW Online game enthusiasts can come to the Online Game road show today at Johor Baru City Square which starts at 10am. For details, call 07-226 3668. ART EXHIBITION Art lovers can go to the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art exhibition until Oct 15 at Johor Baru Danga City Mall exhibition hall at level four from 10am until 10pm. For details, call 07-221-5008. LOVE BALLADS After a full house performance last year, the Prince of Love Ballads is back to rock the house down at Arena of Stars. This year, Jeff Chang will be singing some of his favourite hits 'Forgiving', 'Ai Ru Chao Shui', 'Guo Huo', 'Don't Tell Him', 'Tai Xiang Ai Ni' and many more to his fans. He is no stranger to the music scene in Taiwan. His talent was brought to light when he won a singing competition during his college years. Since then, he has honed his talent through the release of numerous successful albums since 1989, earning himself the title "Prince of Love Ballads". With years of experience in the showbiz world, Jeff will be taking his crooning prowess to stage tonight. SPORT FESTIVAL Bring your friends and family to Petrosains Playsmart Sports Festival 2011 today and tomorrow which takes place at the Pahang Foundation Complex in Tanjung Lumpur, Kuantan from 9.30am-4.30pm. Among the activities are interactive workshop 'Blowpipe', 'Jump Energy' and 'Banana Kick' for mini show and more. Admission is free. OPEN HOUSE Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang is expected to grace the Aidilfitri Open House at Dewan Orang Ramai Muadzam Shah in Pahang today at noon. All are invited. DANCE DATE K-Pop fans, do not miss the performance at 3pm tomorrow by 'K-Pop Super Hip Hop Dance' at the Kuantan Parade shopping complex in Kuantan. Admission is free. FISHING COMPETITION In-conjuction with the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge 2011, a fishing competition will be held today from 9am to noon at Pantai Kg Bernas, Rompin in Pahang. Fee is RM30 per rod. The first prize winner will receive a cash prize of RM3,000. DINNER AND DANCE Malacca's Montfort Youth Centre (MYC) is holding a 10th Anniversary charity dinner and concert today at Hotel Equatorial Melaka from 7pm onwards. Ning Baizura, Shanel Shanty and Helmi Gimick are some of the highlight performances of the night with a ten-course dinner. Some of Ning's costumes jewelleries will also be auctioned off with proceeds to the MYC. For details, call 06-351 0114. HEALTH TALK Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh (PHAK) is organizing a health talk on "Endometriosis: What is it?" conducted by Dr. Tan Geok Kee, PHAK Consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist on Sunday from 2.30pm to 4pm at Conference Room, 3rd Floor Melaka Mall (PHAK's Office). Admission is free and first 70 participants will receive door gifts. Refreshment will be served. For details, call 06-231 9999 ext 2415. HEALTH SCREENING Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh (PHAK) will be having a free health screening at Menara Taming Sari today from 8am to 1pm. All are welcome for the basic 3-point health check (blood glucose, blood pressure and body fat analysis/BMI). PHAK's dietitian will be present to provide free consultation. For details, call 06-232 1782/0072. |
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