Ola Bola (2016)

Memorable, crazy movie

Fantastic!

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Ola Bola movie is fully occupied of human emotion themes such as pain, struggle, happiness, glory, hard work. The movie also occupied unity & patriotism themes. The best thing is that, this movie by Chiu is an inspiring for our Malaysian. "Kita menang sama-sama, kita kalahpun sama-sama. This film is a winner when the climax made my eyes to drop tear without even my consent. I will give 10/10 for IMDB rating.

Bola Ola story began when a journalist named Marianne who was commissioned to do a study of the national football team that has made its mark in the '80s when the first of which was the name of Malaysia in football so feared by opponents, especially in the Asian region. Marianne started to get bored with his career and decided to emigrate to England. Before he left the country, he decided to complete his task for the last time. However, he discovered something that turned out to change his life.Recalling the early '80s, the national football team when it faces the challenges when players have a difference of opinion and not aligned, causing defeat in an important match. The situation is further complicated when almost every player has issues and problems of each. However, they only have one chance to play on the world stage. So, the players must put aside personal things for the sake of the nation. When the spirit back in self-ignite, the national team once again allegedly with a challenge that break their spirit and hope of the nation.Ola Bola inspired from real events will take viewers from various nations to work together to feel the spirit of togetherness and goodwill. Prompted full story will bring the audience to see the spirit, uniqueness and strength inherent in the diversity of the peoples of Malaysia.

Let's be honest, most recent Malaysian films are catered for one demographic or another. There have been attempts at targeting the general Malaysians before, but none as successful as Ola Bola.Ola Bola is inspired by a true story. It's not exactly a historical account. So don't expect accurate historical drama. It took liberty here and there, but left enough reference to the inspiring story that anyone who grew up in the 70s and 80s can relate to them immediately. There are some interesting character development going on, but juggling ensemble films aren't easy. Suffice to say the director manages to get the balance right, although it isn't stellar.The only downside I found in this film is several cringe-worthy dialogues. In fact, we could see how the actors struggle to deliver those lines, particularly in the earlier part of the story.But that aside, this is a very moving and inspirational story with enough juice to draw the audience in and enjoy the journey.

This movie deserves 10/10 if only for one reason: It beautifully captures what it means to be Malaysian.When I first saw the trailers, I was thinking this was just going to be about football, or reliving the glory days of Malaysian football. I'm sure glad I was proved wrong, this movie has so many strengths and one of them is it made the audience feel as if they were part of the movie. Get ready to experience a range of emotions. Football was just part of the overarching theme of what truly makes Malaysia great: our unity in diversity. How we triumph together despite any challenges.I'm unapologetic that this is a patriotic movie. It will make you love more about Malaysia or rather, love the fact you're a Malaysian. If sounding 'patriotic' seems foreign to you, this movie will give you a good reminder of it. Even if you aren't a Malaysian, I would still highly recommend it for giving you a feel of what Malaysian culture and society looks like.A side note: I haven't watched a Malaysian movie in ages. I was blown away by this film's sheer quality. This film sets the benchmark for future Malaysian movies and it got me optimistic about our local film industry: no other direction but up.