Reviews
Spinning Gasing (2000)
Malaysia in her true colours.
Spinning Gasing is probably the first controversial movie made about Malaysia's current culture issues. It potrays the reality and yet able to raise questions about Malaysia's culture.
Set in different parts in Malaysia, a bunch of friends of different races set out to form a musical band. Because of bad debt, they were forced to leave the city. They went to an island where they were hired for their performances. In between, romance was flourishing between the lead male and female.
What's most interesting about the movie is how the story was written. A group of friends of multiraces and characters became close because they had the same dream. Each led a separate life but desired for their own music and most of all wanted to live up to their families' expectations. Harry, the lead male having been in the overseas for a long time has a strong egoism and ambitious. Yati, the lead female, a Malay of whom befriended Harry for as long as she can remember was in love with him. She could do nothing about it because he has a girlfriend but most importantly, the interacial relationship issue. The Indian character, JJ added spice to the movie. But, my favourite is of course Ariff, the openly gay character. There's also Harry's girlfriend, who's character is as nasty as it can be.
As the story progresses, each character discovers their true self. For example, Harry who would do anything to live his dream discovered that every action has a price to pay for. Yati realised that her love for Harry is shadowed by the fact that they are of different races.
To be fair, the acting by the cast was overall good. The director also chose a different way of filming the movie, contradicting to most of the local productions in Malaysia. Many foreigners do not understand why the locals like myself appreciate the movie so much. This is because the movie highlighted scenarios happening in Malaysia, which are beyond our control. This is why the movie received 26 cut scenes by the censorship board in Malaysia. Also, it reflects a new era in the local film industry as new ideas are undertaken like making a movie in English. I therefore strongly recommend you to watch the movie and gives it a 9/10.