Impressions on Bunohan

Initially I was turned off by the title of this movie. Bunohan conjurs the image of merciless and indiscriminate killings. In the movie, Bunohan is the name of a place in Kelantan.

But I can't ignore it after nominations for prestigious awards came pouring in. So I watched it.
Suffice to say I was delighted with the movie. It is one GREAT movie.
So you know it is not one that makes money at the cinema.
Sad but it's the reality with Malaysian audience.

Notes:

1. I thought I knew my Kelantanese; but I had to rely on the subtitles to understand the dialogue.

2. After watching the movie, I searched for the making of Bunohan video to understand the movie better. Then I watched the movie for the second time to pick up the scenes and nuances that I have missed.

3. I have new respect for the cast, particularly; Namron and Zahiril Adzim whom I just saw  as Javanese in the movie "Parit Jawa". And Pekin Ibrahim who is very evil in this one, a far cry from his previous role in "Aku Kau dan Dia". And the actor who plays Jolok effortlessly.

4. The movie trailer is misleading. Watch the movie. It's available online.

Pictures courtesy Gua.com.my.

Zahiril Adzim (centre in shorts) as Adil, uglified as the tomoi wrestler.
The character in the middle background is evil incarnate. One fine actor whose name I cannot recall.

Wan Hanafisu as Pok Eng, the patriach.

Pekin Ibrahim as Bakar, greedy school teacher and SOB. 

Faizal Hussein as Ilham, the assassin. He has only one outfit throughout the movie, so you can imagine how stinky he smells.

Supermodel Tengku Azura's character is one that ties the story. Her scenes are brief but powerful.