Review Of : The Journey

Finally found the time to review "The Journey". (:

Directed By Chiu Keng Guan

Starring Ben Andrew Pfeiffer, Lee Sai Peng, Joanne Yew Hong Im

Synopsis:

Uncle Chuan is an old-fashioned and conservative man staying alone in Cameron Highlands leading a lonely retired life. His only hope is to reunite with his only daughter Ah Bee who will be returning from overseas after graduation and stay together as a traditional family. Finally Ah Bee came back after graduation but she brought back her foreign boyfriend Benji with her and they planned to get married. Uncle Chuan vigorously opposed to the marriage due to Ben’s frivolous behaviour but he failed to change his daughter’s mind. At the end, Uncle Chuan agreed to their marriage reluctantly, with a condition to be fulfilled- their wedding ceremony must be a Chinese ceremony. According to the Chinese culture, son-in-law Benji is obliged to deliver the wedding invitations together with the father-in-law. To realise a promise of young age, Uncle Chuan decided to invite all his 11 ex-primary classmates that are now located all over Malaysia to attend the daughter’s wedding. He has planned a route map to visit all these ex-classmates in order to hand them the invitation card in person. Benji has agreed with the task but insisted to travel in his motorcycle. Without much choice, the journey of a long distance road travel of Uncle Chuan accompanied by Benji kicked started unwillingly.

By far, the best local film I've watched! 

I was initially shocked that this film beaten "Robocop" in the local box office but then again, it was indeed a really good film. The Journey is an amazing story that is more than your average typical CNY movie. It has a funny yet touching story accompanied with breathtaking visuals. Although I've not watched Chiu's previous films like "Great Day", I'm sure if you've watched (which by now, you should) The Journey, you'll agree that this is one of the few local films which I'd say "has standard" and really make us proud. 

The story is simple but funny yet meaningful that revolves around the themes of culture, unity, love  & family values. Although the themes were not firmly conveyed, but you can feel the connection (especially if you're a local Malaysian) through the various culture explored in the film. I like how Chiu & his screenwriter used the point of view of a British guy to explore the story.

The plot is well thought out, which gives each character enough screen-time and enough depth in their character in a realistic way by exploring conflicts, history and etc. Despite that some scenes in my opinion feels a little rushed into, but overall a job well done!

The acting was good, especially coming from a new batch of actors. The characters as I said, was well thought of, from their school history, how they connect to one another and how it affect one another. This kind of story with depth is what really caught my attention, because it is kind of uncommon in some local films.

The visuals, was breathtaking (only if it's in IMAX hahhaha:P ) The cinematography and production design of the movie was well taken care of. Many scenes just look like it's taken for a postcard or a photograph. The cinematography really shows the beauty of Malaysia's diversity from the geographical aspect to the cultural. 

In a nutshell, if you haven't watched "The Journey", you MUST, at least once. Amazing, enough said. (:

My Rating?

Plot : 4/5

Storyline : 3.5/5

Characters*: 4.5/5 

Effects** : 4.5/5

OVERALL : 8.5/10.

Trailer: