Writer: Francis See

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Watch this if you liked: "Cinta Yang Satu"

Kid (Que Haidar), a young executive, Ariyana (Dynaz), a model, and Dani (Ijoy Azhari), a freelance photographer, are good friends. The film begins with a New Year party where we see the three living a free-spirited life filled with drugs and alcohol. When Ariyana gets Dani to help her build a new modelling portfolio, Dani agrees as he harbours some feelings for her. The friendship is put to the test when Kid starts a secret relationship with Ariyana without Dani's knowledge.

Things take a turn for the worse when Kid's ex-girlfriend, Suzi (Betty Benafe), comes back into Kid's life. Suzi is the mistress of a rich man she calls 'Big Daddy' and she seeks Kid's help to escape the life she is in. When Suzi discovers Ariyana in bed with Kid, a fight breaks out between Suzi and Ariyana. Despite not being with Kid, she feels that Kid still belongs to her and wants Ariyana to stop seeing Kid.

Dani, however, discovers that he is being played for a fool by Kid and the girl he loves, Ariyana. He decides to spend time away from Kid and Ariyana and concentrate on his life.

Meanwhile, Suzi begins to push Kid even harder to escape the clutches of Big Daddy. What they do not realise is that Big Daddy's right hand man, Abang Kecik (Eman Manan) will do anything to get Big Daddy's mistress back.

"Haru Biru" has a great idea behind its production, the ideals to make a movie 'for young adults, by young adults' and to give a narrative of the norms and values of today's youth. The camera delves into the lives of middle-class Malaysia, and many viewers would probably relate to the film.

The decision of the filmmakers to use images and shots which are considered taboo in Malaysian cinema is interesting. For example, the use of drugs is blatantly shown on the screen and both leading men smoked!

Performances that stand out include that of Que Haidar who provides a good balance between being despicable and a victim. Eman Manan, a veteran in the local scene, also stands out, proving that acting is not limited to what you say on screen but the feeling the viewer gets when you appear on camera. The slightest facial expressions on Eman Manan reflect the vast experience this actor has had on camera. The rest of the cast seem 'pressured' to look relaxed as they mouth their lines and this ultimately does not help the film at all.

The biggest letdown in the movie is the storytelling, which is a shame as there seems to be a good story to tell. "Haru Biru" is definitely the effort of a new breed of Malaysian mainstream filmmakers who are taking some chances with the medium and deserve some support.

Cinema Online, 23 September 2008