Writer: Fanaqi N.

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Watch this if you liked: “Anak Halal”

After the unexpected success of his previous film, the creative mind of director Osman Ali has returned with a vastly different work genre with "Jiwa Taiko". Renamed from its original title of "Bara Jiwa" after a fire accident involving a crew member during the production, critics would surely praise it for Osman's courage in not removing its fiery intimate elements found in this movie.

Osman has stepped up to the plate in addressing open relationships and its consequences that has been slowly taking root in Malaysian society. The overabundance of sensual elements in this movie serves to broaden audiences' minds in realising what is happening in society that led to rising number of sad cases like children out of wedlock, murders and rapes each day. The visuals convey the message, although not too heavily, but successfully delivers the message of the director to audiences.

"Jiwa Taiko" centres on Firman, played by Remy Ishak, a prisoner who meets with Trisya at a community club called 'Wira Cinta'. Also in the club are Lara, played by Nadiya, and Bront Palarae as Pinto, an old comrade of Firman. Lara has feelings for Firman, but does not realise that Firman had been love-struck by Trisya.

After knowing Firman's affections towards Trisya, a disappointed Lara leaves the community club and is met with an accident that leads her to meet Pinto. They soon become involved in an affair that grows to be more scandalous, until Lara realizes that she has become pregnant with Pinto's child. Regretting her actions, Lara attempts to abort the child. Meanwhile, a conflict between Firman and Pinto is brewing.

This action drama is refreshing because it never focuses on one element. The action and the plot are skilfully woven together into a cohesive whole. Osman also incorporates several traditional elements such as silat in his film.

The narrative never bores, and there are several sweet moments that fit right into the drama genre. For this reviewer, the scene where Lara trips herself to get the attention of Firman when he is practicing silat so that he can carry her home is one such moment. Arguably, it is a bit excessive, but the love shown here is one with no strings attached.

The only setback to this otherwise brilliant movie is the ending. There seems to be too many going on at once, as if the director forgot about his time constraints and had to cramp every scene in at once, which did not make any sense.

Overall, Osman Ali gave his best to make this film one with its own strengths rather than cliche, accompanied by good performances from all the cast and a strong plot. It is hoped that with this film, it will give audience some food for thought on what is shown here, and they can see for themselves another great follow-up to Osman, after the success of "Ombak Rindu".

Cinema Online, 14 June 2012