Ice Kacang Puppy Love (2010)

Pre Note:

I'm supposed to be writing reviews on 2 other movie before I proceed to this as I always write movie reviews in the order I'd watched them but I couldn't help myself from writing a review on this one. And since I'm still pretty much in the mood for this movie, I guess I shall jump off the routine once in a blue then...


The Movie:

I'm sure everyone should know by now that Ice Kacang Puppy Love is a local production. Yes... It's a Malaysian movie. Directed, co-written and starred Ah Niu, the Malaysian singer who sang the famous 对面的女孩看过来 (directly translated as: The girl opposite looks over).

I'm sure if you lived in the 1990s you'll remember this song as much as I do. It was a hit song back then that even the non Chinese and our counterparts in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan (not sure bout Singapore though) are familiar with it. Ah Niu gained instant popularity because of this song which he composed and wrote that he even managed to land on a supporting role in the 2000's Hong Kong movie, Summer Holiday, starring Richie Ren and Sammi Cheng. Years had passed now and Ah Niu had since seemed to disappear from the industry. Now we know why --- 'cos he finally figured he's better off as a director instead?


The Story:

Set in the 90s (or probably the late 80s) somewhere in rural Malaysia, the story tells the puppy love of a group of high school students, from Botak the timid but talented boy, Fighting Fish the though girl who fights off bullies, the slacky Prince Charming, Malinfan the bully, his sister Barley Ice and Botak's overweight sister. Loosely based on Ah Niu's personal childhood experience, the plot is simple where it centers around complicated relationship, first love and crushes among these kids in a small town, probably somewhere in Ipoh. But at the same time, the plot subs into family conflicts, pursuing dreams, and most important of all growing up.


The Review:

Maybe simplicity is the essence here as audience can easily relate to their own experience and instantly feel intact. Everyone have their very own story of their first love, crushes, puppy love and this movie brings back all those memories that may or may not have left behind. Ah Niu did a great job at pulling together each and every character's puppy love, giving enough screen time for their part without any of them crowding out another. It's like each stories are pulled together by invisible strings, forming a strong spider web - a strong base for the movie to develop towards the growth of this bunch of teenagers...


Every character is unique in its own way with a different kind of love - protection, hidden feeling, admiration, sudden sparks, and gratitude... all told in childish energy of the teens. So original, fresh and pure yet at the same time nostalgic, as we get caught in between the atmosphere and the style of living in the 90s - playing "guli" (marbles), "masak-masak" (cooking) and fighting fish. It's like you're reliving your childhood memories for the 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The casting was also done cleverly with the number of pop singers turned actors/actresses here such as Fish leong, Gary Chaw, Victor Wong and Ah Niu himself. Taking acting aside, the casting is already a sure promise to bring dollars to the producers as their fame would do publicity wonders and fans would definitely not hesitate to watch their idols on the big screen, especially alongside the award winning actress Lee Sin Jie who played the lead actress in this movie. The rumoured of her being Ah Niu's love interest during his childhood also serve as free publicity for the movie. But the result was surprisingly marvelous. Though originally singers, these actors/actresses gave their very best for their performance as teenagers though most (if not all) of them are already in their 30s.


Looking as young as a high school student in the movie, Ah Niu is totally promising as Botak, the timid boy while Gary Chaw is really goofy as the playful bully, Malinfan who always wants to win. Lee Sin Jie is undoubtedly great but I think the deserving credits should go to Angela Chan who plays her mother. There is real chemistry between them and her ubber pity character is cleverly portrayed.

*This part may contains spoilers* >> Watched out also for funny scenes of Botak's overweight sister as she secretly dreams to be Prince Charming's girlfriend. Malinfan pursue for Fighting Fish also delivers non-stop laughters that'll keep you entertaining. I also love the idea of having Fish Leong's character not talking throughout the entire movie. Though a disappointment to the fans to have her mute, I kinda think it's an interesting way to portray her as an ordinary girl who's just too ordinary, someone who doesn't stand out of the crowd. Abstractly unique in my opinion. << *This part may contains spoilers*


1 hour and 45 minutes may be a little long for the plot to develop but fret not as Ah Niu has got this awesome cinematographer to keep you at the edge of your seat. Each scenes are pinned together with background buildings and scenery captured so beautifully you feel as though you're looking at a piece of beautiful drawing or a photographer's masterpiece, only that they are moving in motion. It's like watching another National Geopraphic's documentary on the nature's beauty. This Oscar-standard cinematography is sure to sweep you off the seat.


*This part may contains spoilers* >> Last but not least, I love the whole idea of childhood's puppy love being narrated through the memory of a grown up Botak and his ending line: First love is like drinking ice kacang during a hot weather. It's so cold it numb your tongue but before you get to taste the sweetness of the syrup, it has already melted in your mouth (translated into English as remembered). Indeed, that's how puppy love is like to all of us. The feeling struck us in our puberty, it was as exciting as the ice numbing the tongue but too brief it ended too soon before you even know what true love is. But first love always stays in our memory, you'll never forget... << *This part may contains spoilers*

All in all, one shall enjoy this bittersweet story. Filmed in a way so nostalgically beautiful and stories told as though you lived it, it's a great local production not to be missed. Best Malaysian film I'd ever watched. Seems like Ah Niu made a successful debut in directing after all. I'll definitely count myself in for his next movie...

Be swept away too with the theme song that suits perfectly into the film's nostalgic mood and atmosphere...

Rating:

10/10 for cinematography
7.5/10 for story/plot
8/10 for casting
9/10 for setting
8/10 for the theme song


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