This musical documentary consists of charming, unrehearsed monologues by somewhat random inhabitants of various Malaysian towns, interspersed with karaoke-style music videos. Sung by a smiley woman with a polyester afro, it is difficult to know whether these are spoofs or not. We suspect so, as she yodels dramatically about Malaysia's resources of tin and rubber, and the importance of the Identity Card.
Other than a life story detailed in an impressive set of subtitles (settle down for lots of reading), the last communist himself, Chin Peng, does not feature. None of the monologues are about him and he is not interviewed. But we get some interesting insights into Malaysia, then and now.
We are not sure why the film has been banned in Malaysia, because it is distinctly anti-communist. Young men were lured into the party with sex, not ideology. And modern day Malaysians are shown to be thriving on hard work, while the exiled and aged Communists languor in Thailand, singing karaoke and longing to return home.
No extras on the DVD.
Other than a life story detailed in an impressive set of subtitles (settle down for lots of reading), the last communist himself, Chin Peng, does not feature. None of the monologues are about him and he is not interviewed. But we get some interesting insights into Malaysia, then and now.
We are not sure why the film has been banned in Malaysia, because it is distinctly anti-communist. Young men were lured into the party with sex, not ideology. And modern day Malaysians are shown to be thriving on hard work, while the exiled and aged Communists languor in Thailand, singing karaoke and longing to return home.
No extras on the DVD.
