Malaysia
Gubra
Review by Kiefer Doerksen.
Gubra, the 2006 film by Malaysian director Yasmin Ahmad, breathes new life into the romantic comedy genre. The film is principally about a woman named Orked who’s life is thrown into emotional chaos after her father has a diabetic health scare. While the medical emergency turns out to be merely a close call, Orked’s emotions are further complicated by her wealthy and older husband’s affair as well as the arrival of Alan, the handsome brother of her deceased ex-lover.
These tumultuous relationships may not seem like typical comedic fodder, but Ahmad creates a light-hearted atmosphere, thanks to her frank and quirky characters. Even Arif, the cheating husband, is redeemed through his playful affection for Orked, whom he calls “little girl” and his devotion to her family. Sharifah Armani, who plays Orked, is the stand-out for giving both an exuberantly funny performance as well as being impressively subtle as the events of the film slowly take a toll on her happiness. However, there is not enough that can be said for the parallel story of Temah, a prostitute. Ahmad shows deft directing skills, particularly when Temah learns that she is HIV positive. Rather than have us follow her into the doctor’s office, the camera stays in the lobby where her son waits for her return, ignorant of the circumstances that have brought them there. Ahmad slyly comments on Malaysia’s diversity through a conversation between Orked and Alan where they discuss their love of Malaysian radio because each station is aired in a different language. Towards the end, Gubra loses its sense of humor and treads into darker dramatic fair, but the film will still have you leaving with a smile on your face.
Gubra
Yasmin Ahmad | 2006 | 103min
Fri. Sept. 28 | 12:00pm | Empire Granville Theatre
Fri. Oct. 5 | 7:00pm | Empire Granville Theatre