NOOB FILM REVIEW - LA LUNA directed by M. Raihan Halim

SYNOPSIS

A bold newcomer in a conservative village opens a lingerie store, which gains both ardent support and opposition.

REVIEW

Although Netflix categorized it as comedy, to me it is more of a satire commenting on the Malay mindset. In Act 1 (the early stages of the film) the director lures the viewers into the narrative with songs and colors, Mamat Khalid-ish. At one point it got into the fetish territory, Tiga Janda Menawan Dunia-ish, after the opening of the La Luna lingerie store.

As the film goes further, it becomes clear that it is a critique of the corrupt leadership stereotype which is Tok Hassan. It is because his male ego is under threat and he is losing grip of power over the villagers and will resort to any means possible to restore it - threats, bribes, and even murder. Tok Hassan reminded me of the Sherriff character in First Blood. Same insecurities over something new in town. In this case, religion and God are being used for personal gain.

The demonizing of the lingerie store is an easy way out for Tok Hassan whilst it eventually becomes a safe house for the character Yam, who got physically abused by her husband. La Luna has also revived the libido of the couples in the village, which leads to the scene where Ayob and Enah make love in the AV Room which leads to the whole kampung to hear them doing it. That is cleverly foreshadowing the final scene where Tok Hassan's confession of the arson is made in the same room and heard by everyone.

Other than that this film tackles the single fatherhood handling of a teenage daughter. How wives could make husbands change their minds. And gamble on opening a business!

Subliminally, what it is trying to say is we all are responsible for controlling ourselves. Tok Hassan is an example that even religion did not do it for him.

The bling of the neon signage of La Luna and the wayang pacak somehow reminded me of Mamat Khalid's Manap Karaoke. Perhaps also of someone who tries to make a living yet faces unsurmountable trials and tribulations.

Currently showing on Netflix!