Babah: A Heartwarming Exploration of a Father’s Love

A Unique Perspective on Father-Daughter Relationships

The relationship between a father and daughter in Malaysia can be unique, making it hard for locals to relate to foreign films that explore this theme. The recently released local movie “Babah” offers a great opportunity for viewers to dive into this topic with ease. With director Mohd Shah Faizul Ibrahim at the helm, “Babah” beautifully balances the perspectives of a father and daughter through relatable scenes that look as if they were happening in your own home.

A Father’s Sacrifices

The story begins with the birth of Maya, Babah’s daughter, played by child actor Kis Aisha during her primary school years, and by Sweet Qismina in her teenage and adult years. Viewers are invited to witness Babah and his family’s journey over time, from Maya’s childhood to adulthood. The premise is simple but the execution is tastefully and effectively done.

The first of Babah’s many sacrifices is highlighted in the story behind the film’s poster above: an emotional scene that takes place barely 10 minutes in. You are bound to tear up.

Qi Razali as Babah and Sweet Qismina as Maya carry a relatable onscreen chemistry that many will latch on to instantly. (NME Films pic)

Communication is Key

The strongest element throughout the movie, which either strengthens or weakens the bond between Babah and Maya, is communication. This is conveyed and accentuated by the sound design, which lets us know when (and what) Babah hears or doesn’t hear – or the times he chooses NOT to hear.

A Journey Through Time

With the proceedings unfolding across the decades, the production design nails it with era-appropriate settings. Those of you who grew up learning music will either appreciate the nostalgia or cringe at a particular piano book by Lina Ng. Even the songs played throughout the movie will make you want to sing along in memory of those Walkman days.

A Well-Balanced Script

With a well-written and generally balanced script for the lead roles, viewers can easily immerse themselves in the trajectory of Babah and Maya’s relationship and appreciate the dynamic they build throughout the film.

Cristina Suzanne shines as Babah’s wife and Maya’s mother, the ultimate pillar of support; it’s a shame she’s not given more time in the spotlight. (NME Films pic)

Supporting Players

With so much focus being cast upon the leads, however, the state of the supporting players is a bit of a mess. Hayati, Babah’s wife and Maya’s mother played by Cristina Suzanne, anchors herself as such a strong figure in her family, you’ll find yourself wanting the spotlight to shine a little bit more on her. Alas, this is forsaken for the sake of the father-daughter bond.

A Calming Effect

Nevertheless, there is plenty to love about “Babah”. With its simplistic approach to cinematography, it is visually easy to digest: no extravagant shots, no long takes; just clean frames and soft lighting. The film even left this writer with a slightly calming effect as the credits started rolling – albeit with swollen eyes from all the crying.

Conclusion

All in all, is “Babah” worth catching on the big screen? It is a resounding “yes”. Films like this deserve all the recognition and support they can get, especially from fellow Malaysians. So bring your family, be it your parents or children, sink into some comfy seats, and join the cryfest for just over two hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is “Babah” a must-watch for Malaysian audiences?
A: Yes, it is a unique and heartwarming exploration of a father-daughter relationship that is relatable to Malaysian audiences.

Q: What makes the film stand out?
A: The film’s simplistic approach to cinematography, its focus on communication, and the strong performances from the lead actors make it stand out.

Q: Are there any flaws in the film?
A: The supporting players could have been given more attention, and the film’s pacing could have been improved in some scenes.

Q: Is “Babah” worth watching?
A: Yes, it is a beautiful and emotional film that is worth watching, especially for Malaysian audiences.