OLABOLA | Genre, Background & Setting
- LOW HUI YIH | 1001540522
- Feb 8, 2016
- 4 min read
To critically assess the GENRE and BACKGROUND & SETTING of the film. Did it successfully convey? And was it suitable? Could you easily understand the setting?
“A goal that unite Malaysians!”
An original Malaysian story directed by Chiu Keng Guan, set in the 1970’s. Ola Bola celebrates the unity and courage that inspire a team of Malaysian footballers to rise through all odds and create a most triumphant zero to hero story. Inspired by real events, the film showcases the pride and passion of a multicultural football team and their struggles to overcome personal and collective hardships. It is at once a powerful exploration of everyday human relationships and of the indomitable spirit that perseveres through tribulations.
" OlaBola is a film for Malaysians from all walks of life; and an inspiring journey into the hearts of everyday Malaysian heroes."
by Chiu Keng Guan.
Films are cultural artefacts created by specific cultures. They reflect those cultures that affect the people. True, the background theme was indeed football but the movie was more than that. Even if mention of the word “sports” makes you wince, this movie will surely not, it also talks about sport, pride and glory. “A goal that unite Malaysians! ”. OlaBola, an original story by director Chiu Keng Guan, follows a team of footballers in the 80s as they struggle to reconcile their family and romantic relationships with their love of football and their odyssey towards international glory. The movie took place in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak, Sabah and more captures the enchanting and magnificent view of Malaysia in 1970s’ setting. Besides, it is a heart-warming tale that inspired by real events, captures the story of young footballers, Harimau Malaya Team.
THEME SONG/ MUSIC
Sad scene (slow) - Arena Cahaya
by Zee Vi
Excite scene (dramatic) - You willl believe again
by Geraldine, Ganesan, Aril and Nicole
These songs had reflected the emotion of the character and scene. It gives a big impact to derive the mood of the film and highly affected the emotion of the spectator.
SCENE
OlaBola was filmed in various locations in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak, Penang, Johor and Sabah that still bear the charm of the 80s. Historical landmarks such as Stadium Merdeka, Victoria Institution, the train ride in Sabah between Beaufort and Tenom, and the breathtaking landscape of Broga Hill in Selangor are featured in the film.
FUN FAIR
They also done a detail research on the background study of every aspect included environment, ambience, community and every minor details. For example, fun fair. The director was able to rebuild such funfair which is something we seldom see nowadays. “Tauke” will visit the funfair once he off from training or work.
LANDSCAPE
Ola Bola shows us how beautiful Malaysia is. The scenery was breathtaking and might jog our memory. The camaraderie between the multi-ethnic characters makes me fall in love with Malaysia all over again.
ECONOMY
People are mostly live to work to survive and have a better life. The main economy during 1980s is coconut plantation, rubber plantation and fabric production which shown clearly in this movie.
SOCIETY
During 1980s, people live in a group from multiculturals that forms by Malay, Chinese and Indian. The old kampung lifestyle without internet or social networking are much better than now. Nowadays, people are pressing their phone all the day without any communication with each others. The pure and simple lifestlye create a harmonious and happy community.
SUPPORT
FAMILY
Financial and physical support from family are the most important support for them to focus on their training. Tauke's sister had sacrifice the chance to continue her study due to financial problems.
TEAM
Football is a beautiful game because it truly displays sportsmanship, boldness and team spirit. For them to keep up the spirit of the football team, was not easy. They work hard and finally enjoy the glory together.
LOVE
While "tauke" is decide to leave and never return to the football team due to some mdiscord. His girlfriend had successfully persuaded "tauke" to continue his football dream.
ETHICS
UNITY
The beautiful game of football that played in the movie displays sportsmanship and team spirit. Sport is something that unites us as a nation. For example, the badminton game by Datuk Lee Chong Wei. We were nervous when he played; we shared the happiness and honor when he won the game. Thus, this football match can definitely arouse Malaysians’ memories and interest.
PATRIOTISM
Apart from that, this football team is build up with people from multicultural background. Therefore, they have to overcome their differences and personal struggle for their success in an international game. Without losing personal identity, they are able to unite as a team as well as become the heroes of the nation. “Kita menang sama-sama, kita kalah pun sama-sama.” Despite, this lesson not only apply to the football team, but apply to every Malaysian. It was truly majestic, and with the Jalur Gemilang fluttering in the wind, there was no better way to feel thankful and to bask in the privilege of being called “Malaysian”.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
This a real story that happened in 1980s. After watching Olabola, I can't believe Malaysia can be that beautiful and if got chance I definitely want to try out the train ride in Sabah, seems so nostalgic to me. The film not only taught us to work hard and work together to achieve our ambitions , but also taught to be united regardless of race and believe in own ability and the ability of Malaysians. Veteran sports personalities were roped in to assist the actors. "These veterans are very patriotic, extremely passionate, and they wore the Malaysian flag on their jerseys with great pride,” said Chiu Keng Guan. Fighting for our own country more meaningful. OlaBola wouldn’t be complete without a few tear-jerking moments and scenes that make the heart swell with emotions. Feeling proud to be Malaysians after watching this movie. I think this movie had successfully convey the message and easily understood by all stages no matter yound or old.