Movies on motherhood
WHEN you look at your mother, you are looking at a purest form of love because a mother always love her children unconditionally.
On Sunday, May 13, we will be celebrating Mother's Day to appreciate the woman who raised us.
To celebrate this occasion, theSun got renowned film scholar and author Hassan Muthalib to pick five Malaysian films that showcase motherhood.
1) Ibu
Year: 1953
Director: S. Ramanathan
The film starts with a voice over reminding the audience to appreciate their mother at all cost. The film centres on a son who promises to look after his widowed mother. Then, he meets temptress who is only interested in his money. He begins to neglect his mother. Later he discovers the woman he loves has betrayed him, and regrets his decision to neglect his mother.
2) Ibu Mertuaku
Year: 1962
Director: P. Ramlee
The story is about a mother who feels that her daughter has married someone below her status. She will do anything to destroy the marriage. She lied to her son-in-law that his wife and son had died, and even showed him their fake graves. But she got caught. It was then her son-in-law utters the famous line: "Mengapakah kau diciptakan Allah menjadi manusia? Kan lebih baik kau menjadi haiwan?" ( Why did God make you human? Wouldn't it be better if you were born an animal?"). That line was enough to make her regret about the decisions she had made.
3) Abang
Year: 1981
Director: Rahim Razali
The protagonist is the eldest son who returns home to his family after being away for many years. He begins to reunite the family, who have long been estranged. However, he is dying, which he keeps a secret from the rest of the family. In the final act, he tells his mother that he is tired and wants to rest. He looks at his mother for the last time, and enters his room. His mother gets the feeling that something is not right. He later passes away in his sleep.
4) Sayang Salmah
Year: 1995
Director: Mahadi J. Murat
Actress Fauziah Nawi is excellent as a tragic mother who tries to look after mentally unfit son. She will not leave her son under any circumstances. Even on her deathbed, she is worried what will happen to her son.
5) Sepet
Year: 2004
Director: Yasmin Ahmad
The film is about a love affair between a Chinese boy, Jason, and a Malay girl, Orked. Their respective mothers feature prominently in the film. You will see the mothers are progressive and forward thinking. They do not disapprove of their children's relationship. They are more like friends to their children.