Title : Sara
Year : 2001
Director : Along Kamaruddin
Script : Yasmin Yaacob
Cast : Ida Nerina, Shamsul Ghau Ghau, Zahim Albakri, Hisham Ahmad Tajudin, Soosan Hoh, etc.

Reviewer : Thomas Huong
Rating : ***

Sara - review by Thomas Huong

Based on a story by renowned scriptwriter Yasmin Yaakob, "Sara" sees Along Kamaludin in his directorial debut of a full-length feature film. This is also Tayangan Unggul Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Measat Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bnd)'s first feature film. Sara also boasts a star-studded cast; award-winning actress Ida Nerina ("Layar Lara", "Pesona Cinta", "XX Ray II") and accomplished actor Shamsul Ghau-Ghau ("Senario The Movie", "Senario Lagi") as the leads, plus a strong support cast with the likes of Zahim Albakri ("Selubung"), "Roda Impian" game show hostess Siti Shahrizah (Eja) and comedians Ropie and Loloq.

"Sara", as the title implies, revolves around the story of property developer Sara (Ida Nerina), a determined city-bred entrepreneur who rarely admits defeat in her business dealings. Her project to develop a piece of land in Tasik Chenderoh, Perak, meets an obstacle in the form of "kampung-bred" Manaf (Shamsul Ghau Ghau), the owner of the aforesaid land who refuses to sell his property no matter what. Manaf loves the tranquility of his home and in his opinion, development of his land would do more harm than good. Kassim (Hisham Ahmad Tajuddin), Sara's father, though, likes the down-to-earth Manaf and sees him as the perfect opportunity to teach his arrogant and wayward daughter some lessons in manners and humility. Alas, all does not go according to plan as Sara's despicable boyfriend, Johan (Zahim Albakri), has his own nefarious schemes for Manaf and the much sought after piece of land.

The on-screen chemistry between Ida Nerina and Shamsul Ghau Ghau isn't bad. Their constant bantering and snide remarks to each other really make for an interesting watch, at the very least. Ida Nerina did well as the stuck-up, stubborn Sara and Shamsul Ghau Ghau too put in a passable performance as the stiff and equally stubborn Manaf. But it's Zahim Albakri who leaves us with a memorable impression of the snobbish, outrageous and apple polishing Johan. His screwed up facial expressions and high-pitched vocal protests when things go wrong for him, are simply priceless. The rest of the cast is underused except for Ropie and Loloq, who are constantly in the background providing comic relief as Manaf's loyal supporters.

On the plus side, considering that it's his directorial debut of a full-length feature film, director Along Kamaludin has certainly done a more than passable job. The story moves smoothly from one scene to the next, in a manner that's easily understood. The cinematography was excellent, showing convincingly the tranquility of the picturesque area of Tasik Chenderoh in Perak. Overall, "Sara" may be your typical love story with the usual predictable plot, but it does have credibly developed characters and some rib-tickling scenes.

The problem with "Sara" is one of expectations. If you're expecting the story to be something other than city girl meets "kampung" boy, who hate each other on first sight, then are inexplicably drawn to each other, you're going to be disappointed. On the other hand, if you're just looking for a light-hearted love story with some humor thrown in, where you can just sit back and relax yourself watching the show, "Sara" has to be your choice selection.

Source : http://www.cinemaonline.com.my (26/6/2001)