Ola Bola

Malaysians will truly appreciate this movie, especially those who lived and enjoyed Malysian soccer back in the 70s and 80s. This is based on some historical facts though not exactly depicting the lives of the characters. But many of us who have experienced the era would be able to identify the roles played by the actors to the real life characters. Havent enjoyed this much watching a Malaysian movie for a long time. This one, I watched with three generations of my family. And everyone loved it.

I want you readers to pay attention to the plot outline describing this film: 'A team of Malaysian footballers struggle and rise through all odds to qualify for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.' The keyword here is struggle. Readers and audiences who know their history will realize that Malaysia boycotted the Moscow Olympics following the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan. Although that knowledge looms with dread over the suspecting audience member throughout the film, I had not imagined what actual feelings went through the minds of the football team the moment they realize they were competing for a Pyrrhic victory. This film, and the obligatory "inspirational speech" that comes with all sports movies, captures that moment quite beautifully.

Chiu Keng Guan's "Ola Bola" is a film that won't just be described as very good solely in Malaysian cinema terms, but also very good, period. This pleasantly surprising underdog soccer/football story by born filmmaker Chiu is blockbuster filmmaking of superlative calibre; about as viable and inspiring as other major Hollywood sports films such as "Hoosiers" and "Rudy", and even better than some entries. This perhaps is the first mainstream local film of our generation to be proud of, proudly showcasing just what our country has to offer alongside the big boys in the global cinema arena.

Yes, it does tick off the sports genre tropes; that speech at the end is a must; but dial it back a notch and think for a while. Those American sports films focused on ragtag underdogs defying all odds and ultimately winning the grand championship. That qualifying match between us and South Korea was the only chance we got in entering a major football/soccer arena, and was sadly blown to hell due to a political boycott. A quick glance at Wikipedia shows that the Malaysian football team had not once qualify for the FIFA World Cup. So the odds are pretty much stacked against us there.

For Malaysian cinema, this is an important film – it comes at a time when there is clear political strife within the country (and it would be a bald-faced lie to ever think otherwise), and racial tensions feared simmering to a boil. It would not be a mistake for the cynical and jaded to proclaim this film a callback to the "good- ol-days", a nostalgia for the days of old where racial unity was prevalent but never paraded. But it is also false not to call this a rally cry for hope – for us to come together as a nation again; it is an unabashedly patriotic film – that wonderfully – does not condescend its audience with saccharine overtones. When things get tough – they really get tough. But the rally cry in the film stands tall and true – "we win together, or we lose together".

Truly - without the slightest ounce of sarcasm and cynicism - Malaysia Boleh.

Bola Ola story began when a journalist named Marianne who was commissioned to do a study of the national football team that has made its mark in the '80s when the first of which was the name of Malaysia in football so feared by opponents, especially in the Asian region. Marianne started to get bored with his career and decided to emigrate to England. Before he left the country, he decided to complete his task for the last time. However, he discovered something that turned out to change his life.

Recalling the early '80s, the national football team when it faces the challenges when players have a difference of opinion and not aligned, causing defeat in an important match. The situation is further complicated when almost every player has issues and problems of each. However, they only have one chance to play on the world stage. So, the players must put aside personal things for the sake of the nation. When the spirit back in self-ignite, the national team once again allegedly with a challenge that break their spirit and hope of the nation.

Ola Bola inspired from real events will take viewers from various nations to work together to feel the spirit of togetherness and goodwill. Prompted full story will bring the audience to see the spirit, uniqueness and strength inherent in the diversity of the peoples of Malaysia.

I'm reserving one out of 10 because I'm expecting a better movie coming from Malaysia's Movie Industry after this excellent movie.

Please keep it up and producing an original film rather than the same old lame ghost movies or same old love stories.

I like the idea of this movie where it shows the unity of the citizens, the enthusiastic of sports and patriotic spirit to lift up the pride of the country.

To all people out there, go and watch this very inspiring and emotional movies! You won't regret it. You will believe it. Again.

If this movie don't get any award, I don't know how those retarded judges thinking. Just saying.

Ola Bola movie is fully occupied of human emotion themes such as pain, struggle, happiness, glory, hard work. The movie also occupied unity & patriotism themes. The best thing is that, this movie by Chiu is an inspiring for our Malaysian. "Kita menang sama-sama, kita kalahpun sama-sama. This film is a winner when the climax made my eyes to drop tear without even my consent. I will give 10/10 for IMDB rating.