REVIEW: PECAH - Malaysia

It is very rare for Malaysian cinemas to have a film which is adapted from a published novel. Therefore, I was looking forward to a film of such magnitude. This time around, the much anticipated best-selling novel Pecah comes to the big screen. Pecah is a crime-caper novel written by Nizam Bakeri and published by local publisher Buku Fixi. For non-Malay readers, the meaning of the word 'pecah' in English is 'broken'.

Pecah is directed by Asrulhisyam Ahmad or better known as Black in the local entertainment industry. The film stars Tony Eusoff, Soffi Jikan, Fizz Fairuz, Ako Mustapha, and introduces newcomer Izreen Azminda in the female lead. I had the opportunity to attend the premiere screening courtesy of the film's distributor, Grand Brilliance.

Before I begin my review, here is the trailer:

 

SYNOPSIS:
Four men succesfully robbed a bank but unfortunately one of their gang members was injured and had to be brought to the hospital. At the same time, a lady who cares for the elderly at an old folks home, brings one of its occupants to the same hospital for treatment. What unsues is the unravelling of a hidden agenda where no one suspects the least, while being pursued by a police investigator at the same time.

Book cover of the novel. Author is the model for the book cover.

 

SCRIPT:
I haven't got the chance to read the novel so I can't really make a comparison. I like the fact that despite being a crime drama, it manages to blend some comedy to lighten the mood. Dialogues were kept simple although parts of explaining the plot could have been more clearer. It will eventually be revealed towards the end.

A scene from Pecah, the four robbers masterminding the robbery.

ACTING:
Established actor Soffi Jikan stole the show. Although he doesn't play the lead, his character as the injured robber was memorable. Newcomer Izreen Azminda and lead actor Tony Eusoff did well. However, the role to Fizz Fairuz as the police inspector could have been more prominent.

Izreen Azminda is a scene from Pecah.

FILMING:
The cinematography was okay. I do feel that should have been more shots in the film to make it more exciting. The editing was fancy and could have been quicker to give it some edge.

The police force hot on the trail of the robbers.

PACING:
The film started off very well. However, as the movie progresses, it felt kinda slow. Real slow. But, towards the end, it picks itself up again and resolves loose ends. The film is told in a 'non-linear' style in which the ending could be the beginning of the film and multiple flashbacks.

TONE (MOOD):
Crime drama. Heavy on the dialogue which requires audience to pay attention but kept light-hearted with some comedy.

Actor Fizz Fairuz as the lead police investigator

DOWNSIDE:
The slow pacing in the middle of the film which felt a little draggy.

UPSIDE:
Good story structure as it compiles multiple plots into one film.

OVERALL:
A good and decent crime drama. Worth a watch!


RATING:
7 out of 10