Directed by: Rahila Ali
Produced by: Pencil Pictures and Records
Genres: Drama, Romance
Starring: Beto Kusyairi, Fasha Sandha, Wanna Ali, Aman Shah
To those dealing with matters that they do not discuss, my heart goes out to you. One must have an open mind to understand the complexities that surround mental illness as highlighted in the film. Understanding the mind is as complex as it is and as the story begins to highlight the pain and suffering one endures with mental illness, it may seem hard to understand at first or appear to be rather odd.
The truth that surrounds mental illness may be a taboo to some; some may live in denial while the rest may be more accepting of it. The complexities of the characters as portrayed by Beto Kusyairi and Fasha Sandha in the film Aku Bukan Gila on WeTV iflix lends an insightful look into mental wellness which is further explored in a hidden scene after the credits roll. It deepened my understanding of the characters apart from latching onto my heartstrings in the process.
The film Aku Bukan Gila follows through the journey of obstacles faced by Adra in a small town, Llandudno in Northern Wales. Adra (played by Fasha Sandha) travels to Wales in search of serenity, escape and healing after the demise of her mother. Upon arrival, she stumbles upon Andre (played by Beto Kusyairi) another fellow Malaysian who offers her a ride to town. Adra, unaware of his background mistook his genuine intentions and offended him in the process. (I think anyone would react similarly in such situations as much as we hate to admit - however, minus the offending part)
The displeasure and quick anger that followed as shown by Andre after Adra had offended him, it became clear to me that Andre is a person who is somewhat sincere and earnest in all that he does. Although the two were off to a rough start at first, friendship eventually finds its way. The story follows through breathtaking scenes across Wales as Andre takes Adra on tour. It is true when they say, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. The cinematography around the mesmerizing sights in Wales captures it all.
Many conflicts arose throughout the movie due to the difference of personalities between the two characters. Andre, a rather egoistic, impulsive and hot headed person can't seem to understand the behavioural pattern that changes in Adra; happy as a clam to distant and aloof. The plot thickens as the story goes on and it constantly aroused my curiosity as I try to understand the behaviour of the two.
As soon as I learnt that Adra suffered with bipolar disorder, I couldn't help but empathise with her. I may not understand the struggle and complications but I do understand her pain. The sadness and sorrow that followed as she tries to connect or have a word with her father (played by Aman Shah) through the phone was rather sad. When she tries to open up about her illness to her father and questions him for being rather distant, it saddened me to learn that her father thought otherwise. The feeling of loneliness and emptiness that overwhelms her as she tries to cope with it was brilliantly shown by Fasha Sandha in her role as Adra.
Upon learning the truth, Andre tried to reach out to her but he was shut out. He was frustrated at first but the care he had for her proved glorious. The actions portrayed by Andre showed me how much support could mean to a person suffering from mental ailment. Just being there to lend a listening ear, showing care and being supportive yet empathetic can make a difference.
The producer, Pencil Pictures & Records as well as the director, Rahila Ali deserve the highest commendation for the film. The cinematography is truly awe-inspiring as it captures the beauty of Northern Wales magnificently. The cast was the perfect fit, no doubt. Beto Kusyairi played his role as Andre perfectly. His portrayal of a hot-headed character throughout the whole film seemed so effortless in his regard. As for Fasha Sandha, her role as Adra was brilliantly depicted. As an issue that isn't widely discussed, the producer and director deserve a commendation for highlighting mental illness (bipolar disorder) in the film; it was truly an opener for me.
Watch Aku Bukan Gila now, streamed for free on WeTV or iflix or on the iflix app available on Apple Store and Google Play store.
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