Durian Besar... Big Durian!

This is the reflection questions given based on 'The Big Durian' documentary, and below are my thoughts of it...

1. What scene in “The Big Durian” made an impression on you, and why?
I was very much attracted to the scene in the beginning when the narrator made a joke about the twin tower. He mentioned and pointed out that the first tower was on the right side and the second tower on the other. After that he motioned to the mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek. Then forwarding to tell the audience about the two famous rivers, Sungai Kelang and Sungai Gombak or the other way around was really a joke. However, it goes on to show how much do we really know about the history of our city and country. If I were to be made a tour guide, would I really know the history of that particular area? That goes on to show that the famous quote or proverb by George Santayana, a Spanish philosopher remains true, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.

2. What was rumored to be Private Adam’s grouse(pain)/reason which lead to him running amuck(amok)?
On one fateful day, the Sultan was angry over some issue. He relinquished his anger on the caddy with a golf club. Later did he realize that the caddy died, and he happened to be Private Adam’s brother. Upon receiving the news, he was disheartened and broke down and in so, running amuck. It could also possible be because in our country, the Sultan is not trialed equally as a normal citizen, meaning to say they have their own special royal court whereby they will be trialed there with special judges. Therefore, Private Adam being helpless of the situation, has no other choice but to run amuck as he lost control of himself.

3. A character from Sabah ends her narrative by noting the look on Private Adam’s face. What was it that she saw and how does it contrast with her feelings?
It was a total opposite of what she experienced when she first arrived in Kuala Lumpur with her uncle. When she wanted freedom, she was not granted any. Until she saw the face of Private Adam, she knew his looks resembled an animal that was just released from its cage.

4. From what historical vantage point is the director viewing the events of 1987? What is the “present” of the documentary and what is it’s mood?
From my perspective, when I look at the director and the reason why he wanted to look back at Private Adam’s era, I can only think it was due to the political situation that Malaysia is currently in. Every Tom, Dick and Harry who has followed our country’s political situation will agree that a lot of hanky-panky, dirty-tricky play has been going around with our politicians, either while they are fighting for their right to win a seat in the parliament, or getting things done their way, while appealing to higher authority which is the government. Looking at how Private Adam’s suffering was excruciating to him, as it seemed helpless for him to avenge his brother’s death, as the reach between him and the Sultan is like heaven and earth apart, so is our reach as citizens to the politicians who practice illegal practices. Therefore, from the director’s viewing on the 1987 incident of Private Adam, he merely expresses his dissatisfaction over the political situation that goes nowhere when the politicians argue over small issues that passes like a fading gas.