The film ‘Sepet’ explores what happens when a Chinese boy falls in love with a Malay girl in smalltown Ipoh. 19-year old Ah Loong is in charge of a street stall selling pirated VCDs. Contrary to one might expect someone of his social standing to be, Ah Loong is an incurable romantic with an unlikely hobby – he loves to read and write poetry. Quite contented to carry on being the Romeo of the slums, Ah Loong’s life takes a sudden turn one day when a 16-year old Malay school girl arrives at his stall in search of Wong Kar Wai’s films.
There are bits of this and that in the movie that I could relate to. (These are for you guys whom I love so much, Arashina, Kay, Ben and the rest, I wouldn’t want to tell you by sms anyway). I’ve studied in a nice, modest secondary school with the majorities of Chinese as their student (as a reward of getting 4A’s in my UPSR. The secondary school near my house *SS* has a nasty history of hazing and bullies). I have the biggest family there. Usually there’s this whole scenario of girl like boy, girl confesses to boy, girl date boy and stuff. Malay boys are scarce here, so it’s no surprise that my hatsukoi, first love is a Chinese boy. A bubbly but composed-looking young man.
the hansome prefect of SMKSK
I admit that I was still immature at that time –I was just entering fourteen. Taunting the one who seems to be at fault, in this case, that poor, poor young man because I can’t quite figure out what had riled me to do so. Like the foolish, tomboy girl that pester the boy she unconsciously like, I had (I’m embarrassed) constantly pushed at him, always taunting prodding him at the back when classes starts, pushing him into talking when he’s being too quiet. When my friend (god bless her) undoubtedly pointed out that I’m obviously having crushes to the said boy, I’ve practically screamed bloody murder (again, I’m a late bloomer…sigh). And so, I’ve dug my own grave. When finally the light bulb in my head clicked, it was already too late…haha…the damage is done. I didn’t talk to him for the rest of my school years. A repentance, maybe… (Bento: Masochist, are you? … I mean, c’mon! What’d you’ve seen in that guy?) eeeh… hmm…I guess I kind of like the way he carry himself around; calculated motion but still spontaneous at the same time. He seems so sure of what he does, passionate even and though I never realized that until later, he’s very forgiving; I admit, I had ill-treated him a lot… he seems so warm and friendly with everyone. (Bento: It’s because of that or it’s because you’re fond of megane fetishes.)
Um…I’m gonna say this though it might stay unrequited; I like you, Mr. TZH. Can I court you? Though I’ve hoped I had the courage to say those exact words to you, long time ago…
Al-Fatihah, to the late, our dearest Yasmin Ahmad…amin.
