5 reasons why i like 'The Journey' 一路有你

Synopsis via IMDB:
The Journey is a cross-continental story that explores the idea of culture, not just as tradition but as an expression of love. When Bee (Yew) returns to Malaysia for the first time in a decade - she introduces her conservative father Uncle Chuan (Lee) to her happy-go-lucky British fiance, Benji (Pfeiffer). With Benji's lack of cultural understanding and comprehension of Chinese traditions, Chuan opposes their marriage. Unexpected circumstances ensue, and Chuan relunctantly submits to their union, on the condition that their wedding adheres to Chinese tradition. Part of that tradition is that Chuan must invite all of his childhood friends personally. So the quintessential odd couple, Benji and Chuan, embark on a cross country adventure to deliver the invitations. Despite language barriers and initial hesitation from both parties, the two men come to realize that their priorities are essentially one and the same.


Reason number 1 :
A malaysian made movie, all actors and actresses, uncle and aunties are local malaysian in which some have little to zero experience in acting. About 70% of the actors and actresses are actually senior citizens and it really impressed me on how well this movie turn out to be despite not having trained movie actors and actresses in it.

Reason number 2 : 
The ridiculously beautiful scenic view throughout the entire movie, the story start off with a scene from the very heights of Cameron highlands. The movie offers a series of quality local scenes from the start to the end. Props to the camera crew.

Reason number 3 :
The nostalgic feel the entire movie gives. Instead of  6 star hotels, casinos, tuxedo clad hitman and fancy cars most Hollywood produced movie have in it, 'The Journey' came in a rather down to earth manner, our everyday location such as those rundown budget motels, the early morning market streets, kampung village and the seaside. Even the main actor Benji drives a third-fourthhand ride from the 80s'.

Reason number 4 :
So much feel in the movie i find it hard to refrain those ninjas in me from cutting onions. Especially that one particular scene where the uncle dies and the whole uncle crew gather forces to help fulfill his lifelong wish. Damn i love and i hate these kind of movies.

Reason number 5 :
Happy ending! Most movie with the same genre tend to end with a death of one of the leading actors, sudden death of the aged old grandpa, the bedside talk and oh you know the usuals, but  im glad 'The journey' didnt fall for these same old tactic. A feel good movie is a good movie.


Im truly impressed with our country's advancement in the movie industry. Keep up the good job! :)