Making 'Note' of Malaysian releases in Cannes

Malaysian film, Nota produced by Striped Entertainment was selected by Malaysian representatives to be part of the Marché du Film lineup this year, along with horror flick, Villa Nabila to be screened on May 18.

Taking into consideration the Marché du Film (literally means ‘film market’) as one of the biggest film markets in the world and thus one of the best places to find international buyers for your film.

Nota (marketed here as The Note) which opens in Malaysia on Aug 13 sees The Daily Seni team converges upon the Gray 2, Gray D’Albion -- a swanky complex located outside the Palais.

Nota tells the story of a couple living in Kuala Lumpur off to the Bako National Park in Sarawak to rekindle their marriage.

Erin (played by Maya Karin) and Kamal (Hans Isaac) encounter difficulties and along the way met a local named Jemat (Ramli Hassan).

Things take a dark turn after Erin discovers a few disturbing facts about her husband and their relationship.

Helmed by Japanese director Yasu Tanaka, Nota is indeed, a visual treat. The movie opens with quite a bang: kicking things off is a sequence of quick, gorgeous cuts featuring Erin and Kamal’s life in Kuala Lumpur.

The movie was mostly shot at the Bako National Park in Sarawak and as a result possesses some very beautiful shots of nature.

This aspect of the film is done rather tastefully -- it steers clear from trying to look like a tourism promo.

Yasu Tanaka’s quirky and very fascinating visual style in a scene shows Erin poking her finger through the side of an aquarium as if its glass was a membrane. Among other thought-provoking visuals on display is a closeup of rice being boiled which looks much more arresting than it sounds.

Nota will perhaps be remembered for its final scene which features the late Ramli (Hassan), who made his final appearance in this film.

As the mysterious yet the quirky boatman, Jemat he is memorable. He has managed to portray the childish eagerness and a twist of insanity to his portrayal that brings Nota to life.

Despite showcasing questionable acting from newcomer Rin Izumi as well as some bizarre writing choices, you're in for a joyful ride in Nota. Visually-arresting, the movie is loaded with all the aesthetics element of an art house film.

It is, however hoped that the tale goes down well among Malaysian public in Malaysia.