Writer: Fanaqi N.

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: "Lagenda Budak Setan"

Adapted from the successful novel by Ahadiat Akashah, "Lagenda Budak Setan 2" once again succeeds in touching the audiences' emotions in this story about the struggles of Kashah (Farid Kamil), who tries to build a family for himself alone after the death of his wife, Ayu.

Six months later, Kashah still has not forgotten the memories that he and Ayu shared, which is not easy, as their daughter, Athirah, is now in his care. Kashah juggles between his job as a part-time photographer and caring for Athirah, with the help of maids and his brother Iskandar (Azri Iskandar).

In the beginning of the film are mostly establishing shots, which may make the film seem uninteresting at first. However, the director is smart in slipping in shots of this film's lead heroine, played by Maya Karin, so audiences will not be bored seeing Ayu's face filling up the screen.

The story continues with the entrance of Katerina's ex -lover, Hisyam (Bront Palarae), who is a mental patient, whom fans of the novel are undoubtedly waiting for. No criticism can be said because Bront Palarae plays his character so well.

As a film that was adapted from a well-known novel, the scriptwriter must be adept at inserting lines in the novel to be used in film's dialogue. This is not very solidly done as there are lines like "I love you" in the film which should have been replaced with "Aku cinta padamu" in order to better reflect the romantic nature of the declaration for this time period.

The cinematography that is shown in the film needs to be praised. The Sharad Sharan-directed film is pleasing to watch from start to finish with its attractive scenery shots, especially those of the Bhutan Mountains.

Like the first, the ending of "Lagenda Budak Setan 2" still focuses on Kashah, and the writer feels that it should have focused on Katerina's character instead because based on the novel, Katerina is the main character.

The theme song by Sharad is still an emotional one, with the only change being Ning Baizura as the one singing this time around. The writer still prefers the previous theme song, which is more lyrically touching and arranged.

Cinema Online, 07 December 2012