Writer: Peter Chai

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Watch this if you liked: “Budak Pailang”

Directed by Faisal Ishak, "Juvana" shares the story of Botak (Johan Asari), Apek (Syazwan Zulkifli), Ayam (Adam Shah), Kicap (Megat Farzeril), Komeng (Khairul Mohamed) and Panjang (Idzham Ismail) who are transferred into a new youth detention center, while their buddy Daim (Zahiril Adzim) is released to start a new life after being found not guilty of killing his own parent. Botak and his gang have no idea how to face the challenges offered by a mad young man called Lan Todak (Sharnaaz Ahmad), who has been the head among the youngsters at the juvenile center. They fall into the trap set up by Lan Todak and thus are punished to stay in a dark prison cell for starting a brawl. While undergoing the punishment, Apek's ill mother passes away and he has no chance to see her again. In order to take revenge on Lan Todak's dirty tricks, Apek changes himself and decides to fight back. Meanwhile, Daim is threatened by his fellow classmates as he is labeled as a criminal in school. The young man does not give up on himself and his academic studies, but instead seeks help from his crush Sara (Shiera Ayob).

For those who have never followed the much raved about TV series version of "Juvana", there is no need for you to worry as the movie version of the juvenile-themed story will lead you to the right place with its well-designed dialogues and flashbacks to understand the past and present of what Apek and his buddies have gone through, including the separate plot revolving around Daim's new struggling life outside the juvenile center.

Don't be surprise if you might find yourself in tears when Botak is brought to confront an injured young man by Tuan Ali, the officer who is eager to save the youngsters from committing crimes and harming others, thus learning from their mistakes and turning over a new leaf. Thanks to the motivating and inspiring performance by Adlin Aman Ramli, his portrayal as a wise authority like Tuan Ali in front of the confusing Botak is convincing enough to make us listen to his strong advice that can be useful to anybody out there who is living with hatred and those who is having a hard time forgiving themselves.

Speaking of cast performance, the one who stands out is neither Johan Asari nor Zahiril Adzim, but Sharnaaz Ahmad who has liven up the intense and depressing story with more villainous aspects that no one can predict with his character Lan Todak. In the eyes of the main actors, he is definitely a guy who needs to be strangled to death and to the audience, the role is a significant symbol of violence in each and every inch of the storyline.

Overall, "Juvana" is not a bad directorial debut by director Ishak. Just like in the TV series, the film is a mirror reflection on faith and humanity beating violence and how the confessions made by the young criminals lead them to become better individuals.

Cinema Online, 18 January 2013