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Archive for April, 2017

DST as title sponsors again

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Social News, Sports

 


DST Deputy CEO Hj Marsad Hj Ismail exchanging documents with NFABD General Secretary Hj Abdul Hamid Dato Paduka Hj Abdullah for being the title sponsors for the DST Super League, DST Premier League, DST FA Cup and DST Sumbangsih Cup
 

NFABD expressed its gratitude to DST for their continuous support of the country’s major football tournaments after today’s sponsorship signing ceremony between the two parties.

Sponsoring Brunei’s football for more than 10 years, DST signed on as 2017 sponsors in a signing ceremony at NFABD House – agreeing to be the title sponsors for the DST Super League, DST Premier League, DST FA Cup and DST Sumbangsih Cup.

“We are all happy and grateful to DST for their support,” said NFABD Deputy President Hj Madli Mohd Yusuf after the signing ceremony.

“This is proof that DST cares about Brunei football and wants to help develop Brunei football further.

“This year’s league will feature Asian Football Confederation (AFC) B license coaches in every DST Super League club in order to improve the quality of the competition.

“NFABD has many plans for this year, and one of the highlights of 2017 so far has been the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) A license coaching certificate obtained by six local coaches – the first for the country,” added the deputy president.

Signing on behalf of NFABD were Hj Madli and NFABD general secretary Hj Abdul Hamid Dato Paduka Hj Abdullah while DST were represented by their Assistant General Manager of Group Corporate Communications Radin Sufri Radin Basiuni and DST Deputy CEO Hj Marsad Hj Ismail, with DST CEO and event’s guest of honour Suhaimi Hussain acting as the witness. Images and press release courtesy of NFABD.

 

 

 

The 388 deal to KL

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in travel, lifestyle, Social News

 


Mr. Brett McDougall, Executive General Manager – Sales and Marketing, Royal Brunei Airlines, His Excellency Datuk Ghulam Jelani bin Khanizaman, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam, Hj Ibrahim Seddiqi bin Talib, Director of Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) and Ms. Nur Khadijah, Sales and Business Development Manager of Pan Bright Travel Services during the press conference recently
 

As one of the representatives from Royal Brunei Airlines said, it’s a better deal than the normal packages as you can save almost $100. It’s a real steal to get BND 388 for a 3 Days 2 Nights with accommodation stay, return economy airfare on RB, daily breakfast, return airport transfer and even private transfers to Bukit Jalil Stadium. All these package is only applicable from Pan Bright Travel Service and it’s called the “3 Days 2 Nights Kuala Lumpur SEA Games package”.

Another incentive is that Pan Bright Travel Service is giving BND 20 discount for first 20 pax who book this package.

The hotels that are packaged in the deal are Star Points Hotel Kuala Lumpur (3 star hotel with 7.7 rating in booking.com) and Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur (4 star hotel with 8.0 rating). I’ve stayed at Corus Hotel before I kinda like it.

The selling period is effective from today till 31st July 2017 for travel from 15th August to 30th August 2017. For bookings, you can contact Pan Bright Travel Services at 224 0980, 334 1154 and 322 0078 for their package.

 

 


The guest of honour launching the BND 388 package deal
 


A pretty good deal indeed
 

Launching the event was His Excellency Datuk Ghulam Jelani bin Khanizaman, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam. Also present were Hj Ibrahim Seddiqi bin Talib, Director of Tourism Malaysia (Brunei), Mr. Brett McDougall, Executive General Manager – Sales and Marketing, Royal Brunei Airlines and Ms. Nur Khadijah, Sales and Business Development Manager of Pan Bright Travel Services. The event was also witnessed by local coaches, athletes and representatives from the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports.

Pan Bright Travel Service has a very good track record in providing quality and cost effective travel services to their clients in Brunei Darussalam. It’s no surprise that they received the award from Royal Brunei Airlines recently for being the “Top Selling Kuala Lumpur destination” during the 12th Belait Travel Fair and Brunei Travel Fair (2016). Did you know that they are also one of the nominees under the Best Foreign Tour Operator (Southeast Asia) for Brunei Darussalam category at the 19th Malaysia Tourism Awards 2014/2015?

SEA games 2017 will again be the highlight for 2017 and this package is a good incentive for Bruneians to fly over to KL and also enjoy the SEA Games experience in Kuala Lumpur. Will I travel to KL for the SEA Games? We shall wait and see.

So do call Pan Bright Travel Services at 224 0980, 334 1154 and 322 0078 for their packages.

 

 


One of the hotels I’ve stayed before – Corus Hotel. My recommendation.
 


The look of the room at Corus Hotel.
 

Treasure Cove

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in education, Social News

 


Treasure Cove @ UBD’s Business Library
 


Yang Mulia Datin Dr. Hajah Anita Binaural Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Hj Awang Abdul Aziz, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Brunei and Dr. Chris Woo, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Arts and Social Science, UBD
 

Finally something different to offer from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). I remembered Dr. Chris Woo hinting me about a gift space in UBD a few months ago and today, I saw it with my own eyes. It was called Treasure Cove, the first gift and souvenir brand, initiated by the Office of Promotion and Events Management under the Corporate and Administration office of UBD. Apparently under the direction of Dr. Chris Woo, a group of alumni UBD students were involved in this project.

The inaugural event was celebrated with UBD’s corporate partners that has helped UBD in numerous of activities. So yes, there were a tons of familiar faces to begin with.

It’s good to see UBD creating their own unique house brand and the idea of Treasure Cove will help to support the creative, artistic as well as entrepreneurial talents of UBD students and alumni. The majority of Treasure Cove products are originally created by the inspired efforts of UBD’s graduates. From what I was told that some of the alumni were involved in previous UBD Spectacle, a UBD art module that exhibits students’ talents in the field of arts and design. Treasure Cove is indeed UBD’s testament and commitment to continually provide the support and encouragement to Brunei’s entrepreneurial minds.

Dr. Chris shared that there will be more products that will be made available as they are in production. The Treasure Cove space is located next to R&C cafe at UBD’s Business Library. Congratulations to the team behind the project. I hope to see more UBD merchandise product and I’m already impressed with their locally designed pens. You can follow their updates on IG @treasurecovebn

The launching event was graced by Yang Mulia Datin Dr. Hajah Anita Binaural Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Hj Awang Abdul Aziz, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Also present was Hjh Rubiah binti Hj Yacub, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Corporate and Administration) who delivered a welcoming remark.

 

 


Hjh Rubiah binti Hj Yacub, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Corporate and Administration)
 


Some of the items for sale at Treasure Cove
 


Locally made pens
 

 


My favourite design of the lot
 


Guest of honour touring the showcase
 


With representatives from Progresif Cellular
 


Dr. Chris Woo and his team from the Alumni
 

 

Stephan Winkelmann calling the shots at Audi Sport GmbH

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Audi Sport, automative

 


Stephan Winkelmann, former boss of Lamborghini, is now the new CEO of Audi Sport GmbH (Audi Sport GmbH: based in Neckarsulm, built on four business areas). Its core business is the manufacturing of the Audi R8 and RS models.
 

quattro GmbH, established in Neckarsulm in 1983, has been operating as Audi Sport GmbH since the end of 2016. With Stephan Winkelmann at the helm, this fully owned subsidiary of AUDI AG currently has around 1,200 employees.

Since 1983 quattro GmbH, with its headquarters in Neckarsulm, has been building high-performance sports cars and delivering high-tech automotive concepts. And now the Audi subsidiary has changed its name to Audi Sport GmbH. It is built on four business areas. In addition to developing and manufacturing the Audi R8 and Audi RS models, it is responsible for customer motorsport – Audi Sport customer racing. Other areas of business include car customization options via the Audi exclusive program, plus lifestyle articles marketed as the Audi Sport collection.

The name Audi Sport is inspired by a long and successful tradition of motorsport. As far back as the 1930s, the legendary “Silver Arrow” models of Auto Union were the ultimate benchmark on racing circuits worldwide. In the 1980s, the Audi quattro with permanent all-wheel drive proved outstandingly successful in rally competition. Today the brand with the four rings is involved in the World RX, DTM, Formula E, GT racing and in the TCR category. Young racing talent is being fostered in the Audi Sport TT Cup. The production models benefit from developments and technologies first used in motorsport. The Audi R8 and the Audi RS models represent the sporty vanguard of the brand, combining superlative performance with exclusiveness and prestige.

The abbreviation RS stands for the most powerful engine version within a particular Audi model series, for impressive dynamic performance, for understated sophistication coupled with comprehensive everyday usability, and for quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The brand’s RS tradition started in 1994 with the appearance of the Audi RS 2 Avant.

It was a trendsetter – a genuine high-performance sports car with five seats and a large luggage compartment. Since then, quattro GmbH has steadily expanded the portfolio of RS models, which now range from the compact Audi RS 3 Sportback to superior cars such as the Audi RS 6 Avant or Audi RS 7 Sportback. The subsidiary’s focus is to create the most prestigious models in the portfolio of AUDI AG.

The Audi R8 is the pinnacle of the product range. The first generation appeared on the market in 2007 with an innovative vehicle concept: mid-engine, systematic lightweight construction featuring Audi Space Frame technology, and quattro drive. The high-performance sports car provides a typical driving experience, but is also perfectly suited to the racetrack thanks to its optimum power-to-weight ratio.

The Audi subsidiary doubled its sales over the past five years. Over the next 18 months, Audi Sport GmbH will be launching eight new models, which will further consolidate the company’s position in the market. The number of specialized Audi Sport dealers will increase from 370 at present to around 600 by the end of 2017.

Stephan Winkelmann has been Managing Director of the company since March 15, 2016. Audi Sport GmbH has around 1,200 employees at locations in Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt.

 

Bang & Olufsen Multiroom Collection

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in gadget, lifestyle

The Bang & Olufsen Multiroom Collection is all about enjoying the beauty of music and design all day, every day. From the light tap on your speaker in the morning that starts up your favourite coffee music – to the free flow of energizing evening tunes, the Multiroom Collection infuses your entire home with stylish sound.

The philosophy behind each product in the Multiroom Collection is that your connected wireless speakers should not be undistinguished or ordinary, but distinctive and spectacular in terms of design and craftsmanship, just like your furniture. After all, no one chooses the exact same chairs and tables for every room of their home.

We have an outstanding multiroom offer. Beautiful design, superior acoustics and excellent craftsmanship. Qualities that matter to our customers. We live in homes that are personalized and reflect who we are. And people are unique – most multiroom systems are not, says Marie Kristine Schmidt, Vice President Brand, Design & Marketing.

 

 

TOUCH-TO-JOIN
Bang & Olufsen has a long legacy of intelligent multiroom solutions and has been offering advanced connected audio systems since the 1980’s. Today the possibilities of streaming and distributing music at home are almost limitless, and you don’t need wires or technical knowledge in order to operate the Bang & Olufsen Multiroom Collection – it works right out of the box.

The products are linked in a coherent and user friendly wireless system which can be controlled via your mobile devices – or by simply tapping the speakers. As you move around your home just touch the multiroom products once and they are instantly and seamlessly united with the rest of the setup. Choose to play different music in different rooms, or let the same tune flow throughout your home.

Play directly from your favourite music apps via popular technologies such as Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay or Bluetooth, or get the full Bang & Olufsen experience through the new Bang & Olufsen App.

THE MULTIROOM COLLECTION
Bang & Olufsen has selected a range of six beautiful high-class wireless speakers, labelled the Bang & Olufsen Multiroom Collection, which ranges from the portable, cone-shaped BeoSound 1 & BeoSound 2 wireless speakers systems to the advanced BeoSound 35 wireless music system with its impressive and decorative wing span. Included are also the recently launched Beoplay M5 powerful multiroom speaker, the iconic music streaming system Beoplay A9 and the music system Beoplay A6.

The integrated Bang & Olufsen multiroom solution makes it possible to easily upgrade the system with new products over time, including Bang & Olufsen televisions and other speakers. Bang & Olufsen multiroom even works with classic Bang & Olufsen products across multiple generations.

You can check out the showroom at Sejalin Living (Kiarong) to find out more or also at their Facebook Page.

And guess what? You can get the free trial, right here, right now.

For a limited time, experience any of our wireless speaker systems in your own home.*

*Applicable for up to two selected products. The pairing for Bang & Olufsen selected pairings are as follows:

BeoSound 2 and BeoSound 35
BeoSound 1 and BeoSound 2
BeoPlay A6 and BeoPlay A9
BeoPlay M5 and BeoPlay A6

Trial period maximum 10 days. Subject to availability of product, provision of 30% deposit as security, identification details and your registration as a customer during the trial period. Product and packaging to be returned in undamaged condition. Available period: 29 March 2017 – 31 May 2017 only.

Offers are available on a first-come-first-served basis and while stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.

 

 

 

 

 

AEC’s April Promotion

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in gadget, lifestyle

 

 

Hello peeps!!! It’s that time of the month again where AEC Panasonic are having their great deals for their products and this is also the best time to purchase any of the products because of the freebies that you will get.

For instance, the Panasonic TH-55DX650 55” TV which is valued at BND 1,799 and you will get a FREE Panasonic 32” TV (worth BND 269). Now isn’t that a great catch? It could be a catch for me since I’m eyeing on a new TV. We shall see. The 55” TV that I mentioned has a very attractive design and furthermore, this is a great price for a large 4K TV. It sports Firefox OS smart system and it’s quite easy to use too. Then again, with this deal, you get a FREE 32” TV from Panasonic. This is definitely the best deal in town.

If you notice from the poster, all the major items such as the Alkaline Water Ionizer and even the microwave oven, all comes with freebies. The water ionizer comes with filter worth BND 169 and free installation.

All these items are available in stock and it’s “cash and carry” items. You can visit them at AEC Sdn Bhd for more information (not far from TAIB shell station in Beribi and Sumbangsih area). If you also want info, you can call 244 4913.

The promotion ends 30th April 2017.

 


Panasonic TH-55DX650 55” TV
 


You will get the Panasonic 32” TV free when you buy the Panasonic TH-55DX650 55” TV
 


My visit to the AEC office in Beribi. This is another Panasonic model which is 49″ TV.
 

Cuckoo Icon, I’m sold

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in health, lifestyle, Social News

 


The launch of Cuckoo International (Brunei) last September 2016
 


Hui Ting, Marketing Director of Cuckoo International Brunei talking of the Cuckoo Icon water purifier and I was already eyeing on this for so long 😀
 

After a few months of deciding, I finally opted for one of the Cuckoo products which is a Cuckoo water purifier. There are many perks when it comes to the Korea leading brand home appliance. One of the best thing I love is the after sales service which I shall share a bit later.

Let’s rewind to September 2016. This was the moment that Cuckoo International (Brunei) officially launched in Brunei Darussalam. The event took place at the Melabau Complex in Serusop. Prior to the launch, I’ve seen their products being showcased at roadshows. I was moreover impressed with Hui Ting’s presentation and briefing on Cuckoo products during the launch. She’s the Marketing Director for Cuckoo International Brunei and her product knowledge is pretty comprehensive and I was sold by her presentation.

It’s no surprise that Cuckoo products have sold more than 25 million units worldwide and Cuckoo do live up to its motto – Beyond Standards.

The product I targeted was the Cuckoo Icon and for many reasons:

• The auto and manual self-sterlization modes. You can set your time preference.

• It can be fitted to any place and the Cuckoo team will install the Icon or any water purifier that you buy.

• IN & OUT Technology – The World’s first Electrolysis Faucet Sterilizing Water Purifier which self-sterilises every part of the water filter – from the water tube to the water tank to the faucet – that comes in contact with water.

• You can only rely on one-faucet system which is more convenient and using one source of water from the kitchen or pantry.

• The icon has different range of temperature. Even the hot water have different temperature and the cold ones.

• For a year, you will get a four month service interval for the replacement of the filters. It’s free of charge and that’s awesome. Definitely “Beyond Standards”.

• The icon has a 6-stage filtration with 4 filters.

• Cuckoo Water Purifier dispenses pH 7.5 Mild Alkaline Water. This is the perhaps the best level of pH for us as having a higher pH of water intake aint’ too good for your body. Like they said, too much of everything doesn’t necessarily make it good.

• I don’t have to worry about reboiling manually. The Icon does the trick.

• I love their service when they installed at my pantry. I hope their service will be consistent throughout as this is part of their “Natural Care Service”.

Their presence have been great too in Brunei. Because of the responsive demand, Cuckoo Brunei have been expanding their businesses as of late – Rimba Giant and Seri Q-lap Mall. So far there are five outlets if you are keen to know more about Cuckoo. You can also contact them at 233 3330 or check them out on Facebook and also on IG @cuckoobrunei and of course, you can visit their website http://www.cuckoobrunei.com/

I’m a proud owner of the Cuckoo Icon and I shall share more of my experience of the water purifier in my next post.

 

 


I finally ordered the Icon water purifier model and they delivered it to my home
 


I chose to put the Icon at my pantry area. Say goodbye to my old water boiler.
 


It just stationed nicely
 

 


The tubes are necessary to make sure the water flow from the Icon to the water faucet. The Cuckoo team provides them too.
 


They will make sure that the tubes are hidden and properly installed. They will also do some drilling if required.
 


Labelling the filters for its expiry date for the next change (in four months’ time)
 


Before the filters are installed, they are being processed using water for a few minutes
 


After 15 minutes of filtration, the filters are installed in the Icon
 

 


Yea, finally my good looking Icon up and ready 😀
 


Click to enlarge
 

 

 

A Son’s Love

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in family

 


My mother being hugged by her sister last night
 


Hello Mom 😀 I hope you feel the love from all of us last night and more to come. Happy birthday. Hugs
 

There are many times that I’ve really wanted to post something more on a personal level. Sometimes I wonder what is stopping me. Ever since I’ve been focusing too much on my sponsored editorials, I’ve lost touch on my personal touch on my actual blog. My feelings and thoughts are kept locked inside me but ironically I do pen them down on my journal. But hardly on my blog. Maybe because it has been way too long that I’ve not expressed how I really feel on my blog and day by day, month by month, year by year, it slowly gets tougher.

Today I will dedicated this post to my mother whom have brought me to this world since I was a cutey boy. [My fingers are already perspiring because I’m getting out of my comfort zone. Getting out of that zone to speak how I really feel that I’ve kept to myself. Sometimes it’s difficult to express to my friends and I don’t judge them if I’m unable to express them].

Well, I remembered having this dream that I was taken away when I was a baby. All I had was a tiny aeroplane toy to keep sane and from crying. The scene was some sort of a cafe. It looked like one of those “kopitiams”. I remembered two faces in that dream and one of them was Mui Lan *spelling* I call her auntie by the way. So this particular scene that I could recall only lasted 5 seconds. The aeroplane toy. Me being carried while crying. And Auntie Mui Lan. I thought to myself, was this turning point of my life when I was brought to my future world? Was this the turning point that I was actually being adopted to another family in Brunei? Was that scene I remembered took place in Singapore? Was that scene actually a true one or just a dream? All these questions pondered for quite some time. I never really want to ask these questions for closure and to me and the rest of my siblings, this is more of a taboo topic to talk about to begin with.

It was pretty obvious where I stood. My passport said I was born in Singapore. I’m still a Permanent Resident, upgraded from Green IC (after I have turned 20 years old). I even accidentally stumbled upon my birth certificate when I was only 12 years old and that cemented that idea that I am adopted plus being terrified as a timid teenager. I had mixed feelings then.

Regardless of what I felt then, I was (and still am) obedient son to my mother to this very day. She always praised that I never troubled her in my living years. Yeah, maybe I have bent some rules here and there but I’m always very particular in taking care of my family’s name, furthermore my mother, being in the position she is.

My best years with my mother was during my teenage years. Why? Because that was the best family bonding I’ve ever experienced with her. It was the time before I flew off to Australia for my high school. I would keep her company for most of the time and even slept in her bedroom. She was very sweet and caring. She would have an extra TV in her room so I could watch live football to keep me entertained. She would constantly ask me if football is on. There were times that spare TV didn’t have good signal and she offered to use her main TV to my football episodes while sacrificing her TV time. To me that’s the sweetest thing I will always remember from my mother *weeps*

The hardest part was me leaving Brunei back in 1992 for my future studies. I was constantly crying while hugging my mom. It was that point that I felt the motherly love that I was missing from my childhood years. My mom was so caring that she made sure I was really taken care of while boarding in Geelong Grammar School. I would use the payphone to make reverse charge call to Brunei so I could listen to my mother’s voice, feeling safe and sound. That was the last time I was very close to my mother.

Now fast forward to the present moment (20 plus odd years later), though situations are not the same as before, I have never love my mother less and I know deep inside my mother still loves me and her children more than she knows.

Last night was my first real hug to my mom when we all greeted her happy birthday at midnight. The previous one when I was still a teenager. I don’t know the feeling but I always wanted to hug my mother. To express my care and love and most of all, gratitude, for being a superwoman and a super mother and including me to your world.

Mom, I know you have been surviving, emotionally, mentally and also physically, and I want you to know that we (siblings and I) are your pillars in your life and we will always standby you in any given situation. Never discount that and you have gelled our siblings once more 🙂 I know I haven’t been spending my time with you but I rather spend time to know you better and deeper. I know we will have that chance.

And how do I feel right now? Definitely not mixed. I feel lighter, liberated and loved.

I’m truly, truly grateful to be your son and I have always love you unconditionally. Sorry for being open here but I really want to address my feelings and this is my courageous first step. Have a blasting birthday celebration tonight. Thank you, Mom. I love you xxx.

 

 


Multiple cakes
 

 


Mom hugging my siblings
 

Md Taha now owns an Accent

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in travel, lifestyle, Social News

 


The top 4 winners of the Pan Bright Travel Service “Travel & Win Promotion” Grand Draw with the management and representatives from Royal Brunei Airlines and Singapore Airlines at Deli Bites, Royal Brunei Recreational Club yesterday
 


Md Taha Bin Ladin is a happy man after winning the Hyundai Accent
 

Congratulations to Md Taha bin Ladin, who chose the Hyundai Accent over the Hermès Birkin, after winning the grand draw of Pan Bright Travel Service “Travel & Win Promotion” Grand Draw. The event took place at Deli Bites at Royal Brunei Recreational Club.

The grand prize was sponsored by Pan Bright Travel Service whereas the consolation prizes were sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

The second place winner, Lilies Indah Turwahyuni, could have won the grand prize but settled for a trip to London (economy class) and the prize was presented by Aji Puteh, Head of Asia Sales of Royal Brunei Airlines. He also presented the third place winner who was Lam Mei Choi, winning a return trip to Melbourne (economy class).

The other winner was Goh Nyuk Chen, represented by Nurul, who won a trip to Tokyo via Singapore Airlines. The mock ticket was presented by Mr. Aldrin Arumugam, General Manager of Singapore Airlines (Brunei).

Pan Bright Travel Service would like to extend their appreciation to all the customers for their continuous support. The lucky draw promotion ran from 1st September 2016 to 31st March 2017.

Pan Bright Travel Service has been making name for its great marketing gimmick. Last month, Pan Bright Travel Services won the prize for top-selling travel agent during the 12th Belait Travel Fair 2017 that happened earlier in March. Top-selling destinations namely Kuala Lumpur, London and Singapore were purchased by customers from Pan Bright Travel Services.

Keep up the great work, Pan Bright. You can follow them on their social media accounts on Facebook and @panbrighttravel instagram.

 

 


Nurul, representative for Goh Nyuk Chen, won a trip for Tokyo, and the prize was presented by Mr. Aldrin Arumugam, General Manager of Singapore Airlines (Brunei)
 


Lam Mei Choi, winning a return trip to Melbourne (economy class), presented by Aji Puteh, Head of Asia Sales of Royal Brunei Airlines
 


Lilies Indah Turwahyuni, the second place winner, winning a flight to London.
 


Md Taha is still young at heart
 

Ghost in the Shell – Review

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in movies, Social News

 

 

Ghost in the shell. I’ve never seen the anime or even read the graphic novel to be honest. So my expectations were never that high to begin with. However, when I listened to those who are familiar with the anime (Ghost in the Shell), most of them were underwhelmed with the movie adaptation.

The obvious hoo-ha about the anime is the casting of Scarlett Johansson as the lead, Major. as many labelled the movie as being whitewashed. Social media were getting on the studio’s faces as they rallied against the idea of Scarlett playing the cyborg Major. For me, it’s an okay move and it didn’t affect my judgment. Furthermore, Scarlett is one of my favourite actor since Lost in Translation.

Now what do I think about the overall movie experience? I have to say this is one tricky anime to adapt to the big screen. I was impressed with some of the action sequences but I wasn’t overwhelmed. Let’s just say that the producers were playing it safe to begin with and there was nothing new or spectacular that I will remember about Ghost in the Shell. Yea, there wasn’t any ground breaking scenes that will make you go “awwwww…” I was only impressed to an extent and more drawn to the visuals than anything else.

There were definitely some plot holes and the exposition could have been tighter and well explained. There were some unnecessary scenes which didn’t really add anything to the movie. Scarlett was suited for the role if you ask me but she wasn’t good enough to save the show to my expectations.

If I were to say entertaining, yes. If I were to say, wasteful, yes and no. This is a good popcorn movie with plentiful of potential. The audience are getting smarter and more demanding. So I hope future producers will think twice if they were to do a sci-fi movie and such. Even more demanding if it’s based on the popular anime or graphic novel.

I doubt Ghost in the Shell will get a sequel after the flop in the opening weekend. The movie costs more than USD 200 million dollars due to high production cost and delays. The opening only made less than USD 20 million in the US which is off their expected target and so far only USD 60 million was earned worldwide and I believe it won’t even make USD 200 million worldwide.

Having said all the woes they are facing especially by Paramount, I still enjoyed Ghost in the Shell.

Verdict: 7/10.

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About RA

A blogger since 2002, using platforms from blogspot, joomla and now currently wordpress. A readership that stands on average of 20,000 visits per month. Also on active on social media platform on IG, Facebook and Snapchat (@ranoadidas)

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