For many young Malaysians, travelling overseas to further one’s studies is a dream come true – doubly so if one’s university is in an exquisite location such as France.
However, leaving home and hearth behind could be harder than one might expect, especially if you come from a tight-knit family.
Such is the plot of “Ma, I Love You”, which is being released just in time for Chinese New Year. A family drama directed by Chiu Keng Guan, it centres around a mother and daughter at odds with the younger woman’s decision to study abroad.
A fully Malaysian production, the film is set largely in Kuala Lumpur and Pulau Pangkor, and features a cast of largely local actors.
Bei Ling (Siow Li Xuan) is an insurance agent and a single mother. While there’s no doubt she loves her only daughter Qiqi (Ong Ai Leng), she is somewhat of a “helicopter parent”.
Qiqi, on the cusp of adulthood and wanting to make a life for herself, decides to keep her overseas plans a secret. But Bei Ling soon stumbles across them and, suffice to say, doesn’t take it well.
Thus begins the conflict between an overbearing mother and a child desperate to escape her grasp.
This may appear to be a simple plot on the surface, but it is one many viewers are likely to relate to: having to decide between one’s personal ambitions and fulfilling the expectations of others.
And while Bei Ling’s antics may come off as excessive, you are likely to know someone who has a parent like that. Heck, it could very well be your own. Or, even more soberingly, perhaps you’re that parent.
As an audience member, one cannot help but feel exasperated by Bei Ling’s inability to grasp that her daughter needs her own space and time.
Still, the film does a great job at showing the perspectives of both sides, without claiming one or the other is in the wrong.
Bei Ling is unable to let go, which is perhaps understandable given that she has spent years raising Qiqi singlehandedly.
Qiqi, meanwhile, is aware of the pain her decisions and aspirations are causing her mother. Yet, it is her future at stake here, and it is ultimately Qiqi’s decision to do as she must… isn’t it?
The greatest strength of “Ma, I Love You” lies in the relationship between Bei Ling and Qiqi, with the respective actors pulling off their roles convincingly.
Their squabbles – complete with cold shoulders and snide remarks – are realistic; in fact, whether fighting or bonding, you believe their emotions are raw and genuine.
Special mention goes to Loh Lai Kan, who plays Qiqi’s maternal grandmother. Folks heading back to their hometowns are likely to find this character very familiar: the grandma intent on spoiling her grandchildren as much as possible.
This particular grandma, however, plays a crucial role in recognising that her daughter is making the same mistake she herself used to. Yes, it turns out that, in a moving full-circle moment, Grandma, too, had held on too tight while raising Bei Ling.
Being able to admit one’s mistakes is something rare in the rulebook of Asian parenting, so it is nice to see a local film encouraging parents to introspect from time to time.
After all, it’s better to acknowledge one’s flaws than to expect the title of parenthood to exclude you from any and all accountability, isn’t it?
So, is this film worth your while this Chinese New Year? Undoubtedly, yes.
“Ma, I Love You” gives audiences a peek into a life that could mirror their own. It reaffirms that families are complicated, and reminds one and all that instead of tightening your grip on a loved one, it can sometimes be better to let go.
‘Ma, I Love You’ will be released in cinemas nationwide on Sunday.