Reboot tackles social media challenges
THERE’S a big difference in how millennials lead their lives now, compared to 13 years ago and this is readily shown in Gol & Gincu Vol. 2. Directed by Umi Salwana Omar, it is a reboot of the classic Gol & Gincu which was released in 2005.
The first film revolved around Putri (played by Nur Fazura), a spoilt brat who was on a mission to win her boyfriend back.
Things were different back then with no social media, and this is the key element that differentiates both movies.
Gol & Gincu Vol. 2 sees Datin Diana Danielle, Ummi Nazeera and a group of younger actors taking centre stage.
While the storyline has no relation whatsoever to the first film, its premise has some common themes such as friendship and social issues.
The film tells of Zakiah (Zak), a rich and snobby young woman (played by Diana Danielle) and Zakiah (Yaya) (played by Ummi Nazeera), two university students who become infamous after a viral video shows them fighting on campus.
While Zak thinks she’s too good for anyone and is a rebel who has dropped out of multiple universities, Yaya is a top student on a scholarship, a famous social media influencer who is extremely perky and
cheerful by nature.
But the two are equally headstrong, which causes them to always be at each other’s throats.
After the video goes viral, everything spirals out of control for Yaya.
Her reputation as a social media influencer is tarnished and she is hounded with criticism and hate messages. Worst of all, her scholarship is put on hold.
The university’s dean wants the girls to face disciplinary action, and this is where they are tasked with finding a charity home to do some community service as punishment.
The producers brought back a familiar face from the first Gol & Gincu, Sharifah Amani, who plays Kak Jijie. Kak Jijie leads a home for troubled teenage girls.
Zak and Yaya’s meeting with the girls set off a new adventure. What they think is an easy task turns out to be so much more than just completing community service.
I liked that the filmmakers provided opportunities for newcomers to be a part of this film. Aside from Diana Danielle, Ummi Nazeera, Sharifah Amani, and Sazzy Falak, the remaining cast members make their debut for the first time in a major movie.
I admit the plot is a little predictable and cliched. However, its messages are deep and meaningful.
This is one story that not only warms the heart but also puts a spotlight on issues facing millennials today.
Often, we are quick to judge troubled teens but Gol & Gincu Vol. 2 shows that (as cliche as this sounds) one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
Not many movies do so in a casual and humorous way. It’s both heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time, if that makes any sense.
Despite the ordeals or challenges they go through in life, the girls power through, knowing they’ve got each other’s back. There are thousands of girls just like that in real life.
Umi and the film’s producer Lina Tan are smart to portray how social media affects the lives of millennials these days. Too much social media can damage one’s soul and it perfectly paints the picture that not everything in life is exactly how it is portrayed through an Instagram post.
Many people believe that millennials have it easy these days but with social media at our finger tips, sometimes too much information shared is a disadvantage.
Overall, Gol & Gincu Vol. 2 deserves a thumbs-up despite the cliche storyline.