Ahmad Osman

”Tiga suku”, which literally translates into “three quarters”, is a Malay term used in the context of describing crazy, whacky or oddball-like behaviour; of being mentally “not quite there”. And “Mat Tiga Suku” is indeed an eccentric film that seeks to subvert our usual sense of logic, decorum and good taste. In this film, Mat Sentul is a poor and helpless man, lives in a house that talks to him, and daydreams about wealth and pretty princesses. It is an episodic adventure that follows the slapstick antics of Mat Sentul who, among many pranks, moves the bus-stop at his will, halts an aeroplane that does not give way, and pretends to be an office worker, a barber and a doctor.

Normah is married to a workaholic painter who is more intent on making money out of his art than showing concern and affect for her. She couldn't care less about his artistic pursuits and spends time dolling herself up. Her beauty catches the eye of Jamal, a car salesman, who pursues her to the neglect of his work, wife and children. Initially reluctant, Normah eventually gives in to Jamal's attention and a heady adulterous affair follows. However, Jamal's wife gets wind of their illicit relationship and he promptly forsakes Normah for the security of his family. Lonesome once more, Normah [the feminist heroine of the film] doesn't take long to lose herself to the thrill of another extramarital fling, this time to a fashionable and showy young man.