AFTER nearly a year of streaming their favourite films on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and many others, movie buffs have finally been allowed to watch films on the big screen nationwide by the Federal Government effective March 5.
Just like the rivalry between DC and Marvel that has sparked debates for decades in the world of cinema, several movie fans in Penang have differing views of stepping into the cinemas in this trying period.
For K. Thesen Rao, 15, who is an avid movie lover and a huge follower of DC and Marvel films, he was super excited when the cinemas reopened, knowing for a fact that he can finally storm into the theatres like ‘Flash’ (DC Comics character) to watch his favourite films.
“As much as I have enjoyed watching movies at home, nothing beats the feeling of watching it on a big screen with high-quality sound and cinematic experience.
“If we can follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place, then it should be fine. It only becomes a problem if people start to flout the strict measures imposed.
“I am in a state where watching any movie will do, but of course I am eagerly waiting to watch Godzilla vs. Kong, which is set for release by end of this month (March) in Malaysia,” he told Buletin Mutiara during an interview.
As for Jessy Anne, 30, she is still sceptical of going back to the cinemas due to the virus that is still active in society.
“I love movies and I am not denying it, but now, I don’t see going to the theatre to watch a movie deemed necessary for obvious reasons.
“By choosing to go, I am putting myself at risk as the virus is still active in the society and not totally wiped out just yet.
“Also, I still enjoy watching movies in the comfort of my own home. I personally hope that those who insist on watching movies at the cinemas, will follow the SOPs strictly and not do anything that will further damage the efforts taken by the authorities and cinema operators,” she said.
Meanwhile Janet Chong, 32, a Penangite, said she hopes people would be more careful when inside the cinemas by making sure they abide by the SOPs and not cause any trouble that would leave the authorities with no choice but to close them again.
“I think the Federal Government has done us all a favour by easing many sectors that were closed, including the reopening of cinemas.
“Hence, it is the responsibility of the fans and cinema operators to ensure the decision taken by the authorities was the right one.
“It has been almost a year since I last watched a movie on the big screen, so here I am today to watch a movie all by myself.
“Also, the reason I chose to come on a weekday is that it would be less crowded and I can watch the movie peacefully,” she said.
For Faliqah Alia Radin Fuad, 24, the reopening the cinemas now is not the wisest thing to do.
“I understand the cinema operators are badly affected due to closure during the movement control order (MCO) but reopening it this soon is not the right thing to do.
“The vaccines arrived not too long ago, and still a vast majority of Malaysians are yet to receive it. Why not let everyone receive it first then reopen it?
“Anyway, I just hope that SOPs will be followed strictly by the people because we really cannot afford to have another spike in the Covid-19 cases.
“The country has started seeing the cases hit the low in recent times. So, we as responsible citizens, have to work closely with the authorities to make this war against the pandemic a success,” she added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting