Once Upon A Time - Reach for the Stars

Synopsis

Once Upon A Time - Reach for the Stars (original title: Suatu Ketika) is a 2019 Malaysian drama that tells the heartfelt story of friendship, dreams, and perseverance. The film follows a group of childhood friends who reunite after years of separation to revive their passion for football and pursue a shared dream despite life's challenges. Through their journey, the movie explores themes of nostalgia, camaraderie, and the bittersweet passage of time. Anchored by Namron's compelling performance, the narrative captures the essence of youthful aspirations and the enduring power of unity and determination. The film offers an emotional and uplifting experience, resonating with audiences who cherish stories about chasing dreams against all odds.

Cast

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  Namron

  Pak Sa'ad

• 

  Pekin Ibrahim

  Cikgu Sulaiman

• Danial Akmal Fariz

  Syukri

• Dheva Naish

  Suresh

• Danial Iman

  Tuah

• Kuhan Divagaran

  Guna

Reviews

Once Upon A Time - Reach for the Stars received generally positive reviews, with an IMDb rating of 7.4/10 reflecting viewers' appreciation for its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters. Critics praised the film's nostalgic atmosphere and emotional depth. A review from Cinema Online noted, "Suatu Ketika beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of friendship and dreams, delivering a sincere and uplifting narrative." Similarly, Asian Movie Pulse highlighted the film's "authentic performances and a well-crafted script that brings out genuine emotions without resorting to clichés." However, some reviewers pointed out pacing issues, stating that the story sometimes felt slow and overly sentimental. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a critic score for this film, but audience feedback echoes the sentiment of a touching and genuine portrayal of life's dreams and friendships. Overall, the film was commended for its inspiring message, cultural authenticity, and strong ensemble acting, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of drama and coming-of-age stories.