SOKOLA RIMBA

Directed by: Riri Riza
Starring: Prisia Nasution, Beindah, Dery Tanjung, Ines Somellera, Nengkabau, Nyungsang Bungo    
Run Time: 90 Minutes

Actually I was afraid of this film. I was afraid that this one will shove down shallow nationalism down my throat. I am afraid that this one will bu just another Indonesian movie trying so hard to force the viewers to love their country not in a subtle way.

But my fears were proven to be wrong. After all this is Riri Riza (backed by Mira Lesmana again as the producer), not just some generic director. He managed to escape that sort of "crass nationalism" in Atambua 39 Degrees Celsius. The title itself means "School of the jungle" and jungle is where most of the actions are.

Based on true story, Butet Manurung (Prisia Nasution) is a teacher for children of the Kubu tribe (indigenious people in Jambi, Sumatera) located in National Park Bukit Dua Belas Jambi. She teaches the kids how to count and to read, a skill most of them are not good at. The kids are nice and eager to learn more. But problems arose from Butet's office and political conditions affect her work. She wanted the kids to be smart and literate, but the obstacle is not just from her office, some people from Kubu tribe thinks of her as a jinx. Can she overcome that? Butet herself has wrote a book about her activity. The book has the same title as this film.

I have to say this film is well done. I know it must be difficult to shoot in the National Park itself. Not to mention directing real Kubu kids to act. They are not professional actors, they are the Kubu people living in the national park.

What I like from this one is how natural things are. It does not have over the top dialogue preaching about education, and it also does not condemn government. Sokola Rimba is special because only few Indonesian films are willing to show folks in the town another face of Indonesia. Not just the acting, but the cinematography manages to capture the forest in a warm visual. However the duration is too short and it feels as if everything was rushed to achieve the ending. I wish it was at least two hours.

EPIC JAVA

Directed by: Febian Nurrahman Saktinegara
Writer: Galih Mulya Nugraha
Run Time: 30 minutes

This film has no connection to Java Heat whatsoever, programming language or a cup of coffee. This is a short documentary made by Febian Nurrahman Saktinegara. It has no story, just a non-narrative short documentary about the beautiful Java landscape. Some by live video, some by time-lapse. According to the site jakartavenue.com this project started as Febian Nurrahman Saktinegara went to Jogja for a holiday.

He shoot some scenes and upload a teaser video titled Mysterious Ashes - Epic Java in youtube. From there, things escalated quickly. This project once was a hot thread in kaskus.com (Indonesia's leading internet forum) and then it goes to wujudkan.com (crowdfunding site), to get more money so Epic Java can be made.

Febian cooperated with Arie Naftali Hawuhede, Galih Mulya Nugraha and Denny Novandi Ryan (as music composer and sound designer). This small team visited 50 locations across Java and spent one year filming a lot of things. According to Galih the story start as the sun rises in the east until it set in the west.

With minimal gadgets and cameras they managed to give a beautiful presentation. I have to say, after I seen this at Jakarta International Film Festival two weeks ago, that it met my expectation. The music is amazing, it can fill up the air with wonders.

Somehow Epic Java reminded me of Ron Fricke's Chronos, Samsara, Baraka and Koyaaniqsatsi. I can understand the limitations the crew had so this one is just a short documentary. I applaud their spirit and creativity to make the project possible. I feel lucky to be able to watch it. If only this one is more than 30 minutes and released commercially at the cinemas, perhaps more people can appreciate it better.

GRAVITY

Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: George Clooney, Sandra Bullock

Run Time: 91 min

Space, the final frontier. This time Alfonso Cuarón visit the outer space to gives us the eerie thrill of being alone, literally. Not a science fiction or a politically charged theme, but a simple tale of survival. Some might relate this one with 2001: A Space Odyssey for the space scenes. Actually I have seen this two months ago but decided to write this now so later I can put a link on my best 2013 movies article.

Just like the title, this one will drag you here and there, even gasping for breath. Space debris threat the astronaut in space left Dr Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) floating in space. Alone and lost, they have to survive to stay alive. What happened with the other astronaut? Sadly they are dead.

The visual is amazing, it makes you scratch your head and say: "How the fuck does Cuarón put camera in space?". Here, visual effect plays a major role. It takes you into space and in 3D it looks amazing.

Created through a painstaking combination of physical and digital performance, I think it might get a nomination for best visual effects at the Oscar next year. What about the story? I think the story is just okay. It is not "amazing", although some scenes left you breathless, it is just okay. Sure any male would relish seeing that Sandra Bullock still look sexy at that age, but the story of survival seems a bit "made up".

Some know that the orbit of Hubble Telescope, International Space Station and other space objects are not of the same height. However the story make it as if it was "near". It is not a problem for me, but I think I expect more from Gravity. I expect a slightly philosophical tone, which is non existence here. Okay you can say that the loneliness here is something philosophical. However as a whole this is a good film, but not "the best" from Alfonso Cuarón.

METALLICA: THROUGH THE NEVER 3D

Directed by: Nimród Antal
Starring: Dane DeHaan, Metallica
Running time: 93 minutes

The greatest heavy metal band in this planet deserves an epic treatment. This time with 3D and IMAX 3D experience where metal heads everywhere can witness and watch the epic roar of James Hethfield, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo and Lars Ulrich. Just like any other concert movies, it is hard to judge this film.

If you are not a Metallica fan, you'd rather skip this film. It has no explanation for non fans, but full with inner Metallica reference. Two third of this film is the concert, and it is unlike any concert. To maximize the use of 3D, the props, pyro and laser were brought in to make an experience as if the viewers were at the front row of the concert itself.

While the other one third is a surreal adventure of a young Leonardo DiCaprio lookalike (Dane DeHaan) as a roadie for Metallica. This silent roadie has to fuel a truck in an unknown place while stuck between a battle between cops and rioters, plus a demon outside the arena. Unleashing barrage of their hits, this is a must-see concert movie, for the experience alone.

The technical aspect is amazing. 3D enhance the experience, the visual depth is also something. This is a tasteful 3D movie, not being a whore by throwing everything at the screen to wow the audience. Some might wonder what is the connection between the concert and the roadie's adventure. I myself cannot comment on the surreal scenes of the roadie intertwined with the concert since it is too surreal.

 

Perhaps it is inspired by the song lyrics or Metallica's history or perhaps DeHaan's appearance is to make a reach for younger generation who are still wearing diapers as The Unforgiven released. However his acting is good, and I liked the fact that he had no dialogue at all, it makes the mystery and solidify Metallica's brand. I also liked that this one is R-Rated, it does not hold back but unleash the power of creativity.

One cannot refuse to acknowledge that the charisma of the four members itself add a certain quality. Nimrod Antal is the master of puppets here and he proves that he can pull some strings. So is it a good film? Off course it is since I am a Metallica fan. With Metallica, the apocalypse never sounded so good.

THE KINGS OF SUMMER

 

Directed by: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Starring: Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias, Nick Robinson
Runtime: 95 mins

I have no idea why 15 year old teenager who comes from a middle class family with no history of domestic abuse want to flee the warmth and comfort of their house. Perhaps it's a phase in their life where they do not want to do chores or willing to live like an adult (as they become an adult who has to pay bills and stuff, they wanted to get back to the old days) under the blue sky.

However the comfort of the house most people in the third world countries dream off does not make Joe Toy (Nick Robinson) happy. He hated is controlling father and ask Patrick (Gabriel Basso), his best friend to run away and built a house in the forest. Then a weird kid named Biaggio (Moises Arias) tag along.

Together they built a house from scraps. I have no idea why a bunch of 15 year old has the ability to built a somewhat decent house, perhaps they Google it first. The forest itself is not a wild forest, it is more like a city forest where they can take a 10 minute stroll to the nearest supermarket. Together they live in the forest with many ups and downs, until one girl come along. It is a lesson of being an adult and a phase they will not forget for the rest of their lives.

Lighter than Mud and Stand By Me, this is an entertaining coming of age movie suitable for everyone. The comedy is not gross but enough. Another plus point is the use of indie soundtrack with a nice montage to help with the story. This Sundance hit is something you do not want to miss on the Original Soundtrack section at the recording store (who still buys original recording? Oh people I think). What I like is that the actors are not famous (not yet) so it gives the sense of natural and believability.

BEFORE MIDNIGHT

Directed by: Richard Linklater

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy

Running time: 109 minutes

Seldom that the third film in a trilogy manages to equalize, or even surpass the second and the first. But that is not the case with the third film of Before Sunrise and Before Sunset trilogy. The last time we met Celine and Jesse, they were not a couple and it was 2004 in Before Sunset. Jesse was still married to his wife and accidentally bumps into Celine in Paris.

Loyal to the strength of the dialogue, Midnight examines what happened after the princess say "I do" at the altar. Was it a constant happy ending or is it just another beginning? How do they keep the spark alive? Does when two people grow together they grew apart? Now Celine and Jesse already a couple. They are together and having two girls, while Jesse still taking care his son from his previous marriage.

They are forty something couple, Jesse is now successful with being a writer and Celine consider trying to work for the government. Meanwhile Jesse wanted to move back to Chicago so he can be closer to his son. Rift happens between these two and we learns that keeping people together is more difficult than saying I love you.

Sure, they are happy, but they also realized that their happiness is another door to another problem, that their personal pursuit might come at the expense of their loved ones. There's a lot of talking here, just like the previous two movies but here lies the strength of the film. The witty, quirky dialogue is the one that can make you think, laugh, even cry. It bites and makes us realize, no matter how old you are, that love is a delicate thing worth fighting for. Here, Richard Linklater score a hat-trick where he can make three films equally good in quality.

MUD

Directed by: Jeff Nichols

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Sam Shepard, Reese Witherspoon

Running time: 130 minutes

Do you remember when your childhood is consisting of having real adventures in the wild instead of gluing your butt to play video games? Some might remember it and if your childhood spend with real adventures, you have a good one.

The third film from Jeff Nichols (after Shotgun Stories and Take Shelter, all featuring Michael Shannon) still covers American South, this time set in a small town next to the Mississippi river and it brings us to the two main characters, Ellis (Tye Sheridan, known for his role in The Tree of Life) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) to a certain adventure that wil change their life forever.

The two boys set to a deserted island to find an old boat. But then they encounter Mud (Matthew McConaughey), a fugitive who claims the boat and on the run because he killed a man who hurt his lover, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon). The boys are mesmerized by the heroic tale of Mud. They did not once being skeptical on the story at all.

Knowing that these boys can be useful, Mud sent them to the town to collect stuff so the boat can be flown and Mud can meet Juniper. As for Ellis himself, he has parents but they are not a good role model, so he sees a big brother figure in Mud, while Neckbone looks up to Ellis. The naive Ellis is about to learn the lesson of friendship, coming of age and love.

Nothing turns out as expected and it shows good acting from the three leading actors. The river play a major part here, representing adventure and chances, while supporting characters are also interesting like Neckbone's loving uncle, acted by Michael Shannon and Mud's so called father figure that change the course of events.

It is a film about Southerner in their homeland and it is a good story. I really liked it on how Nichols managed to tell a coming of age from the teenager's point of view. It reminded me of my own childhood, although I did not grew up next to a river, that adventure is out there!

THE ACT OF KILLING

Directors: Anonymous, Christine Cynn, Joshua Oppenheimer

Running time: 159 minutes

For most apolitical Indonesians, the new order regime remembered for its stability and progressive economical development. It was the peaceful time for most Indonesians when the prices of daily commodities were in the reach of most people, education were attainable and the middle class grows significantly. But little did they know that the so called "stability" was paved and paid by the bloods of their fellow brothers and sisters killed in the post 1965 pogrom in some areas in Indonesia. The merciless pogroms killed approximately hundreds of thousands of people, they were killed without even being trialed at all. They were killed simply because they were accused of being communist sympathizer. Was these accusations true remains to be unknown until today.

Why is it related to us now? It is because the whole new order regime was built upon the fear of communism and their sympathizers. Communist are equal with evil, cruelty and malice. The whole 30th September movement that killed six generals and an officer in 1965 was blamed solely on communist agents, who, according to the new order's government version, infiltrated the army to conduct those murders. So the new order regime keeps reminding people that communist sympathizers were wrong and "deserved" to be marginalized, even killed. The times were different back then, it was the cold war and the country was sharply divided over these things.

Most Indonesians do not know about these pogroms, some know it from hearsay and carefully edited history from the new order regime and off course it does not appear in the official history book Indonesians studied at school. The world according to the new order regime was as easy as black and white, black being the godless communist oppressors, and white being the brave anti communist, fighting the commies to unite the country. The ghost of communism need to be kept alive so the leaders of the new order regime can still hold their power.

But you cannot hid a rotten fish longer than three days, after the new order regime falls and what was once forbidden to be known by common people can now be accessed freely, people began to know each horrible aspects of the new order, not just the pogroms but also the silencing of political activist and many human rights abuses done in the name to preserve the so called "stability" of the new order regime. Some price you have to pay eh? What happened to the idea that a nation belongs to everyone without marginalization regardless of so many thing?

Then comes this chilling documentary from Joshua Oppenheimer that does not deal with the grand scale of what happened in Jakarta in 1965. In fact, if the whole 1965 pogrom thing were a picture, Oppenheimer just took a pixel of it in the form of Anwar Congo, a famous executor in Medan, North Sumatra, who claims have killed thousands of people.

Congo is an old man now, suitable to become a grandfather. He told his story of executing people with a smile. He also had his friends, fellow executioner, to tell his story. But this documentary is more than that, in a bitter turn, Oppenheimer gave these perpetrators their own "movie". He gives them a stage where these executioners re enact what they have done almost 50 years ago. It is very creepy but real.

What follows is how the "film" was made with the help of a famous paramilitary organization in Indonesia. As the film progressed, we see how these executioners questions what they have done and how the recent Indonesian political scene is keeping these people and their paramilitary organization, alive and well. We also see the bizarre film that Congo and friends trying to show, it felt like made by Alexander Jodorowsky and I wonder what the film looks like as a whole.

As a documentary The Act of Killing is successful in telling a gray and gruesome story without showing any real blood at all. It shows us, Indonesians, that we had a terrible past we must not repeat and shows international viewers that a documentary about an executioner like this is one of a kind. 

This documentary does not defend any ideology, it just shows us the banality of evil, the absurd cause on why the killing happened and what the executioners felt, do they feel some guilt or can they sleep well at night. After seeing this, you just realized that what Congo had done is just a tiny pixel in a big picture from Indonesia's troubling (and bloody) past. One cannot stop wondering what sort of picture consisted of these pixels. Are we able to look at it?

MAN OF STEEL

Directed by: Zack Snyder 
Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Laurence Fishburne
Running time: 143 minutes

Every summer we got the treat we are looking for. Resting our logic and surrender to the awesomeness of explosion, three act story and fantastic superheroes. Man of Steel is one of them and personally I liked the film although I had some disappointments too.

Man of Steel refused to call itself Superman, and this is good. Re booting a very familiar cape hero is also something nice. I liked it how David Goyer and Zach Snyder strips everything we are familiar about Clark Kent/Superman and use flashback to tell the story.

The experience every individuals watching Man of Steel may vary, those who loved the comics will out it apple-to-apple with the comic (I myself does not read the comic at all), and those who loved Richard Donner's Superman the movie might hate it. Superman doesn't kill so they say.

But they forgot that "this" Superman is grounded in reality where even a hero must chose who to save and what to fight and most of the time, the choice is very slim and difficult. As for the story, the last 30 minutes seems rushed, the action scenes are too much (well what do you expect? Some teenagers want their money worth spend, so give them destruction). No need to tell the story here Zack Snyder, working with a script by David Goyer and Christopher Nolan, embraces the myth of Superman  with a realistic understanding of how to present it in a modern way. Superman does not need to save a cat from a tree, or a kid from a burning building, here he must find himself, chose his destiny and must face the reality that although he is "super", the world might not ready for an almost undefeated hero like him.

Some performances are strong, like from Kevin Costner as Pa Kent who can shows that he is a loving father and Diane Lane as Ma Kent who is compassionate. As for the main star, Henry Cavill, he is just average. The music score is amazing, in some scenes it can make you believe that a man can fly. In general, although it has some flaws in storytelling, Snyder manages to tell a human story of an alien from Krypton who came to save us all. Isn't it nice to have a superhero someday?

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

Directed by: J. J. Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch, Karl Urban, John Cho
Running time: 133 minutes

I wonder what people would think of this film, 300 years from now. Will they be seeing it with nostalgic feeling (look son this is how they think our lives are in the 21st century) or will they point out to technological flaws? Or perhaps 300 years from now we still cannot explore space since we still kill each other in the name of God and greed, that being said, also perhaps there is a chance of zombie apocalypse that prevents mankind to boldly go where no man has gone before.

However, Gene Rodenberry's vision of the future is a nice one. Not too optimistic but not as dystopic as zombie apocalypse. As Star Trek launched as TV series in the 60s the theme is about humanism and exploration in space. In Gene Rodenberry's utopian future, poverty is no longer a problem and multiracial crew of a space ship is not a big deal at all. Sure, some actions happened but still, a franchise that survived six TV series and ten non J.J. Abrams motion picture plus a legion of Trekkies, is something of a kind.

I myself only familiar with The Next Generation series and have only seen Captain Kirk by William Shatner on several movies. I also have seen the 2009 version which I think, is very good. I really liked how J.J. Abrams re-boot the whole series but still managed to give a nod to the spirit of Star Trek itself.

So where do we start? It started in a Mount Doom like scene where Spock (Zachary Quinto) have to tame a live volcano on a primitive planet and Kirk (Chris Pine), break the rules to save Spock. Yes, breaking the rules and using your instinct is the core of this film, besides the heavy political overtones and the wonders of space.

A starfleet rogue agent, John Harrisson (Benedict Cumberbatch), bombed an archive building in London and in a smart move, gunned most starfleet officers in a way that reminded you of helicopter raid in The Godfather Part III. So Kirk is handed a mission to capture John Harrison and kill him with 72 powerful torpedoes.

After John Harrisson bombed London, it is a revenge mission, just like the hunt of Osama bin Laden, and all "laws" should be broken to capture the number one terrorist. But is he the only evil in this film? Is there something else behind it? Wait, what? I thought it is about exploring space not killing? The political allegory is palpable and that what makes Star Trek: Into the Darkness unique.

If you did not read any news about this film the twists and surprises will pleases you. Trekkie or not this one is entertaining. As for myself the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch is amazing, it is as if he cleaned my ears. The scoring is also good, Michael Giachinno manages to bring grandeur into the space.  But Mr. Abrams play safe here, if only he decided to kill one of the beloved character it surely will sent this franchise into an area no franchise has gone before. I can understand why a "safe" ending is necessary since another sequel is inevitable. If you are looking for scientific flaws then you cannot enjoy this one since it will makes your forehead frowned like a Klingon forehead. Meanwhile, live long...and prosper.

9 SUMMERS 10 AUTUMNS

Directed by: Ifa Isfansyah 
Starring: Ihsan Tarore, Alex Komang, Dewi Irawan.

From rags to riches, a very generic but interesting template. Each country has its own rags to riches story. This time it is Iwan Setyawan's turn who told his story from the city of apple (Malang) to the big apple (New York). Iwan wrote a book (with the same title) about his own experience; born in a poor family but struggle to study and finally able to work in New York.

His family might be poor but his parents are the one that makes Iwan like this today. The good and the bad, ups and down of the family is the centerpiece of the story. The film told the story of Iwan since his childhood until adult time. He had a modest childhood but a smart brain. His brain is the one that makes him successful. 

At first I am afraid that the point of this film is about materialism or being cool since New York is the embodiment of success and glamor, but it turns out that it is about family and the values within, something which resonate to Indonesians.

Kudos to production value of this film, from depicting tiny tidbits like Indonesia's money in the 80s, drive in theater that shows a classic Indonesian film of the 90s, into Times Square in 2001 that you can tell that the running text in one of the building tells about President Bush. I like those tiny attention to details. However one minor mistake is quite annoying, a Lord of the Rings: Return of the King poster in a subway on a scene set in 2001. It feels out of time.

Another clever thing is how establishing shot of New York (I suspect the production team only had less than a week to shoot in the big apple. Thus maximizing using famous landmarks in New York) with adult Iwan walking from here to there, helps to make the film look grand.

Overall the story is nice and family friendly, it tells the viewers that family is above money. This one proves that Ifa Isfansyah is a good director since I enjoy Sang Penari.

WHAT THEY DON’T TALK ABOUT WHEN THEY TALK ABOUT LOVE

Original title: Yang Tidak Dibicarakan Ketika Membicarakan Cinta

Directed by: Mouly Surya
Starring: Nicholas Saputra, Ayushita Nugraha, Karina Salim, Priambodo, Lupita Jennifer

With such a lengthy title, this one is surprisingly "quiet" although not a silent film at all. With storytelling reminded you of the Dardennes brother, What They Don’t Talk About When They Talk About Love, is an unusual love story and a good one. That is if you ara patient enough to read between the lines since I doubt summer moviegoers who flocked into Iron Man 3 and consider the special effect as the pinnacle of movie making will enjoy this one.

In a school for disabled children, or teen, there are Diana (Karina Salim), a girl with low vision (she can only see things an inch from her eyes) who secretly liked her peer, Andhika (Anggun Priambodo) who happen to be visually impaired too. Then there's Fitri (Ayushita Nugraha), another visually impaired girl who had a some sort of boyfriend but hooked into Edo (Nicholas Saputra), who is mute.

How do they speak of love if their senses are impaired? That is how this film succeed to convey. Although they had disabilities, their love is just like anybody.They must transcend their disabilities to express their feelings. Their mistakes and misunderstanding is very human. Surprisingly this film is very simple and does not try to be too difficult or reduced itself into a tearjerker moments.

The acting was good, with Nicholas Saputra shines all by himself and as a marquee name, he proves that he is worthy of admission price. However I feel something is lacking in the subtleties that follows, I think it could have been more deep and symbolic. But it is not bad, as the first Indonesian movie to be screened at Sundance this year, Mouly Surya is a filmmaker to watch.

JAVA HEAT

Directed by: Conor Allyn

Starring: Kellan Lutz, Mickey Rourke, Ario Bayu, Mike Duncan, Atiqah Hasiholan
Running Time: 103 min

Once in a while, a certain film located in Indonesia manages to surface. We still remember the boring Eat, Pray, Love which is located in Bali and got a considerable respond. Now comes this one with a very obvious title that this film is located in Java (and not about the coffee).

With names like Kellan Lutz and Mickey Rourke, it surely will attract viewers, especially in Indonesia since any United States-Indonesia cooperation are very rare. With theme of West and East and the island of Java as the backdrop, I have some expectations.

Kellan Lutz, of the ‘Twilight’ saga, is Jake Travers, an American who can use gun and fight. He get to know Hashim (Ario Bayu) an Indonesian police investigating the bomb blast that supposedly killed a pretty Sultana of Java (Atiqah Hasiholan). Soon they are paired like those cops on Lethal Weapon and countless other odd couple police pair, to try to solve the mystery.

Actions happened and truth revealed. In conclusion, the film is just so-so. Just another B-movie adventure. What makes it different that it shows Indonesian landscape in a good way, although for viewers who have no clue where Indonesia is, they can be misled by believing that Java itself is a country.

Some things are annoying. For an Indonesian like me, the police uniform by the police general is ridiculous and an anachronism in itself since that is not how an Indonesian Police General uniform looks like. Not to mention how 'clean' from unit badges Ario Bayu's uniform is. Other scenes are also ridiculous; on how the palace's guards are armed with semi automatic weapon since in Indonesia the palace guards are not even armed at all. Civilians cannot bear arms as freely as in the states; or on how some dialogues are so raw, it feels like a civic lesson being pushed down our ear. It could have been better and sadly this one is just okay.

THE GRANDMASTER

Original Title: Yi dai zong shi

Directed by: Wong Kar-wai

Starring: Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, Zhao Benshan, Song Hye-kyo

Runtime: 130 min

Once there were abundance amount of films about Wong Fei Hung, but as Bob Dylan's aptly put; Times are changing, now Yip Man is the hot item. Ever since Donnie Yen's version (Ip Man, 2008 and the sequel Ip Man 2, 2010), much interest has been showing.

Having seen the two Ip Man movie (plus The Legend is Born-Ip Man, which is boring in my opinion), I anticipate this one a bit differently since this is Wong Kar Wai, not John Woo.

Roughly 12 years in the making (it is reported that Wong Kar Wai has planned to make this as he shoot 2046), I have to say I really like The Grandmaster since it is on a different level than the two Ip Man from Donnie Yen. Sure, I like the two Ip Man, since it is entertaining but this one is something I also like.

If you are familiar with Wong Kar Wai's films then you will not be disappointed, after two decades in arthouse films such as Chungking Express (1994), In the Mood for Love (2000), and 2046 (2004), he manages to make Tony Leung, his favorite actor, awesome again. Having said that, Tony Leung himself is awesome. You can feel his charisma pouring into the whole scene in every movie.

The Grandmaster tells the story of Yip Man (Tony Leung), his ups and downs in life from his 40s in Foshan in the 1930s, suffering during Japanese occupation, flight to Hong Kong, his meeting with Gong Er (Zhang Ziyi) and several fights he faced.

Somewhere in the middle the story change focus into Gong's story and makes me wonder, is it about Ip Man or about Gong? But towards the end it goes back into Ip's story. There are so much of Wong Kar Wai's trademark here, not only the marriage between cinematography and music, but also the theme. It is not just about how martial arts evolved in China, but it is also about honor, family, philosophy, and last but not least, unrequited love, Wai's favorite theme. All of it molded beautifully and made me think so much about life in general. I think several tracks of Kitaro in this film can enhance the catharsis.

I have no complain for martial arts scene, Leung is amazing and Zhang Ziyi shows that she still got her moves since Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). But some will complain the lack of fighting scenes. Well if you expect this one to be a no brainer entertainment, you are wrong since it is more than that. One does not simply watch a Wong Kar Wai film and expect a John Woo one. Expect to have your feelings stirred beautifully.

JOURNEY TO THE WEST: CONQUERING THE DEMONS

Directed by: Stephen Chow and Derek Kok
Starring: Huang Bo, Shu Qi, Wen Zhang, Show Luo, Chrissie Chau
Running time: 110 minutes
Original Title: Xi You Xiang Mo Pian 

The story of Sun Go Kong, or Sun Wukong (I am not familiar with varieties of spelling and dialects, so forgive me if I am mistaken in spelling) is very famous in Indonesia. As a teenager I am familiar with Journey to the West TV series, aired in 1996. Although dubbed, I find the story of a monk, with his three followers, a very entertaining and meaningful one. Not just adventure, but each road trip has a so called moral message in it. The series is very famous in Indonesia and it has been re-run several times.

The TV series is not the only on screen adaptation of the legend, it has been told and re told several times on the screen since 1927. Even this year, Donnie Yen will appear as Sun Go Kong in The Monkey King.

This one is directed by Stephen Chow with the help of Derek Kwok and it tells about the prequel before the monk and his three followers embark on a journey to the west. The central character is Tripitaka, the monk, or Xuan Zang (Wen Zhang), before he is being a monk.

Xuan Zhang is a demon hunter and he believe in compassion and goodness in every demon he encounter. He even try to tame demon with the help of 300 Nursery Rhymes book. His non violence approach is at odds with his fellow demon hunter, Duan (Shu Qi), whose skill is far more better than him.

They crossed path as they try to tame (and capture) each demon. As they keep meeting each other, Duan start to fall for him. As expected, Stephen Chow's jokes are everywhere in it. I myself find the jokes to be funny, fresh and spot on. The part where Xuan Zhang met Sun Go Kong for the first time is also amazing and funny.

If you have seen Shaolin Soccer, Chinese Odyssey and Kung Fu Hustle, plus countless Stephen Chow's movies, you know what to expect. As for those Sun Go Kong fans, this is a re-telling, do not expect a sudden turn to change the story to be more weird, but it is a fresh re-telling and judging from the success in the box office chart, a sequel is guaranteed.

BELENGGU

Directed by: Upi Avianto

Starring: Abimana, Laudya Cintya Bella, Verdi Soleman, Bella Esperance, Imelda Therine

Running Time: 100 min

Psychological thrillers are rare in Indonesia. Most movies are either romantic drama, religous romantic drama, low brow horror stories or another low brow stuff. I myself rarely pay attention to low brow comedies so I have some expectation for this film. This one is a stand out since it is beyond my expectation. Belenggu itself means 'shackle' in English. It has the same name with an Indonesian classic literature written by Armijn Pane, but the story itself is not about the book. The similarity is only on the name.

Elang (Abimana) is haunted by his horrible dreams. As a closed and introverted man he saw a masked figure that seems to be the key of the horrible events, like murders that happened around him. The masked figure reminded me of the horror bunny from Donnie Darko.

Meanwhile his neighbor, Djenar (Laudya Cintya Bella), always seem depressed and it looks like that she had a problem with her husband (Verdi Soleman). In the mean time, strange things happen out of nowhere and the viewers are left puzzled by how and why until gradually the twist reveal itself.

Fans of psychological thrillers can easily guessed what happened (and who done it) but this does not reduce the enjoyment of this brilliantly scored film that can make your heart pound with curiosity. With tight editing, the acting is satisfying and I must give extra credit to the art department for creating a scary atmosphere.

However the film poster at the cinemas is a major turn off, it looks like any generic horror film and sometimes the use of too formal Indonesian language in the dialogue feels weird to Indonesian. If only the poster for Indonesian release is the one this film used at international festival, perhaps it might attracts more audiences.

Written and directed by female Indonesian filmmaker Upi Avianto, Belenggu is so far one of the best Indonesian film released early this year and one of my favorite.

SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN

Directed by: Malik Bendjelloul
Running time: 86 minutes

I wonder about the love you can't find
And I wonder about the loneliness that's mine
I wonder how much going have you got
And I wonder about your friends that are not
I wonder I wonder I wonder I do

I thought that this year's documentary feature that won in the Oscar will at least fall into 5 Broken Cameras or The Gatekeepers. But it turns out that this one won and I wonder, what do this have that the other don't?

It certainly has no controversy or political and perhaps because of being far from controversy it stood out among other nominee. Not that the other nominees are bad, some I haven's seen and personally I think 5 Broken Cameras should won.

It tells about a mystery surrounding an American singer folksong named Sixto Rodriguez. He made two albums in the U.S. in the 70s and then vanish into thin air. He did not leave a significant mark in America at all. But fame is his destiny. His vinyl arrived in South Africa and he is very famous there from time to time. His songs inspired a divided South Africa suffered from apartheid. But no one know (at the time being) where he is now.

Is it true that Rodriguez had killed himself in a stage? Or died because of drug overdose? No one seem to know for sure and myths start to grow wild, as wild as how fast his record sold in South Africa. Until a handful of South Africans, journalist and record store owner, try their own luck unsolving the mysterious Rodriguez to a very surprising end.

I don't want to spoil you the end since it is better if you knew nothing about this film or Rodriguez himself. It begins in Detroit and end in Cape Town where the Swedish documentarian Malik Bendjelloul, first heard about Rodriguez from the owner of a Cape Town record shop called Mabu Vinyl. Then a series of interviews and artistic scenes help us to solve each mystery of Rodriguez.

As a documentary about music it is filled with Rodriguez's song and as for me, I like it at the first time I heard it. The songs has souls and the lyrics shows the struggle of a working class person in the industrialized world. Most of his lyrics are inspiring and I think he is another kind of Bob Dylan.

Nearing the end, this documentary is inspiring. One quote that I liked, from Rodriguez's daughter (it is not verbatim, I just write the soul of it):  Just because someone is poor it does not mean that they do not have a big dream and not have a rich soul.

It is inspiring for those who tries to make a dent in this universe that if you are not famous in your own country, you can be famous and fabulous in another place. Like Narnia, Asgard or Vulcan. There you can be more fabulous than ever.

RECTOVERSO

Directors: Marcella Zalianty, Rachel Maryam, Olga Lidya, Happy Salma and Cathy Sharon

Starring: Lukman Sardi, Prisia Nasution, Dewi Irawan, Sophia Latjuba, Tio Pakusadewo, Acha Septriasa, Fauzi Baadila, Asmirandah, Widyawati, Marcell Domits

Running time: 110 min

According to wikipedia: "The recto and verso are respectively the "front" and "back" sides of a leaf of paper in a bound item such as a codex, book, broadsheet, or pamphlet. In languages written from left to right (such as English) the recto is the right-hand page and the verso the left-hand page. These are terms of art in the binding, printing, and publishing industries, and can be applied more broadly to any field where physical documents are exchanged."

This one is adapted from the book (a collection of short stories) of the same name, written by Dewi Lestari, a well known writer who is also a singer. I myself haven't read the book (the book itself has 11 short stories, but this film only adapt five of them).

In general, this one is an omnibus since each adaptation was made by different director. But what makes it strong (and a clever thing to patch some weak segments) is how the seamless editing was done. It feels like Cloud Atlas to me, in a good way.

Had it been obviously split like chapters on a book, then the viewers will have a clear opinion which segment is good and which is not. The choice to mixed all segments by clever editing is a good choice.

Omnibus itself are a new trend in indonesian movie scene, last year I have seen Hi5teria (a horror movie) and then there is Jakarta Hati (which I haven't seen at all) and 3Sum (I haven't seen this one too).

The five segments are (hold your breath); Malaikat juga Tahu (Angel Knows), directed by Marcella Zalianty with Lukman Sardi as Abang, an autistic guy striving for love of Leia (Prisia Nasution). Abang lives with his mother in a boarding house and I can't help to make a Star Wars connection with this segment as another character named Hans (Marcell Domits), the brother of Abang. So Hans and Leia in a boarding house? Seems legit. This segment is the strongest, Lukman Sardi gave a brilliant performance as an autistic person and the story is good.

The second one is Firasat (Premonition) directed by Rachel Maryam. Senja (Asmirandah) is a girl with sixth sense. he joins a prophetic club named Firasat that looks like an AA meeting where she fall in love with Panca (Dwi Sasono), the club leader. As for myself this segment feels weird, What on earth is Firasat club? A cult? A discussion group? Political movement? Such AA meting style is not common in Indonesia, that is why I feel disconnected. Perhaps it would be better to include another Star Wars reference here.

Curhat Buat Sahabat (Stories for my best friend) is directed by Olga Lydia. This one can also be titled "Friendzoned" where Amanda (Acha Septriasa) a damsell half distressed, have problems with guys she is dating and as they met in a cafe, she learns that her best friend, Reggie (Indra Birowo) is actually the one who loves her from beginning. This segment is also strong with good acting and I love how simple this one can be. I bet so many men out there have been in Reggie's position and can connect with this sort of story.

Hanya Isyarat (It’s Only a Sign) directed by Happy Salma is a disappointment. The whole story can work in written form, but as visual it fails. How come Al (Amanda Soekasah) who travel with other five guys have never seen Raga's (Hamish Daud) eye all this time? It feels weird. If this is a metaphor of courage to see the one you love then it feels that there is something missing. Actually it can be better if some transitional scenes were inserted to make the interaction between Al and the other male traveler have more soul to it.

Then come the weakest segment of all, Cicak di Dinding (Gecko on the Wall) by Cathy Sharon. It's not bad since the acting from Yama Carlos as Taja, a quiet painter who met Saras (Sophia Latjuba) in a bar and constantly reminded of her is good. So was with Sophia Latjuba who looks beautiful and amazing. But the story lack of logic. How long since the first one night stand and another meeting happened? What happened in between? What sort of person Taja is? The interaction is too fast to be believed. It need some transitional scenes to show that a certain time has passed. It doesn't have to be filled with verbal but several simple scenes can make this segment better.

In general this one is not a disappointment, the scenes are all equally beautiful and smooth but it can be better. Pushing the theme 'unspoken love' and filled with catchy songs, this is a decent film to watch and I think the rest of the short stories in the book can be adapted into another omnibus.

Directed by: Pablo Larraín

Starring: Gael García Bernal, Alfredo Castro, Luis Gnecco

Running Time: 118 min

I can draw parallelism between this film with the situation in Indonesia in 1998. Although we had no referendum to oust Soeharto, but the fact that people stood up because they are sick and tired of oppression and dictatorship is almost the same. it is also almost a no surprise for me that those who just stood in silent 'enjoying' the status quo are the ones that were ignorant on the fact that although economic developments happened, it must be paid with a steep price of human rights violation.

After 15 years of dictatorship rule in Chile, facing international pressure, Augusto Pinochet's government held a plebiscite (a sort of referendum) in 1988 for Chilean whether to accept or not the continuation for Pinochet's dictatorship. There are only two options; Si (Yes) or No for Chilean and both options have their own camp.

The Si faction are people who support Pinochet and the No are the leftist, opposition and those who suffer under Pinochet's rule. Here, Gael Garcia Bernal plays René, an advertising man who is in the No camp. He must devise (with help from Pinochet's political opponent) a good advertising videos to fill the 15 minute campaign spot in the national television. Meanwhile Rene's boss, Lucho (Alfredo Castro) is on the Si (Yes) camp. They have to come with the best advertising to lure people to vote in which the No camp had it hard, since they also must face intimidation from government agents.

I find it very unique that the boss and the subordinate can still work together although they are on a different political spectrum. The No camp is very creative, they use a dynamic and vibrant advertising to persuade people that dictatorship is bad. Even the Si (Yes) camp start make a parody of the No advertising.

Apart from the good story, technically the film is a breakthrough since it is shot in the video support U-matic 3:4, which was used at the end of the 1980s, to give more realism thus make the blending between the real advertising aired in 1988 and the film smooth.

Nominated for this year's Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscar (together with Amour, Kon Tiki, Rebelle and A Royal Affair), it shows that advertising is a powerful agent of change. Pretty much like a small scale Argo, but happened in South America.

A YEAR IN REVIEW PART II, OR FINALLY I MADE THE LIST

Just like last year and before, I try to make my own list of my favorite movie of the year. As always I did not watch 400 movies a year, not even close to 100. I know there might be some precious jewel out there which I haven't seen at all and perhaps should be on the list, but here are the movies I really like in 2012, not in chronological order. I actually did enjoy 21 Jump Street but haven't got the time to review it.

Personally I am against scoring or star system in judging movies. Does three star for Conan the Barbarian is the same as three star in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days? I believe art is a fluid form and should not be reduced into numbers. So without further ado, here are my list. I did not write the movie title, but just a sentence that describe the movie, together with the link into my own review. Live long and prosper!

The one with cult leader gone mad

The one about fighting against oppression

The chatty spaghetti western homage

The one about finding each other in this cruel world


The one about family and natural disaster

The one with THE TRUE LOVE OF ALL

The one with deep moral consequence

The one about love too

The one that looks like a C-SPAN period drama

The complicated one with amazing music score

The one about teen life in the 90s

The one most likely to win this year's Best Picture at the Oscar

The one about stranded alone in the sea and ponders about life in 3D

The one with so many psychopaths

The one with two buddy cops, found footage style

The neo-realist one from Riri Riza

The most successful spy movie, financially

The dysfunctional scouts of Wes Anderson

The one with the time travel

The hilarious teddy bear

The one asking about the origin of our life

The one with guilty pleasure

THE MASTER

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams
Running time: 143 minutes

Paul Thomas Anderson is one of my favorite director. I enjoy Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love and There Will Be Blood. So this film (the sixth from this 42 year old director) is the one I am waiting for, but I am unlike those annoying Christopher Nolan fans who brose the internet to read and share every tiny detail about the film before seeing the actual film. I'd rather wait until I watch the film, then I will browse for more information, if necessary.

In post World War II United States, Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), is a veteran struggling with PSTD and sex addiction to live in the peaceful society. He tries to be a photographer but involved in a fight with a costumer, then he become a cabbage farmer and intoxicate one of his fellow farmer with his moonshine. It is not until he met Lancaster Dodd (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), a leader of a philosophical movement known as The Cause that his life seems to find a light by the end of the tunnel?

But it is not as easy as that since Freddie seems to behave more violently, no matter how hard he tries to 'cure' himself with the help of Lancaster and Lancaster himself is not a 'clean' person. He has once being arrested for money fraud and his method in establishing the cult is questionable.

It is borderline creepy on how a person start a cult based on irrational and illogical belief. What is more creepy is hoe deluded their followers are in following such belief. Perhaps those people just want to fill something empty inside them which is lacking in real life, so they are easy to be duped by Lancester.

The acting was great, Pheonix and Hoffman are amazing and Paul Thomas Anderson shows us beautiful scenery which reminded us of There Will Be Blood. The music by Johnny Greenwood add the element of alienation and sadness. Frankly I do not know how to feel about this film, it is good but somewhat strange and distant. Perhaps as strange and as distant as The Cause itself.

A YEAR IN REVIEW PART I OR, AN ASTON MARTIN TO REMEMBER

Normally people made their personal 'best [insert year] film' in December but as for me I prefer to do it now because I must watch some movies most critics said are the best of the year first and most of them cannot be watched in December. So I can made my own decision on my own 'best' list. Since I have not seen The Master from one of my favorite director; Paul Thomas Anderson, I will write my 'best [insert year] film' list a little bit later. That is why this one has 'Part I' attached to it since the list will be written in Part II. However I think I should write down my very own movie moments of 2012. Here they are;

My hysterical cinema moment
As the Aston Martin car appears in Skyfall I scream in silence inside my head. It's my favorite movie car and the fact that Skyfall released at the 50th anniversary of James Bond makes it more sentimental for me, a lifelong James Bond fan. My happiness lasted for a short while since the car finally destroyed in the climactic scene.

The most annoying hype
I have to say The Dark Knight Rises wins this time. All the hype surrounding the third Batman film from Christopher Nolan makes me annoyed. Every time I checked in at the social networking site I always see people posting tiny tidbits including spoiler speculation on The Dark Knight Rises. People, can you be patient? Can you just barricade yourself from useless obsession and just wait until the movie is released? The less you know about a film the better your experience. I even wrote a piece about it here. What makes me happy is that in the end The Dark Knight Rises wasn't that good. With plot holes as big as the Pacific Ocean, those fan-boys now can cry in shame. Embrace yourself, Man of Steel hype is about to come this year!

The most amazing soundtrack
I like the score from Cloud Atlas, it helps me in writing articles and I don't know why not even Golden Globe acknowledge the genius behind Cloud Atlas.

The most painful movie experience
Watching The Hobbit in 3D HFR 48 fps is painful. The scenes are weird and surreal. Just stop it with 48 fps, or 60 fps or even more. Just stahp!

My very own guilty pleasure
Habibie and Ainun. Annoying product placements and unconvincing make up aside, the 'based on a true story' thing is the real power behind it. It is not a fictional tale but a proven one. Although I still wanted this film to be more political and critical.

My sublime movie experience
I have to say, watching Lewat Djam Malam at the cinema as my sublime moment since it is a rare occasion that  get to see a classic black and white Indonesian film at the cinema. I feel as if I am transported into the past. Not only that, at the cinema only 10 people present. I always liked it when I watch a movie inside an almost empty cinema.
 

The most amazing female actress
Emanuelle Riva. At 85 she acted amazing in Amour. She should win best actress at the Oscar.

The craziest male actor
Javier Bardem in Skyfall is a freak and he should get nomination in the Oscar too. I also like Sam Rockwell in Seven Psychopaths.

I read the book before it was filmed
I already know the end of Life of Pi and put high hopes on Ang Lee. My hopes were paid off since Life of Pi is good.

Movie I really enjoyed but haven't got the time to review it
There are plenty, but  recall a classic titled, La Notte Di Cabiria from Fellini to be the one since I really like it. I am still waiting for my mood to wrote in my other blog.

The one I despised
If 2011 has Transformers 3 to be hate then this year Battleship is the culprit. That film is nothing more than just explosion spectacle mith mediocre acting and a template story we have already seen so many times.
 

The one I missed
I did not remember the last time I watch a film in the cinema which is being projected by a celluloid projector. I missed seeing those scratches on the film, or how a dark dot appear at the top right corner of the film, a sign that a reel is about to be done and must be replaced. Or how a projectionist misplace reel two for reel four, thus ruining the story and how some guy running away in a hurry carrying film magazine to be transported into another cinema, being a reel transporter and worst case scenario, a sign in the screen that says; We are sorry another reel has not arrived yet. Digital projection is good, but sometimes I kinda missed those old school stuff.

My favorite movie dialogue

    Charlie: Put your hands up!
    Hans: No.
    Charlie: But I've got a gun!
    Hans: I don't care.
    Charlie: That doesn't make any sense!
    Hans: Too bad!

Taken from Seven Psychopaths.