Movie Review Gie (2005)

 

Gie | 2005 | 2h 27m
Genre: DocuDrama/Period Drama/Biography/Drama/History | Country: Indonesia
Director: Riri Riza | Writers: Riri Riza
Cast: Nicholas Saputra, Jonathan Mulia, Thomas Nawilis
IMDB: 7.6
My Rate: 9/10

Based on Soe Hok Gie's journal, this film tells the story of Gie and his friends' struggle to uphold justice for the people amidst Indonesian politics through various risky and dangerous actions.

Warning:

Contains scenes of violence, strong language, smoking, sensual scenes, and sensitive issues.

 

Synopsis:

Gie (Jonathan Mulia) is a critical teenager. His father, a writer, has a strong influence on his way of thinking. Gie, who loves reading, becomes a little arrogant and thinks he knows everything. He often argues with his teachers at school.

Gie is friends with Han (Christian Audi) and they are always together. They even tried to harm their teacher when Gie got a grade he didn't agree with. Although they didn't go through with it after seeing the teacher's family. Han suddenly has to leave with his aunt and Gie loses him.

As an adult, Gie (Nicholas Saputra) tries to use a different approach to convey his way of thinking to the public, especially to students. He doesn't like political bias and tries to be neutral. Gie has many discussions with students through filmmaking, and he often hikes mountains with his friends.

But politics has started to enter the world of campus. He can't just stand by and watch. Gie and his friends try to keep the campus from being exploited by politicians. Gie is also active in expressing his opinions through newspapers. Until politics heats up and starts to endanger him.

Will Gie succeed in his mission?

 

Review:

Gie is a film based on the book Catatan Seorang Demonstran (Notes of a Demonstrator) by Soe Hok Gie. This book is his diary, published in 1983. Bringing a character to life and building a story from a diary definitely has its own challenges. Interpretation into a film screenplay and onto the screen is crucial.

The acting of the actors is very good, not just the main characters but also the supporting characters. The storyline is also neatly structured, although the romantic love story that's woven in feels out of place. Because from the beginning, Gie's character is built as a strong and critical character. You can see how the rebellious teenage Gie reacts when he's given a bad grade by his teacher. But Gie's character becomes a little confusing as an adult and feels less strong.

The use of formal language doesn't make this film stiff, it actually adds to the aesthetics of the film itself. The color composition used and the camera movement are done quite well. Every detail of the scene is presented well. The choice of wardrobe and makeup is appropriate for the time period used. Plus, the choice of music and songs is appropriate for each scene. The original soundtrack created gives a deep meaning to each scene.

Viewers will see a variety of emotions in the scenes presented, such as warmth, sadness, and tension. However, there are some scenes that feel unnecessary to show, like when Sinta talks to Ira about Gie. Some scenes also need to be strengthened so that we know for sure the main message that the film wants to convey.

Overall, this film is quite interesting to watch repeatedly. The storyline and Nicholas Saputra's acting are definitely commendable.

 
Memorable Scene:

Han, who has always wanted to go to the beach but hasn't been able to yet, finally gets to see the beach. But unexpectedly, this becomes his first and last chance. This leaves a lasting impression, where Han takes his last breath in the place he dreamed of.

 
Memorable Dialogue:

"I'd rather be exiled than surrender to hypocrisy."

 

Ending:

Sad Ending

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)