Movie Review Ungu Violet (2005)

 Ungu Violet | 2005 | 1h 55m
Genre: Drama/Romance | Country: Indonesia
Director: Rako Prijanto | Writers: Jujur Prananto
Cast: Dian Sastrowardoyo, Rizky Hanggono, Rima Melati
IMDB: 6.2
My Rate: 6/10

Lando meets Kalin by chance and opens a path for her in the modeling world, leading to a spark of love between them. But the trauma he suffers makes Lando choose to leave Kalin's life.

Warning:

Contains sensual scenes and strong language.

 

Synopsis:

Lando (Rizky Hanggono) experiences depression after being left by his fiancée. His job as a photographer for a renowned magazine is in chaos. He doesn't do a good job of finding a new cover face for his magazine. Instead, he gives his boss a photo of a pickpocketing incident that happened on the bus. This makes his boss a little annoyed, but he still gives Lando a chance.

Lando, looking back at the photos he took, accidentally sees the face of a woman that catches his eye. The woman is Kalin (Dian Sastrowardoyo), a Transjakarta ticket booth attendant. Lando tries to get to know Kalin and offers her a job as a model.

Kalin initially doesn't want to take the job. But, the need for money for her grandmother's treatment makes her brave enough to visit Lando. Finally, they do some photoshoots and Lando's boss approves of it.

Kalin's face is on the front cover of the magazine. Kalin is very grateful to Lando. But, after the photoshoot, Lando disappears as if keeping his distance. Kalin visits Lando's apartment again. Kalin can only leave her phone number because she doesn't find Lando at his apartment.

After mustering the courage to call Kalin, their relationship gets closer again. Kalin also gets some photoshoot offers from agencies. Lando, remembering his past trauma, tries to hide his feelings and breaks up with Kalin. This incident hurts Kalin deeply.

Lando's attempt to forget Kalin isn't as easy as he imagined. Especially when Kalin's face is clearly displayed on billboards and magazines. It's as if wherever Lando goes, Kalin is in his sight.

Will Lando and Kalin be able to reunite?

 

Review:

Ungu Violet is Rako Prijanto's directorial debut. The story idea is interesting, although not very original. But the execution feels less successful in delivering a story that leaves a lasting impression. Especially the film title, which doesn't seem to have any correlation with the story presented until the end.

The story is presented systematically, but it doesn't flow and feels choppy. The chemistry between the actors is also less visible. The foundation of the story is built well enough. But the conflict development and resolution are also not deep enough, too shallow on the surface. There are many things that could be explored further to provide a richer presentation, considering the film's duration which can be said to be quite long.

The acting of the actors feels less equal between the main and supporting actors. There's nothing special and it feels stiff. Even though some prominent actors and actresses took roles in this film.

There are some details in the scenes that lack attention to logic. Lando's room, which is never locked, shows how easily Kalin can come and go. Logically, this would definitely make it vulnerable to theft, right? Especially the apartment caretaker, who never checks who's going in and out of the apartment.

The scene when Kalin's grandmother faints in the bathroom. The leaky house makes Kalin’s grandmother want to get a bucket to catch the dripping water. For some reason, she has to get the bucket in the bathroom that's full of water. Even though in the next scene, Kalin herself has already taken the bucket that she used to mop.

When Kalin realizes her feelings and tries to chase after Lando. Kalin runs with the glass of drink she just had. Was she so panicked that she forgot to put down the glass? #spoiler. The glass is actually used for the sake of the storyline where Kalin is made blind. Even though there are many ways that could be done more logically.

Towards the end, to provide a plot twist in the story. Another character is introduced suddenly, without any background development or anything else. So, this character feels a little forced to create the story's resolution.

Besides the scenes that have been explained above, there are some other details that could have been presented better. Overall, this film is still enjoyable with a clear storyline. Although there are many things that probably need to be fixed again.

 

Memorable Scene:

Lando meets his doctor and talks about his decision to leave Kalin. Lando tells the story while laughing, but with a sad expression. In this scene, we can see that many people often hide their sadness through laughter. Actually, that feeling will be even more painful.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

"How much someone's worth is felt when they're gone."

 

Ending:

Happy Ending

 

Recommendation:

Okay to Watch

 

(Aluna)