Kartini

Great movie, a must watch movie, the untold story of Kartini

Here are some unique references to consider:

The book Hilda van Suylenburg was authored by Cécile de Jong van Beek, a prominent Dutch feminist from the 19th century who was highly influential in the Netherlands.

In Meera Kosambi's book about Pandita Ramabai, it is noted that Pandita Ramabai (a notable Indian social reformer, 1858-1922) served as an inspiration for Kartini. In a letter dated July 1902, Kartini expressed her enthusiasm that not only white women could achieve independence, but Indian women could also attain freedom.

Regarding feminism and nationalism, a re-translation of the Dutch original edition of this book includes Kartini's fourteen letters to a girl in Amsterdam, which are among the most impactful of her surviving correspondence.

Dutch colonization of what is now Indonesia lasted over 130 years (1800-1949). However, Dutch involvement began much earlier, around the 1600s, when the Dutch East India Company started trading spices and textiles with the Mughals and East Asian countries.

Late 1800s... turn of the century ... coastal Jepara, Central Java, where polygamy in men was a normal part of life, almost 80-90 % of the marriages would end up in polygamous marriages*...when the girls were forced to a seclusion after their first menstrual cycle, where the women have to walk on their knees in the presence of the nobility and the women were expected to show their complete subservience to the men ...the race to get the title of Rayden Ayu was the utmost goal.. this is a biopic of a rebellious princess Kartini.. She advocated emancipation and education for women.. she opened the first Indonesian primary school for native girls.. An excellent screenplay and great performance by Indonesian actress Dian Sastrowardoyo..a must watch story about Indonesia national hero..

One of the most beautiful moment is the dialog between Ngasirah (Christine Hakim) and Kartini (Dian Sastrowardoyo).

"What can I learn from Dutch?" ask Ngasirah. "Freedom," Kartini answer. "And what you learn from Javanese?" ask Ngasirah again. Kartini shakes her head. "It's Devotion" Ngasirah said.

This dialog encapsulate the entire story of the film. To understand the social fabric of the era, feudalism and colonialism were deeply entrenched in the Indies system. They contributes to the pattern of patriarchy in almost all indigenous households, where a man dominates the economic, political, and even social interests of women. So most character in this story face the same challenge, including Kartini, Ngasirah, Raden Mas Adipati Ario Sosroningrat and Moeryam.

This is the best biopic by Hanung Bramantyo and beautifully shot by Faozan Rizal. Dian Sastro is able to carry the weight of the film. Stellar performance by Christine Hakim as Ngasirah and Deddy Sutomo as Raden Mas Adipati Ario Sosroningrat. Reza Rahadian and Adinia Wirasti appears only as a cameo though.

Kartini offers a warm, respectful biopic that honors an emblematic figure of Indonesian women's emancipation. The film excels visually-period costumes, production design, and locations convincingly evoke the late 19th century. The lead performance is earnest and commanding, and supporting actors help underline the inner conflicts and aspirations at the story's core.

Its greatest strength lies in conveying themes of education, intellectual freedom, and moral courage in a conservative social setting. The screenplay often lands emotionally and invites reflection rather than delivering empty rhetoric.

On the downside, the pacing can feel sluggish at times, and several subplots are simplified for dramatic clarity. The broader socio-political texture is not always fully explored, which makes some historical dilemmas appear less nuanced than they might be. Overall, Kartini is an elegant, inspiring watch-thoughtful and dignified, though not the most analytically rigorous biopic.