Kartini

I did not realise just how moved I was by this film until my wife came home as it finished and I had a catch in my throat as I explained the story.

It must have taken incredible courage and determination to rebel against the entrenched traditions that hemmed Kartini in. And she didn't only do it for herself, battling too for the right of poor girls to be educated.

Her achievements put most of us to shame. Today she is a recognised Hero of Indonesia, with a national holiday in her name. Incredible for someone who died at the age of 25.

It was a privilege to watch this film and discover a true story I knew nothing about.

As an American, I am honored to have had the chance to watch this film and learn about Indonesian culture, history, and in particular, the struggle for women.

The acting was well done and the creativity of scenes in the film were fascinating from the caged birds to the moments where the girls read books and see the characters and authors right next to them. Beyond proud and inspired by the strength of these women and I admire so much Kartini and even her father for being willing to lean into change.

However, I could not give this a full 10 out of 10 because much of the film also felt very inauthentic and forced. From the silliness of the girls to the outbursts of emotion and support from others, it felt less realistic. This took away from the real struggle and suffering of these people who truly lived and went through these things.

As said, I am happy I watched it, but I wish it had felt more grounded and real than succumbing to happy moments just to smooth over the tough things.

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.

A very inspiring film for women, and it also managed to make me cry... This film is also a great choice to watch with family, and also for those who want to learn Indonesian history. Thank you for making this film!

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.