Laskar Pelangi

This is the most anticipated movie in Indonesia, in 2008. It is a movie about a small poor school, that has only two dedicated teachers and 10 pupils, struggle for survival.

One thing is very common for movie critics in Indonesia. They tend to give more credits if the movies being reviewed contain good moral values. The same thing happens with this movie, Laskar Pelangi. Many reviewers acclaim this movie, and I choose to be on the other side, to see the movie as an art, regardless of the moral values within the movie.

To say that this movie is a bad one of course is not true, but to say that it is an extremely good movie is an over-statement. It is good, up to certain aspects. The beginning is beautifully rendered, and will bring back memories to anyone who has been at Belitung Island. The siren sound in the background that signal the end of the work hour sure is a brilliant addition. But then, as the story goes, it looses grasp that has been so well developed in the first 15 minutes.

Another weakness is that the producers are not brave enough to take risk to use local talents, they still use movie stars. The 10 local kids that play the central role are showing their talents, and of course they don't have to struggle to speak in local dialect, not like the other movie star. Yes, some of the movie star play their role flawlessly: Robby Tumewu played remarkably well as "baba toko" (Chinese shop owner) to haggle all the time with the buyer, a common sight in Belitung; Slamet Raharjo Jarot also, as a sympathizer of the school. But the other I will rate as average, some even below average. But the central roles I admit are well acted.

The main weakness is the ambient of the movie. It lacks sights and sounds that brings the feel of being in Belitung. It focuses too much in the dialog, and miss the important shots that really shows what does it look like being in a small island in Belitung. The only one that gets quite good shots is the shots in the beach, which is beautiful, naturally.

The scenario which is based on a best seller novel of the same title also lacks the sense of integrity. It jumps from one scene to another. Yes, it is difficult to transfer the book to movie-script, because the book itself is too fragmented. The writer should be braver to invent new plots, in order to create a wholesome picture.

As conclusion, it could have been better, seen from the eye of myself, which has spend my entire childhood in this island.

Laskar Pelangi (2008) is an inspiring film with a heartfelt and sincere story. It portrays the struggles of children in a remote area striving for education, delivering powerful messages about hope, friendship, and perseverance. The cinematography beautifully captures the stunning landscapes of Belitung, enhancing the film's emotional depth. The actors' performances feel natural, bringing each character to life. While the pacing slows down in some parts, the film remains touching and provides a memorable viewing experience. The film's soundtrack also adds to the emotional impact, making each scene more engaging and heartfelt.

I am genuinely in love with this film. This is one of the best Indonesian movie I have ever seen. This story is adapted from a best-selling novel entitled "Laskar Pelangi" by Andrea Hirata. This film tells about 10 children called Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops) by their teacher. These children live in rural area, in a poor environment but their heart and imaginations are always rich. The main character of this film is Ikal, a curly-haired young boy who has a dream to study abroad, his relations with his friends and teachers, and his struggles with his family financial condition. The scenery is so beautiful, Belitung island, rich of natures. All of the characters are based on the author's real life story so everyone seems very realistic. This movie is amazing and very inspiring. I recommend you to watch this.

Laskar Pelangi tells a story of a group of friends and their adventures. It's a wonderful story of childhood innocence. Set before my time, the story really drew me into their world.

Socioeconomic issues were addressed from the view point of children. Poverty, access to education, and racial issues were met with positive attitudes. The bond of childhood friendship and innocent first crushes brings back fond memories. Riri Riza brought back some Sherina vibes, a nod to his debut movie.

There was some really cinematic view of the beautiful Belitung, too. Sets and costume was quite on point to bring us back into the time period.

Laskar Pelangi is worth your time. It makes a really good movie night edition for your family.

This is one of few Indonesian movie that makes me cry, laughs, and inspired at the same time. It show how beautiful Bangka island is. I watch it with my best friend who was originally from Bangka and she said: "This movie capture the beauty of Bangka so perfectly, she felt so touched and want to go home to Bangka." The simple stories of 10 little poor kids studying together in a run down Muslim school. The school has 1 principle, 2 teacher and 10 students.

The story show poverty from a different angle, it doesn't blame poverty instead it reveal the "secret" that the best thing in live can't be bought with money. The pure happiness from extremely poor little children that can barely afford shoes, make us wonder "Why can't we be more satisfied with our lives and start to give more to those who need it?" Friendship, puppy love, willingness to give, faith is the beauty of life, isn't it? The acting of Cut Mini Theo is natural and touching. But the best part of this movies is seeing those innocent children laughs and play in the wilderness, it just pure happiness and you can just felt that it's not fake, it's genuine, the chemistry between this young actors felt so real. Riri Riza is a very talented director and I hope he can bring more of his movies to an international movie platform, he has so much potential.

I'm looking forward for the see the sequel of Laskar Pelangi, because it's adapted from a wonderful book, which I believe has more to the story. This book has make a phenomenon in Indonesia, a big hit in the book community, and a even bigger hit in ALL community in Indonesia. There is even a new book called "Laskar Pelangi, the Phenomenon" because of this is the biggest thing going on right now. The female teacher that inspired the story got a reward because of her dedication to teach poor student from remote area. Indonesia government even reconsider the education policy and make effort to understand the education system in other more untouched village outside the more develop Java.

The author of the book, Andrea Hirata is a brilliant young man. As a back packer, his dream is to live in the highest village in the world, Gompa in the Himalayas. He receive scholarship to study master degree in French and UK and graduated cum laude from both University. This is his first book, and he instantly become the a widely author in Indonesia, from teenager to intellectual professional.

This is definitely a breakthrough in Indonesia movie and literature world