Laskar Pelangi

This movie is definitely one of the best movie ever made by Indonesian director in recent years. This movie has overtaken Ayat Ayat Cinta (AAC) as the most seen movie in Indonesian's cinemas. The latest info from Indonesian newspaper says that total people watched Ayat Ayat Cinta was about 3.7 millions (final result) while Laskar Pelangi has acquired about 4 millions spectators as of end of October 2008 (after 1 month showing) and the movie is still showing in many theaters throughout big cities in Indonesia. It is expected that 5 millions spectators is within reached and this movie can be a new milestone for Indonesian Film.

The story tells about 10 children known as LASKAR PELANGI (RAINBOW'S ARMY)and their brotherhood, honesty and most of all: spirit to conquers all barricades. This movie is helpful for parents who try to convince their children that results depend on effort and nothing is taken for granted. Besides, this movie is based on a real life story and all characters stated in the movie are still alive and can be verified.

I am a horror-movie fan but watching this movie has made me crying and laughing almost the same time. Through this film, I thank God that I did not have to suffer like them.

Have just seen the European Premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. This was the first Indonesian film I had ever seen and did not know what to expect. I was not disappointed. It was colourful, beautifully photographed and well acted by the young cast. The plot was somewhat simplistic and the 'preachy' pro Islamic Education sentiments which were repeated ad-nauseum throughout became rather tiresome. Other systems work as well you know! Despite this I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and only the extremely hard of heart would not have to wipe tears from their eyes at the moving finale. Highly recommended. It deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

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.

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.

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