Laskar Pelangi

I recommend people to read the book. It's a good movie but the book is stunning.

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.

I came to watch this movie without much expectation and did not know anything about the hype that has been surrounding it. I sat down and ate my popcorn. Then the film started. I watch and watch and watch without noticing that 2 hours has passed and I woke up and now see world and a whole different angle.

This is a story of our lives. We may notice or not, but millions of children were left out there without enough food, shelter, clothes let alone education. Watching this movie and saw how 10 brave rainbow warriors (title of the film) went through harsh life with tears and joy but without remorse, it really moved me how we always look above us with envy but not noticing (or worse, ignore) all the blessing that many other people may not have.

two thumbs up for Andrea Hirata for sharing his life and be motivator for us to understand life better and thankful for the bless God gives us. And a standing applause for Riri Reza and the team for adopting the movie from a different angle. Thank you for showing and moving me to understand and act how a live should be.

I have watched this movie and I will not hesitate to watch it the second time and enjoy how Ikal, Lintang, Mahar and friends share their happiness despite the cruelty of world.

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 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.