Kartini

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.

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..

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.

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.

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!