Gie

This biopic avoids common genre pitfalls by steering clear of hagiography. Instead, it serves as a mood piece, presenting a series of incidental scenes that intersect with significant historical events, emphasizing their impact.

The film's portrayal of its central character is subtle and poetic, mirroring the understated beauty of the narrative. The cinematography is both strong and seamlessly integrated, balancing formal beauty with naturalism. The film's naturalism is enhanced by its gentle music and focus on small, intimate moments.

Set against a backdrop of political turmoil and corruption, the film's melancholic tone is underscored by the protagonist's love for nature and tranquility, which infuses the story with genuine heart and humanity. It contrasts the calm and serenity of the protagonist's world with the pervasive corruption of the times.

"Gie" stands out for its unique approach to important themes, blending a wistful and melancholic mood with a clear political intent to create a deeply emotional portrait of its era.

"Gie" is a movie based on the true story of the young Indonesian student activist Soe Hok Gie (1942-1969). He was a vocal, idealistic, often angry voice criticizing the government of Soekarno in the 1960's. The movie follows the life of Gie from childhood, showing the influences that shaped his uncompromising character. His early days as a schoolboy already shows signs of an unyielding will, especially in the face of unjust authority. Gie kept a diary of his thoughts and opinions, which forms the backbone of this film. He was a voracious reader, and was especially attracted to the existentialist thinking of Albert Camus. He was also a prodigious and articulate writer, penning countless critiques of the government, both as a student and later as a lecturer at the prestigious University of Indonesia. His diary is full of musings on different aspects of life. He led student anti-government rallies. Yet at heart he is a patriot, ultimately concerned with the well being of Indonesia and its poorest citizens. His untimely death at 26 due to accidental poisoning by noxious fumes from the Semeru mountain in Java ended a life of prodigious output. The movie does not reveal merely the political aspect of his life, but also poetry, love, and his passionate dedication to a self-examined life. At almost three hours long, it does not feel dull and at the end the viewer is cinematic ally satisfied. It reminds me of the intensely emotional dramas of Martin Scorsese, in particular the recent "Aviator". In technical respects the movie does not quite reach those heights, but it has the same intimate personal feel. You know from watching this film that the Director is passionate about the material. The cinematography is gorgeous, especially in the outdoor and mountain scenes. It is not perfect, some scenes feel a bit long, and some of the acting is uneven, but on the whole it is highly recommended, especially for young Indonesians striving for a sense of national identity and purpose in their lives.

I would have to agree with another comment giver on this movie about the vagueness of Gie's relationship with his father, the human side of Gie that only appeared in the latter part of the movie, the fact that Gie always seemed to be sheltered from the fistfights that rampantly broke up among the debaters at the university, and the narration style that was rather monotonous and unclear. However, I must say that when watched in a more relaxed mood, I really did enjoy the cinematography of this movie. The soundtrack and the casting were fabulous as well (umh, hello, you don't get any better than Nicholas Saputra!).

However, I'm rather disappointed with the plot of the latter part of the movie, but since this was based on true story then I really can't blame the screenwriter--I just expected better from such an important and respected man in Indonesia's history.

Anyway, this movie is an interpretation of the life of Soe Hok Gie, a young Chinese Indonesian activist who lived in the 1960's and was an influential freelance journalist and university students' leader who opposed the communist party and the regimes of Indonesia's first presidents Sukarno and Suharto. His dream was to see Indonesia become a land truly founded on justice and righteousness, and his academic life was all about the fight to make this come true. Up to the point that he reaches the climax of seeing the Sukarno regime crumble down, I have tremendous respect for this person, and I still esteem him as a very important person in Indonesia's history. I am also proud to share his Chinese heritage. I just feel really pity, though, that Soe did not seem to be quite ready to grow out of an intellectual student's life and face a new season afterwards. Do watch the movie to find out what I mean. I think it should be legitimate, though, to hint that you won't be disappointed with the way the filmmakers portrayed the ending... I'll keep you curious on this one. WATCH IT!

By the way, if you read Indonesian, feel free to surf to my journal entry "Catatan Seorang Perantau" for my further thoughts on this movie and what I think today's intelligent young generation should learn from it. www.myspace.com/graceclarissa

This biopic stands apart from typical films of its genre by avoiding the usual hagiographic tendencies. Instead of glorifying its subject, it presents a mood-driven narrative, a series of incidental scenes that intertwine with key historical moments, highlighting their significance.

The protagonist is portrayed with subtlety and poetic expression, and the film reflects this tone. Gie is portrayed with a quiet beauty, and the cinematography, though striking and well-composed, feels effortless and natural. The film maintains a sense of formal beauty without detracting from its naturalistic approach, supported by gentle music and a focus on small, meaningful moments.

Although the film addresses a period of great turmoil and persistent political corruption, it also emphasizes the protagonist's appreciation for nature and tranquility, which adds depth and humanity to the story. It portrays the country and its people, using moments of calm to contrast with the pervasive corruption, creating a poignant and thoughtful exploration of the past and its relevance to the present..

This movie is a part of Indonesian Struggle when Soekarno almost ended. But the struggle not just for origin Indonesian race, that other race can do that, Chinese include for the struggle. Gie, as a student have idea who really want free and this country should have shape for the our future. But, the Gie feeling disappointed with all the happened not supporting him. Finally, he going to some mountains for forget the politics. Nature is his soul, he can enjoy at there and thinking about the God. Relationship Gie with the mountains give him strength and peace. I love the scene when Sita singing "Donna dona". Its very powerful.....but this movie very slowly so that I'm not patient.