Gie

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..

My biggest satisfaction in this movie is watching Nicolas acting out all the characters in Soe Hok Gie. I read the diary before watching the movie, and Nicolas is so spot-on about most of Soe Hok Gie. Superb. Love Nicolas sooooo much!

this movie was one of my highly anticipated movie, but the result turns me down..basically, the plot is some what boring because of the inconstancy story narration makin its very confusing for me to follow the flow of the main character GIE, at the opening of this movie i already cant understand the whereabouts of gie, so pluralistic but cover almost nothing of gies unique personal background, the question in multidimensional opening scene that it has to cover the "who-why" aspect not just the who part and the why part, which to avoid an misinterpretation.

riri riza should have done more research on the issue of gie especially on hes mind set,in my perspective he himself doesn't understand GIE stand point way of mind where logically how can you expect hem to let the viewer know gie if he himself doesn't understand gie, which in the end he makes the looks of GIE struggle and stand point looks completely naive.

i understand the task in directing GIE is a hard task you have to know and understand philosophy to create the perfect composition of GIE, not just plainly adapting it from hes book which by the way is only a simple diary , plain adaptation of gie is which i think creates the roots of the storyline-disorder of this movie.

the poor artistic value and the unmet tone color of the movie ,even more makes me unattached to the movie , a more effort should have been done in both of the department, but overall i do appreciate riri riza and the gang for the moral effort of even have the boldness to picture a story like this ,salute......

"How a person masters his fate is more important than what his fate is".

-wilhem van Humboldt

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.

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.