Yuni

This movie not only shows you how traditions vary in other cultures, but only which struggles they cause for the people affected by it. It manages to grab your mind and fully emerges you into this world and you try to imagine what you would do in such a situation or how you could possibly escape it.

A really important story to be told and brought to western societies. The quality of cinematography and sound is of course not on a top notch level, but this isnt important. Yuni shows, that a gripping story is ALL you need for a great movie, no matter if you film it on a RED or an iPhone.

Indonesia's official entry to 2022's Oscars is a very good coming-of-age. It's simple yet powerful and sensational. It tackles interesting important topics like sexual awakening, virginity, early marriages, girls' dreams and access to education in a conservative traditional society. But it feels incoherent and distant sometimes due to having too many subjects to portray, it doesn't take one clear path to follow.

Found myself captivated by the sheer brilliance since the beginning. Yuni isn't just a film; it's a journey into the depths of human experience, a visual and emotional feast that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

The storytelling is nothing short of poetic, weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonated with every fiber of my being. The characters felt like old friends, their struggles and triumphs becoming my own. The script is a work of art, seamlessly blending moments of laughter, heartache, and profound introspection.

The cinematography is breathtaking, each frame a carefully crafted tableau that captures the essence of the narrative. The play of light and shadow, coupled with stunning visuals, elevates Yuni to a level of visual poetry rarely seen in contemporary cinema. Every scene is a visual symphony that transports you into a world where reality and fantasy dance in perfect harmony.

The performances by the cast are nothing short of extraordinary. The actors breathe life into their characters, delivering performances that are both nuanced and deeply moving. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, creating a cinematic alchemy that transcends the screen.

What sets Yuni apart is its ability to provoke introspection and leave a lasting impact. Long after the credits rolled, the film lingered in my thoughts, prompting me to reflect on the complexities of life, love, and the human condition. It's a rare gem that not only entertains but also leaves you with a profound sense of connection to the world around you.

In the grand tapestry of cinema, Yuni stands as a shining star. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, a visual and emotional odyssey that will resonate with audiences for years to come. This is not just a movie; it's an experience that transcends the boundaries of the silver screen. Yuni is a masterpiece that deserves every accolade it receives-an unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of storytelling.

"Yuni" causes one to leave the theatre in a stage of deep, introspective thought about their life and value of their choices. A character-focused and vibrant picture pinned amongst an otherwise dreary backdrop of crumbling, urbanized cityscape, Kamila Andini's third feature masters the powerful grace of femininity, represented by a character embodying wisdom and power with a childish awe.

A film dripping with Naturalistic beauty, unhindered by the frills of intricate camerawork and sets, "Yuni" feels as though it just so happened to be documented. It simply exists as all life does, allowing you to see what you wouldn't normally. Highlighted by actor chemistry, the feelings of raw tears, the rarely-spoken-about uncomfortability of a young, lusting body and an unsuredness of what to do with it--are spoken through the narratives of friendship, family and the unknown future.

Highlighted by ever-so-gentle strings, the film's scarcity of music and gentility of spoken word suggest deep melancholy and patience. Andini's film speaks just as much in its silence as it does in its words. The production (Ifa Isfansyah) and sound (Lim Ting Li, Alexis Rault) are wondrous and contextually apropos.

Bathed in natural light both literally and in metaphor, "Yuni" viscerally portrays the harsh realities of womanhood in Muslim culture. Surrounded by difficult themes of sex, marriage and a forced sense of maturity, Arawinda Kirana (Yuni) masterfully exudes the qualities of a young girl, full of uncertain hope and struggle. Surrounded by societal affirmations of "luckiness" regarding arranged marriage, she conveys the uncertainty we all would feel if pressured to marry young, unpreparedly.

One would be remiss not to highlight Kevin Ardilova's Yoga, an admirer of Yuni and poet-extraordinaire. His clunky yet loving awkwardness is comically endearing, filled with skittish hope and desire with little confidence to act upon it. He serves as a mirror to every boy with a love interest at that age, in the funniest and kindest of ways.

"Yuni", in a word, could be captured by subtlety. Not only in its style, but also in the nuance of unceremoniousness seen in its characters and their interactions with each other. Never over-preaching its themes, it exemplifies social commentary film at peak self-reflectivity and honesty. Filmed with a subtle documentary style and colorful aura comparable to Barry Jenkins' 2016 Oscar winner "Moonlight", "Yuni" is a fantastic entry point into the lovely world of international cinema.

Award-winning director Bong Joon Ho's claim still rings true: "Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films."

Obsessed with the color purple and confident in her dreams, Yuni is close to graduating from high school. Her grades are good, her parents supportive, and her future bright. This is until the unexpected and unwanted marriage proposals begin. Some are from total strangers and much older men. Marriage is a "blessing" people insist. Maybe so, but there seems to be no other path for women to choose, or a way for them to choose who they want to walk with. "I used to think I can do anything in life," Yuni says "now I don't anymore." She doesn't know what she wants, but it doesn't make her future dark. Together with a sympathetic boyfriend and a strong female mentor, Yuni plots her path in life. But it may not be up to her.

In Indonesia there are few options for women other than marriage and it is lucky if she has any say in the matter at all. This personal, intimate, and enthralling portrait of a young woman's emotional life reveals these constraints. The camera work is playful, moody, and colorful, like Yuni herself. Sounds and scenes reveal her emotional state. When Yuni is frustrated there is constant construction noise in the background or rainfall. When she is happy and feeling free she is at the seashore or riding her purple moped. Yuni's vital message is that girls are not allowed to participate fully in the world, but they need to.

World premiere seen at the Toronto international film festival. Winner of the platform prize.