Kartini

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..

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!

As an American, I am honored to have had the chance to watch this film and learn about Indonesian culture, history, and in particular, the struggle for women.

The acting was well done and the creativity of scenes in the film were fascinating from the caged birds to the moments where the girls read books and see the characters and authors right next to them. Beyond proud and inspired by the strength of these women and I admire so much Kartini and even her father for being willing to lean into change.

However, I could not give this a full 10 out of 10 because much of the film also felt very inauthentic and forced. From the silliness of the girls to the outbursts of emotion and support from others, it felt less realistic. This took away from the real struggle and suffering of these people who truly lived and went through these things.

As said, I am happy I watched it, but I wish it had felt more grounded and real than succumbing to happy moments just to smooth over the tough things.

Here are some unique references to consider:

The book Hilda van Suylenburg was authored by Cécile de Jong van Beek, a prominent Dutch feminist from the 19th century who was highly influential in the Netherlands.

In Meera Kosambi's book about Pandita Ramabai, it is noted that Pandita Ramabai (a notable Indian social reformer, 1858-1922) served as an inspiration for Kartini. In a letter dated July 1902, Kartini expressed her enthusiasm that not only white women could achieve independence, but Indian women could also attain freedom.

Regarding feminism and nationalism, a re-translation of the Dutch original edition of this book includes Kartini's fourteen letters to a girl in Amsterdam, which are among the most impactful of her surviving correspondence.

Dutch colonization of what is now Indonesia lasted over 130 years (1800-1949). However, Dutch involvement began much earlier, around the 1600s, when the Dutch East India Company started trading spices and textiles with the Mughals and East Asian countries.