Mengejar Matahari

This movie is another typical Indonesian teenage movie, however I would not say I love this movie, I do admire the story.

Indonesian movie industry like many American teen commercial movies, has been dominated by the idealisms, and lacking of all round perspective of "everyday" society.

I adore this movie because it somehow portray the four best of friends from different family backgrounds. Many people may see it and compare it to Ada Apa Dengan Cinta, etc. I beg to differ, yes it is again another movie about teenage bonding, but I must point out that in this movie it shows the less fortunate society, how they live, what they went through and the friendship shown here is something of what I could portray and is imaginable. None of the ideal rich parents, loving family and exaggerated lifestyle shown, everything has been made simple.

I love how the four characters are somehow through their lack of acting skills looked like they are in their natural environment, not over acting and the scenes are very very simple. There are no Ferrari and massive house and actors who seem to be dominating (in acting skill and roles in the movie) in this film.

I would definitely recommend this movie as a must see despite the lack of acting skill by the main actors, it is not in the caliber of CaBauKan, however it is a movie well done all round.

This is a movie about the friendship of four teenagers that's been living on the same housing complex since their childhood. Each of them has a different character and dreams but nonetheless they bonded very well.

This movie features Winky Wiryawan (a.k.a. "DJ WInky"), Udjo (a member of P-Project comedy group), Fedi Nuril, Fauzi Baadilla, and Ade Habiebie as the gang leader, also Agni P as the cute girl that later enters their life.

Fauzi Baadilla plays the part of Damar, an emotional and courageous kid from a torn apart family, who always stand-up for his friends. Winky plays Ardi who's a rather silent kid with talent in drawing, with an oppressive ex-policeman father but caring mother. Udjo plays Apin that's the kindest and nicest kid among the four, with dream of becoming a movie maker. Fedi plays Nino that came from the most established family among them, and has a dream of studying aboard in the USA.

The story itself is quite simple but done well. It revolves around their friendship and family matters, along with local trouble with Obet, who during their childhood was sent to prison for murdering, thanks to the help of video evidence and efforts of the four friends. Later when they're teenagers, their friendship was much affected by the coming of Rara (Agni) which is also Nino's cousin, that steals some of the boys' heart. The bigger problem then came when they realize that Obet has been released from the prison and came to seek revenge, and the competition to get Agni's love begun to take its tolls. "Mengejar Matahari" itself ("Chasing The Sun") was originated from their childhood play in which they race and chases their imaginary sun around the complex in every afternoon.

After local block buster "Ada Apa Dengan Cinta" (Whazzup with Cinta/love), this is a really good work in hand of Rudi Soedjarwo. Script by Titien Wattimena is also able to bring life and strong emotion into the story, resulting in overall one great movie. Emotional, fun, lovely, strong, while also entertaining. One of the rare Indonesian movies that would left the audience with some lingering 'aftertaste' and thoughts after the show.

And don't forget the nice soundtrack by Ari Lasso.