Ayat-Ayat Cinta

Well. I am no movie expert. But since the movie got a lot of hype, I was hoping that the movie can at least be a decent one. Another disappointment. The director wasn't able to develop each of the character fully. The main character Fahri, is like a cartoon superhero character, like spider-man or batman, that we know already exist before the movie starts. Too superficial. Each scene is cut too obviously, no flow whatsoever. The storyline is OK, but the execution needs a lot of work. To me, the best actor in the movie is the crazy person in jail with Fahri, the main character. And I think that, the title doesn't suit the movie at all. I don't see any love in it: Love of Fahri's, nor Aisyah, or Maria. And the lessons about the goodness of Islam: The lessons are good. Very practical and common sense. But the way its delivered, its too 'stiff'. Very "set-up" and forced. Doesn't go with each scene. May be they are after the PG audience.

And oh.. the commercial. Product placements. Its ridiculous. And I think its not appropriate. Makes the movie really cheap. The only positive thing about the movie, is I think the soundtrack.

two thumbs up and hats off to the director of this movie, Hanung Brahmantyo.

from this movie, you could see another side of Islam. I guess the director is success to bring the core idea of this movie that Islam is not always related with brutality.

rianti cartwright as Aishah has played her role perfectly. Her eyes is so magnificent. I can see her emotion through her beautiful eyes although she used a 'cadar' ( i don't know this word in English, a piece of fabric that covers his mouth ).

cant say nothing else, i have watched it for 6 times on the cinema, the most highest appreciation that i have given to an indonesian movie!

Maybe it's just me but why can't Indonesia make better films?

Pramoedya Ananta Toer was one of the greatest writers ever to grace this earth what has happened to Indonesian cinema. Saw this on a Singapore to London flight and it did make me cry much to the amusement of my Indonesian relatives who spent the whole film laughing and taking the **** out of it.

Why can't Indonesia produce the quality films coming out of Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong instead of rubbish like Arisan !. Opera Jawa was a good effort but what's needed is the bravery to deal with emotions openly instead of hiding them behind tradition, culture, religion, or the life style of the rich.

Islam is not the reason, many other Muslim countries have produced great cinema.

This is a great romantic movie ever made! I love the storyline, actors soundtracks and everything on this movie.

Btw, this movie is based on the best-selling book of the same name by Habiburrahman El Shirazy.

I think if you read the book you would like the movie more. And honestly, I haven't read the book.

Overall, I think Verses Of Love is an Indonesian version of all the romantic movies based on Nicholas Sparks' books because it will touches the audiences. I'm not crying while watching this movie, but maybe if I'm in the good mood when I watch this, maybe I will crying. Who knows??

For a regional movie, it was OK. I would have liked it to be a little more fun and funny, but overall I think it was a watchable effort. Some parts were a bit over-acted, but it moved along quite fast.

It does offer glimpses of Muslim thinking and culture (at least as practised in some parts of Egypt/Indonesia). Nevertheless, remember it's a fictional movie, guys.

For those not from the Asean region - suggest you watch it with an open mind, and I'm sure you can enjoy it too....don't pre-judge based on your religious prejudices.

BTW does anyone know whether the actress who plays Maria (Carissa Puteri) is a Muslim in real life?...just curious.....