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..

Great movie, a must watch movie, the untold story of Kartini

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.

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.

Kartini offers a warm, respectful biopic that honors an emblematic figure of Indonesian women's emancipation. The film excels visually-period costumes, production design, and locations convincingly evoke the late 19th century. The lead performance is earnest and commanding, and supporting actors help underline the inner conflicts and aspirations at the story's core.

Its greatest strength lies in conveying themes of education, intellectual freedom, and moral courage in a conservative social setting. The screenplay often lands emotionally and invites reflection rather than delivering empty rhetoric.

On the downside, the pacing can feel sluggish at times, and several subplots are simplified for dramatic clarity. The broader socio-political texture is not always fully explored, which makes some historical dilemmas appear less nuanced than they might be. Overall, Kartini is an elegant, inspiring watch-thoughtful and dignified, though not the most analytically rigorous biopic.