A Garota do Cigarro

Have you ever encountered a movie so profoundly impactful that it keeps you awake at night? Even days after watching it, the scenes linger in your mind. This film achieved that for me-an arguably top-tier Indonesian movie. Objectively brilliant, it boasts outstanding performances by the entire cast, with Dian Sastro's portrayal standing out. Her expressions are consistently subtle yet convey the pain of years of gender-based mistreatment. The storyline is captivating, always leaving you wanting more. The movie also excels in showcasing Indonesia's traditional fabric designs through beautiful wardrobe choices, and it delves into detailed historical elements of the 1960s in Indonesia. This movie is so compelling that it blurs the line between fiction and reality.

Allow me to start by saying I wish they cast a taller actor for the role of elderly Soeraja as the difference in height is rather striking, but this is a trivial continuity issue that in no way diminish what Kamila Andini and Ifa Isfansyah had successfully accomplished in this series.

I haven't read the book by Ratih Kumala, so I went into it with zero expectation, except maybe an assumption of many goofs as with other Indonesian series. I'm glad they proved me wrong.

After years of repeat force to watch the "so-called communist film", this feels like a refreshing portrayal, albeit from the other side of things. I'm surprised they didn't take out every single one of Idroes' family, though, despite them not being on the list. But I suppose then there wouldn't be a story to tell for the year of 2001.

Aside from the development of Arum and Lebas' friendship, which is rather hasty in my opinion, Putri Marino and Arya Saloka left people rooting for their characters. And of course, Dian Sastro did a marvelous job portraying the struggle of a smart, intuitive, and opinionated woman in a man's world, even years after Kartini paved the road. Ario Bayu also successfully represented a male feminist in that era. It's real, it's gripping, it's certainly not what you expect from an Indonesian series.

I will be checking out more work from Andini & Isfansyah for sure.

I must admit that I almost never watch Indonesian movies or series in some 15 years. But surprised after just few minutes.

I don't know any of the cast actors and actress, knowing Dian Sastor only by her name never once watch her movie.

But i really like this series. Their acting is so good, the story depth and the characters connection is well build.

We can also learn about our 1965-67 histories from other sides, how easy destroying life only by connecting them to "the party".

I was active smokers who just few years quit, watching this make me struggle not to smoke again😅.

Very good job👍 I hope there will be many more high quality Indonesian movies.

I must say, as an indonesian i never watch series from my country, cause it's always be the same. But this is so refreshing. Every aspect just hit the right spot. The actors is top notch,they all nailed their characters. The setting was perfect,the plot was full of plot twist. For you who doesn't like crying over a series, this isn't for you, cause i'm bawling my eyes out all the time. Though i must say i'm not 100% satisfied. The character and chemistry building was so perfect, and the pace was too fast. It's just feel like there are so much potential they can explore here. I tell you 5 EPISODE WASN'T ENOUGH!!

This is a heavily atmospheric love story and if that is your thing you will love this.

It certainly is my thing and love it I certainly did.

The story plays out in two strands. The first is set in 1960's Indonesia. The romantic couple successfully struggle through the social barriers that surround them to then find all their hopes upset by the political and revolutionary upheavals of the time. Their continuing story is an emotional roller-coaster and I shed tears as I witnessed what happens to them.

The second strand is much closer to modern day, as their descendants piece together their story. A slice of joy to perfectly balance the sorrow of the past.

Every actor performs magnificently. Putri Marino, in particular, captures perfectly the turmoil her character experiences as she discovers secrets that turn her world upside down.