A Garota do Cigarro

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 can't get rid of this from my mind. It is a truly masterpiece. I just got amazed how they made such a good historical and romance in one classical movie. It was so simple but because of this, it is so epic and fabulous! Every characters showed their incredible qualities, in a way to give 100 percent efforts. Furthermore, the soundtracks were all matched with every moments in the movie!

Definitely a recommended movie to watch! Not only it gives us how Indonesian history and culture back in 60s but also how a passionate person (woman) on such a taboo thing. It was so good, I am not exaggerating it though!

This TV Series portrays the old culture when women were considered to be unsuitable to voice their opinions, the unrest situation when the government eliminated Indonesian Communist Party started in 1965, and the love between two people from different classes. The casts are so incredibly talented performing their characters as well as speaking in their local dialects which made. I appreciate the writer who brought up the unrest situation during the elimination of Indonesia Communist Party where thousands of innocent people who were not involved in the communist party had been victimized by the hatred of those people who had close relationship with authorities. I heard this story a lot from people surrounding me when I was growing up, but none had brought this up due to fear of persecution.

The music, song, and singer that were chosen for this TV series were excellently done. The song was composed in 1970's, but the music was made a bit softer for this TV series which represented the music character back in 1960's. I heard many 1960's music and songs my parents used to listen, and the music just brought my memory from the past.

I would not suggest using Netflix dubbing in English, but using the caption because while listening to Indonesian, I also have the caption turns on for my friend, and the captions almost match the speaking language.

Again, thank you to all casts, directors, writer, and all people who involved in making this TV Series. Well done!

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.

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.