Jumbo

Film was dragged a bit too long. Solid establishment and ending. Storyboarding for conflict, climax, and solution could've done better. The story was conflict heavy but light on the solution. Rendering was inconsistent in many parts of the movie. The scoring for the movie was well done, and voice acting was pretty decent. A lot of product placement and sponsorship can be seen throughout the entire film. The SFX were pretty well done too. A reasonable step in the right direction for the animation industry for Indonesia. Overall the movie is definitely worth a watch, a rewatch on the other hand is a little optimistic in my personal opinion.

Jumbo, directed by Ryan Adriandhy, is a charming adventure about a parentless child, wrapped in Disney-like fantasy and local Indonesian flavor. The protagonist's journey is rooted in themes of integrity and the importance of keeping promises-wrapped in childlike wonder and emotional maturity.

Meri, the ghostly figure Jumbo (or Don) wants to help, evokes memories of Casper-gentle, lonely, and longing for connection. Her presence gives the story both heart and a sense of innocent mystique. The film blends light-hearted humor with emotional undertones, allowing audiences of all ages to find something meaningful.

There's clear inspiration from Monsters Inc. And The Prestige, especially in the sap sap sap scene-a nod to the three stages of a magic trick, offering misdirection and surprise. While the film leans into sci-fi, it stays grounded, like using a radio to communicate with "the other realm," creating a fantastical yet relatable world.

German culture appears subtly through Meri's family, primarily in a brief yet impactful dialogue with her mother. A standout comedic moment comes when the villain is apprehended not by global forces or the FBI-but by a humble local security officer (hansip), delivering a punchline that's uniquely Indonesian.

Playful nods to Dr. Stone and Avengers are cleverly embedded, making the film feel like a love letter to modern pop culture fans. The final emotional exchange between Don and Papa Don is reminiscent of Naruto's farewell to Yondaime-bringing unexpected emotional depth to this seemingly light tale.

With smart references, grounded storytelling, and a magical tone, Jumbo is more than a children's film. It's a warm, imaginative story for anyone who has ever loved, lost, or believed in second chances.

This movie was a masterclass. Truly, it was more than just an animated film - it was a cultural statement. It educated countless children across Indonesia, introduced values that go beyond the screen, and opened our eyes to the rich potential of cartoon cinematography in our own country. At a time when children are often bombarded with imported content, this film stood tall as an Indonesian original - a source of national pride and a shining example of what local creatives are capable of achieving.

From the very beginning, the movie captivates its audience with impressive visuals. The animation is clean, vibrant, and expressive. The character designs are unique yet relatable, with careful attention to detail that reflects Indonesian culture - from the way people dress, the settings of the environment, to the traditional houses and food shown in scenes. It's clear that the creators poured their heart into making every frame feel authentic.

But even more important than the visuals is the film's heart - its story. This movie doesn't just aim to entertain; it educates. Themes like kindness, honesty, family, religion, determination, and empathy are woven seamlessly into the storyline. Children don't feel like they are being lectured, but instead learn naturally through the characters' experiences and choices. This is one of the film's greatest strengths: its ability to teach while keeping viewers emotionally invested.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its emphasis on local wisdom. Unlike many Western animations that focus on fantasy or faraway worlds, this movie is grounded in the real-life experiences of Indonesian families. Whether it's showing the struggle of a child balancing school and home responsibilities, or highlighting moments of religious values like honesty and gratitude, everything feels familiar - like a reflection of our own lives.

This authenticity is exactly what makes the movie so impactful. Children across the archipelago can finally see themselves on screen. They can watch a character who speaks their language, eats the same food, lives in the same kind of house, and celebrates the same holidays. This kind of representation is invaluable, especially in formative years. It gives children a sense of pride in their identity and roots.

Moreover, this film is a celebration of Indonesian storytelling. The humor is clever and age-appropriate, filled with witty dialogue and physical comedy that lands well with both kids and adults. The emotional moments are genuine and not forced. There are scenes that make you laugh out loud, but also others that may bring tears to your eyes - not because they're tragic, but because they're real and touching.

The voice acting deserves special praise. The cast brings the characters to life with sincerity and warmth. Whether it's the voice of a loving mother, a supportive friend, or a mischievous sibling, each performance feels natural. Combined with strong writing, the characters quickly become familiar and lovable - as if we've known them for years.

Musically, the soundtrack is also a triumph. The background scores help build the atmosphere perfectly, while the original songs (if included) are catchy and memorable. Some of these tunes become instant favorites among kids, with lyrics that are positive, motivating, and easy to sing along with.

But perhaps what's most impressive is how this film opens our knowledge about cartoon cinematography in Indonesia. For too long, the local animation industry was underestimated. People thought only foreign studios could create high-quality animated films. But this movie shatters that myth completely. It shows that with the right team, resources, and vision, Indonesian animation can stand proudly on the global stage.

The attention to lighting, background design, and camera movement is evidence of serious craftsmanship. There are moments where the animation even mimics cinematic techniques - wide landscape shots, dynamic transitions, emotional close-ups - proving that this is not just "a cartoon," but a legitimate work of visual storytelling.

Furthermore, this film has played a significant role in developing media literacy and critical thinking among children. By watching a locally made cartoon with thoughtful plots and meaningful messages, children learn to reflect on what they watch. They're encouraged to ask questions, connect the story to their daily life, and even dream about becoming animators, voice actors, or storytellers themselves. The inspirational value of this film cannot be overstated.

This movie also gives hope for the future of the Indonesian animation industry. It sets a new standard for what can be achieved and raises expectations - in a good way. It has inspired other creators, both young and old, to believe in the power of local content. It sends a clear message: We don't have to look outside to find greatness. We can build it right here, at home.

In schools, many teachers and parents have praised the movie for being both fun and educational. It's the kind of movie that can be shown in classrooms without hesitation. It encourages discussions about ethics, family, dreams, and discipline. And unlike some imported cartoons that may carry different cultural values, this film feels safe and aligned with Indonesian norms.

Beyond the screen, the success of this film has also sparked merchandise, books, and even learning apps - extending its positive influence into various aspects of children's lives. It's more than a one-time watch; it becomes part of a child's world, shaping their thoughts, behavior, and even aspirations.

In conclusion, this movie is a true masterclass. It's a beautiful combination of art, education, culture, and technology. It proves that Indonesian cartoon movies are not only capable of entertaining but also of shaping the next generation with wisdom, creativity, and national pride. It opens the door to a brighter, more self-confident future for Indonesian cinema. And as audiences, we are not just watching history being made - we are part of it.

If you haven't watched this film yet, don't wait. Gather your family, sit down together, and let yourself be moved, inspired, and proud. This isn't just a cartoon. It's a legacy in the making.

Absolutely stunning!! The visuals in Jumbo are straight-up breathtaking, honestly, something I've never seen before in any Indonesian animated movie. The animation quality is on par with international films, and it totally grabbed my attention from the very first scene.

The story itself is exciting and full of adventure, following Jumbo and Meri as they help each other through every twist and turn. There are moments where the pacing slows down a bit, and yeah, some parts feel slightly dragged out, making it a little tiring to watch. But honestly? The insane visuals make up for it big time.

The comedy is decent and works for all ages. Personally, I didn't find all the jokes funny, some felt more geared toward kids (and yeah, the whole theater was kinda silent during certain comedy moments). But overall, the humor lands well and feels well-executed.

Things really pick up towards the end when the stakes get high, with Jumbo and the gang trying to save Meri while facing all sorts of challenges. That final stretch? Super intense and visually stunning, easily the best part of the film.

The message of the movie is easy to digest, and Jumbo honestly feels like a game-changer for Indonesian animation. This movie sets a new benchmark for local animators to create something that brings joy to a wider audience.

Fingers crossed that Jumbo helps push Indonesian animation to new heights and gets the recognition it deserves worldwide!

(btw, this movie is actually goated (if u know what i mean))

📌 A major Gamechanger for Indonesia Animation, film comes with great Storyline and many Pop Culture Reference, warm atmosphere at all entire of movie, will heal you inner child and you at your age right know. All characters got enough screen time with no wasted potential, every Major char got their backstory motivation and acchieve their goal at the end of story. So great for your kid as their first time at the cinema, will gain their beauty and heartwarming Core memory on their life. Ryan as writers and director just nailed it at his first directing project, Camera movement, great soundtrack and scoring all this mix and match into absolute Cinema.