Noob Film Review - GUNDALA by Joko Anwar

"Negara ini butuh patriot!"

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Reclaim what is ours.

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“Jika ada orang yang diam ketika melihat ketidakadilan, dia telah kehilangan kemanusiaannya.” - ayah Sancaka

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These are the words that kept Sancaka alive and survived his tormented childhood. He then realised that he has this thing with lightnings, where he got followed by them where ever he goes and especially where he is in a state of danger.

Gundala (Putra Petir) is I think a mythical character being reincarnated through Sancaka to fight against the oppressive system left onto the land by the colonialist. His re-emergence somehow is being prophesized because another mythical character, Sri Asih seems to be looking after Gundala. Sri Asih seems to be akin to DCU's Wonder Woman that she has been around quite a long time to monitor the rise of Sancaka to Gundala.

A system from the colonialist that feeds on division. "“Apa yang berbahaya adalah simbol harapan. Harapan bagi rakyat adalah candu, dan candu itu bahaya.” (Pengkor)
Pengkor (played brilliantly by Bront Palarae) leads the fight against the system himself. After a childhood of abuse during his stay in the orphanage, Pengkor recruits orphans who has the same grudge and thirst for revenge. The only problem is Pengkor victimised everyone, including unborn babies.

Foreseeing that Pengkor will eventually fail, his assistance Ghazul looks further ahead in proclaiming the land by summoning an ancient Javanese villian called Ki Wilawuk. The ancient Javanese scripture engraved on the stone adds to the depth of the lore, akin to the Elvish ones we see in LOTR.

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Musuh utama manusia adalah kebenaran yang disembunyikan.” – Ghazul

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This is what is being said by Ghazul before he released Ki Wilawuk. He probably believes that Ki Wilawuk is the rightful ruler of the land and he wants to dedicate himself to his service.

There numbers of moral value being delivered especially the love towards family. The spectacle of a superhero movie have a better reach especially towards the youngsters. A lot can relate to the struggle of the young Sancaka. (unlike the glorification of Mat Rempit and Gangsters done by someone here.)

Medium of propaganda. "Rakyat harus tetap bodoh, kalau kalian mau dunia aman.” – Pengkor.
Kids can now have someone to look up to! Just stay indoor when there's lightning storm outside :)

This film also says that it is of the utmost importance to take care of the next generation, starting from the womb.

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The Bumilangit Cinematic Universe (BCU) has officially opens up their doors with the introduction of this mythical villian. Goosebump when he utters his first words in ancient Javanese. We are in folks!

The stage is set now. Ridwan Bahri is one of the parliamentary member who desires change and see Gundala as one hope to do so. He then supported him by creating a better suit for him in the end, akin to Batman’s Commisioner Gordon.

When I saw Bront Palarae in Jalan Pintas and Fly By Night, I knew he got the package to do an epic villian. I think Pengkor is just him scratching the surface!

Sancaka
Gundala's character arc taking him through the 'Hero's Journey' from a boy named Sancaka to a 'reluctant hero' who becomes a beacon of hope for the oppressed in Jakarta.

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A 'new' Jakarta now is being planned in Kalimantan for real and this film might be a metaphor that we are going back to our roots and build a new governance our own way. For now, prayers to those affected by the big flood that is currently happening. There are real life heroes at work there now.

Meanwhile in Kuala Lumpur, people planting bawangs.

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Yes. We just completed a superhero cinematic journey last 10 over years from the first Ironman to last year's Avengers : Endgame and I can say that I myself suffering from that 'Superhero Fatigue' syndrome. I didn't even go and see the new Spiderman. But this is something different. It is about the nusantara's struggle and fight. Its about our myth and lore being realised in cinema.

Kudos to the guys in BumiLangit Studio!. FINAS apa cerita? got bawangs?

Thank you for dropping by!
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