REVIEWS
A Bold and Smart Adaptation of Best-Seller Novel The time has finally come for me to review my first ever Indonesian film! I’ve always wanted to do this but I waited for the appropriate film, and Supernova certainly is the one. Directed by well-known Indonesian director Rizal Mantovani, ‘Supernova : KPBJ’ is adapted from novel of the same name written by Dee. The film tells the story of Dimas (Hamish Daud) and Reuben (Arifin Putra), a couple who makes a promise out of their encounter to create a novel about a Knight, Princess, and Shooting Star (Ksatria, Putri, and Bintang Jatuh translated). At the same time they write the story, another events occur that resemble the one they develop. Are the events really happening? Or are they only the reflection of Dimas’s and Reuben’s mind? First of all, let me compliment the team involved in bringing ‘Supernova : KPBJ’ to the silver screen. A very, very, brave move! Although I haven’t read the novel, but I can tell from its reviews that it is not the easiest literature to adapt to. The scope is very broad and not the simplest one to understand (it is actually the first novel of a ‘Supernova’ series, so the scope will eventually get even bigger). Not to mention the aforementioned characters are gay, something that is still widely considered as taboo in Indonesia. The film itself has an exceptionally wide scope. Ranging from infidelity to science aspects that I haven’t even heard of (you should have taken more seriously those science books in high school, Dan!). But Rizal Mantovani and scriptwriter Donny Dhirgantoro successfully wraps it in a way that is not only clever and dynamic, but also engaging for the brain to digest. The cinematography by Yudi Datau is to die for which makes the film really beautiful to look at. There are also some scenes with visual effects which are well-executed, if not perfect. Another noteworthy aspects from this film are the score and soundtrack that really add up to the film’s gloomy mood. Now let’s move on to the acting department, something that really gets me going. ‘Supernova : KPBJ’ is filled with excellent performances particularly by Herjunot Ali who plays Ferre and Hamish Daud. The last time I saw Herjunot Ali on screen was a long time ago in ‘Realita, Cinta, dan Rock&Roll’ and seeing him in ‘Supernova : KPBJ’ has shown me how much he has developed and improved as an actor. His every gesture and emotion as Ferre, a somewhat troubled but very successful young man are perfection. His deliverance in each line is nothing less than top-notch (trust me, those lines that given to him are not easy). I sense that this performance will be heavily-recognized in the next award season. Hamish Daud gives an equally award-worthy performance too as Reuben’s partner. The way he gazes and speaks his words are very convincing. It is indeed a supporting role, but nonetheless still as effective as it gets. Like any other things in the world, ‘Supernova : KPBJ’ is not without faults. One of them is the last one third of the film feels like being rushed. The problem is that part is filled with so many heavy content so it would be better if it is delivered in a more relaxed manner. Another thing that can be considered as a lower part of the film is Paula Verhoeven’s accent as Diva. The thing is, she is given the most crucial lines in the film and the way she delivers them can somehow be distracting. But given the fact that this is her first attempt in the film industry, her performance is far from unwatchable.
All in all, ‘Supernova : KPBJ’ might not be for everyone’s taste. But it is undoubtedly a well-made film that serves as a breath of fresh air for Indonesian cinema. Being said that, the film really deserves your attention, so go watch it at your nearest cinema! Score : 4/5
2 Comments
Wildan
12/15/2014 03:02:44 pm
Hi Navia! Well yes it is my bad I didn't mention the performances besides Junot's, Hamish's, and Paula's. It's just that their performances were stuck in my head so I couldn't think of the rest of the cast. Junot and Hamish were so great I couldn't get my mind off of them while Paula was quite distracting with her accent I couldn't get my mind off of her either
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AuthorA self-acclaimed movie guy who likes to socialize |