User Reviews

Have just seen the European Premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. This was the first Indonesian film I had ever seen and did not know what to expect. I was not disappointed. It was colourful, beautifully photographed and well acted by the young cast. The plot was somewhat simplistic and the 'preachy' pro Islamic Education sentiments which were repeated ad-nauseum throughout became rather tiresome. Other systems work as well you know! Despite this I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and only the extremely hard of heart would not have to wipe tears from their eyes at the moving finale. Highly recommended. It deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

This is one of few Indonesian movie that makes me cry, laughs, and inspired at the same time. It show how beautiful Bangka island is. I watch it with my best friend who was originally from Bangka and she said: "This movie capture the beauty of Bangka so perfectly, she felt so touched and want to go home to Bangka." The simple stories of 10 little poor kids studying together in a run down Muslim school. The school has 1 principle, 2 teacher and 10 students.

The story show poverty from a different angle, it doesn't blame poverty instead it reveal the "secret" that the best thing in live can't be bought with money. The pure happiness from extremely poor little children that can barely afford shoes, make us wonder "Why can't we be more satisfied with our lives and start to give more to those who need it?" Friendship, puppy love, willingness to give, faith is the beauty of life, isn't it? The acting of Cut Mini Theo is natural and touching. But the best part of this movies is seeing those innocent children laughs and play in the wilderness, it just pure happiness and you can just felt that it's not fake, it's genuine, the chemistry between this young actors felt so real. Riri Riza is a very talented director and I hope he can bring more of his movies to an international movie platform, he has so much potential.

I'm looking forward for the see the sequel of Laskar Pelangi, because it's adapted from a wonderful book, which I believe has more to the story. This book has make a phenomenon in Indonesia, a big hit in the book community, and a even bigger hit in ALL community in Indonesia. There is even a new book called "Laskar Pelangi, the Phenomenon" because of this is the biggest thing going on right now. The female teacher that inspired the story got a reward because of her dedication to teach poor student from remote area. Indonesia government even reconsider the education policy and make effort to understand the education system in other more untouched village outside the more develop Java.

The author of the book, Andrea Hirata is a brilliant young man. As a back packer, his dream is to live in the highest village in the world, Gompa in the Himalayas. He receive scholarship to study master degree in French and UK and graduated cum laude from both University. This is his first book, and he instantly become the a widely author in Indonesia, from teenager to intellectual professional.

This is definitely a breakthrough in Indonesia movie and literature world

This movie is definitely one of the best movie ever made by Indonesian director in recent years. This movie has overtaken Ayat Ayat Cinta (AAC) as the most seen movie in Indonesian's cinemas. The latest info from Indonesian newspaper says that total people watched Ayat Ayat Cinta was about 3.7 millions (final result) while Laskar Pelangi has acquired about 4 millions spectators as of end of October 2008 (after 1 month showing) and the movie is still showing in many theaters throughout big cities in Indonesia. It is expected that 5 millions spectators is within reached and this movie can be a new milestone for Indonesian Film.

The story tells about 10 children known as LASKAR PELANGI (RAINBOW'S ARMY)and their brotherhood, honesty and most of all: spirit to conquers all barricades. This movie is helpful for parents who try to convince their children that results depend on effort and nothing is taken for granted. Besides, this movie is based on a real life story and all characters stated in the movie are still alive and can be verified.

I am a horror-movie fan but watching this movie has made me crying and laughing almost the same time. Through this film, I thank God that I did not have to suffer like them.

I came to watch this movie without much expectation and did not know anything about the hype that has been surrounding it. I sat down and ate my popcorn. Then the film started. I watch and watch and watch without noticing that 2 hours has passed and I woke up and now see world and a whole different angle.

This is a story of our lives. We may notice or not, but millions of children were left out there without enough food, shelter, clothes let alone education. Watching this movie and saw how 10 brave rainbow warriors (title of the film) went through harsh life with tears and joy but without remorse, it really moved me how we always look above us with envy but not noticing (or worse, ignore) all the blessing that many other people may not have.

two thumbs up for Andrea Hirata for sharing his life and be motivator for us to understand life better and thankful for the bless God gives us. And a standing applause for Riri Reza and the team for adopting the movie from a different angle. Thank you for showing and moving me to understand and act how a live should be.

I have watched this movie and I will not hesitate to watch it the second time and enjoy how Ikal, Lintang, Mahar and friends share their happiness despite the cruelty of world.

I recommend people to read the book. It's a good movie but the book is stunning.

I am genuinely in love with this film. This is one of the best Indonesian movie I have ever seen. This story is adapted from a best-selling novel entitled "Laskar Pelangi" by Andrea Hirata. This film tells about 10 children called Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops) by their teacher. These children live in rural area, in a poor environment but their heart and imaginations are always rich. The main character of this film is Ikal, a curly-haired young boy who has a dream to study abroad, his relations with his friends and teachers, and his struggles with his family financial condition. The scenery is so beautiful, Belitung island, rich of natures. All of the characters are based on the author's real life story so everyone seems very realistic. This movie is amazing and very inspiring. I recommend you to watch this.

10 elementary school students are struggling to achieve their dreams and aspirations amid poverty conditions in their area of Gantong Village on the agricultural and tin mining island of Belitung.

A childhood show that is still remembered today. Repeating this film by watching it with family is second to none. Many give life meaning, moral messages and family values and life so extraordinary. Providing an overview of the condition of children who live far from the urban scene in Java with the poverty that plagues them, but does not let go of their enthusiasm in seeking ideals and hopes. A film worthy of preservation and a children's show today with a myriad of values and messages that are so important.

Laskar Pelangi, according to the same title, a story based on the famous novel. I honestly haven't read the novel, but it's worth looking forward to comparing the stories from the novel and the movie. Laskar Pelangi is able to provide a very memorable story. Stories with typical Malay and Sumatran cultures, become an interesting dish to explore further than the beauty of Indonesia. Conflicts regarding children and expectations are full of incredible emotions. Laskar Pelangi is able to provide a very neat story of rural life. Accompanied by a nice and wonderful dialogue. It's full of scenes that give a good message. All of that is combined with the beauty of the Belitung area which is amazingly beautiful. Coupled with the delicious and memorable music, it gives a plus of this film.

This is the most anticipated movie in Indonesia, in 2008. It is a movie about a small poor school, that has only two dedicated teachers and 10 pupils, struggle for survival.

One thing is very common for movie critics in Indonesia. They tend to give more credits if the movies being reviewed contain good moral values. The same thing happens with this movie, Laskar Pelangi. Many reviewers acclaim this movie, and I choose to be on the other side, to see the movie as an art, regardless of the moral values within the movie.

To say that this movie is a bad one of course is not true, but to say that it is an extremely good movie is an over-statement. It is good, up to certain aspects. The beginning is beautifully rendered, and will bring back memories to anyone who has been at Belitung Island. The siren sound in the background that signal the end of the work hour sure is a brilliant addition. But then, as the story goes, it looses grasp that has been so well developed in the first 15 minutes.

Another weakness is that the producers are not brave enough to take risk to use local talents, they still use movie stars. The 10 local kids that play the central role are showing their talents, and of course they don't have to struggle to speak in local dialect, not like the other movie star. Yes, some of the movie star play their role flawlessly: Robby Tumewu played remarkably well as "baba toko" (Chinese shop owner) to haggle all the time with the buyer, a common sight in Belitung; Slamet Raharjo Jarot also, as a sympathizer of the school. But the other I will rate as average, some even below average. But the central roles I admit are well acted.

The main weakness is the ambient of the movie. It lacks sights and sounds that brings the feel of being in Belitung. It focuses too much in the dialog, and miss the important shots that really shows what does it look like being in a small island in Belitung. The only one that gets quite good shots is the shots in the beach, which is beautiful, naturally.

The scenario which is based on a best seller novel of the same title also lacks the sense of integrity. It jumps from one scene to another. Yes, it is difficult to transfer the book to movie-script, because the book itself is too fragmented. The writer should be braver to invent new plots, in order to create a wholesome picture.

As conclusion, it could have been better, seen from the eye of myself, which has spend my entire childhood in this island.

Laskar Pelangi tells a story of a group of friends and their adventures. It's a wonderful story of childhood innocence. Set before my time, the story really drew me into their world.

Socioeconomic issues were addressed from the view point of children. Poverty, access to education, and racial issues were met with positive attitudes. The bond of childhood friendship and innocent first crushes brings back fond memories. Riri Riza brought back some Sherina vibes, a nod to his debut movie.

There was some really cinematic view of the beautiful Belitung, too. Sets and costume was quite on point to bring us back into the time period.

Laskar Pelangi is worth your time. It makes a really good movie night edition for your family.

Too bad, the good story just executed in that way: linear, flat, shallow. Too unrealistic for realistic movie, and very poor imagination for surreal movie. Not clear at all what is the genre of this movie.

This movie also used too many verbal language, not challenging the power of thought at all. Seem like it copy paste from the book literally. It is clear that the directors, didn't understand the difference between movie and book.

But the main flaw of this film is about the acting. Those children eyes didn't act at all. Even Michael Bay's Autobot, more good in acting compare too all of them.

May be Riri Reza need to learn from Slumdog Millionaire. How those kids in that film, act so natural. They are all amateur actors, but doing a great great job in that movie. Or he can learn from Iran's movie Children of Heaven. About how to act and to use a non-verbal language.

This movie has an epic cinematography (i must mention Riri Riza for this one) and some good tasted comedies, but i must say the plot of the movie is sucked, a flat complication makes this movie has no atmosphere at all, the moral of story is pointless, nothing new, yes i got nothing from this movie but a short laughs while watching in the theater, and the worst part is the ending, it's simply awful i can't believe it came so easily, just like the sequel "Sang Pemimpi", both of them have the same problems. But i really recommend them for Indonesian people which i think most of them would get a motivation from those movies because in fact they don't really get the point of the movie, yes they get the point wrong, but at least it's a good thing.

My point is, Indonesia is far left behind in the movie business, we need a really genius-styled director like Quentin Tarantino so people could see the difference between a terrific and a terrible movies. You don't need an advanced knowledge of cinematography or hi-budget producers to make a great movie, you just need to understand what "great movie" means, maybe the easiest way to understand it, is you go watch Pulp Fiction and you will see.

6/10