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Siksa Kubur (2024)
Thought-provoking and respectful of my own exploration
Horror movies. Often a genre synonymous with jump scares, gore, and mindless entertainment. While these elements can be thrilling, they rarely delve into the deeper recesses of the human psyche. They seldom grapple with the existential questions that gnaw at us in the quiet hours, the ones that keep us up at night. This is precisely why Joko Anwar's Siksa Kubur a.k.a. Grave Torture, struck such a profound chord with me. It dared to be different, to transcend the genre's limitations and offer a horror experience unlike any other.
Unlike its conventional counterparts, Siksa Kubur didn't shy away from the very questions I myself grapple with. These weren't the usual horror tropes - ghosts seeking revenge or vengeful spirits. Instead, the film delved into the complexities of fear of the unknown, the nature of good and evil, motives and consequences. It forced me to confront these unsettling realities head-on, making me a willing participant in its exploration of the human mind.
But what truly elevated from Siksa Kubur was its ability to offer insightful answers to these harrowing questions. It didn't bombard me with simplistic solutions or preachy pronouncements. Instead, the film presented its ideas through a masterfully crafted narrative, allowing me to arrive at my own interpretations. The terror wasn't simply a means to an end; it served as a catalyst for introspection. The scares, while undeniably effective, weren't the sole focus. They were meticulously woven into the narrative, each one serving to push me further down the rabbit hole of self-discovery.
This is not to say that the film shied away from genuine scares. Siksa Kubur delivered moments of pure, unadulterated terror. However, these moments were not gratuitous. They were meticulously placed, serving to heighten the emotional stakes and reinforce the film's central themes. The true brilliance lay in the way these scares intertwined with the exploration of the aforementioned questions. Each jump or moment of heart-pounding suspense added another layer to the film's tapestry, deepening the overall impact.
The film's characters also played a pivotal role in its success. They weren't simply one-dimensional archetypes, instead, they were complex individuals wrestling with their own internal demons, mirroring the struggles of the audience. Their journeys became our journeys, their fears resonated with our own anxieties. We empathized with their plight, becoming emotionally invested in their fate, which made the film's exploration of these profound themes all the more impactful.
Ultimately, Siksa Kubur served as more than just a horror film. It was a thought-provoking experience that challenged me to confront my own fears and grapple with the existential questions that linger in the shadows. It offered no easy answers, but instead, empowered me to forge my own path of understanding. In a genre often content with cheap thrills, Siksa Kubur dared to be different, offering a horror experience that was both terrifying and intellectually stimulating. It reminded me that horror, at its best, can be a powerful tool for introspection, forcing us to confront the darkness within and emerge, perhaps, with a newfound sense of self-awareness.
Manifest (2018)
Surely will trap you in boredom
It was captivating and promising at earlier episodes, but the rest will trap you in boredom. Preachy with irrational storytelling. Really frustrating!
The Bold Type (2017)
Too easy
Everything came so easy for these girls. Whenever a problem arose, the solution magically appeared to be picked. So unrealistic!
Knives Out (2019)
Good old style mystery movie
A star-studded murder mystery, unpredictable and extremely funny. Perfectly written and masterfully acted, took us back to a simpler time when words and conversation are satisfying to watch.
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
How do you paint a tragedy?
As good as a poetry. The actors deliver the performance with the eyesight, expression, movement, gesture and every breath they take. Like a tragedy itself. Visually stylish and deeply powerful!
27 Steps of May (2018)
a first step towards understanding the trauma of sexual assault
It is a very important film for Indonesia, where sometimes there's a lack of sensitivity and care on the parts of the authorities, media and public when it comes to handling cases of sexual violence.
Psychologically speaking, it's never easy to revisit traumatic events, especially when you're still under duress. Sometimes our sensitivity can be lacking, because we are not well equipped with understanding traumatic experiences.
This movie is only a first step towards understanding the trauma and recovery process of a sexual assault victim. It made beautifully with the pace and visual symbolism to make the audience perceive the constant tortures that haunted the sexual assault victims.
Hundreds other films should be made after this to complete the journey, so we can stand together to eradicate social violence from our civilization.
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018)
I wish I can unwatched it
Stupid storyline, terrible idea, too depressing and sending the wrong message to the world. Wrong in every aspect, every message, every situation. An awful awful movie. I wish I can unwatched it.
Random Hearts (1999)
It's good actually...an so sexy...
This film is slow, but it's good actually, the story was unique but rational, it could happen to everybody. The actor and actress are good too. In fact, I'm crazy about the way Kay touch Dutch, she's so sexy. Quiet but sexy...
But nothing special on the way it tells story, just usual, no great picture, no special camera moves, but its simplicity was inherent with the story, the music was good. So I think this film is good actually
Bulan Tertusuk Ilalang (1995)
Amazing Movie
This is one of the most excellent movies in the world. It's amazing to find this such a good film in Indonesia those years. The film was set in Central Java in the old traditional custom. This film tells the story in Indonesia's Way of Telling Stories. A remarkable creation from bright young director Garin Nugroho. Paquita's act is unforgettable but I don't know why she quits acting. Unfortunately this film was never officially released to public in its homecountry.