renerenerene

IMDb member since March 2022
    Lifetime Total
    5+
    IMDb Member
    2 years, 1 month

Reviews

The Kill Room
(2023)

The Transient Mirage: A Critical Examination of 'The Kill Room' and the Illusory Facade of Contemporary Art
In dissecting "The Kill Room," a compelling cinematic endeavor ostensibly dedicated to deconstructing the very fabric of contemporary art, a profound and provocative revelation emerges. This film, functioning as a mimetic entity, brazenly asserts the audacious notion that our present artistic landscape is naught but a wasteland of intellectual inertia. It posits, with unwavering conviction, that the foundational tenets governing our creative expressions are mere translations of fantastical realms fueled by the narcotic embrace of mind-altering substances.

Central to the film's discourse is the scathing indictment of the art market, an entity ostensibly buoyed by an elaborate arrays of fallacious arguments, meticulously woven together and rendered palatable through a veneer of ostentatiously erudite lexicon. Here, the cinematic narrative subtly contends that the art market, ostensibly an epitome of cultural sophistication, is paradoxically underpinned by a fragile scaffold of deceit, camouflaged under the weight of highfalutin academese.

Yet, for all its intellectual grandstanding, "The Kill Room" is beset by a palpable mediocrity in its directorial approach. The subtlety it aspires to exude is eclipsed by its conspicuous effort to appear intellectually superior. The actors, ensnared within the confines of a script demanding little more than the semblance of believability, are bereft of the opportunity to truly manifest their craft. This cinematic venture, a quintessential exemplar of Hollywood's tendency towards abbreviated storytelling, surrenders its artistic ambitions at the altar of expedient financial gain, metamorphosing into a cog within the ever-churning machinery of commercial exploitation.

In sum, "The Kill Room" undoubtedly offers a transient sense of amusement for its viewers. It dances upon the screen, captivating the senses momentarily. However, its ephemeral impact is akin to the vanishing ripples on a placid pond, leaving no enduring imprint on the spectator's psyche. The profundity of its themes, alas, succumbs to the transient allure of entertainment, rendering it a fleeting dalliance within the annals of cinematic engagement, swiftly forgotten once the curtains draw to a close.

Akhirat: A Love Story
(2021)

Jason Iskandar's Lost Vision: A Narrative Drowned in Imagination, Neglecting Audience Connection
In Jason Iskandar's recent cinematic endeavor, the potential for a compelling narrative becomes a casualty of his own overpowering imagination. The richness of narrative opportunities, which should ideally resonate universally, becomes ensnared within the labyrinth of Iskandar's unbridled creativity, resulting in a dish that fails to leave a lasting imprint on the viewer's mind.

The unraveling of this cinematic misstep can be attributed to various factors. Iskandar, it appears, is entrapped in the ephemeral realms of short narratives and digital video commercials, unable to liberate himself from the constraints of his own creative bubble. This myopic vision prevents him from embracing the broader context of his storytelling, rendering his narratives dogmatic and lacking the necessary depth that can engage a discerning audience.

The fundamental flaw lies in Iskandar's inability to comprehend the essence of cinematic artistry as a shared experience between the creator and the audience. Cinema, at its core, is not a monologue but a dialogue, an intricate interplay of ideas and emotions between the storyteller and the spectator. However, Iskandar's obsession with his own internal world blinds him to this crucial reality. His failure to recognize the significance of audience reception and the need for diverse perspectives in the creative process stifles the potential of his work.

Moreover, Iskandar's disregard for the role of a discerning producer exacerbates the issue. By neglecting the insights of a producer like Geovani, who possesses the acumen to gauge market reception and appreciate the nuances of good cinema, Iskandar squanders an invaluable opportunity for constructive collaboration. Instead, he indulges in an exploration of self, crafting a narrative that lacks the balance provided by counterdogmatic viewpoints.

'Akhirat: The Love Story' was poised to be Iskandar's magnum opus, a testament to his enduring presence in the realm of cinematic storytelling. However, it tragically devolves into a mere puddle, devoid of the depth and resonance expected from a filmmaker of his stature. Its beauty, although evident, remains skin-deep, failing to captivate those seeking narratives that transcend the boundaries of individual imagination.

In the wake of this cinematic disappointment, Iskandar must recalibrate his approach, relinquishing the suffocating hold of his own thoughts. Only by embracing the collaborative nature of cinema, acknowledging the diverse perspectives of both creators and viewers, can he hope to create narratives that truly stand the test of time and leave an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of the audience.

Petualangan Sherina 2
(2023)

Memory and Melody: Nostalgia Explored in Riri RIza Cinematic Venture, Hindered by Musical Shadows
Mira Lesmana's latest cinematic endeavor, propelled by a seemingly profit-driven momentum, emerged as a spectacle that, while undeniably competent, left the discerning audience with a bittersweet aftertaste. Positioned as a nostalgic bridge spanning a sea of memories, the film weaves a tapestry laden with clichés, skillfully sugar-coated to render them palatable. Yet, amidst the expected tropes, Riri Riza's narrative prowess manages to elevate the experience, transforming what could have been a mere indulgence into a compelling narrative worth revisiting mentally long after the credits have rolled.

One cannot overlook the role of music, a vital component intricately interwoven within the film's fabric. The melodies, while inherently accessible, lack the potency to etch themselves deeply into the listener's consciousness. Here, the formidable legacy of Elfa Secioria, established over two decades ago, casts a daunting shadow, one that Sherina, Belanegra, and Alvin Witarsa struggle to match. The power, finesse, and emotional resonance that Elfa infused into the original composition remain an indelible benchmark, setting a standard that proves formidable to surmount for the contemporary musicians involved in this rendition.

The film, when viewed collectively, presents a cinematic journey worthy of communal enjoyment. It successfully taps into the wellspring of nostalgia, evoking shared memories and emotions. However, the true litmus test of any cinematic creation lies in its ability to beckon the viewer for a return voyage. In this aspect, the film falters. Its allure, although potent in the moment, lacks the enduring magnetism necessary to beckon the audience for subsequent screenings.

In essence, Lesmana's creation stands as a testament to the delicate interplay between memory, storytelling, and auditory resonance. While it successfully treads the waters of nostalgia, it ultimately falls short of becoming an enduring classic. The film, though a commendable effort, reminds us that in the realm of cinema, capturing the ephemeral essence of memory requires more than a mere reiteration of past glories. It necessitates an alchemical fusion of narrative innovation and musical brilliance, a delicate equilibrium that, sadly, eludes this otherwise proficient cinematic spectacle.

Penyalin Cahaya
(2021)

Between Artistry and Reality: A Critical Examination of Wregas's Cinematic Endeavors and the Uncomfortable Nexus of Violence
Wregas, undoubtedly an intriguing figure in the realm of cinema, crafts narratives that tantalizingly brush against the boundaries of reality, captivating audiences with his unique perspective on the human experience. His work, a fusion of performative arts and stark societal truths, unveils a raw, unfiltered gaze into the complexities of existence. Yet, despite his undoubted prowess, Wregas grapples with a significant flaw that casts a shadow upon his artistry: the inability to present a realistic reality.

In his latest film, Wregas's geographical body intertwines intricately with the narrative, blurring the lines between creator and creation. He endeavors to encapsulate the profound dialectic of performing arts, entwining it with the brutal, unforgiving reality of sexual violence. The result, on the surface, is a cinematic exploration that delves deep into the visceral layers of human experience.

However, the uncomfortable truth that emerges, starkly visible beyond the confines of the frame, is the revelation that the very architect of this narrative is entangled in the grim reality he seeks to depict. The scriptwriter, an individual responsible for shaping the characters and events, stands accused of perpetrating the very violence depicted on screen. This revelation casts a chilling pall over the film, forcing viewers to confront the unsettling intersection of art, artist, and societal culpability.

For cinephiles well-versed in the intricacies of reception studies, this construction becomes a poignant case study. It underscores the inextricable link between art and its social burden, challenging the notion of cinema as a detached, pristine entity. Instead, it serves as a stark reminder that every frame, every line of dialogue, carries the weight of the world it reflects.

In navigating this complex terrain, it becomes imperative to engage in a critical dialogue that delves into the ethical responsibility of artists. Wregas's work, while undeniably powerful, raises unsettling questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the moral obligations that accompany it. As we dissect the layers of his creations, we must confront the uncomfortable reality that art, no matter how aesthetically compelling, cannot divorce itself from the ethical quandaries of the world it seeks to mirror.

Jomblo Fi Sabilillah
(2023)

Lost Brilliance: A Profound Concept Marred by Cinematic Ineptitude in Arimba's Latest Film
The conceptual foundation of this film undeniably possesses exceptional depth, exploring the profound interplay between spiritual values and the imposition of prevailing socio-cultural norms. Regrettably, the cinematic execution falls disappointingly short, exposing a glaring lack of finesse characteristic of Arimba films.

Arimba's latest endeavor, much like its predecessors, suffers from a palpable sense of haste. The performances lack nuance, resembling parched terrain devoid of emotional depth. The cinematography, too, seems to suffer from a dearth of creative ingenuity, capturing scenes with a simplicity that borders on banality. Furthermore, the editing process appears to have been mishandled, resulting in a final product that betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of cinematic language.

Arimba must recognize that the ensemble he assembled for this venture lacked the prowess necessary to elevate his cinematic vision. One cannot overlook the importance of understanding the impact of actors' intonations on dialogue delivery and the subtleties of body language in conveying a character's essence. This oversight underscores a crucial gap in Arimba's approach to filmmaking, highlighting the need for a more discerning and knowledgeable team.

It is profoundly disheartening to witness such a brilliant concept fall victim to the inadequacies of a team ill-equipped to navigate the intricate tapestry of cinema. This unfortunate outcome raises questions about the accessibility of filmmaking tools in the modern age, blurring the lines between genuine artistry and amateur experimentation. The belief that anyone can craft a compelling cinematic narrative is a fallacy; true mastery of the medium demands a profound understanding of its nuances and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

In conclusion, the potential for cinematic brilliance within this narrative remains tragically unrealized, overshadowed by the shortcomings of its execution. A critical reassessment of Arimba's approach, coupled with a commitment to assembling a team of seasoned professionals, is imperative if future endeavors are to fulfill the promise inherent in his innovative ideas.

Hayya 2: Dream, Hope and Reality
(2022)

Warm and Gentle Flick
You go to a movie theatre with your whole family? This movie is easy enough to watch but kinda hard to swallow, the story of Palestinian girl who ended up in tropical country is really hard to chew on, but it's a fiction so let's just go with these narrative.

Hayya 2 offer Family drama with complicated mental illness in domestic life. How the wife cannot coup with the tragedy of her losing her only daughter and somehow destiny manage to bring Hayya to her life as her (late) daughter. Really? Yes, it's like that. Moreover the husband is ignorance enough to let his wife do what she's think is right. Apart from that both actor husband and wife deliver really good acting--the cinematography is so--so and the editing works is lazy and tasteless. Both of the crew need to watch more film, like really watching it.

I'm lucky enough to watch this warm and gentle flick on it's first day and be a part of the new Indonesia Islamic film movement.

On other notes, the scene with the ustadz and Hayya alone on Ustadz office, for me it just a big no. It sent the wrong message to the whole landscape of the movement.

See all reviews