I was quite curious to see this film, as the plot sounded promising. However, what started as a good idea turned into very dry film, due to the poor script. The screenwriter didn't really do a good research about Balkan countries, as they are so rich in culture and in this film they have just touched the surface. Shame. It was a really good idea for the film.
Reviews
5 Reviews
We Are Moluccans
(2014)
Inspiring story from Indonesia, and one of the better films from this country...
8 December 2014
I was quite lucky to attend the premiere of "Cahaya dari Timur: Beta Maluku", in Jakarta, and even meet the director in person.
It is a magnificent and inspiring story based on a real events which happened in the east of Indonesia - the place unknown to most of the foreign visitors to this country. It's a story of humble and ordinary people, divided because of the ethnic problems. It's a story of individuals who could change the world, just if they put a little bit of effort, energy and faith... and just behave like human beings to each other. Although, the movie is a little bit too long, as the director put a lot of time into character development, it's a very rewarding experience.
I sincerely hope that this movie will receive wider distribution around the world, as it really deserves. Unfortunately, at this moment, the film is not available in other countries... but I hope that in the near future, after the movie becomes available, I will be able to share my experience with other cinema lovers around the world.
Wish that Indonesia makes more films like this...
It is a magnificent and inspiring story based on a real events which happened in the east of Indonesia - the place unknown to most of the foreign visitors to this country. It's a story of humble and ordinary people, divided because of the ethnic problems. It's a story of individuals who could change the world, just if they put a little bit of effort, energy and faith... and just behave like human beings to each other. Although, the movie is a little bit too long, as the director put a lot of time into character development, it's a very rewarding experience.
I sincerely hope that this movie will receive wider distribution around the world, as it really deserves. Unfortunately, at this moment, the film is not available in other countries... but I hope that in the near future, after the movie becomes available, I will be able to share my experience with other cinema lovers around the world.
Wish that Indonesia makes more films like this...
Jalanan
(2013)
"I love Indonesia. But does Indonesia loves me back?"
27 April 2014
Welcome to the streets of Jakarta! The city of big social differences between rich and poor. The city where good musicians don't get a chance to be noticed, if their social status is bad. However, they became a part of a city image, by singing on the streets and public buses.
Jakarta is known as a "big durrian" among many people. It's difficult to like the city, because of many problems. Constant traffic jams, big floods, pollution, heat and unemployment. I've been living here for couple of months, and I've been using public transport almost every day. Each day, there is a different performer playing different songs (or just telling their sad story). I have a feeling there are more of them every day. And with so many street performers, unfortunately, really good singers don't get noticed.
This is where our story begins. Three really good singers and songwriters from Jakarta streets are coping with the city mercy in order to get a living. They don't have a place to live, they don't get social help, their lives are full of problems... but they still have lots of energy and positive attitude. "I love Indonesia. But does Indonesia loves me back?" - thoughts of one of the musicians. Jakarta doesn't have a space for all of its people, but our three singers are shown as a big part of the city. The director also criticizes society for being unable to help their own people, but still indicates that there is a chance for everybody to change themselves, and make a better life (which we see in the second part of the movie).
As a conclusion, I hope that more people will see this film, and have better understanding of the issue. I am surprised that I am the one writing the first comment, but I am looking forward to read some opinions of the locals on this web page.
Jakarta is known as a "big durrian" among many people. It's difficult to like the city, because of many problems. Constant traffic jams, big floods, pollution, heat and unemployment. I've been living here for couple of months, and I've been using public transport almost every day. Each day, there is a different performer playing different songs (or just telling their sad story). I have a feeling there are more of them every day. And with so many street performers, unfortunately, really good singers don't get noticed.
This is where our story begins. Three really good singers and songwriters from Jakarta streets are coping with the city mercy in order to get a living. They don't have a place to live, they don't get social help, their lives are full of problems... but they still have lots of energy and positive attitude. "I love Indonesia. But does Indonesia loves me back?" - thoughts of one of the musicians. Jakarta doesn't have a space for all of its people, but our three singers are shown as a big part of the city. The director also criticizes society for being unable to help their own people, but still indicates that there is a chance for everybody to change themselves, and make a better life (which we see in the second part of the movie).
As a conclusion, I hope that more people will see this film, and have better understanding of the issue. I am surprised that I am the one writing the first comment, but I am looking forward to read some opinions of the locals on this web page.
Sibir. Monamur
(2011)
powerful and chilling story about human nature, and easily the best Russian film in past few years
23 March 2012
With this complex story about human nature, Slava Ross made exceptional debut as a director. She put back on track Russian cinema, that in past few years lost some of the values with failed blockbusters, historical epics and unnecessary sequels (some of them made even by Mikhalkov).
Alongside with Vozvraschenie, this is another character study that deals with hard life of individuals living in remote area. It creates a parallel between humans and animals, compassion and cruelty, living and surviving.
The story is breathtaking, very well written and directed. Cinematography is stunning: it shows in its perfection the main character of the story - nature. Beautiful, distant, unpredictable, frightening and never-ending space... which controls actions of every other character. Their inner nature and emotions gets changed towards each other depending on circumstances. However, they are connected in a battle against the wilderness of the nature, but divided by a way of surviving.
Do not miss this modern Russian masterpiece which shows a circle of life with one different point of view.
Alongside with Vozvraschenie, this is another character study that deals with hard life of individuals living in remote area. It creates a parallel between humans and animals, compassion and cruelty, living and surviving.
The story is breathtaking, very well written and directed. Cinematography is stunning: it shows in its perfection the main character of the story - nature. Beautiful, distant, unpredictable, frightening and never-ending space... which controls actions of every other character. Their inner nature and emotions gets changed towards each other depending on circumstances. However, they are connected in a battle against the wilderness of the nature, but divided by a way of surviving.
Do not miss this modern Russian masterpiece which shows a circle of life with one different point of view.
The Kite Runner
(2007)
Very moving story, and excellent example of good storytelling
31 January 2008
Once in a few years, you do a few mistakes which makes you regret later in life. Once in a few years, you've been given an opportunity to makes this world better. Once in a few years, there comes a movie which makes you to appreciate your life with all your heart; think in a different way; and most important makes you be proud because you are a human. We all need love, help and understanding, and after finding them and share them with the others, we can certainly change this world.
Real to life stories these days are very rare. This is a simple story about friendship, family, betrayal and forgiveness seen through eyes of a young Afghanistan boy. All the actors did splendid work, and I was glad to see Homayoun Ershadi again, whose excellent performance I still couldn't forget from Taste of Cherry. Director Marc Forster gets better every year; character studies in his movies always fascinates me. Script, cinematography and music are great; it's the real shame that this wonderful movie got snubbed at the Oscar competition.
"There is a way to be good again"
Real to life stories these days are very rare. This is a simple story about friendship, family, betrayal and forgiveness seen through eyes of a young Afghanistan boy. All the actors did splendid work, and I was glad to see Homayoun Ershadi again, whose excellent performance I still couldn't forget from Taste of Cherry. Director Marc Forster gets better every year; character studies in his movies always fascinates me. Script, cinematography and music are great; it's the real shame that this wonderful movie got snubbed at the Oscar competition.
"There is a way to be good again"
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