Yuni

A simple, honest & grounded effort that's crafted with sincerity and told with composure, Yuni concerns a bright high school girl who is obsessed with the colour purple and is determined to pursue her dreams but finds her world getting smaller when unexpected & unwanted marriage proposals start knocking on her doorstep while community expectations & superstitions further complicate her life.

Co-written & directed by Kamila Andini, the story makes for a fascinating coming-of-age drama but also dives into the patriarchal, conservative & regressive Indonesian society myth & mindset that considers marriage to be the be-all & end-all of a woman's existence. Andini captures all of it from the perspective & emotional journey of her young protagonist and showcases the wrongs that are rooted deeply enough to be considered norms.

The first two acts sustain the interest by covering the titular character's struggles with undiluted focus & raw intensity and Arawinda Kirana's authentic input not only allows the viewers to relate to her character's dilemma but also makes it easy for them to invest in her new experiences. The last act however unfortunately fails to stick the landing and is unable to provide a proper closure to everything that unfolded before and is one aspect that will divide the audience.

Overall, Yuni is a powerful, intimate & heartbreaking portrait of what it's like to be a young girl in Indonesia and doesn't shy away from illustrating the disturbing hardcore beliefs that continue to prosper there in the name of tradition. Benefitting a lot from Kirana's excellent showcase and all the more emboldened by Andini's fine script & candid direction, this coming-of-age drama is an essential & impressive offering from the Indonesian film industry and is undeniably worth a shot.

YUNI showcase the harsh reality of being a female teenager in Indonesia where society push her hard to be domesticated and silenced. I can relate to some of it and I sobbed through a few scenes. It saddens me that there are tons of real YUNI out there, who need help, as this review is being written and days go by. This movie's message is powerful and brilliantly delivered through each scenes.

What I like about Yuni, it feels honest with the dialogues, dynamics, and the characters. It doesn't shy away from the fact that they are not knowing technology, the contradiction between religious and cultural values, the merit of education in the coastline society. Rather than preaching, Yuni ask us to just follow and feel what she feels.

The honesty allows Yuni to build itself by putting little piece of sequences (e.g. Marriage proposals, friend's weddings, inclusion of side characters), which resembles life in its organic fashion. This type of narration risks to be dragging and boring, but Yuni with its simplicity manage us not only to engage until the end, but to care for the characters.

The ending is a little letdown since it's turning different than the whole vibe of the movie (hence 9/10), but I feel like it's an honor to the girls who already endure the reality. I recommend Yuni for those who enjoy movies like Siti, Perempuan Punya Cerita, Berbagi Suami, and Dua Garis Biru.

Found myself captivated by the sheer brilliance since the beginning. Yuni isn't just a film; it's a journey into the depths of human experience, a visual and emotional feast that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

The storytelling is nothing short of poetic, weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonated with every fiber of my being. The characters felt like old friends, their struggles and triumphs becoming my own. The script is a work of art, seamlessly blending moments of laughter, heartache, and profound introspection.

The cinematography is breathtaking, each frame a carefully crafted tableau that captures the essence of the narrative. The play of light and shadow, coupled with stunning visuals, elevates Yuni to a level of visual poetry rarely seen in contemporary cinema. Every scene is a visual symphony that transports you into a world where reality and fantasy dance in perfect harmony.

The performances by the cast are nothing short of extraordinary. The actors breathe life into their characters, delivering performances that are both nuanced and deeply moving. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, creating a cinematic alchemy that transcends the screen.

What sets Yuni apart is its ability to provoke introspection and leave a lasting impact. Long after the credits rolled, the film lingered in my thoughts, prompting me to reflect on the complexities of life, love, and the human condition. It's a rare gem that not only entertains but also leaves you with a profound sense of connection to the world around you.

In the grand tapestry of cinema, Yuni stands as a shining star. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, a visual and emotional odyssey that will resonate with audiences for years to come. This is not just a movie; it's an experience that transcends the boundaries of the silver screen. Yuni is a masterpiece that deserves every accolade it receives-an unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of storytelling.

The better and more advanced Indonesian film is, I am very proud. Hoping to get better and have more character in promoting Indonesian local values. Success in competing with foreign films.