A Garota do Cigarro

Allow me to start by saying I wish they cast a taller actor for the role of elderly Soeraja as the difference in height is rather striking, but this is a trivial continuity issue that in no way diminish what Kamila Andini and Ifa Isfansyah had successfully accomplished in this series.

I haven't read the book by Ratih Kumala, so I went into it with zero expectation, except maybe an assumption of many goofs as with other Indonesian series. I'm glad they proved me wrong.

After years of repeat force to watch the "so-called communist film", this feels like a refreshing portrayal, albeit from the other side of things. I'm surprised they didn't take out every single one of Idroes' family, though, despite them not being on the list. But I suppose then there wouldn't be a story to tell for the year of 2001.

Aside from the development of Arum and Lebas' friendship, which is rather hasty in my opinion, Putri Marino and Arya Saloka left people rooting for their characters. And of course, Dian Sastro did a marvelous job portraying the struggle of a smart, intuitive, and opinionated woman in a man's world, even years after Kartini paved the road. Ario Bayu also successfully represented a male feminist in that era. It's real, it's gripping, it's certainly not what you expect from an Indonesian series.

I will be checking out more work from Andini & Isfansyah for sure.

Have you ever encountered a movie so profoundly impactful that it keeps you awake at night? Even days after watching it, the scenes linger in your mind. This film achieved that for me-an arguably top-tier Indonesian movie. Objectively brilliant, it boasts outstanding performances by the entire cast, with Dian Sastro's portrayal standing out. Her expressions are consistently subtle yet convey the pain of years of gender-based mistreatment. The storyline is captivating, always leaving you wanting more. The movie also excels in showcasing Indonesia's traditional fabric designs through beautiful wardrobe choices, and it delves into detailed historical elements of the 1960s in Indonesia. This movie is so compelling that it blurs the line between fiction and reality.

I heard this show was beautiful. I didn't expect anything when I decided to watch it. I'm glad I did. It was one of the best Indonesian shows I've ever seen. The emotions felt real. The setting was solid. The acting was phenomenal. My first motivation was because of Dian Sastrowardoyo, she's my favourite actress. I also know Ario Bayu in several other movies. All of the actors in this show were the A-list bomb. I'm glad I watched it and I did it in one sitting. It has 5 episodes with each one consuming 1 hour. I would recommend people to watch this show. It has some great vintage detail of the old Indonesian in 1960s and early 2000s. 10/10.

REVIEW GADIS KRETEK

I decided to watch this series because it was everywhere on X (formerly known as Twitter). Before that, I already knew the book, it was a hot topic once. The book-with the same title-was written by Ratih Kumala who happened to be Eka Kurniawan's wife. No wonder why I felt deja vu when watching the series, because it shares the same taste with Eka's plotting. They have historical writing style.

The series alone was mainly about cigarette. Dasiyah, as the main character, was a daughter of Mr Idroes, owner of Kretek Merdeka company, and she had a big ambition to make its sauce. But, women aren't even allowed to enter the sauce room. Then she met Raja when she was going to the local market with her father. Raja became one of their workers. Dasiyah and Raja fell for each other, but the universe seemed to not get their way. This, is when the story began.

I got to say the plot was really well done. It was a beautiful play, and well, the actors acted pretty natural, especially Dasiyah and Raja. Dian Sastro succeded to draw all the emotions. This series got all the romance, drama, and action in one.

I rate 8/10.

I must admit that I almost never watch Indonesian movies or series in some 15 years. But surprised after just few minutes.

I don't know any of the cast actors and actress, knowing Dian Sastor only by her name never once watch her movie.

But i really like this series. Their acting is so good, the story depth and the characters connection is well build.

We can also learn about our 1965-67 histories from other sides, how easy destroying life only by connecting them to "the party".

I was active smokers who just few years quit, watching this make me struggle not to smoke again😅.

Very good job👍 I hope there will be many more high quality Indonesian movies.