This Earth of Mankind

I know a little about Indonesian culture, less than Indonesian themselves. I read "This Earth of Mankind" two years ago, although the Italian version also available in my library, I picked up the English-translated version. It was one of the best novel I have ever read, I finished the series (4 books) less than a month.

"This Earth of Mankind" by Pramoedya Ananta Toer has many layers that people, especially Indonesian can learn from. It teaches us about human rights, how dark history needs to be put into a conversation, cope with injustices, etc. Yet the movie itself, mainly focused on romance.

I watched the movie twice, in hope that I got it wrong, but I was wrong then. The movie only focused mainly on Minke and Annelies. Mrs. Ontosoroh's performance was really stunning and made me speechless, yet it seemed she's not the main character in the movie. Other casts are somewhat great though.

I have no idea why people behind this decided to do what they've done, is it because in Indonesia, great movies are always has this romantic elements? I get that, of course, Italian movies also known as "romantic" although we slowly shifted to other genres like politics. But come on Indonesia, this is a masterpiece! In so many things you can choose to highlight, why picked the romance?

I watched it with my friends, mostly Indonesian, they haven't read the books, and unfortunately they hard to grasp the meaning of the story.

I wish this movie could be better, at least 50% as good as the book itself.

I read the novel first so i would not misunderstood this well-known masterpiece since i found out it was Hanung as director. I can imagine Hanung always makes his movies from characterization to scoring a little too sinetron-ish. Shoot technique is mediocre. It didn't make sense when Mellema get mad to Ontosoroh when she found out the truth about Mellemas legal wife, the book told the situation the other way. Bupati B, Maiko, Robert Mellema were going too extra. The truth is bupati B never whipped Minke, Robert is not even that rude to Nyai Ontosoroh, Maiko is too evil here. Too many things going sinetron-ish. Wish Kamila Andini would have had her own version, i'm sorry Hanung.

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**Rating: 8/10**

**Suggestions:**

"Bumi Manusia," adapted from Pramoedya Ananta Toer's novel, beautifully captures the struggle of identity and colonialism in early 20th-century Indonesia. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances are heartfelt, particularly the lead characters, who embody the era's complexities.

To enhance the film, consider:

1. **Pacing:** Some sections feel drawn out; tightening the narrative could enhance engagement.

2. **Character Depth:** While the leads are well-developed, supporting characters could use more depth to enrich the story.

3. **Historical Context:** A clearer introduction to the historical backdrop could help audiences unfamiliar with the period.

Overall, it's a powerful film that evokes thought and emotion, deserving recognition for its artistry and relevance.

When I heard Hanung Bramantyo adapting Pramoedya Ananta Toer's classic literary work "Bumi Manusia", I was curious, before watching the film I took the time to read his book in preparation. The film trailer also looks promising. But after watching this film for the duration of the film 3 hours I think director of this movie still confuse to cut scenes from scenes in the book so it feels rough, Robert Mellema miscast and using contact lense doesn't look good either, the supporting cast of Westerners looks stiff. Some dialogue feels forced. For the details of the colonial era atmosphere such as steamship, steam train, I admit it is quite match for what i imagine from the book to tell the atmosphere of Indonesia at the end of the 19th century, although it still miss some details of fashion and hairstyles. The cast of Maiko, although its appearance was only briefly managed to steal the attention. The strength of this film's acting relies on the two main actors Minke (Iqbal) and Nyai Ontosoroh (Ina Febriyanti) who are also unable to save the quality of this film whose plot is loose here and there. Unfortunately. Hanung Bramantyo set main focus on the romantic drama scene and forget about the other values that wanted to be conveyed in "Bumi Manusia" to make it the most "Down-to-earth" novel that almost brought Pramoedya Ananta Toer to a noble prize.

Bumi Manusia, adapted from Pramoedya Ananta Toer's celebrated novel, is a visually stunning and heartfelt portrayal of love, resilience, and identity against the harsh realities of colonial Indonesia. Directed by Hanung Bramantyo, the film captures the essence of a complex period, blending romance with social and political themes in a way that honors the source material's spirit.

Iqbaal Ramadhan impresses as Minke, portraying the young Javanese man with sensitivity as he struggles to define his identity amid colonial oppression and personal challenges. Mawar de Jongh, as Annelies, brings depth to a tragic character, and their chemistry adds warmth to the otherwise intense narrative. The film's cinematography beautifully showcases both the elegance and the struggles of early 20th-century Indonesia, making each scene feel authentic and immersive.

While Bumi Manusia succeeds in capturing the emotional essence of the story, it sometimes feels weighed down by its pacing, and certain elements may feel rushed for those familiar with the novel. However, for viewers who appreciate historical dramas with emotional depth, it's an evocative journey worth taking.

Bumi Manusia is a powerful adaptation that blends romance with historical and cultural identity, offering a moving portrayal of Indonesia's past. A must-watch for those who enjoy stories that explore love, resilience, and self-discovery.