Jumbo

Jumbo, directed by Ryan Adriandhy, is a charming adventure about a parentless child, wrapped in Disney-like fantasy and local Indonesian flavor. The protagonist's journey is rooted in themes of integrity and the importance of keeping promises-wrapped in childlike wonder and emotional maturity.

Meri, the ghostly figure Jumbo (or Don) wants to help, evokes memories of Casper-gentle, lonely, and longing for connection. Her presence gives the story both heart and a sense of innocent mystique. The film blends light-hearted humor with emotional undertones, allowing audiences of all ages to find something meaningful.

There's clear inspiration from Monsters Inc. And The Prestige, especially in the sap sap sap scene-a nod to the three stages of a magic trick, offering misdirection and surprise. While the film leans into sci-fi, it stays grounded, like using a radio to communicate with "the other realm," creating a fantastical yet relatable world.

German culture appears subtly through Meri's family, primarily in a brief yet impactful dialogue with her mother. A standout comedic moment comes when the villain is apprehended not by global forces or the FBI-but by a humble local security officer (hansip), delivering a punchline that's uniquely Indonesian.

Playful nods to Dr. Stone and Avengers are cleverly embedded, making the film feel like a love letter to modern pop culture fans. The final emotional exchange between Don and Papa Don is reminiscent of Naruto's farewell to Yondaime-bringing unexpected emotional depth to this seemingly light tale.

With smart references, grounded storytelling, and a magical tone, Jumbo is more than a children's film. It's a warm, imaginative story for anyone who has ever loved, lost, or believed in second chances.

Words can't contain how excited I was to see a fully-Indonesian production of an animated movie with a feel-good story, worthy of international recognition. The pacing, the themes, moral values, comedic timing, overall writing is highly enjoyable. Digestible enough for the kiddos, nuanced enough with a touch of nostalgia for the adults. The setting and vibe was an authentic and very real portrayal of Indonesian culture and community, yet the core of the story was entirely human; and I can't wait for this movie to touch the hearts of international viewers. It's an homage to the arts on all accounts- song, storytelling, animation, drawings. I give my highest respects to the over 420 creative minds that worked together to create this masterpiece.

~Much love, an audience member that couldn't contain his laughter and tears.

📌 A major Gamechanger for Indonesia Animation, film comes with great Storyline and many Pop Culture Reference, warm atmosphere at all entire of movie, will heal you inner child and you at your age right know. All characters got enough screen time with no wasted potential, every Major char got their backstory motivation and acchieve their goal at the end of story. So great for your kid as their first time at the cinema, will gain their beauty and heartwarming Core memory on their life. Ryan as writers and director just nailed it at his first directing project, Camera movement, great soundtrack and scoring all this mix and match into absolute Cinema.

There is rarely local animation made in Indonesia itself, but this is one that is directly very high-quality, in terms of graphics, animation, atmosphere and particles integrated very perfectly carrying the theme of the story and morals that bind the hearts of the audience, the storyline is also unusual compared to other animations, it is very unique with the right character, even the moral values contained in this film are very rich where one film does not only contain one moral value, Not forgetting that the introduction of Indonesian culture in this animation is very subtle so that its existence can still be known without disturbing the course of the film.

This movie feels very special. The whole movie really has a story with a great message and feeling, which is not only aimed at children but also at adults. It reminds us of being human with all the flaws and strengths and all the things that happen in our lives. That's what makes the audience, especially the adult audience, will always be attached to the characters and their feelings. In the end, it's not uncommon to feel that it's really me.

Watching Jumbo feels like a roller coaster ride of emotions. It often gives reminders without sounding patronizing. The advice really reaches the heart. The choice of animation medium feels right. The complexity of emotions presented through various characters is really felt. That's also what made me laugh, cry, nervous, and annoyed while watching.

I'm really impressed with the portrayal of the characters in Jumbo. Varied and complementary. Watching it is like watching myself. There are times when I feel like Don who misses his parents who are no longer there. Sometimes I want to be like Nurman and Mae, sometimes I am like Atta who looks tough but has something inside him. Also, sometimes I feel like the committee lady who is flat.

The story, the characters, the messages, and everything that happens in Jumbo is supported by stunning technical aspects. The world built in the story is detailed, realistic, and even nostalgic. It's full of color and feels real. Love the changing costumes of the characters. The research is really cool. Big appreciation to all the animators, costumes, and everyone behind the making of this movie.

The emotions presented are supported by the role of voice actors. In Jumbo, the voices are just right, both for the characters and what they are feeling. This makes the character feel alive and the feeling that they want to convey is conveyed. This makes the character feel alive and the feeling that they want to convey is conveyed.

What's also cool about Jumbo is the songs. I love all the songs. My favorite is the one sung by Don. I was really teary during that part. When the songs are released on music platforms, I want to listen to them again and again. Apart from the movie, which is definitely on the list of favorites to watch this year, the songs are also on the list of favorites.

Overall, Jumbo is a great movie. One of the best movies of the year. A movie that's not just for kids, but all ages. I cried when I watched it, it was so wonderful. While watching it, it's really not boring. Every dialog doesn't want to be missed. Even up to the credit title, it's funny and adorable.