Joni's Promise

Janji Joni exceeds my expectations, really. When I first read the synopsis, I thought to myself: "Well, maybe a totally wacky comedy would do me good after all the stress of studying..." So, I slotted the disc into my laptop, and the journey began.

For the first few minutes, I did just what I'd wanted to do - I simply sat back and relaxed. And indeed, I enjoyed the light-heartedness of the film tremendously. The comedy is fresh without bordering on slapstick, and its cinematography is really beautiful. The crew successfully presents a nostalgic and charming portrayal of Jakarta. The film's greatest strength, though, is its motley group of characters: the carefree, somewhat naive Joni (acted well by Nicholas Saputra); the avuncular operator of the movie projector; the chatty taxi driver with his pregnant wife; and many, many others. Joni's encounters with these diverse characters are guaranteed to tickle you.

Apart from all the laughters, however, I also discovered a deeper layer of this film. Despite its unrealistically weird premise, Janji Joni actually presents a very potent metaphor of life itself. Life is like Joni's journey - full of unexpected twists and turns, and it doesn't always unfold as we want it to. And I'm glad that I have the opportunity to learn from how Joni reacts to all these situations. He made me re-evaluate my own life and inspired me with a new love of life. And I think that is quite something to take away from a "wacky comedy".

Do watch this film, but don't take it for face value. Go deeper and you may find yourself living your life a little more happily after watching this film. Trust me, we can all learn much from Joni.

I think Joko Anwar did wrote a powerful story and gave each of the character "life".

Unfortunately, (imo), the problem with most Indonesian (young) actor is they talks with this, kinda like (special) accent and tone. When you listened to it, you would absolutely believe that they actually read from the script. The only sincere words that sounds pretty convincing out of Joni was the time when he was cursing. It really was sounded natural.

The much more experienced actor has done well. They really gave me the right impression of the profession that they did in the movie.

Hopefully the young actors can relax a bit and do much better next time. :p

thumbs up to this latest Indonesian movie.Janji Joni has deliver it promise and deserve my standing ovation.It has sealed Indonesian new cinema never stopped but going strong. this movie prove an indie movie with commercial appeal. Every actors play their characters well, and it did prove that Nicholas Saputra can act!, every dialog in this movie deliver the message from the directors perspective of Indonesian movie.Every scenes is a gem, and yeah, the soundtrack garnish it final touch to the movie.I truly enjoy this movie, u have to see it for yourself and be prepared to be amazed by how Indonesian movie has been saved. All i know now is that, Janji Joni does not shows that Indonesian movie has now at it peak but it just started with not only better but bigger, promises. good luck.

Like: Simply unique and original story. Most Indonesian or Hollywood movie makers trying so hard to make story with sophisticated characters and overly dramatic plot, which became too unrealistic. But I really appreciate this movie's idea about ordinary person with unpopular job with simple mission. It's simple but not cliché, and doesn't make us less care about the character. Totally breakthrough in the story and main character.

Dislikes: The script/dialog is very intelligent and funny, but then it's WEIRD because why should remarkable, intelligent quotes come from EVERY characters; including small children...?? It's definitely not real. It is like all of the characters has scriptwriter's mind. Everyone talk fast, but in reality not everyone talks at the same pace, especially not everyone is fast in witty jokes like the scriptwriter!! If only every character were more developed with different mind, different accent, and different way/pace of talking, that would be more realistic.

The time line is also confusing. It's not make sense that Joni had all of those unexpected things during half movie. is it 1 hour? or what? is not clear or believable.

Aside from those flaws, this is still quite enjoyable movie

Saw this at Sydney Film Festival. Just like the rest of the audience, I was so surprised that an Indonesian movie can be so funny, intelligent, and witty. We were constantly laughing throughout the screening even though sometimes I didn't get the jokes (but my Indonesian friend was laughing so the movie must have hit the right note). What I notice was the performances. They were so good, especially the lead actor who never overplays his character. And the story is also so well-written. This is one of the best films shown at the festival this year and I'm so glad I saw it.

We got the chance to have a Q&A session with the writer/director Joko Anwar and he was such a funny and humble guy. I don't understand some of the bad comments from Indonesians in IMDb. You guys should be proud of this movie. This could be your ticket to get recognized by international audience.

EXCELLENT!!!