Joni's Promise

No one knows why Indonesian filmmakers are so fond of art movies. They seem to think that if you want to be regarded as a good filmmaker, you should make an art movie. Too bad there's no good art movie yet produced in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the other side of the group think that they can produce low-quality craps and just put them on the theaters. Both groups are killing the industry.

It's so refreshing that finally a commercial movie got made with competence. Janji Joni is hip, smart, and never take itself too seriously (even though many critics tried to analyze the movie deeper than they should be). Janji Joni is basically an independent movie on a larger scale. Full of big stars and many locations even though it was shot in 19 days according to IMDb.com. It's raw but yet audience-friendly.

Full of unforgettable characters from the beautiful Mariana to the cult actor Sujiwo Tejo and underground action superstar Barry Prima.

This movie is a rebel many people will love.

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!!!

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

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.

When i decided to watch this movie after i saw the trailer on television,i thought that was best decision i ever made in whole my life.Cause,i decided to spent my money to watch the most hilarious,funny,smart,intelligent and cute movie ever made by Indonesia director.What a grateful,excellent and stunning film!I like it!And i fell in love with all of this movie content:director,plot and stars.Gosh!This is so much unbelievable,so much great.so much everything!The brilliant-talented Nicholas Saputra,The beautiful-charming Mariana Renatha,The cute-stunning Rachel Maryam,The snob-awesome Surya Saputra and all other great cast ever showed:Tantowi Yahya,Barry prima,Sujiwo tedjo,Ria Irawan,Tora Sudiro,etc.But,from all the best above this,The Director and The Producer are the greatest and most important persons in this movie:Nia Dinata and Joko Anwar.They successfully made the story become the funniest,the smartest,the cutest and the unforgettable of all.Gosh!(again)Watch it you'll be laugh until the day ended!Keep my promise...Grade:10 of 10.