FinnTalks

This film tries to tell how constant sorrow can ruin anybody. The story revolves around a woman who deals with an unexpected tragedy and learns to live the ensuing months of grief. Does it succeed in delivering the story? Not really.

The lead surely delivers some convincing-yet-not-believable performance; but unfortunately, the poor script and terrible direction made this whole drama as bland as its dialogues, let alone its unrealistic overlong (thirty-damn-minute) home labour scene (in which its portrayal of accuracy is highly questionable and feels redundant). The slow glacial-burn paced plot doesn't bother some viewers (like me) but their extraneous shot choices ruin this movie, big time.

I mean, what's with the vague close-up of neck and shirt collar shot? Do they try to show us the character's vein and heartbeat or something? And that's not even the least of it. To be fair, the film score is fine. The third/final act is, I think, supposed to be melodramatic climax but it's just as hollow as the lead's unnerving speech; not to mention its rushed, inexplicable ending.

Overall, the film's writing was dreadful, and its direction even worse. The filmmakers failed to portray the "feel" of such broken-hearted person and people who live around them. The drama depicts a lot less emotion and soul. Audience can hardly sympathize and feel the sadness of its characters. The writer and director should be accountable to this heartless drama.

I am totally befuddled by them high praises and glowing reviews of this piece of overrated drama. I would say this film is pieces of a sorrow montage--if not a huge mess.

1.7/10.

This flick tells about a long-lasting friendship drama. The story is based on Sunny (2011), a south Korea's dramedy hit. It's basically a remake; and as a remake, Riri Riza and Mira Lesmana (along with Gina S Noer) interpreted the original perfectly. They made a few changes to the narrative elements but not the storyline: Transferring the South Korea in the 80's setting to the dark days of Jakarta in the 1990's during the brink of Indonesia's new order regime downfall. They managed to change the narrative (except for cultural and social adjustments), adding and omitting some characters (which was a bold move) to follow the original movie plot; and they done it faithfully without ruining the movie premise. As the same as its original source, the narrative moves alternately between present timeline and the past (90's). I didn't know any of these differences until I watched the original movie---right after I watched this one. IMO, one does not need to watch the original movie to enjoy this pretty well-made drama. Bebas brings audiences to a heartfelt nostalgia.

The issues I had with this dramedy are the quite-overlong music and dancing sequence (the scores are spot on tho), some cringy scenes (audiences will figure them out), weak motives of several conflicts, too good to be true resolutions (a bit unrealistic although relatable to some people) and the not-that-smooth blocking & cuts. But with those being said, the characters are likable, the film manages to deliver its touching story and message. Overall, it's a heartwarming nostalgic drama. This glorious remake is worth watching.

6,9/10.

Aside from its minor flaws, this is easily a heartwarming drama about seven women who formed a powerful friendship since they were at school. Life happens and pulled them apart yet their friendship lasts forever. Definitely worth watching dramedy.

7/10