My 2023 Diary of Films and Shows: Narrative Films (1/3)
Part 1: Exploring Narrative Films
Despite a bustling schedule in 2023, I completed nearly 500 films and shows. While many of these films were enjoyed in the cinema, most of my viewing happened through streaming. Interestingly, I discovered an effective method to make the most of my time — by listening to stand-up comedy and documentaries during my drives. This strategy was a perfect antidote to the monotony of Jakarta’s traffic jams. Given the significant amount of content I’ve consumed, I divide my post into three summaries, categorizing them as narrative films, stand-up specials, and documentaries.
Netflix remains my primary streaming choice, distinguished by its extensive array of films, stand-up specials, documentaries, and the recent addition of Indonesian cinema. The depth and variety of its offerings are unmatched. My use of HBOGo, however, follows a more intermittent pattern; I usually subscribe for three months, pause, and then resubscribe to catch up on their new selections. HBOGo, too, is renowned for its excellent documentaries and stand-up specials. Mubi is my source for unique and often remarkable films, although it includes a mix of eccentric and occasionally overhyped arthouse works. Utilizing a VPN has become a crucial part of my strategy to broaden my viewing experience and access a diverse range of content. I aim to provide links to the films on their respective services in this watchlist. If a movie is unavailable for streaming, I will link it to its IMDB page instead.
My Cinematic Odyssey
2023 saw many underwhelming superhero and franchise films, yet some franchises stood out. ‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning’ offered thrilling action despite logical gaps, ‘Spider-Man Across The Spider-Verse’ impressed with a complex storyline and Gwen Spiderwoman’s arc, and ‘The Equalizer 3’ showcased Denzel Washington in a Fuqua-directed mafia thriller in Italy.
The standout film of the year was ‘Oppenheimer,’ Nolan’s emotionally charged portrayal of the atomic bomb’s development. In the drama category, ‘Air’ captured attention with its story of Nike’s endeavor to sign Michael Jordan, set to 80s music. At the same time, ‘Gran Turismo’ told the true story of a gamer-turned-racer finishing third at Le Mans. Other notable dramas included ‘A Man Called Otto,’ a Swedish film remake with Mariana Trevino’s remarkable performance, and ‘Past Lives,’ a deep dive into emotions against a New York marital backdrop. ‘Jesus Revolution’ emerged as a surprising drama about a pastor and hippies igniting a youth movement. ‘The Covenant,’ directed by Guy Ritchie, portrays a soldier’s intense journey in Afghanistan.
Decent watches included ‘The Little Mermaid,’ which struggled with diversity portrayal, ‘The Super Mario Bros,’ a fun adaptation of the iconic game, and ‘Wonka,’ a musical with depth about a chocolate maker’s rivalry with a cartel. ‘Babylon’ offered a glimpse into Hollywood’s decadent era, while ‘Missing’ presented a well-written but predictable story of a girl uncovering secrets about her missing mother.
In the horror genre, ‘Talk To Me’ stood out as a well-crafted film about teenagers inviting spirits in a game, while ‘M3gan’ was decent, with a strong first half but a loss of focus later.
I watched several outstanding South Korean films, including ‘The Moon,’ depicting a challenging moon landing mission, and ‘Concrete Utopia,’ about post-earthquake survivors in an apartment creating a survival system. Other notable films are ‘Target,’ a gripping thriller about a girl confronting a serial killer after a complaint, and ‘Road to Boston,’ an inspiring story of Korean marathon runners striving for national recognition.
Exploring Indonesian Cinema
Indonesia’s new generation of filmmakers is showcasing its originality with films like ‘Budi Pekerti,’ portraying a teacher’s life upended by an online post, and ‘Jatuh Cinta Seperti Di Film Film,’ which intertwines a scriptwriter’s love story with the film’s narrative. Another standout is ‘Cek Toko Sebelah 2,’ which is notable for its emotionally charged ending and Laura Basuki’s exceptional performance. Before watching the newly released sequel this year, I revisited ‘Petualangan Sherina’ on streaming, where Sherina and Sadam’s vacation turns into a kidnapping adventure set against charming landscapes, truly pioneering in the children’s film genre. ‘Petualangan Sherina 2’ in cinemas offers a delightful adventure, with Sadam and Sherina embarking on a noble quest to save orangutans from a malevolent tycoon.
Special mention to ‘Gadis Kretek,’ a limited series produced exclusively for Netflix. The film stands out for its excellent production quality, direction, and memorable music, leaving a lasting impression and earning my genuine admiration. The story follows a Javanese girl from a tobacco family. Expected to conform to traditional expectations of marriage, she harbors dreams of pursuing a different path — becoming a cigarette maker.
Netflix also provided an opportunity to delve into older Indonesian cinema. For instance, the classic ‘Tiga Dara’ by Usmar Ismail explores the conflict between three sisters and a man torn between the eldest and the spoiled younger sister. However, its remake doesn’t quite capture the essence of the original. ‘Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wijck,’ adapted from Buya Hamka’s novel, is a melodramatic yet well-produced drama about a couple divided by marriage and social status. Another enjoyable discovery was ‘Negeri Van Oranje,’ a film beautifully exploring love and friendship among four friends.
‘Sayap Sayap Patah’ offers a fresh take on the crime drama genre, with a gripping story of terrorists overtaking a police headquarters, highlighted by Iwa K’s performance. ‘Dear Jo’ delves into the emotional complexities of a surrogate mother after her friend’s death, though awkward dialogues and backstories somewhat let it down. Notable streaming watches include the Indonesian remake of the Italian comedy ‘Perfect Stranger,’ which intriguingly reveals secrets among couples through a cellphone game but could benefit from sharper exposition. ‘Pulang’ is a poignant story of a father’s road trip with his daughter, revealing a past rich in layered relationships. ‘Kembang Api’ engages with its story of individuals in a time loop after a suicide attempt.
Streaming Adventures: My Watchlist
These films’ impactful themes and raw authenticity can resonate deeply with audiences, potentially sparking societal change. It is an absolute must-watch! ‘Capernaum’ is a heart-wrenching film that follows the life of a neglected boy imprisoned for a desperate act, offering a poignant portrayal that questions the meaning of life and survival. ‘Incendies,’ a powerful narrative by Denis Villeneuve, unravels a mother’s harrowing past in the Middle East, revealing shocking truths that resonate long after the credits roll. ‘Sound of Freedom’ tackles the grim reality of child trafficking with an emotional intensity that is both disturbing and revealing, highlighting the dark underbelly of society with performances that convey the rawness of such tragic events. ‘City of God’ immerses viewers in the crime-ridden streets of Rio de Janeiro, seen through the eyes of young boys whose lives are marked by violence and survival, captured with a storytelling brilliance that brings the stark realities of their world to life.
Each movie is a classic in its own right, undiminished by time. ‘The Sting,’ with its intricate plot and iconic soundtrack, features the charismatic duo of Robert Redford and Paul Newman pulling off a high-stakes con that dazzles with its cleverness. ‘All the President’s Men’ thrusts us into the tense world of investigative journalism, following Woodward and Bernstein as they unravel the Watergate scandal in a nail-biting journalistic adventure. ‘Serpico’ presents the raw and gritty reality of a lone cop, played by Al Pacino in one of his finest roles, who stands against corruption at the cost of nearly losing everything. ‘Ronin’ is a thrilling ride masterfully directed by John Frankenheimer, where mercenaries entangled in deceit and betrayal navigate a dangerous mission.
Rewatching these family films reaffirms their timeless appeal of entertainment. ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ remains a testament to Spielberg’s inventive genius, captivating new generations with the story of a gentle alien who befriends a young boy and yearns for his home planet. ‘Home Alone’ continues to delight with its tale of a resourceful boy defending his home against bumbling burglars, solidifying its status as a Chris Columbus classic. Meanwhile, ‘The Hangover’ provides endless laughs with its comedic narrative of three friends who face a series of outrageous predicaments after waking up to a tiger in their room and a missing groom, showcasing the unpredictability of a wild night out.
Through their gripping and detailed storytelling, these films provide insight into the tragedies, conflicts, and lasting impacts of wars and terror. ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ delivers a stunning portrayal of a young German soldier’s futile experiences in war, highlighting the senselessness of armed conflict. This theme is further explored in ‘Black Hawk Down,’ Ridley Scott’s masterpiece that captures the intense drama faced by US forces in Somalia following a helicopter crash. In ‘The Kingdom,’ FBI agents delve into the investigation of a bombing in Saudi Arabia, unveiling a suspenseful narrative of terrorism and intrigue. ‘The Nile Hilton Incident’ is set against the backdrop of Egypt’s revolution, unraveling a murder investigation that exposes corruption within the police and political systems. The repercussions of violence are also depicted in ‘Sometimes In April,’ which portrays the harrowing loss of a family during the Rwandan genocide, offering an emotionally impactful view of the human cost of war. ’22 July’ tackles the aftermath of a terrorist attack on a parliament and teenagers, focusing on the struggle to represent trauma and the ensuing trial. ‘Argentina 1985’ presents a slow-burning, well-produced narrative on the historical trials of Argentina’s military junta for their heinous acts of torture and murder.
These films captivate viewers with compelling narratives that delve into poignant drama. In ‘Blue Bayou,’ we witness a tattoo artist facing deportation after clashing with the police, who ironically is his wife’s ex-partner, brought to life by powerful performances and skillful direction from Justin Chon, with Alicia Vikander’s presence adding unforgettable moments. ‘Tár’ delves into a dark world where a famous conductor manipulates female musicians, and despite a potentially unnecessary ending, Cate Blanchett’s exceptional performance shines through.
Each film presents a clear, hard-hitting view of the harsh realities of a broken justice system and the resilience of the human spirit. ‘Midnight Express’ tells the harsh story of Bill Hayes, imprisoned in Turkey for smuggling hashish, as he faces severe hardship and fights for his freedom, a story poignantly told by Alan Parker and Oliver Stone. ‘Against the Wall’ shows the brutal conditions leading to a fatal revolt at Attica prison. It is a gripping story based on actual events and directed by John Frankenheimer. ‘Felon’ is about a man imprisoned for self-defense, struggling to survive in a harsh penal system, portrayed in a drama that highlights its characters' inner strength and complexity. ‘Reptile’ explores the complexity of a murder investigation tied to a laundering scheme, featuring a masterful performance by Benicio Del Toro.
In the Western genre, ‘The Jack Bull’ features a man fighting for justice against a dishonest rancher, showcasing a classic Western theme of right versus wrong. ‘Deadwood: The Movie’ revolves around a senator hiring a hitman to push a land sale, leading to a clash with Deadwood’s sheriff. It’s a well-crafted Western with an engaging plot and sharp dialogue, adding depth to the traditional Western setting. Both movies are solid examples of the genre, offering engaging stories with clear themes of justice and conflict.
These films immerse viewers in suspenseful narratives, where secrets unravel, and justice hangs in the balance. ‘Bound’ delves into the story of female neighbors who plot a daring heist against gangsters, featuring solid directing by the Wachowskis. ‘Decision To Leave’ presents a slow-build crime drama where a detective investigating a mountaineer’s death becomes entangled with the suspect’s wife, expertly crafted by Park Chan-Wook. In ‘Amsterdam,’ war veterans embark on an investigation into their superior’s murder, gradually uncovering intricate political conspiracies, all set against a backdrop of intriguing storytelling and enhanced by great cinematography.
These period pieces are remarkable for their unique portrayal of various eras and themes. ‘The Last Emperor,’ a masterpiece by Bernardo Bertolucci, immerses viewers in the life of China’s final emperor, Pu Yi, from his childhood to his death. Shekhar Kapur’s ‘Elizabeth’ narrates the story of Queen Elizabeth I, a Protestant monarch, as she confronts conspiracies orchestrated by the Catholic Church. In ‘The Age of Innocence,’ we witness a lawyer’s unfulfilled love within an aristocratic society, with Scorsese’s exceptional direction and acting elevating the narrative. ‘The Remains of the Day’ unfolds the tale of a butler serving a master in the pre-WWII era who must suppress personal feelings in the line of duty. Both films skillfully explore the nuances of unfulfilled love and personal sacrifice set against the backdrop of societal norms.
Based on true stories, these films capture the essence of human perseverance and achievement. ‘Temple Grandin’ chronicles the life of an autistic woman who overcame her challenges and revolutionized our understanding of autism, featuring touching performances by Claire Danes and Julia Ormond. ‘Something The Lord Made’ tells the inspiring tale of two individuals breaking down racial barriers to develop groundbreaking heart surgery, although it may lack some emotional depth. ‘The Swimmers’ portrays a Syrian girl’s incredible journey as she swims across the sea to seek refuge in Germany and competes in the Rio Olympics, offering an inspirational story of resilience against all odds. ‘Borg Vs McEnroe’ delves into the fierce rivalry between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe at Wimbledon, exploring how competition can evolve into friendship, with an intense final match at its heart. ‘Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot’ is a biopic of cartoonist John Callahan, who overcame paralysis and alcoholism, with Joaquin Phoenix delivering a powerful performance. Lastly, ‘Loving Vincent’ takes us on a posthumous exploration of Vincent Van Gogh’s tragic life using frame-by-frame impressionist visualizations, though it may lack dramatic depth.
These lighthearted true stories use humor and warmth to portray the richness of human experiences and journeys. ‘The Phantom of the Open’ takes us on a heartwarming adventure with a shipyard worker who sets his sights on the British Open despite being the worst golfer. In ‘Bank of Dave,’ we follow a businessman’s witty and touching quest to establish a local bank. ‘Jerry and Marge Go Large’ introduces us to a retired mathematician who discovers a lottery loophole, using his winnings to help his town in a fun and well-written narrative. ‘Dolphin Tale’ is a heartwarming tale of a lonely boy’s friendship with a tail-less dolphin, inspiring disabled children and delivering an entertaining narrative. ‘Mixed By Erry’ offers a delightful glimpse into Erry’s aspirations to become a DJ but winding up in the pirated music cassette industry with his brothers, providing a lighthearted look at Italy’s music scene. ‘Tetris’ unfolds a thrilling tale of licensing Tetris from Russia, involving government officials and crooks, delivering a surprisingly enjoyable story.
Exploring the themes of personal growth, friendship, and acceptance, ‘Lady Bird’ tells the relatable coming-of-age story of a high school girl from a modest background striving for a prestigious college while navigating friendships with popular kids skillfully directed by Greta Gerwig. In ‘Mona Lisa Smile,’ a maverick teacher challenges the norms of a conservative girls’ school, and the characters align with the film’s theme of breaking free from societal expectations ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ is a touching portrayal of three friends navigating the complexities of love and adulthood. In ‘Sweet Bean,’ a dorayaki maker forms a heartwarming friendship with an elderly bean paste teacher and a teenager, delivering a gentle and beautiful tale of familial bonds. ‘The Quiet Girl’ beautifully captures the journey of a lonely girl who discovers love and a sense of belonging while living with her aunt and uncle, with each frame resembling a realist portrait. ‘The Tender Bar’ presents a memoir of a writer’s upbringing by his mother and uncle, chronicling his journey from childhood to Yale, tenderly directed by George Clooney and featuring Ben Affleck’s outstanding performance.
These films offer heartfelt narratives that resonate with the pursuit of dreams. In ‘Once Upon A Star,’ a cinema troupe embarks on a journey to screen live-dubbed movies, facing internal conflicts and grounding the tale in the passion of Thai cinema. ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ explores the life of a domestic helper as she navigates romance and dreams of moving to Canada in a down-to-earth and relatable narrative. ‘Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris’ follows a cleaner who dreams of owning a Dior dress, delivering a heartwarming, smile-inducing film that encapsulates the power of aspirations. In ‘Pinoy Sunday,’ a group of migrants embarks on a comical adventure to transport a sofa across the city, infusing the story with light-hearted Taiwanese-style humor. ‘Lighting Up The Stars’ unfolds as a mortician adopts an orphan, evolving into a touching film celebrated for its excellent acting and direction. Lastly, ‘Face Off 6: The Ticket Of Destiny’ follows friends who win a lottery jackpot and engage in a battle of wits, offering a convoluted yet fun plot that entertainingly explores the pursuit of dreams.
Exploring a common theme of unexpected connections and the power of love in drama and romance. In ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,’ a couple endeavors to erase each other from their memories, ultimately discovering an irresistible and undeniably original connection. ‘Punch Drunk Love’ showcases Adam Sandler in a quirky, slightly irate romance opposite Emily Watson, while ‘Before Sunrise’ introduces a couple who meet on a train and spend a magical night in Vienna, their amazing chemistry subtly directed by Richard Linklater. ‘Out of Africa,’ set in Kenya, offers a different perspective on love and adaptation to new environments, highlighting the compelling chemistry between Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. ‘Amélie’ weaves a whimsical tale of a girl assisting others in fulfilling their dreams while hesitating to chase her own, all wrapped in its charming whimsy that conveys a vital message of self-discovery. ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ unfolds the story of an Indian girl defying conventions for her love of soccer, delivering a fun and lighthearted comedy. ‘Love Today’ presents a modern-day romance with a twist, where a couple’s relationship is tested by exchanging their phones, unveiling hidden secrets. ‘Letters to Juliet’ tugs at the heartstrings as a writer assists an elderly couple in rekindling their love after 50 years, offering a romantic and touching narrative. Meanwhile, ‘Love at First Sight’ chronicles the serendipitous meeting of a couple at the airport as they endeavor to connect in the UK, delivering a well-executed romance sure to warm the heart.
These films offer laughter while showcasing the humor found in unexpected situations and the quirks of human nature. ‘One Cut of the Dead’ takes the concept of a zombie film live stream gone awry, transforming it into a real apocalypse, and the behind-the-scenes humor that unfolds is highly entertaining. Meanwhile, ‘Mandela’ breathes life into the narrative of a village election that hinges on the vote of a barber, providing a delightful and insightful look into the world of local politics. ‘Cycle’ tells a charming tale of an astrologer’s journey to find meaning after his beloved bicycle is stolen, weaving a narrative that celebrates kindness and the essence of living a fulfilling life.
Each of these films showcases the depth and versatility of black-and-white filmmaking. The black-and-white cinema harks back to the classics and includes modern masterpieces. ‘A Trip to the Moon’ by the Lumière brothers is a historic cinematic journey celebrated for its extraordinary theater-like visuals and pioneering work. ‘Citizen Kane’ by Orson Welles is considered one of the greatest movies of all time; depicts the fall of a newspaper magnate with masterful visual storytelling. Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Marnie’ is a suspenseful thriller about a compulsive thief whose dark past draws a wealthy businessman’s compassion. ‘Diabolique’ is an innovative suspense film where a headmaster is killed by his wife and mistress, and yet the body vanishes. ‘La Haine’ offers a poignant depiction of the social struggles faced by three youths in the aftermath of police brutality. Adding to this illustrious list is ‘Cold War,’ a newer film that tells a love story between a music director and a singer during the Cold War, shot in black and white to enhance the narrative’s depth.
Among the categories I delve into, a handful of arthouse films boldly push cinema's boundaries. Despite their acclaim for their unique styles and themes, I can’t help but feel that some of these arthouse films are overrated. Wong Kar Wai’s ‘Fallen Angels’ tells of a hitman betrayed by a colleague, marked by an evocative style yet lacking a coherent plot. Park Chan-wook’s ‘I’m A Cyborg, But That’s OK’ combines quirky visuals with the story of a woman who believes she’s a cyborg and a man who thinks he can steal souls, but it fails to be relatable. Michael Haneke’s ‘Caché (Hidden)’ involves a TV host and mysterious surveillance videos leading to unresolved past conflicts, hindered by its slow pace. ‘Code Unknown’ struggles with disconnected editing and fails to address Europe’s social complexities coherently. ‘Festen (The Celebration),’ the first Dogme 95 film, adheres to naturalistic production rules but is amateurish. It revolves around a son accusing his father of molestation, leading to dire consequences, including a twin’s suicide. ‘Dogtooth’ by Yorgos Lanthimos, presenting a father deceiving his children into isolation, strikes me as absurd. While documenting everyday life, Agnes Varda’s ‘Daguerreotypes’ lacks narrative engagement. Lastly, ‘Irma Vep,’ starring Maggie Cheung, is a self-involved French film centered on crew conflicts.
As I curiously explore various genres of films and shows, I frequently stumble upon numerous hidden gems that captivate my attention and leave a lasting impact. Through this diary of cinematic experiences, I hope this discovery can inspire others to embark on their exploratory journeys into the diverse and enchanting world of storytelling on screen.
Part 1: Exploring Narrative Cinema
Part 2: My Standup Specials
Part 3: My Documentary Picks
