‘Gundala’: Movie Review
A superhero movie that redefines a superhero movie
One could argue that superhero movies are all about stunts and chaos. But to the non-fanatics, a superhero movie is still a movie. It should not stray away from a good storyline, because that’s the only way you can genuinely keep the audience awake. At least, again, for the non-fanatics.
Gundala, the first Indonesian modern superhero movie, is accessible because of precisely that. It seems to constantly remind itself that it is naturally destined to be an amateur, thus further amplifying its professionalism. It brings themes of society and politics that, even two years after its premiere, are more relevant than ever. And it was delivered in the most authentic way possible: horror looking at Pengkor, adrenaline looking at Sancaka, sweats looking at society. It explores how a societal collapse can look like, and how it can be prevented. One person can change it all, as they say.
If Joker (2019) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) combines, it will slightly look like Gundala. It blends drama and action smoothly and without a single distinct border, redefining a superhero movie. As an amateur, of course, the movie didn’t try desperately to include superheroic elements, but where there is lightning, so there is melancholy. Not only does it vastly establish the character Sancaka is raised as, but it also establishes the characters around him, in a third-person perspective that allows us to look into a first-person perspective. It intertwines everything well, basically.
As a movie by Joko Anwar, one of the most insane filmmakers in the archipelago, I am not surprised at the mood of the movie. Anwar depicts Indonesia (which has a significant population as egotistical as Pengkor) as accurate as possible: an enchanting old ruin and cold-blooded heaven. Thus, a more homemade style of action is chosen: natural. Sancaka uses a DIY costume, police brutality occurs, and some chaos. Realistic yet surreal, if combining its decent lightning visual effects.
The weird, yet characteristic, aspect of Gundala is on how it doesn’t force itself to be great, yet in the end, it is great, not as a superhero movie entirely, but as a nicely-composed piece. People, from kids to adults, can learn something from this. And it’s not like an unrealistic Indonesian Muslim soap opera (sinetron) where is tries so hard to be moral, it fails. Gundala’s screenwriting just goes with the flow; wherever it ends, it ends nicely.
It was poorly received by various local audiences due to its poor CGI quality, with many comparing it to the decades-run, legendary Marvel and DC movies. Indeed, that is expected. However, we should not think that far; remember, it is the first Indonesian movie of the genre and is merely a torchbearer to the ambitious Bumilangit Cinematic Universe. However, if we talk about the visuals, well, I don’t know a single person not immersed in the camerawork.
GENRE: Superhero, drama
DURATION: 2 hour 3 minutes
WATCHED ON: Disney+ Hotstar
AGE RATING: 13+
LANGUAGE: Indonesian, Javanese
