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Too many fans seem to be blown away

Overrated

an ambitious but ultimately ineffective debut endeavor.

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

The film set in 1947 (2 year after Indonesian declare it's independence) when the Dutch Imperial lauch it's first military aggression to fail the republican goal to maintain it's independence. Where there's a small band of Republican Army tried to secure The Indonesian independence through bloody armed conflict between Republican Army with Dutch Imperial.I would say that if you expect some large scale battle type of film, this is definitely not for you. But if you are interested in somekind of historical war film, go check this out. But since this is more like action driven movie (and few dramas of course), you can still watch some decent action here and there.

The fact that this film is the first in a long time to even attempt to commemorate our nation's history in a fun and interesting way should be justification enough to see it. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of special effects and even more so by the acting talents of Amir (Lukman Sardi), Tomas (Donny Alamsyah) and Dayan (Rifnu Waksana).As a first time director, and despite some minor flaws, Yadi Sugandi did a great job of visually telling the story how this group of soldiers from all over Indonesia put aside their differences to fight the Dutch. The film might not have had the grand battle scenes of films like Saving Private Ryan (of which the special effects supervisor Adam Howarth worked on) but it did well with smaller scenes, tighter action and a much smaller budget - around Rp 60 milyar I think I heard.Overall, I enjoyed the film and think it's a good start for Indonesia to move past the typical crappy pocong and sappy cinta films we usually see in the theaters. And, as a trilogy, I hope there will be much more to come in terms of the action and drama. Has anyone heard what will happen next???

Merah Putih was set in 1947, the producer's homage to especially his relatives, a 21-year old lieutenant and a 16-year old cadet, who died defending the republic during the time. This film boasts of a crew that also comprises of experts who have been involved in blockbusters like The Dark Knight and Blackhawk Down.Amir (played by perhaps the greatest Indonesian actor of the new generation, Lukman Sardi) was a teacher who at first refused to join the battles. But after one of his student died in the hands of the Japanese, now he decided to be up in arms against the returning Dutch forces. He joined Sekolah Perwira – a school for officers – and met an array of characters there.There was also Surono (Zumi Zola) who had to leave his older sister, the only family he got left in this world, behind. He joined the school with his best friend during his university years, blueblooded, stuck-up Marius (Darius Sinathrya, who surprisingly pulled a convincing performance, although some say his Persian looks aren't too in line with his character as a Javanese nobleman, or priyayi). They both came late to their first day at school, having spent the night bingeing.The school didn't only take in highly educated people – it also received a farmhand ("We keep chicken, not pigs, Marius") named Tomas (Donny Alamsyah). Being a Christian and a Manadonese ("Dutch dogs!" claimed Marius in disgust), Tomas became the target of bullying by the Javanese proud priyayi boy. Somehow Marius found Tomas a better object to ridicule than the Hindu Balinese, Dayan, a very polite and calm knife-wielder. (I heard the audience whispered, "How polite!" every time Dayan gave a greeting with his palms closed in one another, fingers extended touching.) The frictions of the characters – and how they try to settle them down – are one of the most interesting points of the film, especially when they found themselves beaten black and blue, surrounded by the Dutch forces, with the hesitant, newly-made Lieutenant Amir as their sole leader! I must give credits to all the actors and actresses here for showing us a top-class performance. Some viewers who watched the film with me even handclapped because they felt so excited! (And somebody shouted 'Amen' when Marius wondered on screen whether they could escape the Dutch – it was just one of the moments why watching films on theatres is so interesting!) For Indonesians, the film would feel so… cool. To see our heroes smashing the Dutch soldiers to pieces with so few men and arms really drew the outloud comments of 'Cooooool' from the audience. But this film lacked the humanity shown even by revolution-era writers like Nugroho Notosusanto or Idrus – the capability of showing that the enemies were human too.But well, the story's still long – MP is the first part of a trilogy – and perhaps there will be more details about the Dutch characters later. In MP, they're shown as nothing but evil pigs trying to snatch the land from the Indonesians again. But then again perhaps that's what nationalist films should be… Remember Braveheart and The Patriot? And, oh, please, I don't believe anyone's clothes can be that squeaky clean when they've spent a day and a night in the woods. At least the butt of their trousers will show some signs, no?

Well..thankfully that I have a low expectation about this movie so I don't feel so down when I saw it.a lot of plot holes & incorrect things (like the cloths so neatly & clean, even when they all stay in the forest for days.). The script writing is still cliché & undeveloped, & why when people lost someone, they tend to shout out loud looking up? anyway, for me, is still one of a well made indonesian movie.my plus point for this movie is coming from the characters. With many characters, I'm not confuse which one is which. Also, the talk about religion & suku bangsa, it's light but still a brain teaser to indonesian people. & oh yeah, lots of punch line hits correctly.note: this movie is bold to kill a beloved characterbtw, I think this movie meant to be scene by international audience cos if not, Soerono sister & the teacher's wife should be switch place. hopefully the next instalment can redeem the first one.(hey, when I watch it, I didn't get the red & white bandana :( )