I know that because of my personal business this year, I have been a tad neglecting this blog. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t want to watch LOTS of movies that has been released. I have been too long not reviewing Indonesian film in its own post (well, kind of). A little while ago, I watched culinary movie, Tabula Rasa. Earlier this month, Dian Sastrowardoyo’s new movie, 7/24. Better late than never, right? I’m glad I can watch a little more local films this year, than nothing at all. The Golden Cane Warrior is a movie with several minuses, but a step forward for Indonesian film. Enough chit chat, here are the reviews :
The Golden Cane Warrior (2014)
Official Site Summary : The well respected and most feared martial arts teacher, who holds the mighty and powerful Golden Cane relic weapon and its ultimate deadly move, was expected to announce its successor to one of her most talented student. Murder and betrayal took over before the announcement made public and as the Golden Cane falls into the wrong hands, chaos was inevitable.
As the child of ’80s, I was born when people were fond with silat / Indonesian martial arts through comic and films. Like the usual trends, it fades, and then it arrives again. You all know The Raid was released in 2011, and it surely bring back local martial arts (silat) in the eye of contemporary age. This year, Miles Films released a classic martial art film called The Golden Cane Warrior (Pendekar Tongkat Emas). Directed by The Dancer director, Ifa Isfansyah, it is reportedly the most expensive film ever been made by the company. The cast are pretty convincing, filled with well-known and talented local actors, like Christine Hakim, Reza Rahardian and Nicholas Saputra.
Biru (Reza Rahardian), Gerhana (Tata Basro), Dara (Eva Celia) and Angin (Aria Kusumah) are martial arts student of Cempaka (Christine Hakim), the respected and well-known teacher in their community. When Cempaka announced that she wants to have a successor of her Golden Cane weapon, the assumption that it will be Biru as the senior of all and the most skilled student that will be chosen. But when Cempaka picks Dara, Biru feels betrayed. He and Gerhana plans to take the Golden Cane to their hands, by dismissing Cempaka and her decision.
When Dara and Angin succeed to runaway after Cempaka being murdered, they are saved by an unknown man. Meanwhile, Biru and Gerhana claims to other institution that Dara and Angin steals the Golden Cane and that Biru is Cempaka’s successor, but they have bigger plans than that.
Dara and Angin must find the long lost Pendekar Naga Putih (White Dragon warrior), the only person who have mastered the Golden Cane weapon. The young but loyal Angin must protect her sister from all threats, but soon Dara must stand on her own.
I find the concept of producing Indonesian classic martial art film in today’s era is brilliant. The timing should be perfect. But the challenge is to create something people are longing for, traditional while supported by today’s most hi-tech technology. But I think Golden Cane Warrior neglects main product they should be focusing from the start; the martial art. They brought the choreographer which is Jet Lee’s body double, a choreographer himself. But it surely didn’t feel Indonesian, but more Kung Fu. I spotted Tenun fabrics in the decor and costumes, but their look still feels more to it. The era of the story itself is a little vague, as it didn’t mentioned what and where.]
As for the actors, I find Reza Rahardian looks not too local but more Arabic and Nicholas Saputra look is contemporary. I know this is all quite technique, but this is a classic era. Saputra also felt between cold and and nonchalant, almost lack of expression. I think he has more depth as Rangga in Ada Apa Dengan Cinta, whereas Rangga also have a cold character. Is this because of the action genre?
But let’s talk about the positive side. It was shot in the breathtaking East of Sumba, Nusa Tenggara Timur. They really used the beauty shot really splendid. The long shots, the silhouettes and others. I adored Eva Celia as Dara, as the naive and kind-hearted young woman. I guess after this role, she’ll even be bigger. She showed credibility and new range as an actress. I also loved the antagonist side of Gerhana, played by Tara Basro. The score was pleasant, but I didn’t noticed that Anggun contributed soundtrack, Fly My Eagle.
Overall, if you love action and classic action, perhaps you’ll enjoy this movie more than me. It is still a movie with quite a production and concept, and choreography.
Score :