Indonesian Romantic Comedy
Directed by Raditya DiKa
Usually romance comedy films portray romantic things and the pursuit of the ideal partner, however, “Koala Kumal” tries to present something different by taking the theme of heartbreak. The plot has a focused and consistent storyline to build the path on how a person who is heartbroken and manages to move on. In the context of this film, the storyline can run well due to the actions of Trisna trying to make Dika not to give up on moving on through the comedy condiment presented. Unfortunately, in the beginning of the story, the heartbreak (the main conflict) was presented briefly and was not shown deeply on how Dika experiences the conflict. Although the background of the story presented in the beginning is quite touching, depicting the proximity of Andrea and Dika. Like previous Raditya movies, the elements of comedy become the essential base in this movie even though in some scenes it looked silly and unreasonable. The role play of the three main characters help the success of this film. One aspect that stands out is the musical element built in some scenes which fit with the situation of the film. The ending is also pretty sweet by trying to display a more positive heartbreak and an opportunity to live a new life.
Single is a romantic comedy that is quite entertaining with dialog and joke based on stand up comedy. Although sometimes the jokes that are revealed are less solid in the context of the story, but still able to make people laugh out loud. The problem of the story becomes an interesting study in the film. From the beginning to the mid of the film, the story is built slowly as well as intensely and focuses on the main issues that make the audiences easy to understand he problems which the main character faces. Like the scenes in restaurant and nightclubs are very effectively indicate the issue that encounters by Ebi, who feels less comfortable with his single status, innocent and less confident in dealing with girls. Since the appearance of Angel’s old friend, Joe, who also has feeling for Angel, the story seems a little boring. The story just displayed on how Ebi and Joe grab Angel’s attention. Moreover, the speed of the movie begins to accelerate, ignoring the process of the storyline which make the proportion of the scene becomes less fit. Moving the plot of Jakarta to the plot of Bali is a bit forced as it does not show any process on how Ebi invites Angel. There is no strong reason as to why the scene should be in Bali as the setting. Any atmosphere in Bali can actually be used as media to increase the intensity of dramatics, for example, putting Angel and Ebi characters closer in a certain moment. Unfortunately, the highlight is the competition between Ebi and Joe, such as skydiving scenes. One scene in Bali was quite touching when Ebi mistakenly tore a valuable letter to Angel which then made her sad. Ebi felt very quilty and the story began to intensify again.
In addition to the above problems, there are also some plots that should be dug deeper, such as how Ebi suddenly looked natural on stand up comedy. What is the process and where does he sharpen his skills? It would be nice to explain the details in the plot which are in line with the plot where Ebi was approaching Angel. Despite the limitations, the romantic scene is presented sweet to build the scene of the movie. From the wedding scene turning into the stand up comedy create the conclusion of the film, interpreting the word "single". The ending turns out to be very sweet too.
Moreover, the romantic atmosphere of the film is also built with the music and soundtrack of songs that are wistful and fit in building the atmosphere in each scene. The opening credit scene of Ebi who was in the car during his journey back to home, accompanied by a song and sang by Ebi in an unbalanced voice fits to describe that Ebi was upset. The characters are built through the names that have been popular as the stand up comedians which guarantee the success of this film. Ebi’s character who is innocent, sincere, and often feel akward is acted well by the director himself. Wawan's wise character is also played well by Panji. The hilarious and silly character of Victor is also played well by Babe. Unfortunately, the exotic setting in Bali is seen as just a patch, not linking with the context of the story.
Raditya Dika again made us laugh out loud through the acting and the ideas that he planted in this "Malam Minggu Miko Movie Night". Especially with bringing the nature of the characters which have been known to the audience through his web series. Call it Rian, the pretentious, Dovi, who is too over confidence and Anca, who is faithful but looks innocent. The acting of senior players such as Hengky Solaiman and Rina Hasyim adds hilarity and answers the questions on what the nature of both parents of Anca. As a love-interest, Anna’s character played by Mentari De Marelle is quite ordinary. However, when the scene with Miko played by Raditya Dika, they are able to show the absurdity of a partner who was intimate. Well, of course, there is a message to be delivered by Raditya Dika, who is the director and writer of this movie scenario, as it may have many meanings depending on which side we look at. Overall, for those who like to watch his web series and TV series will surely be satisfied with wider screen version which is much more interesting.