“2014” Movie

This is not another doomsday movie.

“2014” is an Indonesian drama that centres around political theme. It was supposed to be released in October 2013 to make use of the national election momentum on July 2014. Unfortunately, the release was postponed by the government until after the inauguration of the new president (even in a country where freedom of speech has overwhelmingly existed, such movie is still considered provocative).

“2014" set its time 60 days before election and shows the life of Bagas Notolegowo, a presidential candidate from Nusantara party. His campaign jargon “Jika Saya Tidak Menang, Indonesia Sudah Kalah” kinda portrays him as an antagonist character, but eventually as the plot runs, Bagas Notolegowo seems like the most preferable candidate with his integrity and ‘blusukan’ method, compared to two other candidates (one is very religious and keeps referring to The Prophet, and the other one looks like some corrupted politician).

Without wanting to give any spoiler, I would just say at one point Bagas Notolegowo was framed for a murder and the plot then centres around Ricky, his stubborn son, to play hero and detective, to save his father.

I was lucky to have a chance to watch the movie before the release, together with my Prasetiya Mulya fellows. I was previously worried that “2014" will be a boring show for a bunch of business students who typically care more about setting up a venture than going to the nearest Tempat Pemungutan Suara, but “2014" managed to give a fresh drama with the young stars (there's Maudy Ayunda) and sufficient portion of comedy and fighting scenes between the currently hottest husband and wife in Indonesia’s movie industry (you know who).

Furthermore, what I admire most is the script. The dialog was somehow natural (because up until now there are still many local movies that simply don’t nail something as basic as dialog). There were strong lines like the story of a woman stealing cassava. “2014” clearly portrays the trends happening in our country now: how social media is one of the strongest tools to spread stories; including political stories, and how politicians are even more insecure nowadays with the overwhelming freedom of speech I previously mentioned.

In conclusion, “2014” is a movie with statement, and like director Rahabi Mandra said in yesterday’s discussion, “It is free for the audience to interpret the message. We must not take that right from them”. After all, I hope yesterday’s show encouraged my fellows to take some times to think of what they could do for this country, or at least tell their family to watch this entertaining movie later this year.