FilmCriticLalitRao

Film critic,translator Lalit Rao saw this film at 14th International Film festival of Kerala 2009 where he had a long discussion with acclaimed Dutch cinema personality Mr.Orlow Seunke about film making process in Indonesia.All films which have sea as central theme are followed,discussed and viewed with great awe as viewers tend to have special ideas about people and places related to deep waters which are known for their courage and determination.Jermal / Fishing platform is one such Indonesian film which takes us on an adventurous journey of epic proportions where seemingly delicate world of kids is repressively brutal.It is in such an extremely harsh atmosphere that an innocent soul finds salvation.In a nation where teen comedies are devoured with excessive fervor,making of Jermal is nothing short of a veritable miracle. All possible credit for it must go to famous Dutch producer/director Mr.Orlow Seunke who conducted a screen writing workshop for young, talented Indonesian filmmakers.It was during one such workshop that Ravi Bharwani and Rayya Makarim submitted their proposal which was accepted by Orlow Seunke.This led to getting funds from all possible source including Netherlands Film Fund and Hubert Bals Fund. The best thing that can be said about Jermal is that it is a very tender film which would appeal to all viewers who are interested in issue based serious cinema.

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ichocolat

It's seldom that Indonesian filmmakers venture into the unchartered territory of making Indy films. Most of them prefer to make stupid films which focuses on some clichéd, lame topics, just to get quick bucks from the public.The film is nice breath of air, far from the putrid smell coming out from the poor quality Indonesian films shown in the cinemas currently. Nice, unpretentious, unassuming little film.A story of a boy coming of age. Of friends, of family, and of belief.A good watch to those who enjoy Indy films. As this is a slow film, moving at a rather slow speed, it is not suitable to those who would rather watch action films, or films with fast actions.

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filmman3000

After the death of his mother a young boy must go to his father who abandoned them. The father lived in exile in a Jermal. For those who are like me and didn't know what a Jermal his before seeing that film. It's some kind of wooden shack in the middle of the sea where people fish. His father hires kids to do the job illegally.It has your usual elements of a coming of age story has the kid become stronger, but the set up is so unusual that it makes it very original. I don't want to spoil the elements of the coming of age the kid, like why did the father leave. Basically a lot of strong elements.Finally there is the coming of age of the father who must accept fatherhood. His character is very interesting he is cold, fat and seems to care about nothing but himself. I recommend this film it got good photography, moods and moments. A nice little Indy film without pretension.

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