This movie got off to a REALLY strong start... then it kinda fizzled into a bunch of events that "just happened" with no real cohesiveness. Pros: Very strong protagonist. Great lead actress (Marsha Timothy)Cons: Disappointing supportive characters. Didn't quite flow right... after the first act, everything else was really choppy.This would've made for a GREAT short film (the first act). I understand where they were going with the last 3 acts... but it was just too all over the place and a lot of it just didn't make a whole lot of sense. Definitely could've been better.Find me on Twitte r and You Tube for audio reviews @MovieBuffChick1

This movie will serve you an "adventure" of a local widow in her struggle of survival and her attempt to have justice for her. The settings of the story is in Sumba which is shown as vast land of withered meadow where people are strongly bound to unique/unusual norms and cultures.As an Indonesian myself I am surprised by the environment in the movie. They are really unusual and look really harsh yet they are still relatable in the daily life. I feel that I may had met people who have same characters and witnessed various situations like in the movie.

It is no doubt that this film really intrigued people to see, as a matter of fact, I do really want to have Indonesian movies back to 1970's or early 1980's success, still to dump the horrors or the teenage dramas, not hate those genres, though. It just has been keep coming with low quality of scripts, actors, plot and forced only for profit.Marlina is something. Submitting story background of natives with certain culture, certain tribe among hundreds of them in plural Indonesia is not the first time. But it is always interesting.Marlina is shown in the style of Hateful Eight and Kill Bill in traditional way. Bet this is the major idea. I say it is well done.Anyway, this compliment is coming with questions of critics: 1. Why Markus and gangs are such polite thugs? Aren't they supposed to be mean and harass Marlina on any chances? 2. Why Markus's decapitated head comes in smaller size and so light? Why Marlina shows it to everyone? Why the truck driver, Novi, the wedding attending lady and the man take it so easy? Showing shock and eerie is better for whole story, isn't it? 3. Why Marlina's clothes so clean all the time? Putting some dirt, mud or also any stains came from such very traditional kitchen is better for whole story, isn't it? 4. Marlina's bright skin tone as local is supposed to be one big issue to deal over other things, isn't it?Last but not least, Marsha Timothy and Dea Penendra nail it. And thumbs up for the Korean CGI team.

Frontier home, arid landscape, livestock and a recently widowed woman, Marlina, left alone to face a group of bandits at her door. It is not the Wild West of the past, but the Wild East of the present. The bandits tell Marlina that they are doing her a favor by taking advantage of her. "You are lucky," they tell her "if men still find a use for you." Therein begins the robbery, journey, confession and birth. If Marlina can stay calm and keep her wits about her, there is life at the end of the tunnel.The cultural tapestry of eastern Indonesia, resiliency and determination of local women, ugliness of traditional male privilege and mystery of life, are revealed in this humorous, witty, bold and unique film. While some of the supporting cast are a little shaky with their acting, a few scenes are far-fetched and disjointed, and the dialogue could use added depth, the film is a compelling cocktail of intriguing and unusual characters, pretty scenery and uncommon circumstances. There are occasional scenes of violence and intense action, yet generally the film is easy going and delightfully slow-moving. Seen at the Toronto International Film Festival.