Heru Harry Rahadi

Reviews and other content aren't verified by Google

That title in English literally means, "I'm Making Love with My Own Beautiful Body". But the English title for this movie is actually " Memories of My Body". That English title feel correlated with the story of Juno (Muhammad Khan as adult and Raditya Evandra as child) who experienced lots of struggle and pain throughout his life. Left by his father, witnessed a bloody murder, physically abused by his aunt, mocked by his school peers, getting confused with his dance teacher, nurtured by his uncle, falling in love with a boxer, manipulated by a ruler, protected by a fighter, these ups and downs in the life of Juno is marked with pain to his finger. It's as if the pain to his body is nothing compared to his emotional pain. And yet, life goes on for him and he's surviving. This film is rich with traditional Javanese philosophy and culture. Even not many Indonesians understand this kind of arts since many Indonesians have been uprooted from their own culture. Yes, there are some topics about sex and homosexuality, but that's a part of the culture. Javanese culture is actually fluid and flexible. It's the invaders who ruined Javanese culture. It's a very good film with a strong message about life. And for a film made by Garin Nugroho, this one is the most straightforward in story telling while maintaining his artistic visuals and symbolism.

Living in a monastery might be challenging for Maryam (Maudy Koesnaedi) whose obedience and chastity being challenged with the present of young father Yosef (Chicco Jerikho). Both were actually longing for love, for caress, for each other, even before the two of them met. For Maryam, this was a crossroads where she might continue what she's been doing or follow the dream she's been having. The dream that might not be taken if there's no one else. Yes, it's an artistic views through and through. Subtle acting is the key point to deliver the film messages. For some people, the plot might be too slow and for Indonesian regular cinema, some of its flow ruined by censorship. But the message is direct, straight to the point. Some dialogues are too poetic that does not feel grounded, but that's the art of poetic film.