With close to a quarter of a billion population, you would have thought the filmmaker would pick a better looking Indonesian actor who is worthy of having four girls falling head over heels in love with and ends up marrying two. Well, at least the filmmaker picks the right pair of drop dead gorgeous actresses for “Ayat-Ayat Cinta” – officially translated as “Signs of Love” and literally means “Verses of Love”.
I have such a high anticipation for “Ayat-Ayat Cinta” because an Indonesian film worthy of the International market is rare and I do have a certain affection towards Indonesia. Besides, I thought Cynthia would love to watch a film in her mother tongue. On top of that, I did take language lessons back in Indonesia donkey years ago so I am not 100% clueless on the dialogues like other foreign films.
Let’s put things in perspective here. According to Cynthia, majority of the Indonesia productions are either in the genres of horror or slapstick comedy or teen comedy. To take on a romance drama that explores such a wide range of topics even with a budget that well exceeds the average cost of an Indonesian film (I read it’s double) is an admirable effort. I can certainly imagine that if I was an Indonesian, I too would feel proud watching this movie. With a script of “Long Live Indonesia” in the foreign land of Egypt, who wouldn’t?
A few feel good factors and a few really good eye candies aside, “Ayat-Ayat Cinta” has attempted to shine a more balanced light on Islamic as a religion of patience and sincerity. This 126 minutes film, I believe, is a timely answer to the 16 minutes controversial short film “Fitna” by Geert Wilders that portrays Islam as a religion of terrorism (shocking images, avoid if you have a weak stomach). It is a balanced view because while the traditions are observed – such as the prayers, Islamic teaching, and how men and women should not touch each other unless they are related – it does tackle the social issues such as domestic violence, rape as well as the challenge of a polygamy marriage.
There are parts of the movie that move me a great deal. It portrays the emotional aspect really well, certainly believable. As someone who is a non-Indonesian, I found myself talking to Cynthia a lot during the show to seek clarification. For instance, I did not know that during an Islamic wedding, the bride’s father holds the hand of the groom over the Quran with the bride sitting on the side and that signifies a transfer of “responsibility”. I was quite shocked to see that as an equivalent to the Western “exchange of wedding vow”. Also, because the dialogues have a mix of Arabic and Bahasa Indonesia and the characters who are supposed to be Arabians speak in Bahasa Indonesia, it could be quite confusing for those who does more than reading the subtitles.
An extremely slow moving movie (I think this one is even slower than “Dance of the Dragon”), what it lacks is the quality of production and a tighter and more realistic storyline. However, for those who are into foreign movies that expose human emotions and are original – in the sense of an Indonesian student in Egypt and eventually marries a Muslim and a Christian – “Ayat-Ayat Cinta” may satisfy a different taste bud of yours.
On a lighter note, I don’t think any guy on earth would mind the headache of having Carissa Putri and Rianti Cartwright as wives. I personally …
OK, I have watched the Fann Wong’s “Dance of the Dragon” follows by “Ayat-Ayat Cinta”. Can you guess which one I am going to watch next? It’s so obvious!
PS. For those who are interested to read more on Islam, check out my book review of “Islam By Karen Armstrong – A Short History”.
48 replies on “Ayat-Ayat Cinta (Verses of Love) – More Than Just A Romance Drama”
i love asian movies – think they are very meaningful. have watched a few indon dvds as well + the thai films… and of course spore’s & msia’s.
found ayat ayat cinta nice but didnt like the ending tho – a lil draggy 🙂
You blog really really fast. And your blog entries are long passages. Hahah!
QuaChee – I love all types of Asian films too. But my “Movie Review Squad” (a.k.a Cynthia and my good friend TK) has a different preference … ha ha ha.
“Ayat-Ayat Cinta” is a bit draggy. That’s why I feel it is really slow moving. Maybe they should have a more dramatic ending to it and end the movie more decisively.
CSC – It is just coincident that the recent entries are pretty long. I don’t really blog fast (except that one blog that has to be done before midnight). I just poured in tons of hours in it. Must strike a balance somehow … ha ha ha.
You watch Indonesian movies too? *salute*
ECL – Yup … basically anything worth watching on the big screen. So much hard work goes into each film.
Lots of hours! Staggering! Thanks for the effort and time!
CSC – And thanks for dropping by from time to time!
I’ll have to go with ECL *salute*
Tigerfish – Gosh, you too … *blush* … ha ha ha.
[…] of the four Asian films that I have recently watched – “Dance of a Dragon”, “Ayat-Ayat Cinta”, “Chocolate”, and “Accuracy of Death” – and if we could have time […]
I really am looking forward to seeing Chocolate!
I must profess that Ayat-Ayat Cinta was one of the worst film experiences i have had in recent times. The flat dialogue, hammy acting, and incredibly melodramatic music all combined to obscure the underlying noble story and worthy intent. I laughed out loud a few times, when i was supposed to be in tears, and was joined in this by some of the Indonesian Muslim friends I attended the screening with. You could cut 40 minutes out of this film, and be left with a daytime tv-soap of reasonable, early 1980’s quality.
John – I agree that some editing would make the storyline a lot tighter and it does lack overall production quality like I mentioned. For those who can look pass these flaws perhaps may appreciate what’s the underlying intend.
And yes, “Chocolate” would be a good choice – at least for me (I know Cynthia loves “Ayat-Ayat Cinta” better).
i love indonesian movie.!!
Feunul – I wish I could say the same too! So far this is the first one I’ve watched, I think.
i’d rather read Ayat-Ayat Cinta novel than watch the movie..the novel is 1000 times better than the movie.. Actually, im lil bit disappointed with Hanung Bramantyo as the director of the movie, think he’s lack of observation and research.
Sally – Ah, I see. If there is an English translation for Ayat-Ayat Cinta, I will read. Unlikely ya?
wilfrid, there is another anticipated Indonesian movie, called Laskar Pelangi (the Rainbow Army) and directed by Riri Riza who was also directed “Gie” (bout young Indonesian-Chinese student, named Soe Hok Gie). I heard Laskar Pelangi will be launched on September 2008, hopely it will be a great one. Like Ayat-Ayat Cinta, Laskar Pelangi is based on Indonesian best-selling novel.
Sally – Thanks for the info! I will certainly keep a look out for “Laskar Pelangi” when it hits Singapore.
Regarding the marriage vow in Islam, I don’t think your term “transfer of ownership” is the correct one, in fact it is more a “transfer of responsibility” as it is now the husband’s responsibility to protect, love, and take care of the girl.
BTW, I haven’t seen the movie Ayat-Ayat Cinta yet, but I read the novel years ago. A good novel and quite inspiring in the sense that it gives us example how to be a good person. How to live a modern life without contradicting Islamic values. I heard the movie is far from the novel, Hanung added some more stories and leave behind some important part of Fahri’s live.
Hanung chose Fedi Nuril to act as Fahri because he looks quite decent, not stunningly handsome but cannot be considered ugly. If you read the novel, you would understand that Fahri is supposed to be an average looking guy with a kind-heart, smart, charismatic and always ready to help anyone. In short, apart from his ordinary look he is worthy to be loved by any woman, including the four georgeous girls.
As for some technical flaws and lacks of quality production, it was because the producer didn’t give Hanung enough financial support he needed to make the movie as good as the novel.
BTW, I’m also waiting for the movie “Laskar Pelangi” (Rainbow Warriors). I’ve just finished reading the book. I am a book worm that read books in four different languages, but this Laskar Pelangi is the first book that made me laughed out loud (until my stomach hurt) and cried a bucket of tears. Maybe I was so emotionally moved because I realised that this is a true story (unlike Ayat Ayat Cinta which is purely fiction).
You can see in youtube some of the real characters described in “Laskar Pelangi”, just search Kick Andy Laskar Pelangi.
I just hope Riri Riza doesn’t ruin the beautiful story, like he did when he made Gie (damn, I was so disappointed with his “Gie”, the book is a waaaay better).
Sorry for hitting your blog with such a long comment.
Indi – Thanks for the insightful comment! And you have certainly highlighted a new dimension that is a good compliment to the review I wrote. Though I am not from Indonesia, I think the term you mentioned makes more sense and I have modified my write-up accordingly.
I personally can easily overlook the production quality if the theme and concept is good. And a movie on Islam produced by an Islamic country that has a balanced view is rare to the International scene. So, even if the movie does not faithfully follow the original story, it still has a positive impact to the audience in my opinion.
OK, I guess I too will be anticipating the upcoming “Laskar Pelangi”. Do drop by from time to time!
im from indonesia, im also looking forward Laskar Pelangi,,
soe hok gie lover – Hey, thanks for dropping by. Now you make me really looking forward to Laskar Pelangi!
Thanks for your appreciation to Indonesian movie. By the way, is there any Indonesian movie DVD selling in Singapore? If there is, what Indonesian movies have you ever seen? Have you seen “Tentang Dia” or “Gie”? I recommend you watching “GIE”.
And yeah, you should really watch Laskar Pelangi, too, if it hits singapore.
Dany – Come to think of it, it is kind of rare to see Indonesia movie DVDs here in Singapore. Japanese, Korean, and Thai seems to be the more popular ones here.
And no, I have not seen other Indonesian movies as I need them to come with subtitles. I hope Laskar Pelangi does hit Singapore soon. I always enjoy watching films from different culture. And from my limited knowledge, Indonesia is one country that has a very diverse culture.
Hi wilfrid,
Laskar Pelangi is on cinema in Indonesia now. Officially released on September 25, 2008.
To see the glimpse of the movie, check out this youtube page :
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=fFZVM8EDbKA
the OST of the movie (I choose the vid with english translation, so you can understand the lyrics) : http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=NH20jOEXlEA&watch_response
and the official site of the movie :
http://www.laskarpelangithemovie.com/
Indi – Hi, thank you for taking the trouble to re-visit this thread and drop us some links for “Laskar Pelangi”. I have seen them and certainly looking forward to watching the movie. I don’t think I fully understand the movie clips. Fortunately I have Cynthia with me this morning. She got a slight shock when she heard music in BI beaming out from my PC this morning … lol.
hey wilf, don’t forget to check out “Berbagi Suami”. (I think in English it’s translated as “Love for Share”) Having lived in Indonesia for 17 years, that was the only movie I praised so much. Seriously.
I think it was screened in Singapore cinemas but didn’t stay so long.. Anyway try to find the DVD… Really.
Sylv – Hey, thanks for your recommendation. I’ll certainly check it out at HMV when I’m back to Singapore. Now at Starbucks Mid valley in PJ Malaysia. Free wi fi connection via my phone!
wilfrid,
i think you should really watch Laskar Pelangi, it’s sooo cool, make you laugh and cry at the same time. I think It represents the children all over the world that have not yet had education properly. Inspiring movie!!
Hwa Hwa – Eagerly awaiting for it to arrive in Singapore 🙂
(or has it been shown already?!)
My Indonesian friend said that Laskar Pelangi is based on the novel which is now being translated into English, and will be also released in Europe. Maybe it will be shown in Singapore, actually now im living in Indonesia, so i kind of have good understanding bout Bahasa Indonesia.
Actually Laskar Pelangi the movie itself has been subtitled to English. The one with English subs is being shown in certain cinemas in Jakarta, according to some people it’s based on the request of some expatriates and Embassy people.
In 3 weeeks, the movie has gathered around 2 millions viewers (and still counting as in certain places the tickets of the whole show of the day up to midnight show all sold out midday). But some says it’s not as amazing as the novel. So better watch the movie first, then read the novel, otherwise you’ll be disappointed.
Hwa Hwa – It is good that you understand Bahasa Indonesia. For the rest of us, it is subtitle time! The film is not listed in our coming soon category. Most probably will take a while before it lands onto Singapore. I will certainly keep a look out for this.
Indi – Thanks for the info! Looks like it may be a box office hit. Since I don’t know the language, it is a high chance that I won’t be able to read the novel. But if the novel does get translated into English, I am curious to read about it.
Please deh ah, Laskar Pelangi is really a movie. Ayat2 Cinta is just a series of pictures, no meaning at all. Don’t even try to compare both of them!!! Useles … !!!
Lintah Darat – Hi, thanks for dropping by. I guess no one is trying to compare these two movies here. At least not in my original review. Have a good weekend!
i need english subtitle, please!
Ado – Oh dear. Where did you get the video from? The DVD that is sold here in Singapore should come with English subtitles.
When the movie Ayat2 cinta hit Malaysia it was an instant hit but i was very dissapointed with what i saw. Far from what I’v read in the novel. Unfair treatment to the novel and writer. What a waste.
Ummuzharr – That is consistent with what some have highlighted. Too bad I can’t read the original language that the novel is written. I wonder if it has something to do with the production budget.
word just in…
Laskar Pelangi will be showing in SINGAPORE!!! But not in the cinemas… Boo hoo…
It will be showing in the upcoming 22nd Singapore International Film Festival.
(Showing in the month of April I think)
GET YOUR TIX FROM SISTIX
(I think it is S$9 or so for standard tix with free seatings)
Good luck!
p.s. Read the book and it is indeed the most powerful Indonesian story.
is it in english too?
REEQ – Thanks for sharing the info! Yes, I will certainly go for it if it has subtitles 🙂
Where can I purchase this book in english
SOOOOOO WANT TO READ IT!!!
is there a translated version of the book in english? if so can someone pls give it to me i can not find it thanks!
The info hadn’t updated yet, so I may be late here. Laskar Pelangi had been translate in many languages, in English it was titled “Rainbow Troops”. I don’t know about ayah-ayah cinta though. ^^