Laskar Pelangi

Directed by Riri Riza (Gie, 3 Hari Untuk Selamanya), starring Cut Mini Theo, Slamet Rahardjo, Tora Sudiro, etc. Based on a book of the same title, written by Andrea Hirata.

Tells the story of ten poor children in Belitung, Indonesia, in the 70's who wanted to go to school. The ten of them were the only students in their rundown Elementary School, which only had two teachers and a headmaster. Their teacher Muslimah called them the Rainbow Squad (Laskar Pelangi) and they stayed together for years, enduring various obstacles along the way. Together having an unforgettable childhood.

Riri Riza always give well-made films. Although I can't say there's any of his films that I really love, this one is quite a wonderful work. It's well done, performances were great both by the senior actors and by the unknown local kids of Belitung. Kudos to the kids, they really were refreshing to watch. I think there are some subplots that could have been cut, they really didn't help the main plot at all and only made the film longer that it should be.. Other than that, this is a wonderful film. It touches your heart, it reaches you. It showed you spirit, hope, despair, innocence, happiness.. How life can be unfair to you.. All in a colourful, yet melancholy way. And yep, it's a true story. The writer of the book is actually the main character in the film. Also, I think we all agree that Riri Riza's films have great soundtracks. ;)

8 / 10.