Mickey Rourke: Mickey Rourke (left) and Atiqah Hasiholan shares a scene in Java Heat. (Courtesy of Margate House Films)

Islam, terrorism and Borobudur meet Hollywood in the movie Java Heat.

Produced and directed by father and son, Rob and Conor Allyn, the film delves into Javanese culture and intends to break stereotypes on the relationship between Islam and terrorism.

The action flick is the next offering from the Allyns after producing the award-winning war drama the Merah Putih (Red and White) trilogy in 2009, which was also screened in the UK, US, Europe and China.

Java Heat is original, intense and will provide a fix to all action flick lovers. In 97 minutes, the movie touches on various aspects, including religious tolerance. The movie will also enthrall history lovers, as Javanese culture is a fundamental aspect of the film.

This brings us to what Java Heat is truly about. I will be as vague as possible in describing its intricate plot, as I wouldn'€™t want to give it all away.

Lieutenant Hashim (Ario Bayu) a detective from a special elite unit, investigates a suicide bomb blast at a charity party that supposedly kills Sultana (Atiqah Hasiholan), a princess from Yogyakarta.

At the time of this happening, the jewels of the palace are stolen by an international criminal, Malik (Mickey Rourke). The story revolves around the collaboration turned friendship between Hashim and an undercover American secret agent, Jake (Kellan Lutz).

The friendship does not start on a good note, but later improves, as the characters turn out to be very alike, almost a reflection of each other. The bond that ties the Muslim cop and the American spy together is the emotional ride they have experienced as a result of having lost their families.

Jake initially claims to be a lecturer assistant. As it gets more complicated Hashim suspects Jake of being an intelligence officer as he proves to be skillful with guns while saving Hashim'€™s life in a car accident. Jake and Hashim later work together to catch the international criminal who steals the palace jewels. The events reach their peak at the Borobudur Temple during a lantern festival.

The budget movie is the first Hollywood film shot entirely in Indonesia. With its A-list cast including Oscar nominee Rourke, Twilight star Lutz and up and coming Indonesian actors, the film has gained substantial publicity worldwide with its world premiers in the US at the Dallas Film festival and the Taormina film festival in Italy.

The writers pay attention to the minute details, exploring Javanese culture from becak (pedicab) to the island'€™s icon, Borobudur. Although involving many action sequences, the scenes at Borobudur still present an awe-inspiring view of the great temple.

What is rather interesting is how Hollywood blends with Javanese culture. The title suggests a modern crime flick that is also engraved in the format of the film. On the one hand it raises the standard for local filmmakers, but on the other one can'€™t help but wonder how audiences will react to the new fusion.  

The American writers do a commendable job in including many important issues in the country. But the cop-buddy action approach makes the delivery controversial for those who have visited the congenial city of Yogyakarta or generally watch movies about Indonesia, many of which explore the drama, serenity or exoticism of the country. There are scenes featuring explosions in the modern-day Yogyakarta that may surprise dwellers or those who once live in the city.  

Yes, we are talking about a city in the heart of Java that hasn'€™t been visited by King Kong, survived by Superman, nor invaded by legions of aliens.

For pioneering such vision, this movie is worth a watch.

Java Heat
(97 minutes, Margate House Films)

Director: Conor Allyn
Cast: Kellan Lutz, Mickey Rourke, Ario Bayu, Atiqah Hasiholan, Verdi Solaiman, Mike Muliadro, Tio Pakusadewo, Rudi Wowor, Rio Dewanto, Astri Nurdin, Frans Tumbuan
Screenwriters: Conor Allyn, Rob Allyn
Producers: Conor Allyn, Rob Allyn

The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post.

Popular

Is Indonesia really ready to embrace dual citizenship?

Tens of thousands seek better lives in Jakarta. But is the city losing its draw?

Elon Musk's Starlink granted licences to operate in Indonesia