Conflicted:  Gerhana (Sabda Ahessa) contemplates the fate of his father while his mother (Ratna Listy) tries to talk to him.

The latest work by actor cum politician Sys Ns shines with promise, involving a girl confronted by two choices: the love of her life, or her country. However, outdated and theatrical elements in the filmmaking contribute to a bland execution.

Entitled Pacarku Anak Koruptor, the title of the film offers a glimpse of a storyline that criticizes the infamous corruption practices oft undertaken in the country. However, the film is over-steered and possibly misses what could have been a tasteful remark regarding the act of betrayal against society so often committed by the powerful elite.

“I love you to death, but I swear I am much more in love with this country”. Such a statement is repeated over and over again by both Sayanda (Jessica Mila) and Gerhana (Sabda Ahessa), young lovers beset with the conflict of doing what is morally best. The frequent repetition, unfortunately, makes it boring.

Sayanda (Jessica Mila), a strong-willed anti-corruption activist.

And while the concept triumphs, obvious stereotypes, rushing of plot and a rather tawdry dialogue, does little to give the movie balance. After 98 minutes, the audience may be left to ponder if perhaps a “theatrical” drama is more of a suitable genre to describe this latest flick.

But before that, let us cover the basics.

As the curtain draws, a silhouetted male figure, assumed to be our main protagonist, delivers an eerie monologue to his unborn child. From such an introduction, one would expect a smart and thought-provoking piece of filmmaking.

Meet the main character, Sayanda, a bright and idealistic anti-drug and corruption activist within Gerakan Anti-Narkoba dan Korupsi (GANK), a university student organization. Despite joining numerous protests against corruption, Sayanda remains beautiful and sweat free. As an activist, sometimes she also has to deal with rebellious members from youth clubs called Blujin Belel, Selendank and Cepak Ngehek.

Sayanda is in love with Gerhana, a tall and handsome basketball athlete, but the father of the man she loves is corrupt.    

The film starts off with a clear message — that no corrupt act goes unpunished. With a strong message inserted in a romantic plot, the movie should have all the ingredients to create a piece of work with substance. Unfortunately, it has many loopholes and awkward scene transitions.

Likewise, we do not have the chance to acquaint ourselves with these two main characters, or much less empathize with their struggles.

Jessica’s acting was overshadowed by poor script, while Sabda struggled to offer a variety expressions. However, it is still possible to enjoy the convincing and satirical portrayal of Marukh (Ray Sahetapy) as a businessman who bribes his way into people’s hearts seeking success and recognition.

Theatrical: Cepak Ngehek, a rebellious youth club, adds a hint of fun and comedy to the film but takes away essential plot elements.

There is a surprising “musical” element to this movie. After some stiff dialogue, Gerhana breaks into song to express his heartfelt concern over his current struggles.

At times the dialogue feels overly scripted and or dramatized in a way that is more fitting for a stage play than the big screen. Despite such an interesting topic to discuss, old-school camera angles and predictable scenes are a drawback that gives off a cheesy-vibe.

In 2011, Sys Ns directed a three-day play with a similar theme titled A Story of a Corruptor’s Son and His Girlfriend at Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center in Central Jakarta. It was performed to rave review and probably should have remained a play.  

Cemara Dinda is an intern at The Jakarta Post

— Photos Courtesy of SSS Pictures

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Pacarku Anak Koruptor will hit cinemas starting May 26.

Pacarku Anak Koruptor
(SSS Pictures, 98 minutes)
Written and directed by Sys Ns
Starring: Jessica Mila, Sabda Ahessa, Ray Sahetapy, Ratna Listy and Jajang C. Noer

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