Movie Review The Photograph (2007)

 

The Photograph | 2007 | 1h 34m
Genre : Drama | Country : Indonesia
Director: Nan Triveni Achnas | Writers: Nan Triveni Achnas
Cast : Kay Tong Lim, Shanty, Lukman Sardi
IMDB: 6.7
My Rate : 10/10

Sita, struggling with her life, tries to help Johan fulfill his dream of finding a successor for his photo studio before death claims him.

Warning:

Contains scenes of violence, sex, and strong language.

 

Synopsis of The Photograph:

Sita (Shanty) has to move out of Rosi's (Indy Barends) house to avoid Suroso (Lukman Sardi), a pimp who brought her to work in the city. Sita moves to a small attic above Johan's (Kay Tong Lim) photo studio. Johan is a mysterious old photographer who, besides owning a photo studio, also takes photos around town. Although initially Johan doesn't feel like allowing Sita to stay in the attic, he lets her stay there.

At night, Sita works as a singer in a bar. Suroso finds her and constantly reminds Sita of the debts she owes him. Besides earning money to pay off her debts, Sita also has to struggle to earn money for her mother and child in the village. Her sick mother needs money for her treatment. Sita also has to suppress her longing for Yani, her only daughter.

One night, Suroso brings Sita to meet some guests at a hotel. Sita doesn't know that she will experience an unpleasant event that night. With all the wounds and pain on her body, she flees the hotel and leaves Suroso who continues to chase her. Sita decides to stop working.

Sita, who has no money to pay Johan for the rent, offers to help Johan with his work. Johan, who is old and feels that his time is running out, wants to find a successor for his photo studio. Seeing this, Sita helps Johan find a successor who meets Johan's criteria. It turns out Johan harbors guilt over his dark past. Sympathy arises in Sita's heart. 

Will they be able to find Johan's successor?

Review:

The Photograph has a pretty interesting story idea. The story idea is full of Chinese cultural elements. Although the story moves slowly, this is what makes the film interesting. There isn't much dialogue used. However, emotions are well-built from each scene.

The choice of music and sound effects fits each scene. The camerawork and color composition are also presented very well and in detail. There are several famous actors who are extras in this film, such as Nicholas Saputra, Dorce Gamalama, etc.

An interesting scene is when there is a smoke-out in the house. Johan, who is constantly haunted by death, feels that this is the moment when death will come for him. Johan asks not to be taken at that moment. In the midst of the melancholic story, this scene is a little bit funny.

Spoiler alert. This film is presented with a narration. Initially, I felt that the narrator of the story was Sita as the main character. However, at the end of the story, it is known that the narrator of the story is Yani, Sita's daughter. Although Yani's character itself isn't very clear from the beginning of the film. It would actually be better if Sita was the narrator.

Memorable Scene:

Pak Johan, who has been keeping his past a secret and tightly closed, finally tells Sita about it. When Sita accidentally sees the photos Johan keeps. Sita finally understands Johan's mysterious attitude all this time.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

"One, Two, Three, Smile!"

 

Ending:

Sad Ending

 

Recommendation:

Must watch.

 

(Aluna)