Movies aren’t just for entertainment, it could be media to learn language too. And also, it could give you some cultural preferences to make your language learning easier. If you want to learn about Indonesian language better and also in a fun way, these recommended Indonesian films will help you to learn it faster!
- Ada Apa dengan Cinta
Ada Apa dengan Cinta (english: What’s Up with Love?) is a 2002 Indonesian romantic drama directed by Rudy Soedjarwo. It also can be translated to literally “What’s Up with Cinta?” (Indonesian for “love”), as Cinta is also the name of the main character.
This film is focused on teen romance, coloured with Indonesia culture, teenagers life and also covering some political issues. Although it raised censorship controversies, AADC successfully won several awards on Piala Citra as best director, best actress, and best original score categories. - Arisan!
Arisan!, also known as The Gathering, is one of the best classic Indonesian movies of all time. It also known as the first Indonesian film with a gay theme, plus the first Indonesian film to use high-definition color enhancement.
The meaning of arisan is a meeting of high class female socialites who meet regularly to share gossip and draw lots to see who takes home the money they all contribute.
The story is based in Jakarta, and revolves around three main characters who struggle to maintain their facade of perfection in front of their arisan friends. This plot focused on love life, marriage issues, and denial of homosexual identity. This not-so-complicated but fun-to-watch movie is perfect for learning about Indonesian slang, and also picturing how Indonesian people stand on some issues. - Petualangan Sherina
Petualangan Sherina (english: Sherina’s Adventure) is an Indonesian musical comedy adventure film for all ages. Written by Jujur Prananto, directed by Riri Riza and also music arranged by Elfa Secioria, made this movie successfully win the Asia Pacific Film Festival award as Special Jury Prize category, and Best Children’s Film on Bandung Film Festival.
The film stars Sherina, a little girl who is struggling to adapt in her new environment, as she moved in from Jakarta to Bandung. Not only that, she also had to solve the problem with the attempt of kidnapping her classmate. - Laskar Pelangi
This 2008 Indonesian film called Laskar Pelangi (English: The Rainbow Troops) was adapted from the novel with the same title, by Andrea Hirata. It follows a group of 10 schoolchildren and their teachers in Gantong Village who struggle with poverty and also their problems to gather 10 students but is one short to open a school in Belitung.
Riri Riza, as one of the screenplay writers on Laskar Pelangi receives a SIGNIS Award from Hong Kong International Film Festival. This movie is good for you who wants to learn about the struggle of the education system in Indonesia in 1970, especially in remote areas. - Berbagi Suami
Berbagi Suami, also known as Love for Share, is a 2006 Indonesian movie based on poligamy in Indonesia. The plot is divided into three story segments, namely Cerita Salma, Cerita Siti and Cerita Ming (as cerita means “story” in english). It revolves polygamous life pictured from women perspectives.
Berbagi Suami can be useful for you to learn about Indonesian language and cultures, especially on marital issues. Nia Di Nata, the director of the film, won a Hawaii International Film Awards as Narrative Feature category, and also Best Direction from Brussels International Independent Film Festival.
From these five recommended movies, you will learn new Indonesian vocabulary and learn how they interact on a daily basis. When you hear how they communicate to each other, you will already feel more familiar and better at communicating.
