Jump to content

Ruma Maida: Difference between revisions

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
missed this
fix
(7 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 14: Line 14:
}}
}}
| writer = [[Ayu Utami]]
| writer = [[Ayu Utami]]
| screenplay =
| story =
| based on =
| starring = {{plain list|
| starring = {{plain list|
*[[Atiqah Hasiholan]]
*[[Atiqah Hasiholan]]
Line 26: Line 23:
*Bobby Surjadi
*Bobby Surjadi
*Didit Saad
*Didit Saad
*Naif
}}
}}
| cinematography = Indra Tamorron Musu
| cinematography = Ical Tanjung
| editing = Waluyo Ichwandiardono
| editing = Waluyo Ichwandiardono
| studio = {{plain list|
| studio = {{plain list|
Line 60: Line 58:
==Production==
==Production==
[[File:Ayu Utami crop.JPG|thumb|alt=An Indonesian woman, looking forward and smiling. She is wearing a purple v-neck shirt|[[Ayu Utami]] wrote the script over a period of six months. ''Ruma Maida'' was her first screenplay.]]
[[File:Ayu Utami crop.JPG|thumb|alt=An Indonesian woman, looking forward and smiling. She is wearing a purple v-neck shirt|[[Ayu Utami]] wrote the script over a period of six months. ''Ruma Maida'' was her first screenplay.]]
⚫
The screenplay for ''Ruma Maida'' was written by [[Ayu Utami]], her first such work;{{sfn|Setiawan 2009, Ayu Utami, nationalism}} mainly known for her novels, she had avoided screenplays as they were generally too commercially-oriented.{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}}{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010a|loc=2:25–2:30}} She wrote the screenplay over a period of six months beginning in 2008, when Lamp Pictures  – which produced the film together with Karuna Pictures.{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}} – requested that she write a story about nationalism;{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}}{{sfn|Setiawan 2009, Ayu Utami, nationalism}} according to director Teddy Soeriaatmadja, who was brought in while the screenplay was still on its first draft,{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010a|loc=2:10–2:20}} the screenplay took seven drafts before both he and Utami could agree on the story.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010a|loc=3:50–3:56}} Considering the screenplay a way to encourage the younger generation to study [[Indonesian history]], which she said could be fun,{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}} Utami decided to focus on education, diversity, and history.{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}}
''Ruma Maida'' was directed by Teddy Soeriaatmadja.{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}} It was produced by Lamp Pictures and Karuna Pictures.{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}}


[[Pre-production]] for ''Ruma Maida'' took three months.{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}} The characters were written without any particular actors in mind. Atiqah Hasiholan, who had previously starred in the [[List of Indonesian submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Academy Award-submitted]] ''[[Jamila dan Sang Presiden]]'' (''Jamila and the President'', 2009), was cast as Maida.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010a|loc=8:20–8:36}}{{sfn|The Jakarta Post 2009, 'Jamila dan Sang Presiden'}} Yama Carlos, who played Sakera, was initially cast for another role but received the leading male role after a last-minute switch.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010a|loc=10:15–10:33}} The actor cast as Muchlisin, Frans Tumbuan, was the only one auditioned as Soeriaatmadja thought the role was perfect for him.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010a|loc=11:45–12:03}} Soeriaatmadja later recalled that, including [[Extra (actor)|extras]], ''Ruma Maida'' had the largest cast of any film he had made to that point.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010a|loc=4:46–4:49}}
⚫
The screenplay was written by [[Ayu Utami]], her first such work;{{sfn|Setiawan 2009, Ayu Utami, nationalism}} she was mainly known for her novels.{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}} She wrote the screenplay over a period of six months beginning in 2008, when Lamp Pictures requested that she write a story about nationalism.{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}}{{sfn|Setiawan 2009, Ayu Utami, nationalism}} Considering the screenplay a way to encourage the younger generation to study [[Indonesian history]], which she said could be fun,{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}} Utami decided to focus on education, diversity, and history.{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}}


[[Pre-production]] for ''Ruma Maida'' took three months.{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}} Shooting for the film was conducted in Jakarta and [[Semarang]], [[Central Java]]{{sfn|Benke 2009, Membebaskan Sejarah}} over a period of one month. Soeriaatmadja later recalled that the most difficult scenes to shoot were those which happened in modern times, especially the riots. Editing took another three months.{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}}
Shooting for the film was conducted in [[Kota, Jakarta]] and [[Semarang]], [[Central Java]]{{sfn|Benke 2009, Membebaskan Sejarah}}{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010a|loc=4:50–4:51}} over a period of one month. Soeriaatmadja later recalled that the most difficult scenes to shoot were those which happened in modern times, especially the riots;{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}} however, for set design Indra Tamoron Musu found those which occurred in the past to be the most difficult, due to the research necessary.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010b|loc=4:10–4:20}} The scenes at the house were shot separately, with those occurring in 1998 shot first and those occurring in the past shot after the crew had spent a week renovating the house.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010b|loc=0:30–0:40}} Hasiholan later recalled that Soeriaatmadja was a controlling director who told the actors exactly what he wanted in a clear manner;{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010b|loc=15:20–15:32}} [[cinematography|cinematographer]] Ical Tanjung said that Soeriaatmadja was still open to feedback from the cast and crew.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010b|loc=17:11–17:16}} Editing, which was done by Waluyo Ichwandiardono, took another three months.{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}}{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010b|loc=14:07}}


The Indonesian band Naif [[cover (music)|covered]] several songs for ''Ruma Maida'''s soundtrack, including songs from the 1940s such as "Juwita Malam" ("Beauty of the Night", by [[Ismail Marzuki]]{{sfn|Mohamad 2006, K.A.}}), "Di Bawah Sinar Bulan Purnama" ("Under the Light of the Full Moon"; by R. Maladi{{sfn|Liner notes for ''Dekade''}}) and "[[Ibu Pertiwi (song)|Ibu Pertiwi]]" ("Motherland"). Utami wrote "Pulau Tenggara", which was sung by Imelda Soraya.{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}}
The Indonesian band Naif [[cover (music)|covered]] several songs for ''Ruma Maida'''s soundtrack, including songs from the 1940s such as "Juwita Malam" ("Beauty of the Night", by [[Ismail Marzuki]]{{sfn|Mohamad 2006, K.A.}}), "Di Bawah Sinar Bulan Purnama" ("Under the Light of the Full Moon"; by R. Maladi{{sfn|Liner notes for ''Dekade''}}) and "[[Ibu Pertiwi (song)|Ibu Pertiwi]]" ("Motherland").{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}} The covers were recorded over a period of five days.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010b|loc=11:45–12:00}} Utami wrote "Pulau Tenggara", which was sung by Imelda Soraya.{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}}


==Themes==
==Themes==
Benny Benke, writing in ''[[Suara Merdeka]]'', noted that the film was a "free interpretation of the formal Indonesian history, [a history] which is too arrogant, dominant, and dogmatic".{{efn|Original: ... ''hasil interpretasi bebas atas sejarah resmi yang terlalu angkuh, mendominasi, sekaligus dogmatis.''}}{{sfn|Benke 2009, Membebaskan Sejarah}} He wrote that at times the line between fact and fiction was thin.{{sfn|Benke 2009, Membebaskan Sejarah}} Utami stated that people from the [[Indonesian National Revolution|revolutionary period]] "believed in dreams" and had a "strong sense of heroism and patriotism", things which she believed Indonesia needed.{{sfn|Setiawan 2009, Ayu Utami, nationalism}}
Benny Benke, writing in ''[[Suara Merdeka]]'', noted that the film was a "free interpretation of the formal Indonesian history, [a history] which is too arrogant, dominant, and dogmatic".{{efn|Original: ... ''hasil interpretasi bebas atas sejarah resmi yang terlalu angkuh, mendominasi, sekaligus dogmatis.''}}{{sfn|Benke 2009, Membebaskan Sejarah}} He wrote that at times the line between fact and fiction was thin.{{sfn|Benke 2009, Membebaskan Sejarah}} Utami stated that people from the [[Indonesian National Revolution|revolutionary period]] "believed in dreams" and had a "strong sense of heroism and patriotism", things which she believed Indonesia needed.{{sfn|Setiawan 2009, Ayu Utami, nationalism}} Soeriaatmadja also noted that the film was meant to address issues of contemporary Indonesia, through the house's history.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010a|loc=1:45–2:00}} Assistant director Azhar Lubis described the house as a [[wikt:microcosm|microcosm]] of Indonesia, implying that, if the country was not maintained, it would fall apart.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010b|loc=20:00–20:11}}


Yulia Permata Sari, reviewing ''Ruma Maida'' in ''[[Media Indonesia]]'', wrote that Soeriaatmadja seemed to be promoting the need to remember and respect history through the plot and characterisations.{{sfn|Sari 2009, Sejarah dalam Balutan}} The film showed "[[Indonesia Raya]]" composer [[W. R. Supratman]], Japanese admiral Maeda, Vice-President [[Mohammad Hatta]] and President Sukarno; it also discussed the thoughts of Prime Minister [[Sutan Sjahrir]].{{sfn|Republika 2009, Ruma Maida, Pijakan}}{{sfn|Suditomo 2009, Ruma Itu Punya}}
Yulia Permata Sari, reviewing ''Ruma Maida'' in ''[[Media Indonesia]]'', wrote that Soeriaatmadja seemed to be promoting the need to remember and respect history through the plot and characterisations.{{sfn|Sari 2009, Sejarah dalam Balutan}} The film showed "[[Indonesia Raya]]" composer [[W. R. Supratman]], Japanese admiral Maeda, Vice-President [[Mohammad Hatta]], President Sukarno, and Prime Minister [[Sutan Sjahrir]].{{sfn|Republika 2009, Ruma Maida, Pijakan}}{{sfn|Suditomo 2009, Ruma Itu Punya}} Hasiholan considered the film a warning against repeating mistakes which had happened in the past.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010b|loc=18:50–18:57}}


Triwik Kurnasari, writing in ''[[The Jakarta Post]]'', described the inclusion of the May 1998 riots and subsequent [[fall of Suharto]] as touching on pluralism issues.{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}} Utami, in an interview with the ''[[Jakarta Globe]]'', stated that had meant to show diversity by giving the characters different ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds.{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}} Another reviewer, Dewi Anggraeni, wrote that ''Ruma Maida'' "paints a more realistic picture of Indonesia’s society, where people do not necessarily fit into neat social, racial or economic categories", with its characters not fitting into any traditional [[stereotype]]s.{{sfn|Anggraeni 2010, RI film festival}}
Triwik Kurnasari, writing in ''[[The Jakarta Post]]'', described the inclusion of the May 1998 riots and subsequent [[fall of Suharto]] as touching on pluralism issues.{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}} Utami, in an interview with the ''[[Jakarta Globe]]'', stated that had meant to show diversity by giving the characters different ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds{{sfn|Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film}} and later explained that the film was meant to show Indonesia's motto [[Bhinneka Tunggal Ika]] (University in Diversity) as it is applied in the country.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010b|loc=18:06–18:11}} Another reviewer, Dewi Anggraeni, wrote that ''Ruma Maida'' "paints a more realistic picture of Indonesia’s society, where people do not necessarily fit into neat social, racial or economic categories", with its characters not fitting into any traditional [[stereotype]]s.{{sfn|Anggraeni 2010, RI film festival}}


==Style==
==Style==
[[File:Rumah Maida visuals.jpg|thumb|alt=Two screenshots from the film, showing Ishak Paing and Ishak Pahing (Nino Fernandez) at his marriage to Nani Kuddus (Imelda Soraya); bottom is Sakera (Yama Carlos) at his marriage to Maida (Atiqah Hasiholan). Both are in a Muslim manner|''Ruma Maida'' used a [[Sepia (color)|sepia]] overlay and static camera for events happening in the past, with more natural tones and different angles for events in the present. Some plot points, such as the marriages between Ishak and Nani, as well as Sakera and Maida, ran parallel.]]
''Ruma Maida'' uses different colours and shooting styles to indicate different time periods. Events occurring in the past have a soft [[Sepia (color)|sepia]] overlay and are shot with a static camera, while those in 1998 have more natural tones and are shot with a handheld. Events in Pahing's life are shown in [[Flashback (narrative)|flashbacks]] interspersed throughout Maida's struggle to retake the house.{{sfn|Republika 2009, Ruma Maida, Pijakan}}{{sfn|M. P. 2009, Ruma Maida : Suguhan}} The film is paced slowly, and shots are taken from "unique" angles.{{sfn|Siahaan 2009, 'Ruma Maida' A Potent}}
''Ruma Maida'' uses different colours and shooting styles to indicate different time periods. Events occurring in the past have a soft [[Sepia (color)|sepia]] overlay and are shot with a static camera, while those in 1998 have more natural tones and are shot with a handheld.{{sfn|Republika 2009, Ruma Maida, Pijakan}} The use of the handheld was meant to show the present in as "rough and non-sterile"{{efn|Original: "... ''sekasar mungkin dan tidak steril.''"}} a manner possible, while the past was meant to have a sweet, beautiful, and clean feeling; this played on the theme of romanticising the past.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010b|loc=1:00–1:30}} Events in Pahing's life are shown in [[Flashback (narrative)|flashbacks]] interspersed throughout Maida's struggle to retake the house.{{sfn|Republika 2009, Ruma Maida, Pijakan}}{{sfn|M. P. 2009, Ruma Maida : Suguhan}} The film is paced slowly, and shots are taken from "unique" angles.{{sfn|Siahaan 2009, 'Ruma Maida' A Potent}}


A reviewer for [[Tempo (Indonesian magazine)|''Tempo'' magazine]], Kurie Suditmo, wrote that ''Ruma Maida'' intertwined several sub-plots, including showing the 1928 Youth Conference, the education of street children, and a scene where Sakera discusses architecture with Muchlisin; the review stated that these detracted from the film's comprehensibility.{{sfn|Suditomo 2009, Ruma Itu Punya}} ''Jakarta Globe'' reviewer Armando Siahaan noted that several plot lines run parallel, including riots following the [[Japanese surrender]] in 1945 and those in May 1998.{{sfn|Siahaan 2009, 'Ruma Maida' A Potent}}
A reviewer for [[Tempo (Indonesian magazine)|''Tempo'' magazine]], Kurie Suditmo, wrote that ''Ruma Maida'' intertwined several sub-plots, including showing the 1928 Youth Conference, the education of street children, and a scene where Sakera discusses architecture with Muchlisin; the review stated that these detracted from the film's comprehensibility.{{sfn|Suditomo 2009, Ruma Itu Punya}} ''Jakarta Globe'' reviewer Armando Siahaan noted that several plot lines run parallel, including riots following the [[Japanese surrender]] in 1945 and those in May 1998.{{sfn|Siahaan 2009, 'Ruma Maida' A Potent}}


==Release==
==Release and reception==
''Ruma Maida'' premiered on 28 October 2009, coinciding with events celebrating the 1928 [[Youth Pledge]].{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}} It received a wide release on the following day.{{sfn|Republika 2009, Ruma Maida, Pijakan}} The film was screened at the [[Singapore International Film Festival]] in April 2010. That August, ''Ruma Maida'' was shown in the "Education" category of the Indonesian Film Festival in [[Melbourne]] and [[Sydney]], Australia.{{sfn|Anggraeni 2010, RI film festival}}
''Ruma Maida'' premiered on 28 October 2009, coinciding with events celebrating the 1928 [[Youth Pledge]]{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}} – this release date was planned from early in production, due to the date's historical significance.{{sfn|Soeriaatmadja|2010a|loc=3:25–3:32}} It received a wide release on the following day.{{sfn|Republika 2009, Ruma Maida, Pijakan}} The film was screened at the [[Singapore International Film Festival]] in April 2010. That August, ''Ruma Maida'' was shown in the "Education" category of the Indonesian Film Festival in [[Melbourne]] and [[Sydney]], Australia.{{sfn|Anggraeni 2010, RI film festival}}


⚫
''Ruma Maida'' was released on DVD in mid-2010 by EZY Home Entertainment, after passing through the censorship board in February. The DVD featured English-language subtitles and a behind the scenes documentary.{{sfn|Liner notes for ''Ruma Maida''}}

==Reception==
''Ruma Maida'' received mixed reception. Kurniasari described the film as "an enjoyable way to learn more about [Indonesia's] long history."{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}} Benke wrote that the film had good visuals, but the dialogue at times "went over viewers' heads".{{efn|Original: ... ''berlarat-larat.''}}{{sfn|Benke 2009, Membebaskan Sejarah}} Sari wrote that the cinematography was well done but the plot could confuse viewers.{{sfn|Sari 2009, Sejarah dalam Balutan}} Suditmo wrote that the film was well visualised but lost much of its impact due to extraneous subplots.{{sfn|Suditomo 2009, Ruma Itu Punya}}
''Ruma Maida'' received mixed reception. Kurniasari described the film as "an enjoyable way to learn more about [Indonesia's] long history."{{sfn|Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays}} Benke wrote that the film had good visuals, but the dialogue at times "went over viewers' heads".{{efn|Original: ... ''berlarat-larat.''}}{{sfn|Benke 2009, Membebaskan Sejarah}} Sari wrote that the cinematography was well done but the plot could confuse viewers.{{sfn|Sari 2009, Sejarah dalam Balutan}} Suditmo wrote that the film was well visualised but lost much of its impact due to extraneous subplots.{{sfn|Suditomo 2009, Ruma Itu Punya}}


Anggraeni, covering the Indonesian Film Festival in Australia, described ''Ruma Maida'' as cleverly weaving the plot into Indonesia's independence struggle, although several plot twists "rather stretch[ed] the audience's imagination".{{sfn|Anggraeni 2010, RI film festival}} Siahaan wrote that the film "may have limitations in its execution and presentation, but is highly commendable for its ability to raise social questions and delve into the nation’s history."{{sfn|Siahaan 2009, 'Ruma Maida' A Potent}} A review in ''[[Republika (Indonesian newspaper)|Republika]]'' expressed that the film may be too boring for the general public due to its slow-moving plot.{{sfn|Republika 2009, Ruma Maida, Pijakan}}
Anggraeni, covering the Indonesian Film Festival in Australia, described ''Ruma Maida'' as cleverly weaving the plot into Indonesia's independence struggle, although several plot twists "rather stretch[ed] the audience's imagination".{{sfn|Anggraeni 2010, RI film festival}} Siahaan wrote that the film "may have limitations in its execution and presentation, but is highly commendable for its ability to raise social questions and delve into the nation’s history."{{sfn|Siahaan 2009, 'Ruma Maida' A Potent}} A review in ''[[Republika (Indonesian newspaper)|Republika]]'' expressed that the film may be too boring for the general public due to its slow-moving plot.{{sfn|Republika 2009, Ruma Maida, Pijakan}}

⚫
The film was released on DVD in Indonesia in mid-2010 by EZY Home Entertainment, after passing through the censorship board in February. The DVD featured English-language subtitles and a behind the scenes documentary.{{sfn|Liner notes for ''Ruma Maida''}}


==Awards==
==Awards==
Line 219: Line 217:
|archivedate=9 May 2012
|archivedate=9 May 2012
|ref={{sfnRef|M. P. 2009, Ruma Maida : Suguhan}}
|ref={{sfnRef|M. P. 2009, Ruma Maida : Suguhan}}
}}
*{{cite news
|title='Jamila dan Sang Presiden' ready for Oscar
|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/10/31/%E2%80%98jamila-dan-sang-presiden%E2%80%99-ready-oscar.html
|work=The Jakarta Post
|date=31 October 2009
|accessdate=1 April 2012
|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/66b186bRv
|archivedate=1 April 2012
|ref={{SfnRef|The Jakarta Post 2009, 'Jamila dan Sang Presiden'}}
}}
}}
*{{cite news
*{{cite news
Line 227: Line 235:
|language=Indonesian
|language=Indonesian
|date=6 November 2006
|date=6 November 2006
|last=Mohamad
|last=Mohamad
|first=Goenawan
|first=Goenawan
|authorlink=Goenawan Mohamad
|authorlink=Goenawan Mohamad
|accessdate=12 May 2012
|accessdate=12 May 2012
|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67bHFlT4a
|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67bHFlT4a
Line 260: Line 268:
*{{cite album-notes
*{{cite album-notes
|title=Ruma Maida
|title=Ruma Maida
|artist=Teddy Soeriaatmadja (director and producer)
|last=Soeriaatmadja
|first=Teddy (director and producer)
|year=2010
|year=2010
|type=DVD liner notes
|type=DVD liner notes
Line 266: Line 275:
|location=Jakarta
|location=Jakarta
|ref={{sfnRef|Liner notes for .27.27Ruma Maida.27.27}}
|ref={{sfnRef|Liner notes for .27.27Ruma Maida.27.27}}
}}
*{{cite video
| last =Soeriaatmadja
|first=Teddy (director and producer)
| year =2010a
| title =Di Balik Layar Part 1
| format =
| medium =
| language =Indonesian
| trans_title =Behind the Screen Part 1
| publisher =EZY Home Entertainment
| location =Jakarta
| oclc =706774253
| ref =harv
}}
*{{cite video
| last =Soeriaatmadja
|first=Teddy (director and producer)
| year =2010b
| title =Di Balik Layar Part 2
| format =
| medium =
| language =Indonesian
| trans_title =Behind the Screen Part 2
| publisher =EZY Home Entertainment
| location =Jakarta
| oclc =706774253
| ref =harv
}}
}}
*{{cite news
*{{cite news

Revision as of 01:16, 13 May 2012

Ruma Maida
Promotional poster
Directed byTeddy Soeriaatmadja
Written byAyu Utami
Produced by
  • P. Setiono
  • Teddy Soeriaatmadja
Starring
CinematographyIcal Tanjung
Edited byWaluyo Ichwandiardono
Music by
  • Bobby Surjadi
  • Didit Saad
  • Naif
Production
companies
  • Lamp Pictures
  • Karuna Pictures
Release date
  • 28 October 2009 (2009-10-28) (Indonesia)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryTemplate:Film Indonesia
LanguageIndonesian

Ruma Maida (Maida's House) is a 2009 Indonesian film written by Ayu Utami, directed by Teddy Soeriaatmadja, and starring Atiqah Hasiholan, Yama Carlos, Nino Fernandez, and Frans Tumbuan. It details a woman's struggle to save a historical house, as well as the life of the house's original owner.

Work on what was to become Ruma Maida began in 2008, when Utami was approached by Lamp Pictures and asked to write a nationalism-themed script, which she did in six months. After three months of pre-production, shooting began in Semarang and Jakarta. After three months of editing, the film premiered on 28 October; it was later shown in film festivals in Singapore and Australia.

Ruma Maida, which uses flashbacks and sepia, deals with the importance of education, history, and pluralism. Critical reception to the film was mixed, with several reviewers praising the visuals but disapproving of the plot. It was nominated for eleven Citra Awards at the 2009 Indonesian Film Festival, of which it won one.

Plot

A young history student, Maida (Atiqah Hasiholan) runs a free school for street children in Jakarta. The house once belonged to Ishak Pahing (Nino Fernandez), an Indo composer and pilot, and his wife Nani Kuddus (Imelda Soraya); Pahing wrote the song "Pulau Tenggara" ("The South-Eastern Island"), which inspired President Sukarno to help form the Non-Aligned Movement, while living in the house. As Maida learns about Pahing, she decides to write her undergraduate thesis about his life.

However, one day her class is interrupted by the young architect Sakera (Yama Carlos), who was told to evict Maida's school by his boss, the developer Dasaad Muchlisin (Frans Tumbuan). As Maida and Sakera argue in the streets, rioting breaks out around them. Sakera protects the half-Chinese Maida, then tells her that he will help her keep the house; it is scheduled to be demolished within a week.

After attempts to convince Muchlisin to keep the original design fail, Sakera overhears that the house is on disputed land. Maida uses the information, as well feedback from a traditional musical group distantly related to Pahing, to discover that the house has a secret underground bunker, in which she and Sakera – with whom she has begun falling in love – find documents showing the history of the house. With the help of her mother's former lover Kuan (Henky Solaiman), she discovers the true ownership of the house.

Pahing, who had grown up within the nascent independence movement and associated with several historical figures, was arrested for being half-Dutch by the Japanese spy Maruyama (Verdi Solaiman) – a man who coveted Pahing's wife. After being tortured, Pahing was released to discover that his wife had been raped and killed; their newborn son Fajar had been kidnapped. Pahing later died on a flight carrying medical supplies over Yogyakarta when the flight was shot down. Meanwhile, his son was raised by Maruyama – the kidnapper – and had his name changed to Dasaad Muchlisin.

With this information, Maida, Sakera, and Kuan approach Muchlisin and tell him how the house plays into his history. After a short period of silence, Muchlisin tells them to leave. Several months later, on Maida and Sakera's wedding day, Muchlisin comes to the church and says that he has abandoned his plans to demolish the house. Instead, he renovates the building and dedicates it as a school for street children.

Production

An Indonesian woman, looking forward and smiling. She is wearing a purple v-neck shirt
Ayu Utami wrote the script over a period of six months. Ruma Maida was her first screenplay.

The screenplay for Ruma Maida was written by Ayu Utami, her first such work;[1] mainly known for her novels, she had avoided screenplays as they were generally too commercially-oriented.[2][3] She wrote the screenplay over a period of six months beginning in 2008, when Lamp Pictures  – which produced the film together with Karuna Pictures.[4] – requested that she write a story about nationalism;[2][1] according to director Teddy Soeriaatmadja, who was brought in while the screenplay was still on its first draft,[5] the screenplay took seven drafts before both he and Utami could agree on the story.[6] Considering the screenplay a way to encourage the younger generation to study Indonesian history, which she said could be fun,[4] Utami decided to focus on education, diversity, and history.[2]

Pre-production for Ruma Maida took three months.[2] The characters were written without any particular actors in mind. Atiqah Hasiholan, who had previously starred in the Academy Award-submitted Jamila dan Sang Presiden (Jamila and the President, 2009), was cast as Maida.[7][8] Yama Carlos, who played Sakera, was initially cast for another role but received the leading male role after a last-minute switch.[9] The actor cast as Muchlisin, Frans Tumbuan, was the only one auditioned as Soeriaatmadja thought the role was perfect for him.[10] Soeriaatmadja later recalled that, including extras, Ruma Maida had the largest cast of any film he had made to that point.[11]

Shooting for the film was conducted in Kota, Jakarta and Semarang, Central Java[12][13] over a period of one month. Soeriaatmadja later recalled that the most difficult scenes to shoot were those which happened in modern times, especially the riots;[2] however, for set design Indra Tamoron Musu found those which occurred in the past to be the most difficult, due to the research necessary.[14] The scenes at the house were shot separately, with those occurring in 1998 shot first and those occurring in the past shot after the crew had spent a week renovating the house.[15] Hasiholan later recalled that Soeriaatmadja was a controlling director who told the actors exactly what he wanted in a clear manner;[16] cinematographer Ical Tanjung said that Soeriaatmadja was still open to feedback from the cast and crew.[17] Editing, which was done by Waluyo Ichwandiardono, took another three months.[2][18]

The Indonesian band Naif covered several songs for Ruma Maida's soundtrack, including songs from the 1940s such as "Juwita Malam" ("Beauty of the Night", by Ismail Marzuki[19]), "Di Bawah Sinar Bulan Purnama" ("Under the Light of the Full Moon"; by R. Maladi[20]) and "Ibu Pertiwi" ("Motherland").[4] The covers were recorded over a period of five days.[21] Utami wrote "Pulau Tenggara", which was sung by Imelda Soraya.[4]

Themes

Benny Benke, writing in Suara Merdeka, noted that the film was a "free interpretation of the formal Indonesian history, [a history] which is too arrogant, dominant, and dogmatic".[a][12] He wrote that at times the line between fact and fiction was thin.[12] Utami stated that people from the revolutionary period "believed in dreams" and had a "strong sense of heroism and patriotism", things which she believed Indonesia needed.[1] Soeriaatmadja also noted that the film was meant to address issues of contemporary Indonesia, through the house's history.[22] Assistant director Azhar Lubis described the house as a microcosm of Indonesia, implying that, if the country was not maintained, it would fall apart.[23]

Yulia Permata Sari, reviewing Ruma Maida in Media Indonesia, wrote that Soeriaatmadja seemed to be promoting the need to remember and respect history through the plot and characterisations.[24] The film showed "Indonesia Raya" composer W. R. Supratman, Japanese admiral Maeda, Vice-President Mohammad Hatta, President Sukarno, and Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir.[25][26] Hasiholan considered the film a warning against repeating mistakes which had happened in the past.[27]

Triwik Kurnasari, writing in The Jakarta Post, described the inclusion of the May 1998 riots and subsequent fall of Suharto as touching on pluralism issues.[4] Utami, in an interview with the Jakarta Globe, stated that had meant to show diversity by giving the characters different ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds[2] and later explained that the film was meant to show Indonesia's motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (University in Diversity) as it is applied in the country.[28] Another reviewer, Dewi Anggraeni, wrote that Ruma Maida "paints a more realistic picture of Indonesia’s society, where people do not necessarily fit into neat social, racial or economic categories", with its characters not fitting into any traditional stereotypes.[29]

Style

Two screenshots from the film, showing Ishak Paing and Ishak Pahing (Nino Fernandez) at his marriage to Nani Kuddus (Imelda Soraya); bottom is Sakera (Yama Carlos) at his marriage to Maida (Atiqah Hasiholan). Both are in a Muslim manner
Ruma Maida used a sepia overlay and static camera for events happening in the past, with more natural tones and different angles for events in the present. Some plot points, such as the marriages between Ishak and Nani, as well as Sakera and Maida, ran parallel.

Ruma Maida uses different colours and shooting styles to indicate different time periods. Events occurring in the past have a soft sepia overlay and are shot with a static camera, while those in 1998 have more natural tones and are shot with a handheld.[25] The use of the handheld was meant to show the present in as "rough and non-sterile"[b] a manner possible, while the past was meant to have a sweet, beautiful, and clean feeling; this played on the theme of romanticising the past.[30] Events in Pahing's life are shown in flashbacks interspersed throughout Maida's struggle to retake the house.[25][31] The film is paced slowly, and shots are taken from "unique" angles.[32]

A reviewer for Tempo magazine, Kurie Suditmo, wrote that Ruma Maida intertwined several sub-plots, including showing the 1928 Youth Conference, the education of street children, and a scene where Sakera discusses architecture with Muchlisin; the review stated that these detracted from the film's comprehensibility.[26] Jakarta Globe reviewer Armando Siahaan noted that several plot lines run parallel, including riots following the Japanese surrender in 1945 and those in May 1998.[32]

Release and reception

Ruma Maida premiered on 28 October 2009, coinciding with events celebrating the 1928 Youth Pledge[4] – this release date was planned from early in production, due to the date's historical significance.[33] It received a wide release on the following day.[25] The film was screened at the Singapore International Film Festival in April 2010. That August, Ruma Maida was shown in the "Education" category of the Indonesian Film Festival in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.[29]

Ruma Maida received mixed reception. Kurniasari described the film as "an enjoyable way to learn more about [Indonesia's] long history."[4] Benke wrote that the film had good visuals, but the dialogue at times "went over viewers' heads".[c][12] Sari wrote that the cinematography was well done but the plot could confuse viewers.[24] Suditmo wrote that the film was well visualised but lost much of its impact due to extraneous subplots.[26]

Anggraeni, covering the Indonesian Film Festival in Australia, described Ruma Maida as cleverly weaving the plot into Indonesia's independence struggle, although several plot twists "rather stretch[ed] the audience's imagination".[29] Siahaan wrote that the film "may have limitations in its execution and presentation, but is highly commendable for its ability to raise social questions and delve into the nation’s history."[32] A review in Republika expressed that the film may be too boring for the general public due to its slow-moving plot.[25]

The film was released on DVD in Indonesia in mid-2010 by EZY Home Entertainment, after passing through the censorship board in February. The DVD featured English-language subtitles and a behind the scenes documentary.[34]

Awards

Ruma Maida was nominated for eleven Citra Awards at the 2009 Indonesian Film Festival, winning one.[35]

Award Year Category Recipient Result
Indonesian Film Festival 2011 Best Picture Nominated
Best Director Teddy Soeriaatmadja Nominated
Best Original Screenplay Ayu Utami Nominated
Best Leading Actor Yama Carlos Nominated
Best Leading Actress Atiqah Hasiholan Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Frans Tumbuan, Verdi Solaiman Nominated
Best Cinematography Ical Tanjung Nominated
Best Artistic Direction Indra Tamoron Musu Nominated
Best Editing Waluyo Ichwandiardono Nominated
Best Musical Direction Bobby Surjadi, Didit Saad Nominated
Best Sound Arrangement Shaft Daultsyah, Khikmawan Santosa Won

Notes

  1. ^ Original: ... hasil interpretasi bebas atas sejarah resmi yang terlalu angkuh, mendominasi, sekaligus dogmatis.
  2. ^ Original: "... sekasar mungkin dan tidak steril."
  3. ^ Original: ... berlarat-larat.

References

Footnotes
  1. ^ a b c Setiawan 2009, Ayu Utami, nationalism.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Sembiring 2009, A Modern Film.
  3. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010a, 2:25–2:30.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Kurniasari 2009, 'Ruma Maida' portrays. sfn error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFKurniasari_2009,_'Ruma_Maida'_portrays (help)
  5. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010a, 2:10–2:20.
  6. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010a, 3:50–3:56.
  7. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010a, 8:20–8:36.
  8. ^ The Jakarta Post 2009, 'Jamila dan Sang Presiden'.
  9. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010a, 10:15–10:33.
  10. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010a, 11:45–12:03.
  11. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010a, 4:46–4:49.
  12. ^ a b c d Benke 2009, Membebaskan Sejarah.
  13. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010a, 4:50–4:51.
  14. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010b, 4:10–4:20.
  15. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010b, 0:30–0:40.
  16. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010b, 15:20–15:32.
  17. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010b, 17:11–17:16.
  18. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010b, 14:07.
  19. ^ Mohamad 2006, K.A.
  20. ^ Liner notes for Dekade.
  21. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010b, 11:45–12:00.
  22. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010a, 1:45–2:00.
  23. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010b, 20:00–20:11.
  24. ^ a b Sari 2009, Sejarah dalam Balutan.
  25. ^ a b c d e Republika 2009, Ruma Maida, Pijakan.
  26. ^ a b c Suditomo 2009, Ruma Itu Punya.
  27. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010b, 18:50–18:57.
  28. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010b, 18:06–18:11.
  29. ^ a b c Anggraeni 2010, RI film festival.
  30. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010b, 1:00–1:30.
  31. ^ M. P. 2009, Ruma Maida : Suguhan.
  32. ^ a b c Siahaan 2009, 'Ruma Maida' A Potent.
  33. ^ Soeriaatmadja 2010a, 3:25–3:32.
  34. ^ Liner notes for Ruma Maida.
  35. ^ Filmindonesia.or.id, Penghargaan Ruma Maida.
Bibliography
  • Anggraeni, Dewi (8 September 2010). "RI film festival takes on Australian silver screen". The Jakarta Post. Archived from the original on 7 April 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2012.
  • Benke, Benny (26 October 2009). "Membebaskan Sejarah". Suara Merdeka (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Dekade (Media notes). Musica Studios. 2002. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |artist= ignored (|others= suggested) (help)
  • Kurniasari, Triwik (1 November 2009). "'Ruma Maida' portrays the country's history". The Jakarta Post. Archived from the original on 7 April 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2012.
  • M. P., Erfanintya (22 October 2009). "Ruma Maida : Suguhan Apik Dari Teddy Soeriaatmadja". 21cineplex.com (in Indonesian). Jakarta: 21 Cineplex. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • "'Jamila dan Sang Presiden' ready for Oscar". The Jakarta Post. 31 October 2009. Archived from the original on 1 April 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
  • Mohamad, Goenawan (6 November 2006). "K.A." Tempo (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 12 May 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2012. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |trans_title= (help)
  • "Penghargaan Ruma Maida". filmindonesia.or.id (in Indonesian). Jakarta: National Library of Indonesia and Sinamatek. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • "Rediscovering world cinema in Singapore". The Jakarta Post. 18 April 2010. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  • Soeriaatmadja, Teddy (director and producer) (2010). Ruma Maida (DVD liner notes). Jakarta: EZY Home Entertainment.
  • Soeriaatmadja, Teddy (director and producer) (2010a). Di Balik Layar Part 1 (in Indonesian). Jakarta: EZY Home Entertainment. OCLC 706774253. {{cite AV media}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Soeriaatmadja, Teddy (director and producer) (2010b). Di Balik Layar Part 2 (in Indonesian). Jakarta: EZY Home Entertainment. OCLC 706774253. {{cite AV media}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • "Ruma Maida, Pijakan Pengingat Sejarah". Republika (in Indonesian). 24 October 2009. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Sari, Yulia Permata (23 October 2009). "Sejarah dalam Balutan Romantisme". Media Indonesia (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Sembiring, Dalih (29 September 2009). "A Modern Film Reflecting On Indonesia's Storied Past". The Jakarta Globe. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  • Setiawan, Iwan (1 November 2009). "Ayu Utami, nationalism and 'Ruma Maida'". The Jakarta Post. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  • Siahaan, Armando (27 October 2009). "'Ruma Maida' A Potent Tangle". The Jakarta Globe. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  • Suditomo, Kurie (9 November 2009). "Ruma Itu Punya Cerita". Tempo (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ruma_Maida&oldid=492291460"