Jump to content

Si Tjonat: 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
combine
(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 31: Line 31:
'''''Si Tjonat''''' ([[EYD|Perfected Spelling]]: '''''Si Conat''''') is a likely-[[lost film|lost]] 1929 bandit film from the [[Dutch East Indies]] (now Indonesia) directed by [[Wong brothers|Nelson Wong]] and produced by Wong and Jo Eng Sek. Based on [[Tjerita Si Tjonat|the novel]] by [[F.D.J. Pangemanann]], it followed an [[Native Indonesian|indigenous]] man who, having killed his fellow villager, flees to Batavia (now [[Jakarta]]) and becomes a bandit. He is captured after kidnapping an [[Chinese Indonesians|ethnic Chinese]] woman, defeated by her fiancé.
'''''Si Tjonat''''' ([[EYD|Perfected Spelling]]: '''''Si Conat''''') is a likely-[[lost film|lost]] 1929 bandit film from the [[Dutch East Indies]] (now Indonesia) directed by [[Wong brothers|Nelson Wong]] and produced by Wong and Jo Eng Sek. Based on [[Tjerita Si Tjonat|the novel]] by [[F.D.J. Pangemanann]], it followed an [[Native Indonesian|indigenous]] man who, having killed his fellow villager, flees to Batavia (now [[Jakarta]]) and becomes a bandit. He is captured after kidnapping an [[Chinese Indonesians|ethnic Chinese]] woman, defeated by her fiancé.


A commercially oriented work aimed at ethnic Chinese audiences, ''Si Tjonat'' received mixed reviews; box office proceeds are unclear. Although intended as a [[serial film|serial]], no sequel was ever made; the production house, Batavia Motion Picture, closed soon afterwards. However, several works in the same genre as this [[silent film]] were released soon after, including [[Si Pitoeng (1931 film)|one]] with the same director and star.
A commercially oriented work aimed at ethnic Chinese audiences, ''Si Tjonat'' received mixed reviews; box office proceeds are unclear. Although intended as a [[serial film|serial]], no sequel was ever made; the production house, Batavia Motion Picture, closed soon afterwards. However, several works in the same genre as this [[silent film]] were released soon afterwards, including ''[[Si Pitoeng (1931 film)|Si Pitoeng]], which used the same director and star.


==Plot==
==Plot==
Tjonat, the spoiled son of a village chief, is chased out of his hometown after he is caught stealing. To ensure easier travel, Tjonat kills an 8-year-old boy to steal his buffalo, intending to sell it. With the help another man, Gondit, Tjonat sells the buffalo at a distant market. However, Gondit is unwilling to give Tjonat his share of the money until they reach Batavia (now [[Jakarta]]). Suspicious, Tjonat prepares a sharpened [[bamboo]] tip. When Gondit tries to kill him, Tjonat stabs him in the stomach and steals all of his money. He then goes to Batavia on his own.
Tjonat, the spoilt son of a village chief, is chased out of his hometown after he is caught stealing. To ensure easier travel, Tjonat kills an eight-year-old boy to steal his buffalo, intending to sell it. With the help another man, Gondit, Tjonat sells the buffalo at a distant market. However, Gondit is unwilling to give Tjonat his share of the money until they reach Batavia (now [[Jakarta]]). Suspicious, Tjonat prepares a sharpened [[bamboo]] tip. When Gondit tries to kill him, Tjonat stabs him in the stomach and steals all of his money. He then goes to Batavia on his own.


Ten years have passed, and Tjonat has worked a variety of jobs under various names. However, he was often fired for stealing. Now he serves as a manservant for a rich Dutchman named Opmeijer. Using his charms, Tjonat woos Opmeijer's ''njai'' (concubine), Saipa, and convinces her to elope with him and take their master's possessions. The two make their way to Saipa's hometown and marry. However, theirs is an unhappy relationship and, after several years, Tjonat stops supporting his wife and returning home, instead choosing to spend his time as a robber. After [[Khula|asking for a divorce]], Saipa prepares to marry a fellow villager. However, in a fit of rage Tjonat returns to their home and kills Saipa.
Ten years have passed, and Tjonat has worked a variety of jobs under various names, but he was often fired for stealing. Now he serves as a manservant for a rich Dutchman named Opmeijer. Using his charms, Tjonat woos Opmeijer's ''njai'' (concubine), Saipa, and convinces her to elope with him and take their master's possessions. The two make their way to Saipa's hometown and marry. However, theirs is an unhappy relationship and, after several years, Tjonat stops supporting his wife and returning home, instead choosing to spend his time as a robber. After [[Khula|asking for a divorce]], Saipa prepares to marry a fellow villager. However, in a fit of rage Tjonat returns to their home and kills Saipa.


Tjonat, by now the leader of a gang of bandits, turns his attention to Lie Gouw Nio, the daughter of a [[Chinese Indonesians|''peranakan'' Chinese]] farmer. However, Gouw Nio is already betrothed to Tio Sing Sang. After an attempt to furtively kidnap her fails, Tjonat and his gang launch an assault on the Lies' farmstead. The family is able to escape, and Lie Gouw Nio is sent to Batavia to stay with her future in-laws. In an attempt to eliminate the competition, several weeks later Tjonat and his gang invade Tio Sing Sang's home, killing his grandfather Keng Bo and injuring the youth.
Tjonat, by now the leader of a gang of bandits, turns his attention to Lie Gouw Nio, the daughter of a [[Chinese Indonesians|''peranakan'' Chinese]] farmer. However, Gouw Nio is already betrothed to Tio Sing Sang. After an attempt to furtively kidnap her fails, Tjonat and his gang launch an assault on the Lies' farmstead. The family is able to escape, and Lie Gouw Nio is sent to Batavia to stay with her future in-laws. In an attempt to eliminate the competition, several weeks later Tjonat and his gang invade Tio Sing Sang's home, killing his grandfather Keng Bo and injuring the youth.
Line 43: Line 43:


Upon hearing of his fiancée's peril, Sing Sang follows Tjonat and finds him in a cave. Although capable of ambushing the bandit, he refuses to kill in cold blood. Instead, Sing Sang attacks an armed Tjonat with his bare hands and wins, using Tjonat's own knife to cut the bandit's ears off and mark his forehead with a "T" before ordering him to return Gouw Nio. Tjonat, however, does not obey, instead stabbing Gouw Nio in the chest and throwing her in a nearby river. At that moment Tjonat is arrested by arriving police and villagers, while Sing Sang rescues Gouw Nio from the current. After a long recovery, Gouw Nio and Sing Sang are married. Tjonat and his men are executed.{{efn|Plot summary derived from the novel {{harv|Pangemanann|1982|pp=155–220}}; sources do not offer a detailed plot summary of the film.}}
Upon hearing of his fiancée's peril, Sing Sang follows Tjonat and finds him in a cave. Although capable of ambushing the bandit, he refuses to kill in cold blood. Instead, Sing Sang attacks an armed Tjonat with his bare hands and wins, using Tjonat's own knife to cut the bandit's ears off and mark his forehead with a "T" before ordering him to return Gouw Nio. Tjonat, however, does not obey, instead stabbing Gouw Nio in the chest and throwing her in a nearby river. At that moment Tjonat is arrested by arriving police and villagers, while Sing Sang rescues Gouw Nio from the current. After a long recovery, Gouw Nio and Sing Sang are married. Tjonat and his men are executed.{{efn|Plot summary derived from the novel {{harv|Pangemanann|1982|pp=155–220}}; sources do not offer a detailed plot summary of the film.}}

==Production==
==Production==
[[File:Tjerita Si Tjonat cover.jpg|alt=A plain book cover, reading "Tjerita Si Tjonat" at the top, "Oleh" in the middle, and "F.D.J. Pangemanann" on the bottom.|thumb|''Si Tjonat'' was based on ''[[Tjerita Si Tjonat]]'' (1900).]]
[[File:Tjerita Si Tjonat cover.jpg|alt=A plain book cover, reading "Tjerita Si Tjonat" at the top, "Oleh" in the middle, and "F.D.J. Pangemanann" on the bottom.|thumb|''Si Tjonat'' was based on ''[[Tjerita Si Tjonat]]'' (1900).]]
''Si Tjonat'' was directed by [[Wong brothers|Nelson Wong]], who produced the film in conjunction with his business partner Jo Eng Sek. The two had established Batavia Motion Picture in 1929.<ref>{{harvnb|Filmindonesia.or.id, Si Tjonat}}; {{harvnb|Biran|2009|p=234}}; {{harvnb|Said|1982|p=17}}</ref> Wong had previously directed a single [[fiction film]], the commercial flop ''[[Lily van Java]]'' (1928), with funding from a high-ranking [[General Motors]] employee in Batavia named David Wong.{{efn|No relation}}{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=82}} Jo Eng Sek, a shop owner, had never produced a film.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=93}}
''Si Tjonat'' was directed by [[Wong brothers|Nelson Wong]], who produced the film in conjunction with his business partner Jo Eng Sek. The two had established Batavia Motion Picture in 1929.<ref>{{harvnb|Filmindonesia.or.id, Si Tjonat}}; {{harvnb|Biran|2009|p=234}}; {{harvnb|Said|1982|p=17}}</ref> Wong had previously directed a single [[fiction film]], the commercial flop ''[[Lily van Java]]'' (1928), with funding from a high-ranking [[General Motors]] employee in Batavia named David Wong.{{efn|No relation}}{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=82}} Jo Eng Sek, a shop owner, had never produced a film.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=93}}


The story for ''Si Tjonat'' was based on the novel ''[[Tjerita Si Tjonat]]'', written by reporter [[F.D.J. Pangemanann]] and first published in 1900.{{sfn|Toer|1982|pp=28–9}} The story had proven popular with ethnic Chinese readers.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=93}} It was often adapted to stage by [[Betawi people|Betawi]] stage troupes as a ''lenong'' performance.{{efn|It remained popular until after Indonesia's independence in 1945 {{harv|Toer|1982|pp=28–9}}.}}{{sfn|Toer|1982|pp=28–9}} The story was selected by Jo Eng Sek.{{sfn|Sen|2006|p=123}}
The story for ''Si Tjonat'' was based on the novel ''[[Tjerita Si Tjonat]]'', written by reporter [[F.D.J. Pangemanann]] and first published in 1900.{{sfn|Toer|1982|pp=28–9}} The story had proven popular with ethnic Chinese readers.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=93}} It was often adapted to the stage by [[Betawi people|Betawi]] stage troupes as a ''lenong'' performance.{{efn|It remained popular until after Indonesia's independence in 1945 {{harv|Toer|1982|pp=28–9}}.}}{{sfn|Toer|1982|pp=28–9}} The story was selected by Jo Eng Sek.{{sfn|Sen|2006|p=123}}


The silent film was shot in [[black-and-white]] and starred Ku Fung May and Herman Sim.{{sfn|Filmindonesia.or.id, Si Tjonat}} Sim, of ''peranakan'' Chinese descent, had previous experience acting in the [[Shanghai]]-based film industry in China.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=94}} Ku Fung May, meanwhile, had no film experience. The martial arts sequences used in the film were inspired by Hollywood [[Westerns]] then-popular in the Indies.{{sfn|Sen|2006|p=123}}
The silent film was shot in [[black-and-white]] and starred Ku Fung May and Herman Sim.{{sfn|Filmindonesia.or.id, Si Tjonat}} Sim, of ''peranakan'' Chinese descent, had previous experience acting in the [[Shanghai]]-based film industry in China,{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=94}} while Ku Fung May had no film experience. The martial arts sequences used in the film were inspired by Hollywood [[Westerns]], then popular in the Indies.{{sfn|Sen|2006|p=123}}


==Release and reception==
==Release and reception==
''Si Tjonat'' was released in 1929. Although a work of fiction, it was advertised as based on a true story.{{sfn|Filmindonesia.or.id, Si Tjonat}} The film was one in a line of [[List of films of the Dutch East Indies|domestic production]] targeted primarily at ethnic Chinese audiences, following ''[[Lily van Java]]'' and ''Setangan Berloemoer Darah'' (both 1928); film historian [[Misbach Yusa Biran]] writes that this was evident from the predominantly Chinese production team and cast.{{efn|The Chinese and native ethnic groups were divided both legally and culturally. The Dutch colonial government enacted legislation which stratified the Indies population at three levels, with the Chinese as middlemen between the higher-class Dutch and lower-class natives. Culturally, ''peranakan'' Chinese tended to orient themselves with mainland China and not the various native cultures, such as the [[Sundanese people|Sundanese]] or [[Javanese people|Javanese]]. Although the Chinese were a small minority in the Indies, they maintained a higher standard of living than natives {{harv|Sukma|1999|pp=171–172}}.}} Native audiences also enjoyed the film, particularly its action sequences.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=93}} Indonesian film critic Salim Said writes that it was of distinctly commercial orientation, meant only to turn a profit.{{sfn|Said|1982|p=18}}
''Si Tjonat'' was released in 1929. Although a work of fiction, it was advertised as based on a true story.{{sfn|Filmindonesia.or.id, Si Tjonat}} The film was one in a line of [[List of films of the Dutch East Indies|domestic production]] targeted primarily at ethnic Chinese audiences, following ''[[Lily van Java]]'' and ''Setangan Berloemoer Darah'' (both 1928); film historian [[Misbach Yusa Biran]] writes that this was evident from the predominantly Chinese production team and cast.{{efn|The Chinese and native ethnic groups were divided both legally and culturally. The Dutch colonial government enacted legislation which stratified the Indies population at three levels, with the Chinese as middlemen between the higher-class Dutch and lower-class natives. Culturally, ''peranakan'' Chinese tended to orient themselves with mainland China and not the various native cultures, such as the [[Sundanese people|Sundanese]] or [[Javanese people|Javanese]]. Although the Chinese were a small minority in the Indies, they maintained a higher standard of living than natives {{harv|Sukma|1999|pp=171–172}}.}} Native audiences also enjoyed the film, particularly its action sequences.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=93}} Indonesian film critic Salim Said writes that it was of distinctly commercial orientation, meant only to turn a profit.{{sfn|Said|1982|p=18}}


Sales figures are unclear. Said writes that it was a commercial success,{{sfn|Said|1982|p=19}} while Biran&nbsp;– noting that Batavia Motion Picture was dissolved not long after ''Si Tjonat''{{'s}} release&nbsp;– suggests that returns were poor.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=94}} Reviews were mixed. In general the press criticised the emphasis on murder and crime. Meanwhile, in his magazine ''Panorama'', [[Kwee Tek Hoay]] wrote that the film had been "fairly well produced",{{efn|Original: "''... atoerannja loemajan djoega''".}}{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=93}} emphasising Sim's acting&nbsp;– particularly his martial arts skills.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=94}}
Sales figures are unclear. Said writes that it was a commercial success,{{sfn|Said|1982|p=19}} while Biran&nbsp;– noting that Batavia Motion Picture was dissolved not long after ''Si Tjonat''{{'s}} release&nbsp;– suggests that returns were poor.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=94}} Reviews were mixed. In general the press criticised the emphasis on murder and crime, while in ''Panorama'' magazine, [[Kwee Tek Hoay]] wrote that the film had been "fairly well produced",{{efn|Original: "''... atoerannja loemajan djoega''".}}{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=93}} emphasising Sim's acting&nbsp;– particularly his martial arts skills.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=94}}


Although ''Si Tjonat'' was initially intended to be a [[serial film|serial]], production of the second instalment halted after the closure of Batavia Motion Picture.{{sfn|Said|1982|p=19}} Jo Eng Sek left the industry completely, only returning in 1935 to produce ''Poei Sie Giok Pa Loei Tay''.{{sfn|Biran|2009|pp=94, 152}} Wong, meanwhile, remained active in the industry together with his brothers Joshua and Othniel. Using the banner Halimoen Film they later reused Sim in their 1931 film ''[[Si Pitoeng (1931 film)|Si Pitoeng]]''.{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=113–4}} Ku Fung May did not act in another film.{{sfn|Filmindonesia.or.id, Ku Fung May}} Several films centred around bandits, including [[Lie Tek Swie]]'s ''[[Si Ronda]]'' (1929) and the Wongs' ''Si Pitoeng'' and ''Rampok Preanger'' (1929) followed soon after ''Si Tjonat''.{{sfn|Biran|2009|pp=105, 113}}
Although ''Si Tjonat'' was initially intended to be a [[serial film|serial]], production of the second instalment halted after the closure of Batavia Motion Picture.{{sfn|Said|1982|p=19}} Jo Eng Sek left the industry completely, only returning in 1935 to produce ''Poei Sie Giok Pa Loei Tay''.{{sfn|Biran|2009|pp=94, 152}} Wong, meanwhile, remained active in the industry together with his brothers Joshua and Othniel. Using the banner Halimoen Film they later reused Sim in their 1931 film ''[[Si Pitoeng (1931 film)|Si Pitoeng]]''.{{sfn|Biran|2009|pp=113–4}} Ku Fung May did not act in another film.{{sfn|Filmindonesia.or.id, Ku Fung May}} Several films centred around bandits, including [[Lie Tek Swie]]'s ''[[Si Ronda]]'' (1929) and the Wongs' ''Si Pitoeng'' and ''Rampok Preanger'' (1929) followed soon after ''Si Tjonat''.{{sfn|Biran|2009|pp=105, 113}}


''Si Tjonat'' is likely [[lost film|lost]]. The American visual anthropologist [[Karl G. Heider]] writes that all Indonesian films from before 1950 are lost.{{sfn|Heider|1991|p=14}} However, JB Kristanto's ''Katalog Film Indonesia'' (''Indonesian Film Catalogue'') records several as having survived at [[Sinematek Indonesia]]'s archives, and Biran writes that several Japanese propaganda films have survived at the [[Netherlands Government Information Service]].{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=351}}
''Si Tjonat'' is likely [[lost film|lost]]. The American visual anthropologist [[Karl G. Heider]] writes that all Indonesian films from before 1950 are lost.{{sfn|Heider|1991|p=14}} However, JB Kristanto's ''Katalog Film Indonesia'' (''Indonesian Film Catalogue'') records several as having survived at [[Sinematek Indonesia]]'s archives, and Biran writes that several Japanese propaganda films have survived at the [[Netherlands Government Information Service]].{{sfn|Biran|2009|p=351}}

Revision as of 19:24, 21 September 2013

Si Tjonat
Directed byNelson Wong
Produced by
  • Nelson Wong
  • Jo Eng Sek
Starring
  • Ku Fung May
  • Herman Sim
Production
company
Batavia Motion Picture
Release date
  • 1929 (1929) (Dutch East Indies)
CountryDutch East Indies
LanguageSilent

Si Tjonat (Perfected Spelling: Si Conat) is a likely-lost 1929 bandit film from the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) directed by Nelson Wong and produced by Wong and Jo Eng Sek. Based on the novel by F.D.J. Pangemanann, it followed an indigenous man who, having killed his fellow villager, flees to Batavia (now Jakarta) and becomes a bandit. He is captured after kidnapping an ethnic Chinese woman, defeated by her fiancé.

A commercially oriented work aimed at ethnic Chinese audiences, Si Tjonat received mixed reviews; box office proceeds are unclear. Although intended as a serial, no sequel was ever made; the production house, Batavia Motion Picture, closed soon afterwards. However, several works in the same genre as this silent film were released soon afterwards, including Si Pitoeng, which used the same director and star.

Plot

Tjonat, the spoilt son of a village chief, is chased out of his hometown after he is caught stealing. To ensure easier travel, Tjonat kills an eight-year-old boy to steal his buffalo, intending to sell it. With the help another man, Gondit, Tjonat sells the buffalo at a distant market. However, Gondit is unwilling to give Tjonat his share of the money until they reach Batavia (now Jakarta). Suspicious, Tjonat prepares a sharpened bamboo tip. When Gondit tries to kill him, Tjonat stabs him in the stomach and steals all of his money. He then goes to Batavia on his own.

Ten years have passed, and Tjonat has worked a variety of jobs under various names, but he was often fired for stealing. Now he serves as a manservant for a rich Dutchman named Opmeijer. Using his charms, Tjonat woos Opmeijer's njai (concubine), Saipa, and convinces her to elope with him and take their master's possessions. The two make their way to Saipa's hometown and marry. However, theirs is an unhappy relationship and, after several years, Tjonat stops supporting his wife and returning home, instead choosing to spend his time as a robber. After asking for a divorce, Saipa prepares to marry a fellow villager. However, in a fit of rage Tjonat returns to their home and kills Saipa.

Tjonat, by now the leader of a gang of bandits, turns his attention to Lie Gouw Nio, the daughter of a peranakan Chinese farmer. However, Gouw Nio is already betrothed to Tio Sing Sang. After an attempt to furtively kidnap her fails, Tjonat and his gang launch an assault on the Lies' farmstead. The family is able to escape, and Lie Gouw Nio is sent to Batavia to stay with her future in-laws. In an attempt to eliminate the competition, several weeks later Tjonat and his gang invade Tio Sing Sang's home, killing his grandfather Keng Bo and injuring the youth.

After recovering, Sing Sang begins training in the use of weapons and prepares to fight Tjonat. Meanwhile, Tjonat has become aware of Gouw Nio's presence in Batavia. When Gouw Nio and Sing Sang's parents leave the city to attend Keng Bo's funeral, Tjonat ensures that his men are hired as bodyguards. Outside of Tangerang Tjonat makes his move, kidnapping Gouw Nio and allowing the Tios to escape.

Upon hearing of his fiancée's peril, Sing Sang follows Tjonat and finds him in a cave. Although capable of ambushing the bandit, he refuses to kill in cold blood. Instead, Sing Sang attacks an armed Tjonat with his bare hands and wins, using Tjonat's own knife to cut the bandit's ears off and mark his forehead with a "T" before ordering him to return Gouw Nio. Tjonat, however, does not obey, instead stabbing Gouw Nio in the chest and throwing her in a nearby river. At that moment Tjonat is arrested by arriving police and villagers, while Sing Sang rescues Gouw Nio from the current. After a long recovery, Gouw Nio and Sing Sang are married. Tjonat and his men are executed.[a]

Production

A plain book cover, reading "Tjerita Si Tjonat" at the top, "Oleh" in the middle, and "F.D.J. Pangemanann" on the bottom.
Si Tjonat was based on Tjerita Si Tjonat (1900).

Si Tjonat was directed by Nelson Wong, who produced the film in conjunction with his business partner Jo Eng Sek. The two had established Batavia Motion Picture in 1929.[1] Wong had previously directed a single fiction film, the commercial flop Lily van Java (1928), with funding from a high-ranking General Motors employee in Batavia named David Wong.[b][2] Jo Eng Sek, a shop owner, had never produced a film.[3]

The story for Si Tjonat was based on the novel Tjerita Si Tjonat, written by reporter F.D.J. Pangemanann and first published in 1900.[4] The story had proven popular with ethnic Chinese readers.[3] It was often adapted to the stage by Betawi stage troupes as a lenong performance.[c][4] The story was selected by Jo Eng Sek.[5]

The silent film was shot in black-and-white and starred Ku Fung May and Herman Sim.[6] Sim, of peranakan Chinese descent, had previous experience acting in the Shanghai-based film industry in China,[7] while Ku Fung May had no film experience. The martial arts sequences used in the film were inspired by Hollywood Westerns, then popular in the Indies.[5]

Release and reception

Si Tjonat was released in 1929. Although a work of fiction, it was advertised as based on a true story.[6] The film was one in a line of domestic production targeted primarily at ethnic Chinese audiences, following Lily van Java and Setangan Berloemoer Darah (both 1928); film historian Misbach Yusa Biran writes that this was evident from the predominantly Chinese production team and cast.[d] Native audiences also enjoyed the film, particularly its action sequences.[3] Indonesian film critic Salim Said writes that it was of distinctly commercial orientation, meant only to turn a profit.[8]

Sales figures are unclear. Said writes that it was a commercial success,[9] while Biran – noting that Batavia Motion Picture was dissolved not long after Si Tjonat's release – suggests that returns were poor.[7] Reviews were mixed. In general the press criticised the emphasis on murder and crime, while in Panorama magazine, Kwee Tek Hoay wrote that the film had been "fairly well produced",[e][3] emphasising Sim's acting – particularly his martial arts skills.[7]

Although Si Tjonat was initially intended to be a serial, production of the second instalment halted after the closure of Batavia Motion Picture.[9] Jo Eng Sek left the industry completely, only returning in 1935 to produce Poei Sie Giok Pa Loei Tay.[10] Wong, meanwhile, remained active in the industry together with his brothers Joshua and Othniel. Using the banner Halimoen Film they later reused Sim in their 1931 film Si Pitoeng.[11] Ku Fung May did not act in another film.[12] Several films centred around bandits, including Lie Tek Swie's Si Ronda (1929) and the Wongs' Si Pitoeng and Rampok Preanger (1929) followed soon after Si Tjonat.[13]

Si Tjonat is likely lost. The American visual anthropologist Karl G. Heider writes that all Indonesian films from before 1950 are lost.[14] However, JB Kristanto's Katalog Film Indonesia (Indonesian Film Catalogue) records several as having survived at Sinematek Indonesia's archives, and Biran writes that several Japanese propaganda films have survived at the Netherlands Government Information Service.[15]

Explanatory notes

  1. ^ Plot summary derived from the novel (Pangemanann 1982, pp. 155–220); sources do not offer a detailed plot summary of the film.
  2. ^ No relation
  3. ^ It remained popular until after Indonesia's independence in 1945 (Toer 1982, pp. 28–9).
  4. ^ The Chinese and native ethnic groups were divided both legally and culturally. The Dutch colonial government enacted legislation which stratified the Indies population at three levels, with the Chinese as middlemen between the higher-class Dutch and lower-class natives. Culturally, peranakan Chinese tended to orient themselves with mainland China and not the various native cultures, such as the Sundanese or Javanese. Although the Chinese were a small minority in the Indies, they maintained a higher standard of living than natives (Sukma 1999, pp. 171–172).
  5. ^ Original: "... atoerannja loemajan djoega".

References

  1. ^ Filmindonesia.or.id, Si Tjonat; Biran 2009, p. 234; Said 1982, p. 17
  2. ^ Biran 2009, p. 82.
  3. ^ a b c d Biran 2009, p. 93.
  4. ^ a b Toer 1982, pp. 28–9.
  5. ^ a b Sen 2006, p. 123.
  6. ^ a b Filmindonesia.or.id, Si Tjonat.
  7. ^ a b c Biran 2009, p. 94.
  8. ^ Said 1982, p. 18.
  9. ^ a b Said 1982, p. 19.
  10. ^ Biran 2009, pp. 94, 152.
  11. ^ Biran 2009, pp. 113–4.
  12. ^ Filmindonesia.or.id, Ku Fung May.
  13. ^ Biran 2009, pp. 105, 113.
  14. ^ Heider 1991, p. 14.
  15. ^ Biran 2009, p. 351.

Works cited

  • Biran, Misbach Yusa (2009). Sejarah Film 1900–1950: Bikin Film di Jawa (in Indonesian). Jakarta: Komunitas Bamboo working with the Jakarta Art Council. ISBN 978-979-3731-58-2. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Heider, Karl G (1991). Indonesian Cinema: National Culture on Screen. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-1367-3. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • "Ku Fung May". filmindonesia.or.id. Jakarta: Konfiden Foundation. Archived from the original on 9 June 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  • Pangemanann, F. D. J. (1982). "Tjerita Si Tjonat". In Toer, Pramoedya Ananta (ed.). Tempo Doeloe: Antologi Sastra Pra-Indonesia (in Indonesian). Jakarta: Hasta Mitra. pp. 155–220. OCLC 9797224. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Said, Salim (1982). Profil Dunia Film Indonesia (in Indonesian). Jakarta: Grafiti Pers. OCLC 9507803. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Sen, Kreshna (2006). "'Chinese' Indonesians in National Cinema". In Sun, Wanning (ed.). Media and the Chinese Diaspora. New York: Routledge. pp. 119–136. ISBN 978-1-134-26359-2. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • "Si Tjonat". filmindonesia.or.id. Jakarta: Konfiden Foundation. Archived from the original on 21 July 2012. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  • Sukma, Rizal (1999). Indonesia and China: The Politics of a Troubled Relationship. New York: Routledge. ISBN 978-0-203-16535-5. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Toer, Pramoedya Ananta, ed. (1982). Tempo Doeloe: Antologi Sastra Pra-Indonesia (in Indonesian). Jakarta: Hasta Mitra. OCLC 9797224. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Si_Tjonat&oldid=573950034"