Movie Review 'AUM!', Reasons You Must Watch - Tell the Story of 1998 Reformation Full of Plot Twists

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Another original film from Online Cinemas titled AUM!. If you're a fan of 90s films, you must be familiar with the narrow images and yellowish color. Well, to cure your longing for watching 90s films with a new style, Indonesian director Bambang "Ipoenk" K.M made the film AUM! that you must watch.

The story revolves around a group of students who become fugitives after participating in a massive reform movement. Without further ado, the film opens with a tense scene featuring the character Satriya (Jefri Nichol) being chased in an apartment building. Adding to the excitement, Satriya is suddenly captured by a man who turns out to be his own brother, Adam (Aksara Dena).

Not only that, the film also starts with the passionate spirit of students demanding reform. In the awkward meeting between Satriya and his brother, Adam, it is evident how these siblings have contrasting ideals and professions. Satriya, who wants to continue his struggle, and Adam, who comes from a military background, wants to save Satriya by stopping his fight.

1. Story of the 1998 Reform

AUM! (Credit: IMDb)

This film is divided into two parts. It opens with the first part titled "Performance", which tells the story of Adam who saves his brother, Satriya, who is enthusiastic about participating in the reform movement with his friends. The film portrays the atmosphere of 1998, with the student movement demanding justice for the people and the suppression carried out by the government.

The intensity of the film becomes more apparent when Satriya ignites the spirit of his friends with his speech. The film then portrays the two idealistic sides through dance and a fight between Adam and Satriya. Not only that, symbolically, the film also uses tiger dance and masks, as well as the sound of AUM! which becomes the title of the film.

The second part of the film is titled "Journey". This part shows the unique side of director Bambang "Ipoenk" who presents the process of making the political critique film. In this part, Linda (Agnes Natasya Tjie) plays the role of a film producer, Panca (Chicco Jerikho) plays the role of a director. Unlike the first part, which is filled with thrilling and chase scenes, this part depicts the film production process filled with conflicts among the crew, creating a tense atmosphere reminiscent of 1998.

2. Cinematography and Dedicated Cast

AUM! (Credit: IMDb & Youtube.com/Bioskop Online)

Set in the 90s, this film is made so similar starting from the setting, atmosphere, to the 90s noise that can still be felt. Starring Jefri Nichol, Chicco Jerikho, Aksara Dena, and Agnes Natasya Tjie. The most prominent roles are shown by the characters Panca (Chicco Jerikho) and Linda (Agnes Natasya Tjie). Linda, who plays a student who becomes a nationalist film producer, has a strong and passionate character in conveying her aspirations to have a voice.

In contrast, Panca as a director has a too idealistic and selfish nature. With both characteristics wanting to win on their own, making a film in a tense era becomes a challenge for these students. Moreover, shooting secretly would be very dangerous if their movements were known by the authorities.

To make it more convincing, this film uses a found footage style that uses a handycam with low resolution and a 4:3 aspect ratio, making the 90s atmosphere more pronounced. Not only that, in the making of the film, the students invited an American journalist named Paul Whiteberg (Mr. Richard). Paul appears to be tasked with recording the activities of the students who are making the film along with the crew involved.

Audiences can also find several props in the film that add a vintage 90s atmosphere, such as a radio, tube TV, and clothing styles. Curious to be taken into the tense atmosphere of this film? For only Rp20,000, you can watch it freely without any hold on and, of course, legally. If you are a nationalist film lover, well, AUM! (2021) could be an option.

This article was written by: Aditia Lestari

3. Watch the Trailer!

(kpl/mag)