Review 'LA TAHZAN: LOVE, PRAYER, WOUND', An Upgrade Version of 'BROTHER-IN-LAW IS DEATH'

Kapanlagi.com - Since the trailer was released a few months ago, the film LA TAHZAN: LOVE, PRAYER, WOUND has been referred to by netizens as a duplicate of SISTER-IN-LAW IS DEATH. This is due to similarities in the story that generally talks about infidelity, the same production house, the same director (Hanung Bramantyo), which is also based on a true story written by the story writer Eliza Syifa.

This assumption is further strengthened because Deva Mahenra again plays a man who cheats on his legitimate wife. If in SISTER-IN-LAW IS DEATH Deva plays Aris who cheats with his sister-in-law, in this film Deva becomes Reza, who has an affair with his child's babysitter.

From the editorial observation, this film still receives a lot of attention from film enthusiasts and netizens. The studio only left two front rows when the editorial representative watched it in one of the cinemas in Malang, East Java. Amidst the onslaught of many other films that also capture attention such as DEMON SLAYER to WEAPONS, LA TAHZAN: LOVE, PRAYER, WOUND has found its own place among film lovers.

Here is the complete review of LA TAHZAN: LOVE, PRAYER, WOUND from the editorial team of KapanLagi.com. According to the writer's perspective, it is less accurate to call this film a duplicate or a twin of SISTER-IN-LAW IS DEATH. LA TAHZAN: LOVE, PRAYER, WOUND is more accurately described as an upgraded version of SISTER-IN-LAW IS DEATH. What is the reason? KLovers can see in the complete review below. But for those of you who don't want to get too many spoilers, you can stop reading here!

1. Long Duration Turns Out Not to Be a Problem

Upon seeing that the duration of the film LA TAHZAN: LOVE, PRAYER, WOUND is 139 minutes or 2 hours and 19 minutes, the writer immediately frowned. How could one endure watching a melancholic drama with a duration similar to that of an international action film?

It turns out that as soon as I sat in the cinema seat, that question was met with its answer. The two-plus-hour duration was indeed necessary to guide the story to a 'rounded and straightforward' resolution at the end, even though it was interspersed with plot twists that will be discussed afterward.

The worry about boredom during the two-plus hours in the cinema vanished as the audience was kept on their toes. Yes, this film does not solely 'sell sadness'; it offers a mix of tension, excitement, suspicion, anger, and humor that can be considered fresh.

2. Details to Note, Makes Satisfied

Credit: YouTube/MD Pictures

All the scenes in the early part of the film are made with great detail. This allows the audience to remember those scenes in the last hour when the conflict peaks. There are reasons behind Asih making juice for Reza, pouring dish soap to make Mbak Kar slip, and framing Karyo so that he gets kicked out of the house.

The appearance of Manoj Punjabi & Hanung Bramantyo in this film also adds a detail that elicits gasps and small laughs from the audience in the cinema. Essentially, the writers and the audience are satisfied with the production of this film that does not overlook small details to build the story up to the final resolution.

3. Drama but Realistic

Credit: YouTube/MD Pictures

Although it is a drama film, Hanung Bramantyo is able to present clips that make this film feel realistic and logical. One of them is the moment when Alina still needs time to accept Reza after her husband cheats in front of her.

The portrayal of Reza's life as a husband who regrets his actions is also detailed, making the transitions from scene to scene feel very smooth.

4. All Cast Members Contribute Positively

Credit: YouTube/MD Pictures

Although the main theme is infidelity due to a third party, the story does not only center on the tale of Reza (Deva Mahendra), Alina (Marshanda), and Asih (Ariel Tatum). The supporting cast performs their roles very well. Mbak Kar (Asri Welas) as the senior maid and Karyo (Benidictus Siregar alias Benny) as the driver and general helper in Reza's house have a significant impact until the end of the story.

The positive contribution is also made by Riko & Eva, played by Reza Nangin & Patricia Gouw, who portray the neighbors of Reza & Alina. This is what makes this film feel more complex compared to IPAR ADALAH MAUT, even though it is made by the same director and story writer.

5. Marshanda Becomes the Brightest Star

Credit: YouTube/MD Pictures

Without dismissing Deva Mahenra, who has begun to be crowned as a specialist actor in infidelity, and Ariel Tatum, who indeed has a 'seductive' image, Marshanda deserves to be crowned as the number one actress in this film. This 36-year-old woman does not only rely on tears to make this film more dramatic. She can convey anger, doubt, anxiety, and sadness to the audience.

Marshanda plays Alina perfectly. Alina becomes a loving mother, a devoted wife to her husband, as well as a career woman who often travels abroad.

6. Plot Twist Makes It Different

Credit: YouTube/MD Pictures

This is the main differentiator of LA TAHZAN: CINTA, DOA, LUKA from IPAR ADALAH MAUT. In this film, it is told that the affair between the employer and the assistant actually occurred due to black magic used by Asih to dominate the Reza family's household and everything in it.

This horror film-like story appears in the latter half of the film, preventing boredom and surprising viewers who were already convinced that this film would have an ending like IPAR ADALAH MAUT. The tension increases as Reza's family involves a cleric to combat the black magic from the shaman whom Asih sought help from.

The chase scene between Alina & Asih in Reza's house becomes one of the best scenes in this film. Who would have thought, a drama about infidelity is actually spiced up with thrilling action-like scenes.

7. Rating From the Editor

Credit: YouTube/MD Pictures

LA TAHZAN: LOVE, PRAYER, WOUND offers an alternative drama film about infidelity in the homeland. This film proves that drama doesn't have to be flooded with tears and a convoluted story. Drama can also be spiced up with comedy, action, and horror, making it more varied. 9/10.

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(kpl/ums)