Review 'PANGKU': Perfect Debut of Reza Rahadian, Indonesia Needs More Films Like This!

Kapanlagi.com - Reza Rahadian makes his debut as a feature film director with a drama titled PANGKU. The film is set against the backdrop of life on the northern coast of Java in 1997-1998. The story follows Sartika (Claresta Taufan), a pregnant woman who is struggling hard to rise from the lowest point in her life and look towards a better future.

In her journey, she arrives at a coastal area in northern Java, where she meets Bu Maya (Christine Hakim), the owner of a coffee shop who is caring and becomes an important figure in this new phase of her life. Bu Maya allows Sartika to stay in her modest home, assists her during childbirth, and even cares for Sartika's child, whom she has come to see as her own grandchild.

To survive and provide for her child, Sartika eventually works as a coffee girl, a job that is fraught with risks and negative perceptions from those around her. However, amid her struggles, she encounters Hadi (Fedi Nuril), a truck driver transporting fish who brings a new color to her life.

KLovers, here are some review points from the editorial team of KapanLagi.com. Warning, this review contains some spoilers for KLovers who haven’t watched it yet.

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1. Perfect Details of Pantura Life

Credit: YouTube/Movie Motion Image

Reza Rahadian is known as a perfectionist when he acts. Apparently, this trait also carries over when he works as a director. All the details of life in Pantura are depicted clearly.

The fish auction place, the damaged roads, the fish transport trucks, the fishermen's boats, and the settlements by the beach are portrayed in detail and satisfy the audience. It was a challenge for Reza to showcase the Pantura setting in the years 1997-1998, but he handled it very epically.

The money used for transactions, the costumes worn by the actors, the selection of vehicles displayed in the frame, the vehicle license plates, as well as the snacks and equipment at the pangku coffee shop are clearly visible to emphasize that time setting.

2. Claresta Taufan's Acting is Five Stars

Credit: YouTube/Animated Film Image

Claresta Taufan's acting as Sartika deserves to be called a five-star performance from the actress. She fully immerses herself in the role of a pregnant mother, the mother of an elementary school child, a flirty girl in a coffee shop, and a woman who is overjoyed when she falls in love with Hadi, the truck driver who becomes her customer.

Not only that, this 29-year-old actress looks perfect when she has to act crying, worried, and angry in several scenes. Without diminishing respect for all the actors and actresses involved in PANGKU, Claresta Taufan deserves appreciation for her total dedication.

The chemistry built between her and Fedi Nuril, Shakeel Fauzi, & Christine Hakim also adds to the positives. It’s no surprise that this karate athlete is nominated for Best Leading Actress at the 2025 Indonesian Film Festival.

3. Portray the Struggles of Women

Credit: YouTube/Animated Film Image

PANGKU depicts the reality of everyday life regarding the struggles of women and the lack of support for them. At the beginning of the film, Sartika, who is heavily pregnant without knowing who the father is, is shown being forced to get off the truck she is riding in because the driver considers her a 'bad omen'.

After giving birth, Sartika must become a single parent, earning a living as a surrogate mother while also raising her child, Bayu. It doesn't stop there; Sartika has to face many other problems, such as Bayu being unable to enroll in school due to not having a birth certificate and other misfortunes.

4. Minimal Dialogue, But the Message is Conveyed

Credit: YouTube/Film Motion Image

This one-hour and 40-minute film has relatively minimal dialogue. Nevertheless, the moral message that Reza Rahadian and the team behind the scenes want to convey is delivered sweetly through the performances of the actors, transitions, scoring, and the depiction of life that resonates with most Indonesian society.

No need for lengthy dialogues typical of most drama films, no need for excessive crying, and no need for fiery angry dialogues; this film makes KLovers (perhaps) cry and reflect in its own way.

KLovers can interpret for themselves what moral message Reza Rahadian wants to convey in each scene, from any perspective. What is certain is that in every scene, the moral message is conveyed without a sense of preaching.

5. Plot Twist

Credit: YouTube/Film Motion Image

For KLovers who enjoy surprises, PANGKU offers a treat with a small plot twist in the last third of the film. This plot twist will change your perception of one of the main characters in this film. Not wanting to give too many spoilers, KLovers should just watch it in theaters!

6. Rizky Langit's Debut

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PANGKU also marks the feature film debut for Rizky Langit Ramadhan (19), the child of Rossa and Yoyo Padi. He plays the teenage version of Bayu. Although he doesn't have a large role, this proves Reza Rahadian's commitment to giving opportunities to new stars in the Indonesian film industry.

7. Rating

Out of all the points mentioned above, the editorial team of KapanLagi.com gives a rating of 9/10 for PANGKU. This film is not just an ordinary drama. The brilliant debut of Reza Rahadian comes through a film that is relatable to the everyday lives of people, filled with moral messages. Seriously, Indonesia needs more films like this. For KLovers who haven't watched it yet, hurry to the cinema before it runs out!

(kpl/ums)