Exploring History Through the Lens of Cinema, Here Are 8 Must-Watch Movies!

RED WHITE (2009) - This film takes us back to the time of Indonesia's struggle for independence. RED WHITE is not just about action on the battlefield, but also portrays bravery, friendship, and conflict amidst the struggle. It's perfect for those of us who want to understand the great sacrifices of the heroes who fought for independence.

THE HUNT (2019) - This adaptation of Pramoedya Ananta Toer's novel follows the story of Hardo, a former commander of the Homeland Defense Forces (PETA), who is pursued by Japanese soldiers after his resistance for independence. While fleeing to his hometown in Blora, Hardo struggles to survive amidst the pursuit.

NOVEMBER 1828 (1979) - This is one of the classic Indonesian films by Teguh Karya that has a unique storytelling approach. Instead of focusing on a hero like Prince Diponegoro, this film highlights the perspective of the Dutch forces during the Diponegoro War. With beautiful cinematography for its time, the film depicts war as a complex event, full of moral dilemmas, and not always black and white—in other words, it's not just about heroes and villains.

SCHINDLER’S LIST (1993) - This film will take you to witness one of the greatest tragedies in human history, the Holocaust. This event depicts the mass slaughter carried out by the Nazi regime against millions of Jews and other groups during World War II. Amidst the horrors, the film highlights the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved more than a thousand Jews from death. This film shows how one heroic act can provide a glimmer of hope in the darkness of history.

HACKSAW RIDGE (2016) - This is the true story of Desmond T. Doss, an American soldier in World War II who refused to carry a weapon because of his beliefs. This film shows how courage can be manifested in different ways. Doss managed to save many lives on the battlefield without ever firing a shot. Very inspiring, right?

THE ACT OF KILLING (2012) - This is an unusual documentary. Taken from the perspective of the perpetrators, the film explores the tragedy of the massacre of people suspected of being communists and those who opposed the New Order regime in 1965. It's difficult to watch, but important to understand the dark history that is often overlooked. This film makes us rethink how to confront such a painful past.

DUNKIRK (2017) - Christopher Nolan truly succeeds in bringing the audience into the battlefield through DUNKIRK. This film focuses on the struggle for survival during the Dunkirk evacuation in World War II. With minimal dialogue but full of tension, this film will make you feel how terrifying the war situation was at that time.

THE KILLING FIELDS (1984) – A tragedy of genocide by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia is beautifully portrayed in THE KILLING FIELDS. This film follows the story of two American journalists caught in the midst of that brutality. Besides making us emotional, this film also reminds us of the importance of humanitarian values and justice.