Battle of Surabaya (2015)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Nice effects though.

Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

I will state the very obvious. The graphic is awesome. Right now, it has THE BEST 2D graphic among Indonesia's animation movie. The style is similar to Studio Ghibli's. In general, it's very beautiful. The graphic is 8.5 out of 10! But the graphic is not flawless. It lacked finer details. For example in most part of the movie, when someone got shot, the cloth was torn from the gunshot but it showed no blood. But later, the gunshots produce blood. *laughs* talk about consistency...The lack of consistency also presented in the sound mixing and in the dubbing. I notice that it used 'present' pattern of speech instead of the pattern of speech matched the 1945. Also, it barely used the correct dialect of the area where the story took place. And there was a Dutch family who speak English! And the British soldiers who didn't speak British English. But, the major downfall of this movie was the storyline. Instead of creating a conflict which was more realistic, cohesive and related to the Battle of Surabaya; they took the unnecessary effort of creating an imaginary 'secret organization' which no way has any place nor involvement in Indonesian history at 1945. I know it's a fictional movie but their take in 'fiction' is waaay out of the line. Because, seriously, ninja fight in Indonesia independent war at 1945??? And there was practically zero character development. I am so proud of that they manage such an eye-porn graphic, but they really truly need to improve a lot in storyline department. The graphic quality is practically the only thing worth praising in this movie.

I watched this movie for 3 reason. first: the trailer was good. Second: as Indonesian, I really excited when finally somebody make animation movie about Indonesia's History. Third: My friend bought me a ticket, so why not. it's free movie. nothing to lose right? but i was wrong.. I just lost 2 hours of my life for bad movie. I don't know where to start to explained how they ruined this great chance for make great Indonesia's animation movie. it's like they put their 60% budget for animation, 30% for the cast, 9% for Sound, and just 1% for directing. storyline is awful. plot hole? don't even talk about plot hole, i only watched a hole without the plot. I wish they took different route, especially for storyline, to explained for audience that is "theres's no glory in war" with more subtle way. or they can just change the title as "Before battle of Surabaya, and After" or "Organisasi Kipas Hitam" or "Musa and Yuna" or "10 minutes of battle of Surabaya with another 1 hour and 45 minutes of 25 other random story". *and people.. please honest with your review.. 10/10 honestly? how much for classic animation like Spirited Away? 200/10?

So, I just watched this movie with my friend who is avid anime fan. It wasn't something we expected. But it goes well in some parts of movie.The Story:For almost half of the movie, we see main characters interacting in sort of romance, not in war except the day of war happened. We were expecting to see high-pace action movie from start till end though. And BoS apparently revolved around the main characters with supporting characters who have different purpose.The CastThe odd thing we felt that the main cast talk like Jakartan not Suroboyoan (the setting where the event happened) except for some additional cast that gives some comical relief for the movie. It takes time to listen Indonesian language in animation movie but it supposed to be more depicting local accent. I am sure the English version is going to be fit than Indonesian dub. Its like listening sinetron (tv opera soap ) dialog line in anime. It supposed to be better, but yeah.. I know this is the first step of Indonesia animation development. The Audio:The musical score and effect was convincing and can be plus for this movie. Dialog line aren't fit but some cast could play very well. It takes time to get used with Indonesian dialogue where we get used with Anime. And background music and soundtrack, I expected some old songs in the era were remade and not only typical modern pop song where I thought isn't really fit.The Graphic:Superb drawing with 3d background, its eye porn for us. But, we take a closer that main characters animation movement looked stiff when they talk or in action. The Fun:Kid may love this and so adults. Even though in war, you cant see any blood. The message is great. No glory in war. And yet the ending... people would love it. Its good to bring kids to watch this movie and see their reaction. The Rating: 7/10

1) 0 point for storyline, 2) 0 point for directing, 3) 0 point for screenplay, 4) 0 point for continuity, 5) 0 point for animating, 6) 0 point for casting, 7) 0 point for dubbing, 8) +1 point for sfx, 9) +1 point for graphics, 10) +1 point for technology supporting tools, & 11/bonus) +1 bonus point for respect. Here, i tried to review this movie as honest as possible..so this is it. I cannot pretend just because this one was made by my country persons. Well I'm not a big fan of film industrial politics in Indonesia anyway, since everything could be boosted with money here. Even we can buy honor, and reputation also. Last words, just watch on your own..and be honest on rating for our good. Thanks