Movie spotlight
Mereka Bilang, Saya Monyet!
Adjeng lives alone in an apartment paid for by her boyfriend, a rich businessman. A writer of children's stories, she wishes to write short stories for adults; in this, she is mentored by Asmoro with whom she is also having sex. Meanwhile, Adjeng's mothe handles various aspects of her life, constantly calling her and making surprise visits. This has led Adjeng's friends, Venny and Andien, to tease her about her overbearing mother.
Insights
Plot Summary
This film tells the story of a young girl named Norma who is grappling with her identity and her past. After her mother's death, she is sent to live with her father, who has remarried and has a new family. Norma struggles to adapt to her new environment, feeling like an outsider. She finds solace in her memories and her imagination, often escaping into a world of her own making. The film explores themes of alienation, the search for belonging, and the complexities of family relationships.
Critical Reception
Mereka Bilang, Saya Monyet! was a critically acclaimed film that garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. It was praised for its sensitive portrayal of a young girl's emotional journey and its exploration of complex family dynamics. The film was noted for its strong performances, particularly from the young lead actress, and Riri Riza's sensitive direction. It resonated with audiences for its raw honesty and emotional depth.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its poignant exploration of adolescent identity and family struggles.
Acclaimed for Riri Riza's sensitive and nuanced direction.
Commended for strong performances, particularly by the young cast.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
Participated in the NETPAC Award competition at the 2008 Rotterdam International Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The film's title, which translates to 'They Say, I'm a Monkey!', reflects the protagonist's feelings of being an outsider and misunderstood.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources