Ballad of a Man
Ballad of a Man

Movie spotlight

Ballad of a Man

1972
Movie
110 min
Indonesian

Set in 19th century Batavia, within the community of Portuguese descendents, Amallo has issues withhis father, Umbu Kapitan, because his irresponsible behaviour has led to his mother’s death.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Robert Ellis MillerGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A melancholic man, haunted by his past and unable to connect with the present, finds himself adrift in a small town. He grapples with loneliness and a sense of purposelessness, seeking solace in fleeting encounters and memories. His journey through this quiet existence is one of introspection and a desperate search for meaning.

Critical Reception

Ballad of a Man received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some acknowledged the earnest performance of Richard Harris, many found the film's narrative slow and its themes underdeveloped. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating its somber mood and others finding it too bleak and uneventful.

What Reviewers Say

  • Richard Harris delivers a committed performance in a role that is often too passive.

  • The film's deliberate pacing and bleak tone were polarizing for viewers.

  • Lacked a compelling narrative drive to fully engage its audience.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for Ballad of a Man, but existing commentary suggests viewers found the film to be overly somber and lacking in significant plot development. Some appreciated the dramatic portrayal of isolation, while others felt it was a slow and unrewarding watch.

Fun Fact

The film was originally intended to be a vehicle for actor Jack Nicholson before Richard Harris took over the lead role.

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