VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Welcome back in Book & Film Review, where we will review Indonesian books and films. In today’s Book & Film Review, we will discuss an Indonesian film entitled “Marlina Pembunuh Empat Babak” or in English “Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts” directed by Mouly Surya. Nursita Mouly Surya is an Indonesian director and screenwriter. Mouly Surya had achieved many awards in Indonesian film industry. On December 12 2008, Mouly received three Indonesian Film Festival awards for film, director, and screenwriter categories. Those were the first and best awards for Mouly Surya. Mouly Surya never stops to create the best for Indonesian moviegoers. In 2017, Mouly directed a film about murder that highlights the lives of people in Sumba. The film written by Garin Nugroho was very interesting. Despite of its simple conflict, the plot was amazing. This film began with a woman who worked hard for the funeral of her late husband. It is because for the people of Sumba, a man must be buried according to their customs.

“It begins when Garin gave me and Caca the synopsis. The premises were similar.” Mouly said. 

The body of the husband was preserved in the living room, waiting to be buried. Until finally, a group of robbers led by Markus (Egy Fadly), a big an rude man, knocked her doors and threatened to rob her in half an hour. The robbery happened. To defend herself, Marlina took a very risky move which was poisoning the robbers. Besides that, Marlina also seduced Markus. During the foreplay, Marlina beheaded Markus and brought his head to the police office. However her trip to the police office was quite long, because the distance between one home to another can be around 10 to 20 meters. Therefore, during her trip, Marlina walked into a metaphorical experience, where she found herself anew with new power. 

The long trip of Marlina to the police office was the main plot in this movie. Every point of view of this movie is very intriguing. The plot possible had attracted the international movie freaks. This was proven when “Marlina Pembunuh dalam Empat Babak” successfully screened in international movie festivals. 

“It’s been played in Cannes, Toronto, Melbourne, and Busan.” Mouly added. 

We can say that this is the first Indonesian movie to give positive impression on murder for defense. Mouly was quite brave to present justice for woman like Marlina who only want to give proper funeral for her husband. “Marlina Pembunuh Empat Babak” was a very touching film. Mouly also harmonized the angle that showed the beautiful nature of Sumba. Therefore, the movie can enjoy the story and the scenery. It was worthy of global appreciation. Well, that was a brief review on a movie entitled “Marlina Pembunuh Empat Babak” or “Marlina Murderer in Four Acts” directed by Mouly Surya.