The chosen heart

Paper Edition | Page: 4

“Go slow when you fall in love. Don’t take it all at once; it will be too hard.”

This simple line from Wayan (played by Tio Pakusadewo) has made Perahu Kertas 2 (Paper Boat 2) a touching movie to watch this weekend.

Directed by Hanung Bramantyo, the film is the second and final chapter of Perahu Kertas, an adaptation of the novel of the same title by singer-turned-writer Dewi “Dee” Lestari. Both films were produced as one project, with the first installation hitting screens on Aug. 8.

Perahu Kertas follows the long-time friendship and secret love between Kugy (Maudy Ayunda) and Keenan (Adipati Dolken).

Whereas the film’s first chapter leaves audiences wondering if Keenan and Kugy will prevail over the circumstances that force their separation in adolescence, the follow-up film introduces new dramatic elements as the two enter their young adult years.

Kugy, now a young woman, has become a copywriter at an advertising agency in Jakarta and romantic relationship with her boss, Remi (Reza Rahardian).

As expected, the young and promising Reza delivers a laudable performance, demonstrating to audiences that he can hold his own among veteran actors.

As both Kugy’s boyfriend and supervisor at work, Reza convincingly portrays an older lover who struggles to hide his deep romantic feelings while trying to maintain a professional relationship.

Meanwhile, the declining health of his father (August Melasz) forces Keenan to return to the city, leaving behind his artistic ambitions and straining his relationship with his Balinese girlfriend, Luhde (Elyzia Mulachela).

After three years of separation, Kugy and Keenan meet at the wedding of childhood friends Noni (Sylvia Fully) and Eko (Fauzan Smith).

Collaborating on a children’s book, Kugy and Keenan soon discover the feelings they once shared soon resurface, forcing them to each make a difficult decision between their current commitments and the strong bond they share.

Aside from passable performances by Maudy and Adipati, Reza’s outstanding work in one of the film’s pivotal moments really holds the film together.

The movie gets a big boost from cameos from veteran actors including Tio and Ira Wibowo (playing Lena, Keenan’s mother).

Though he struggles with a convincing Balinese accent, Tio’s otherwise flawless acting helps to highlight the crux of the film — that love is a two-way street – it’s not just about choosing a partner from the heart, but is also about being chosen.

As an up-and-coming director, Hanung makes excellent use of props and scenery to securely establish the film’s setting in the 1990s. The cars featured and the classic house used as Kugy’s home feel genuine, before the film’s time line moves on to the 2000s.

Hanung said that his high appreciation of the novel Perahu Kertas inspired him to bring the love story to the silver screen. “The story brings up many memories…about love, relationships, loyalty, openness, honesty and our true feelings.

“The story reminds me about being humble, about looking at small and simple things, just like a paper boat that sails away on water,” Hanung said during a sneak preview of Perahu Kertas 2 on Oct. 1.

Hanung admitted that both Perahu Kertas films were on the lighter side of his motion picture portfolio.

“To be honest, I’d love to make a movie from Dee’s other novel, Supernova. However, realizing that I just made quite a heavy and controversial movie related to religion, I thought it was OK to make a romantic film,” he added.

Verdict: Perahu Kertas is the kind of flick for a pajama party or a girls’ night out.

Perahu Kertas 2
(115 minutes, Starvision, Bentang Pictures and Dapur Film)

Starring: Maudy Ayunda, Adipati Dolken, Reza Rahadian, Elyzia Mulachela, Tyo Pakusadewo, Ira Wibowo, August Melasz, Kimberly Ryder, Titi DJ, Ben Kasyafani, Sharena
Director: Hanung Bramantyo
Writer: Dewi Lestari
Producers: Chand Parwez Servia, Putut Widjanarko