Small Letter to God is a drama biographical film released in 2011, that tells the emotional story of Gita Sesa Wanda Cantika, also known as Keke, a 13-year-old girl who was diagnosed with soft tissue cancer or Rhabdomyosarcoma. The film is an adaptation of a true story that will definitely pull at your heartstrings, as you watch the struggles of a young girl fighting cancer. Here is a detailed synopsis and review of the movie.
Synopsis
Small Letter to God tells the story of Keke, a happy 13-year-old girl from a wealthy family despite her parents’ divorce. She has two older brothers named Chika and Kiki, and six loyal friends by her side. Keke had just started dating her schoolmate, Andi but her happiness was short-lived when she started feeling some unusual pain in her eyes, which she initially thought was just a minor eye problem.
Keke and her father went to see a doctor, but Keke’s father did not reveal to her the full details about her medical condition. Her father, however, sought other alternative treatments, as Keke’s physical appearance gradually changed with the swelling of her face. After some time, Keke’s father told her that she had soft tissue cancer, which was a devastating blow for Keke. She even became depressed and stopped seeing other people for a while.
The doctors offered two options of treatment, an operation, or chemotherapy, and Keke opted for the latter. Although chemotherapy was a long process, the doctors said that her body was responding positively to the drugs.
While going through chemotherapy, Keke’s hair began to fall out, and she would often feel nauseated, making her frequent visits to the hospital. She also ended her relationship with Andi, so that she could focus on her healing process.
Keke’s persistence and determination eventually paid off, as two years later, she was declared cancer-free. After that, she resumed her usual activities, returned to school, met her friends, and even got back together with Andi. However, during a dance rehearsal for a show, she once again started experiencing pain in her eyes. The doctors confirmed that the cancer had returned, and they scheduled her for chemotherapy once more.
Unfortunately, the chemotherapy was not as effective as before, and Keke’s body was responding negatively to the drugs. This led to the only other option, an operation, since the cancer had spread throughout her body. Keke’s overall condition weakened due to the operation, with hair loss being one visible indication of her physical decline. Her father never lost hope and took her to many places for treatment, even though the doctors predicted that she had only three months left to live. Keke managed to hold on for a year but ultimately lost her battle with cancer.
Review
Small Letter to God is an excellent choice for anyone who loves heartfelt, inspiring and biographical movies. The film is a faithful adaptation of a true story, which makes it relatable and engaging, with all the twists and turns of the plot. The performances of the actors are outstanding, with Dinda Hauw giving special mention for her portrayal of Keke.
The movie explores the emotional roller coaster that cancer patients go through, from emotional breakdowns to hope. Additionally, the film highlights how the condition can affect family and friends of those diagnosed with cancer, which is often overlooked. The bond between Keke and her father gives the audience a poignant insight into the pain and challenges that the family suffers.
In conclusion, Small Letter to God is a heart-wrenching tale of a young girl’s brave fight against cancer, with an uplifting message of hope and courage. The film will undoubtedly move you to tears and touch your heart. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for anyone who loves drama biographical films.
