The movie 9 Summers 10 Autumns, directed by Ifa Isfansyah and released in 2013, is a heartwarming drama about the journey of a young boy named Iwan from the small town of Batu, Malang to becoming a successful businessman in New York. The movie is adapted from a novel of the same name, and tells a story of character development, perseverance, family bonds and the influence of the environment in shaping one’s personality.
The movie opens with Iwan, a successful businessman working in New York. A robbery on the train makes him reminisce about his childhood memories that led him to become the person he is today. Iwan was born in a modest family in Batu, Malang. Being the only son among four sisters, his father (played by Alex Komang), a public transportation driver, had a vision of his son growing up to be brave and bold. However, Iwan was a timid child who was more comfortable connecting with his sisters and being in the kitchen rather than playing with boys his age.
Despite his timidity, Iwan had a talent for mathematics which he developed through his education. Along with his academic skills, he developed a strong social responsibility by helping his friends with their studies. After finishing high school, Iwan furthered his education in statistics at the Institute Pertanian Bogor. Though his father was against his decision to leave, Iwan’s persistence and strong will prevailed, and he graduated with honors, becoming a cum laude.
After Iwan started working in Jakarta, he received a phone interview from a company in New York and subsequently got a job offer. He moved to the US and worked in the company for nine summers and ten autumns, leading to a promotion as a director. This marked a turning point in Iwan’s life, as he became a self-made man who improved his family’s living standards and became a successful business leader.
One aspect that sets this movie apart is its use of a forward and backward narrative. The story jumps between Iwan’s past and present life to depict his development as a person. The story starts from Iwan’s birth and proceeds through his education and struggles, both personal and professional, as he grows up. The movie then switches back to his current life in New York.
As the movie progresses, viewers witness the changes in visual tone and style, as well as the emergence of supporting characters who make up Iwan’s family and friends. The use of long shots in the film, especially during emotional and climactic scenes, adds depth and complexity to the storytelling.
Overall, 9 Summers 10 Autumns is a touching movie that teaches us the importance of hard work, family bonds, and individual perseverance. The movie’s message will appeal to audiences of all ages, reminding them that one’s success depends not only on personal effort but also on the contributions and support of loved ones. Iwan’s story serves as an inspiration to all of us, reaching beyond being a mere movie-watching experience.
In conclusion, the movie 9 Summers 10 Autumns is an excellent representation of the power of will and determination, the value of family support, and the influence of upbringing and environment on shaping one’s personality. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, it is a must-watch, and its message will stick with you long after the credits roll.
