Movie Title: Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas
Synopsis:
Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas (2021) is a romantic comedy film set in the 1980s. The film is directed by Edwin and written by Eka Kurniawan, who is also the author of the novel on which the film is based. The movie features Marthino Lio, Ladya Cheryl, Sal Priadi, Reza Rahadian, and Ratu Felisha in lead roles. The film’s unique and fresh storyline, coupled with its detailed production design, costumes, and makeup, has earned it a high rating of 7.2/10 on IMDb.
Plot
The movie is set in Bojongsoang in the year 1989. Ajo Kawir (Marthino Lio), a reigning champion of illegal drag racing, is a fearless and ruthless thug who fights for the fun of it. Ajo Kawir, unlike other hired goons, is not driven by money; he is always looking for a reason to fight someone. He is easily triggered, especially if anyone touches his pet bird.
Ajo Kawir, a towering, charismatic, and handsome man, has one weakness: he cannot get an erection due to a traumatic incident in his past. However, everything changes when he falls in love with Iteung (Ladya Cheryl), a woman who almost killed him with a pipe. Iteung, who is pregnant with his child, is caught sleeping with Budi Baik (Reza Rahadian), her friend from university who has been in love with her for a long time.
This discovery makes Ajo Kawir angry and resentful, and he ends up killing Budi Baik. He is arrested and sentenced to jail, where he is visited by Iteung, who blames herself for everything that happened. After Iteung gives birth to their child, she is also arrested for revenge against Budi Baik.
In jail, Iteung discovers the identities of the two men who traumatized Ajo Kawir in his childhood and caused his erectile dysfunction. Meanwhile, Ajo Kawir meets Jelita, a mysterious woman. Can Ajo Kawir and Iteung ever find happiness together after all that has happened?
From the start, Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas offers a fresh and gripping viewing experience. The opening scene of the illegal drag race and Marthino Lio’s fight choreography with Ladya Cheryl is compelling. The film’s overall production design is impressively detailed, making it a near-perfect emulation of the era it portrays. Antiquated props fill the screen, creating a sense of nostalgia that will transport you to the 1980s.
The cinematography of Akiko Ashizawa, who is famous for her film Tokyo Sonata (2006), is also highly laudable. It captures the 1980s ambiance and expertly reproduces the temporal feel of the film’s setting. Another technical aspect worth mentioning is the music. Dave Lumenta enhances the film’s senses with the songs he chooses, especially the old-school songs that punctuate the dramatic scenes.
Conclusion:
Seperti Dendam, Rindu Harus Dibayar Tuntas (2021) is a romantic comedy with a twist that will take you on a journey through a macabre, yet humorous, world of love, lust, and revenge. With its detailed production design, stunning cinematography, and catchy music, the film offers a viewing experience like no other. Edwin’s direction and Eka Kurniawan’s exceptional writing also make the film one worth seeing. If you’re a fan of romance, comedy, action, and drama, then this movie is a must-watch.
