By: Kafka Nayandra
Cast: Dian Sastrowardoyo, Nicholas Saputra, Oka Antara, Hannah Al Rasyid
Synopsis: The film begins by introducing two close friends, the investigative journalist Aruna (Dian Sastrowardoyo), and Bono (Nicholas Saputra) who both have an obsession towards food. As a chef, Bono tries to search for more inspiration for his menu. Consequently, he offered Aruna to go on a culinary trip with him. Despite being assigned to an investigation on a plague, Aruna accepted the offer to travel, believing she is capable to accomplish her work when travelling. The trip was then joined by Nadezhda (Nad) (Hannah Al Rasyid), an author who is Bono’s close friend and wants to publish another book, and Farish (Oka Antara), Aruna’s ex-colleague who arrived to join Aruna on her investigation. The reunion of these four people sprouts a series captivating and concealed stories which the movie masterfully unveils.
Review: “Aruna dan Lidahnya” is an adaptation of a book written by Laksmi Pamuntjka. This movie has involved several actors that are well known throughout the Indonesian movie industries; Dian Sastrowardoyo and Nicholas Saputra, whom both used to collaborate in a well-known high school classic, Ada Apa Dengan Cinta (2002). In that movie, they both showed their chemistry as rivals and couples, while on the other hand, they managed to successfully show their chemistry once again, but this time as good friends. While this movie cannot be considered as purely romantic or as a love story, there are a few slices of affection and love scattered throughout. This is complemented by the structure of the film, as the director has created elegant yet colorful film for audiences to enjoy. How so? The storyline is structured by depicting everyday occurrences in a simple yet intriguing way; a story that could relate itself to the audience without any stretches needed.
Other than that, the movie provides a lively bundle of songs performed by January Christy and Monita Tahalea which manage to light up every scene. All four of the main actors offer us a complete package that engages us to pay attention to; the dialogue of each character would undoubtedly let us burst out in laughter by including some intriguing comedy. The outstanding choices of wardrobe too showed its ability to express each of the four main characters’ personality; bright colors of clothing that Aruna wore represents the modern pop culture and merry atmosphere that she frequently brings to, and the formal partnership of shirt and trouser shows the seriousness of Farish’s character. Bono’s frequency of wearing shorts combined with bright colored shirt would become a representation towards Bono’s calm and relaxed personality. The presence of these colors and music became an indication that “Aruna dan Lidahnya” is a simple drama with a stylish taste. However, a drama like this does not escape from one of cinema’s most tiring clichés; with one of the subplots being a plot twist relating to a secret affair and falling in love.
Breaking the fourth wall could be considered as one aspect that pops out the most in this film. The character’s ability to interact with the audience provided an even more lively atmosphere onto the movie theatre, as it allows characters to directly express their feelings and motives towards the audience. What makes this ability special in this movie is the fact that it has been given to Aruna. It’s safe to say that no one in the right mind would reject a direct conversation with someone like Dian Sastro herself.
As the film goes on, you will feel as if you are a part of the group’s culinary trip; enjoying various flavors; sweet, savory, spicy, and bitter from one plate to another. Dishes that spanning from locations such as Surabaya to Singkawang were served with such appeal it made hundreds of stomachs rumble. In all, my advice to you is to fill your stomach generously before watching this movie in order to fight off the hunger.
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