Children of Heaven Film Review: Family Warmth Without Drama

JAKARTA - Family-themed films are being loved by the Indonesian film industry. Director Hanung Bramantyo is present by lifting the film Children of Heaven as his champion this year.

For some people, the film Children of Heaven is quite iconic. The original film, which originated from Iran in 1997, managed to pass the 1998 Oscar award selection.

Children of Heaven tells the story of Ali (Jared Ali) and Zahra (Humaira Jahra), siblings who live by the river with their family in Semarang. As the eldest child, Ali always tries to help Zahra and relieve his parents' burden.

One day, Ali wants to fix Zahra's school shoes that are broken, but he loses the shoes instead. Not wanting his parents to know, Ali and Zahra agree to take turns using Ali's shoes to go to school at different times.

This makes Ali and Zahra more difficult because Ali has to wait for Zahra to come home from school to be able to use the shoes. Not to mention, Ali has to catch up on time so that he doesn't get to school late so that he can still follow the class hours.

Ali also learned that there was a marathon race held at school. Ali is determined to participate in the race to win new shoes for his younger brother.

The film Children of Heaven has an opening scene that easily makes the audience focus on the main character. The main conflict presented from the beginning makes the rolling not be too long, of course this is supported by interesting interactions.

The interaction between Ali and Zahra, which is the main driving force of this film, is played well by both lead actors. Although the background highlights the social life of the lower class, the director never highlights it as sentimental in order to tear up repeatedly.

The simplicity between them actually creates a warmth that grows slowly. Ali and Zahra face many challenges, but their response to a series of things is touching and human especially when Zahra and Ali had a fight.

The shoes that became the main problem became a symbol of a person's maturity who lives life. The change in the condition of the shoes reflects Ali's struggle so that he and Zahra can still go through their lives without becoming a burden on their parents.

This film has a charge that Indonesian families can feel where children are willing to give up a lot so that their parents are not burdened. However, Children of Heaven also never box who is the protagonist or antagonist because all characters have reasons.

All this did not happen without the acting department, especially Jared Ali and Humaira Jahra who performed brilliantly. The emotions that came were natural and made the audience want to support the two to live better.

Interestingly, several actors known for their comedic side also came in more serious, including Dodit Mulyanto and Oki Rengga. The other actors tried to balance it so that this film did not go in the direction of comedy.

The film is also played by Andri Mashadi, Faradina Mufti, Muhadkly Acho, Dodit Mulyanto, Lolox, Slamet Rahardjo, Oki Rengga, Reza Nangin, Benedictus Siregar, and others.

Children of Heaven is a warm family film without being excessive. The greatness of children who are the fulfillment of this film.

Meanwhile, the film Children of Heaven will be shown in Indonesian cinemas starting May 27.