Bold, Honest,and Raw
Bold, Honest, and Raw: Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku or Memories Of My Body, is a movie that attempts to explore sensuality and sexuality in Indonesian society. It will also take you to explore ancient Indonesian culture, people in the rural side, and reflection of the difficulties living in the rural side. Considered as a controversy in Indonesia, this movie was taken down and was only available in 3 movie theaters. As there was a petition to take down the movie because the petitioner claims that the movie supports the existence of LGBT.
In this movie, you will be taken to explore the story of a young boy named Juno who lives in the rural side of Central Java. From a young age, he has been exposed to violence, art, and questioning his own identity. He meets different types of men during his life, including a handsome boxer, the village politician, and also a Warok, an honored chief, considered as a warrior who has superpowers. In order to maintain their superpower, Warok must never sleep with a woman. Hence why, they have Gembak, a young boy who is kept by an older man either during a period of sexual abstinence and e was allowed to have a young boy, usually between 8 and 16, to serve him sexually and play a part in the performance. This act has never been recognized that the act is part of LGBTQ or an act of homosexuality. And through this movie, you can deduce the things that happens between the main character and the male characters in the story. The movie ends with adult Juno, showing his dance performance and explains the philosophical meaning of his moves.
Banned in the country of origin
Directed by Garin Nugraha, one of Indonesian prominent filmmakers, this movie was exquisite and rich of philosophical art. Unfortunately, even after receiving awards overseas, upon its release there are many call-to-action bans towards this movie. More about this ban can be read here Quasi ban imposed on award-winning Indonesian film.
“What a bold movie!” I said.
When I was watching this movie, I was a bit puzzled about the content of the story. Even after reading a bit of its short description, I was expecting a story about a cross-dressing dancer, which is common in the country. However, after the first few scenes, I was taken aback. “What a bold movie!” I said.
At first, I did not know about the movie reception but only yesterday when I wanted to review this movie, I found out that there are many people who are against the screening of this movie due to allegedly carrying LGBTQ theme. There are some nasty comments online and even under the petition of cancelling this movie.
Watching the movie was like seeing the hidden part of the country, unexplored culture and society that I have never seen before. As a child, I went to many Reog shows and thought it was cool and mythical. Now, as an adult, I found out some hidden truth behind those flashy, mystical,colored cultures. Something that is taboo in daily conversation yet has existed for hundreds of years.
The movie was shot in a documentary like. It makes me feel that the actor was an actual person that went through those horrible experiences in life. It was petrifying, yet intriguing at the same time.
I barely watch Indonesian movies but I make a few exceptions. I like banned and controversial movies in the country which often talk about topics that must be highlighted and of actual concerns in the country. I also truly appreciate filmmakers who are bold enough to make movies about any controversial topics within the Indonesian society. Many of these movies are normal in other societies but in Indonesia, it’s a different situation which makes it worthwhile to watch. And again, viewers are taken into exploring the awkward, taboo, and intriguing culture of Warok and Gemblak in the country among many others.
 | Mac is a content creator that covers literature, books, technology, philosophy, nootropics, productivity, minimalist lifestyle, cybersecurity, and languages. Other than those, she is passionate about cooking and travel. In her free time, she enjoys learning various things. |