Watching Indonesian films with a hero theme is one of the activities we can do to commemorate Heroes’ Day which falls on November 10. Even though it looks simple, this can remind us of the heroes’ struggle to liberate Indonesia.
No need to be confused about where you can find Indonesian films with a hero theme. Because currently films with this theme can easily be found on streaming platforms like Netflix.
What’s going on? Here are five recommendations for Indonesian films with a hero theme that you can watch on Netflix to commemorate Heroes’ Day.
1. Sukarno
Soekarno is a recommendation for Indonesian films with a hero theme that you can watch on Netflix/Photo: IMDb
Talking about Indonesian films with a hero theme, it would be lacking if you didn’t include Soekarno’s film on the list. You can now watch this film which tells about the struggle of the first president of the Republic of Indonesia on Netflix, you know, Beauties.
Playing Aryo Bayu as Soekarno, the film begins with the story of Soekarno’s childhood until his 20s. Young Soekarno’s fighting spirit continued to burn, even though he was exiled to Ende Island to Bengkulu.
After his period of exile was over, he returned to fight for Indonesian independence by fighting the Japanese invaders. Not only Soekarno, there is also Mohammad Hatta, played by Lukman Sardi, who always helps him to win Indonesian independence.
In this film you will see what the atmosphere was like when Soekarno read the text of the proclamation and raised the red and white flag sewn by Fatmawati, Soekarno’s second wife, played by Tika Bravani.
Not only is the story of Indonesia’s struggle for independence, this film also contains the love story of Soekarno and his first wife Inggit Garnasih, played by Maudy Koesnaedi, until he finally remarried Fatmawati.
2. Tjoet Nja’ Dien
Tjoet Nja’ Dhien is an Indonesian film with a hero theme that can be watched on Netflix/Photo: IMDb
Tjoet Nja’ Dhien is an old film that was broadcast in 1988 and played by the legendary actress Chistine Hakim. This film, which tells the story of a female hero from Aceh, received many awards at the 1988 Indonesian Film Festival. Starting from the categories of Best Film, Best Director, Best Female Main Actor, to Best Music Director.
The story tells that Tjoet Nja’ Dhien, her husband, and his comrades fought against the Dutch army who occupied Aceh. Tjoet Nja’ Dhien’s husband, Teuku Umar, was a warlord among the people of Aceh.
Their struggle became even harder, because Teuku Umar was arrested by the Dutch due to the betrayal of those closest to him. Even though at that time Tjoet Nja’ Dhien’s health was deteriorating, he was not afraid to fight the invaders.
This film, which was restored and shown again in cinemas, can now be watched on Netflix, you know, Beauties.
3. Sultan Agung: Throne, Struggle, Love
Sultan Agung: Throne, Struggle, Love is an Indonesian film with a hero theme that can be watched on Netflix/Photo: IMDb
Sultan Agung: Throne, Struggle, Love is another biopic film that you can watch on Netflix. Again played by Aryo Bayu as Sultan Agung, he was the third Sultan of Mataram who ruled from 1613-1645.
Tells the story of the young Sultan Agung or usually called Raden Mas Rangsang. He suddenly had to succeed the throne of his father, Prabu Hanyakrawati, who was the Islamic King of Mataram. He was forced to accept his father’s will and break off his relationship with his lover, Lembayung.
During his time at the helm, he was known as a king who was intelligent, brave, and brave enough to protect and maintain the dignity of the Javanese people against the Dutch colonialists.
One time, the VOC betrayed the agreement which made Sultan Agung angry, he ordered a plan to attack Batavia, the center of the VOC government.
4. National Teacher: Tjokroaminoto
Guru Bangsa: Tjokroaminoto is an Indonesian film with a hero theme that can be watched on Netflix/Photo: IMDB
After the success of his role as Mr BJ Habibie, Reza Rahadian returned to playing the character of a warrior in the film Guru Bangsa: Tjokroaminoto.
As the title suggests, this film tells the story of Tjokroaminoto, who is of noble descent and grew up in a very religious family environment. Even though he was in a noble environment, he felt unhappy and sad seeing the condition of Indonesian people who were oppressed by the Dutch colonialists.
He finally decided to leave his noble life and work in the port area. There he mingled with the workers, while continuing his determination to fight against the invaders.
Through newspapers he wrote down his thoughts about the fate of the native people. Because of this, finally Kyai Haji Samanhudi, the founder of the Islamic Trade Sarekat, made Tjokroaminoto the leader of the sarekat.
Under Tjokroaminoto’s leadership, he succeeded in bringing in two million members of the Islamic Trade Association. This became a threat to the Dutch, because Tjokroaminoto continued to inflame the enthusiasm of his followers to fight the invaders.
5. Gie: Notes of a Demonstrator
Gie is an Indonesian film that you can watch on Heroes’ Day on Netflix/Photo: letterbox
One of the legendary films starring Nicholas Saputra is also a must for you to watch. Even though it doesn’t tell the story of a hero, Gie is a young person whose courage and critical thinking needs to be emulated by the current generation.
Gie was a student activist during the Old Order regime. Since he was a teenager, he has been interested in the idealistic concepts put forward by world-class intellectuals. Her love for Indonesia made Gie grow into a person who does not remain silent when she sees injustice.
While in college, he and his friends fought against the regime that was in power during Soekarno’s leadership. He wrote many articles containing criticism of the government. Since then, he has received terror from various parties.
On the other hand, his childhood friend was involved with the PKI and was accused of being a communist, until his friend disappeared and was killed. This made Gie sad, even so, she did not give up and continued to fight injustice even though her safety was threatened.
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