Rudy Habibie (2016) – Full Spoiler Review

Poster for Rudy Habibie 2016 Movie — Official Poster Rudy Habibie 2016 Movie

Rudy met Ilona. Their different visions made it hard to be together. Ilona wants Rudy to stay in Germany and is opposed to his love for Indonesia.

N/A
2h 22m

Directed by: Hanung Bramantyo
Writer: Gina S. Noer
Premiered: June 30, 2016
Language: Indonesia
Status: Released
Awards: 3 wins & 19 nominations
Country: Indonesia

Rudy Habibie

7.6/10 (9 vote)

★★★★★★★★★★

Production: MD Pictures

Spoiler

Rudy Habibie is a film that delves into the life of B.J. Habibie, Indonesia's third president, focusing on his formative years during his studies in Aachen, Germany. Directed by Hanung Bramantyo, the film serves as a prequel to the earlier Habibie & Ainun, which chronicled the romantic relationship between Habibie and his late wife, Ainun. While the previous film was a biographical account, Rudy Habibie shifts towards a hagiographical portrayal, emphasizing the protagonist's virtues and achievements.

The narrative unfolds as Rudy, portrayed by Reza Rahadian, embarks on his academic journey in Germany, where he faces various challenges and experiences that shape his character. The film opens with a poignant scene depicting the loss of Habibie's father, setting a somber tone that resonates throughout his life. This event catalyzes Rudy's determination to excel, as he seeks to honor his father's memory.

As Rudy navigates the complexities of student life, he encounters a diverse group of characters, including his classmates Lim Keng Kie (Ernest Prakasa), Peter Manumasa (Pandji Pragiwaksono), and Ayu (Indah Permatasari). Each character serves a specific role, often acting as a foil to highlight Rudy's exceptional qualities. Despite their presence, the film fails to develop these supporting characters, rendering them one-dimensional and overshadowed by Rudy's brilliance.

A significant aspect of the film is Rudy's relationship with Ilona Lanovska (Chelsea Islan), a beautiful girl of German-Polish descent. Their romance is fraught with tension, as Ilona's aspirations conflict with Rudy's deep-rooted love for Indonesia. This dynamic adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as Rudy grapples with his identity and the expectations placed upon him.

Throughout the film, the storytelling employs a mosaic structure, alternating between moments of joy and hardship in Rudy's life. However, the execution often feels disjointed, lacking the emotional resonance necessary to engage the audience fully. The film's pacing suffers, making the 2-hour and 22-minute runtime feel excessively prolonged.

The cinematography, while occasionally striking, often resorts to conventional techniques that fail to elevate the storytelling. The frequent use of medium shots and close-ups creates a sense of monotony, detracting from the film's overall impact. Additionally, the score, which is intended to evoke emotion, often overwhelms the scenes rather than enhancing them.

As the story progresses, Rudy's academic prowess becomes increasingly apparent. He excels in his studies, consistently outperforming his peers, which further cements his status as a prodigy. However, this relentless glorification of his character detracts from the film's authenticity, as it presents an unrealistic portrayal of a young man without flaws or struggles.

The film also introduces antagonistic characters, such as Panca (Cornelio Sunny), who embody the challenges Rudy faces. Yet, these characters are depicted in a simplistic manner, lacking depth and nuance. Their presence serves primarily to reinforce Rudy's virtuous image, rather than providing a genuine conflict that could lead to character development.

In a climactic moment, Rudy confronts Panca, but the resolution feels contrived and lacks the necessary buildup to make it impactful. This reliance on formulaic storytelling diminishes the film's potential to inspire or provoke thought, reducing it to a mere commercial endeavor.

Despite its shortcomings, Rudy Habibie features commendable performances from its lead actors. Reza Rahadian's portrayal of Habibie captures the character's passion and intellect, particularly in moments of vulnerability. A standout scene occurs when Rudy, overwhelmed by his mother's sacrifices, breaks down in a public phone booth, revealing a more human side to his character.

Ultimately, Rudy Habibie attempts to weave a narrative that inspires, yet it falls short of delivering a compelling and authentic story. The film's focus on commercial viability over genuine storytelling results in a product that feels more like a marketing strategy than a heartfelt tribute to a significant figure in Indonesian history.