Stardate 08.29.2025.B: Happy Anniversary - 2019's 'Gundala' Turns Six Years Young Today!

So many movies ... so much to celebrate!

On this day in 2019 (in Indonesia), Gundala first suited up in the pursuit of justice.  Written (in part) and directed by Joko Anwar, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Abimana Aryasatya, Tara Basro, Bront Palarae, and others. 

According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Indonesia's preeminent comic book superhero and his alter ego Sancaka enter the cinematic universe to battle the wicked Pengkor and his diabolical squad of orphan assassins."

For the record:
To the film's credit, Gundala was a bit of a sensation on the film festival circuit as well as in its native Indonesia.

-- EZ

From Google.com:
Gundala (2019) is an Indonesian superhero film directed by Joko Anwar, serving as the first installment of the BumiLangit Cinematic Universe. The film tells the origin story of Sancaka, a young boy who gains the power to absorb and control electricity after being struck by lightning, and grows into a hero who must defend Jakarta from a dangerous antagonist named Pengkor. Inspired by Harya “Hasmi” Suraminata's classic 1969 comic series, the movie features intense action sequences and social commentary, though some critics felt it had missed opportunities in its storytelling and fight choreography.
 

Synopsis & Themes

• Origin Story:
  The film follows Sancaka from his childhood, witnessing his father's murder and his mother's disappearance, through to his adult life as a security guard who becomes the titular superhero, Gundala. 
• Supernatural Powers:
  After being struck by lightning, the young Sancaka develops the ability to store and utilize its power, becoming "Gundala". 
• Fight for Justice:
  In a city plagued by corruption and violence, the adult Sancaka (played by Abimana Aryasatya) must decide whether to use his powers for himself or to rise as the people's champion. 
• Villain:
  The story pits Gundala against Pengkor (Bront Palarae), the leader of a villainous group known as the orphan assassins, and his associates. 

Production & Cinematic Universe

• BumiLangit Cinematic Universe:
  Gundala is the first movie in the BumiLangit Cinematic Universe, a shared universe of Indonesian superheroes based on various classic comic characters. 
• Director:
  The film was written and directed by Joko Anwar, a prominent figure in Indonesian cinema. 
• Inspiration:
  It draws inspiration from the original Gundala comic books by Harya “Hasmi” Suraminata, which were popular from 1969 to 1983. 

Reception 

• Action & Spectacle:
  Despite having a smaller budget than Hollywood productions, the film delivers decent superhero spectacle and features intense action sequences, sometimes described as The Raid-like in their visceral nature.
• Social Commentary:
  The movie has been praised for its strong social commentary on contemporary Indonesian society.
• Critical Reception:
  While some critics found the storytelling familiar, the performances, particularly the early portrayal of young Sancaka by Muzakki Ramdhan, and the film's aesthetic received positive attention.

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