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. |
we are still and always be in the phase of debating things like this. While most of us forget to be a human. because most of us wayyyyy to strict on religion, but forget to treat human as a human.
It's mostly the hardliners who are against these things. I think the moderates are more accepting and open to this, as long as their family aren't part of it or is doing that. Though, it's very unfortunate that a good cultural movie like this are banned. It's like these people want to forget that such culture exist and it's part of what makes the country unique.
Yes it is, and some of them are against those things because of some of the leader's speech, not because they really saw the movie, or have a good understanding of the movie.
Sounds like an interesting cultural gem. It does amaze me that parts of Asia still get upset about anything overtly LGBTQI even though it's part of the fabric of the world. Thanks for bringing it to my attention
It was definitely a cultural gem. And yeah, especially in Indonesia, it's a taboo topic. And it's difficult being a part of LGBTQI though like in the movie, that boy was having a fling with the political figure in the village. It's mindblowing, really.
Yes, a lot goes on even though people disapprove. Love is love.
The movie must have shown things that are true and not many people may be ready to accept or believe the truth shown in the movie that's why they want it taken down.
yeah, I don't think regular people especially older generation would be comfortable watching this movie. Even the trailer received many dislikes on youtube which is sad. I enjoyed this movie because it was quite artistic and philosophical.