Arisan!

Indonesia

2003

129 Min

Color

1.85:1

Indonesian

Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
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PROD Sari Nirmolo, Dina Ponsen

CAST Cut Mini Theo, Tora Sudiro, Aida Nurmala, Surya Saputra, Rachel Maryam Sayidina, Lili Harahap, Aurora Yahya, Wilza Lubis

A satirical comedy set in Jakarta about friendship, homosexuality, adultery and the shallowness of the nouveau riche, Arisan! caused quite a stir in Indonesia when it presented the first openly gay kiss between the two male leads.

Sakti is a handsome young architect living in Jakarta with his nagging mother. He is so deep in the closet that even he has not figured out he likes men. But those around him begin to suspect something is up when Sakti meets Nino, a good looking TV producer.

Set around the traditional Arisan (gatherings) where women get together and gossip the afternoon away, this film is a wonderful look at Indonesian society and people’s ability to accept each other no matter what the circumstances. –Water Bearer Films

Director

Nia Dinata

Nurkurniati Aisyah Dewi (born in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 4 March 1970), better known as Nia Dinata, is an award-winning Indonesian film director. Her movies are known for tackling subjects controversial or “risky” in Indonesia such as homosexuality, migrant workers, and polygamy.

Dinata began her film career directing video clips and commercials in the mid 1990s until directing the made-for-television Mencari Pelangi in 1998. Three years later, she directed her first feature film, Ca-bau-kan, after founding her own production house. The next film she directed, 2003’s Arisan!, was critically acclaimed and one of her most successful works. Her third directorial effort, 2006’s Berbagi Suami, was controversial yet successful.

Dinata has faced heavy censorship and controversy in Indonesia because of the subjects she covers. However, she has also won critical acclaim internationally, being called Indonesia’s “most talented new filmmaker” in 2006. Two of the films she direct have… read more