Film Review: Opera Jawa

A traditional Indonesian tragedy is reworked into a visually stunning musical in Opera Jawa. Setio and Siti are an arty couple whose marriage is tested by jealousy and the lust of Ludiro, who's after Siti. Meanwhile Ludiro is also bullying local business owners. Old-fashioned dance moves combine with edgy modern routines and stunning costumes, but the lyrics of the songs seem to lose something the translation.

Opera Jawa is certainly a feast for the eyes: the carefully-lit set is often graced with elegant sculptures and props. The more surreal segments have a conceptual feel: later scenes cut to strange wax hanging corpses - symbolic no doubt, but also staged like a Turner Prize exhibit. The score is equally out-there, often using clashing sounds to communicate discord.

Director: Garin Nugroho

Writer: Aramantono , Garin Nugroho

Stars: Martinus Miroto, Artika Sari Devi, Eko Supriyanto, Retno Maruti, Jecko Siompo Pui

Genre: World Cinema, Musical

Length: 119 minutes

Cinema: 07 September 2007

Country: Indonesia

Opera Jawa is out in the UK on 7th September 2007.