07

Riding on the popularity of South Korean pop culture and dramas in especially Indonesia, this 2-hour movie serves as a homage to it, through a mix of romance, comedy and drama. From how it started, it is as if you could tell what would happen ultimately. Unfortunately, I was proven wrong and was shocked by the twists and turns that this piece of fiction has to offer.

It’s definitely a plus if you understand Indonesian and Javanese, along with some Korean and English used in the movie. Even though Malay (as used in Malaysia) has its beauty, there is a certain accuracy level of Bahasa Indonesia in terms of how the words are used and sound like that makes this film flow at its own pace – even if the pace can feel like a drag at certain points.

Though not as powerful a story as Cigarette Girl, it’s still an interesting take on how the Indonesians breathe and live the South Korean culture – in an increasingly globalised world.

Due to how the story explores one’s teenage phase and one’s adult phase, Indonesia’s education system is also depicted and in the spotlight.

While the story centres on the main character Dhea and her ups and downs, navigating through life, the other two characters Kikan and Tara are of equal importance, as messages about one’s body image and womanhood are conveyed. To me, this is indeed eye-opening to see – even in a film that has its comical moments.

I just wish that more parts of South Korea were shown in the film, instead of just Seoul and K-pop. But of course, this is a romantic comedy and many travellers will first land in Seoul.

I’m not entirely sure what to make of using Gong Yoo for the film. But for fans of Gong Yoo, you’ll likely to squeal in excitement.

Soundtrack-wise, If You Let Me is a soothing love song, albeit in English and Korean. The Jakarta-based indieband Ricecooker ft Dea Panendra are the artistes involved in this. Songwriting is by a team including Dea Panendra herself and Jerome Kurnia, who are cast as Kikan and Julian in the film.

Indonesian screenwriter and actress Meira Anastasia debuted as director with this film in 2024, during which the film was screened in Indonesian cinemas in December.