My Last Love

My Last Love
A “Touching” Melodrama

Release Year: 2012
Studio : MD Pictures
Director : Nayato Fio Nuala
Producer : Manoj Punjabi
Screenplay: Ery Sofid
Cast : Evan Sander/Donita
Music : Indira Sudibyo
Cinematography : Freddy A. Lingga
Editing : Tiara Pusparani
Budget :-
Duration:88minutes

This story is about a young man, Martin (Evan Sander), who accidentally hit a girl named Angel (Donita). Martin ran away because he was afraid of going to jail for that. Because of it, Angel had her feet paralyzed. Martin was then haunted by guilt and he tried to erase it by going to his parents’ villa to calm himself down. On the other side, Angel was frustrated because her boyfriend left her and her friend asked her to have a vacation in a villa too. It was a coincidence that their villas were nearby and they met there. Martin recognized Angel as the girl he hit before. On the contrary, he wanted to redeem his mistake. They got closer and liked each other.

The story is inspired from a novel My Last Love by Agnes Davonar. The director is experienced in making melodrama for teens like this as in Cinta Pertama, Kangen, and Butterfly. The link between stories is presented gradually as well as the conflicts but, honestly, it should be better than this. The conflicts are too shallow. It’s just like Indonesian TV serials that like to create imposed scenes without any sufficient arguments. We could see this from the climax when the main cast suddenly got sick. It becomes a sad tragedy. What does this movie really want to convey then? Is it about fate? or karma? The story might be one reality in life but it could be a too pessimistic film for teenagers where it is hope that they really need, not regret.

From the technical aspect, villa is a suitable place to build romanticism between Martin and Angel. Too bad both actor and actress do not act convincingly resulting in weak interaction between Martin and Angel. Luckily, the melancholic musical illustration dominated by the tunes from piano so fits for its mellow scenes.

Although technically satisfying, the film needs more exploration on the story and the depth of theme. A melodrama often ends tragically but it’s not a reason to give up on fate. Optimism and hope can always be achieved through process of hard working without depending on the result. Furthermore, it would be better for directors to make more positive and valuable films to build spirit and moral character to face challenges in today’s life.

Agustinus Dwi Nugroho

Alumnus of film academy in Yogyakarta, practitioner, writer at Montase, and focusing on Indonesian movies.