It is not just an animated film for children, but it also appeals to adult audiences, as its story stirs feelings of nostalgia, particularly for the millennial generation.
Like a time capsule that brings viewers born between 1981 and 1996 back to their childhood, Jumbo rekindles the warmth of childhood friendships from those days.
The movie beautifully captures the essence of childhood during that era, evoking deep nostalgia for anyone who has experienced the joys of growing up in a time when technologically advanced gadgets were not yet popular among the nation's younger generation.
From the outset, audiences are greeted with scenes depicting distinctly Indonesian society: simple houses with tiled roofs and social interactions among the residents illustrated through their conversations.
The childhood atmosphere of the millennial generation is further shown and enriched by games such as baseball, playing together in open fields, and the small dramas that unfold when a player loses.
The characters in Jumbo resonate strongly with Indonesian viewers. Don is a chubby boy bullied for being slow in games, Nurman is the friendly and loyal goat herder, Maesaroh is the cheerful and sociable girl, and Atta is the popular kid known for his skills in play.
Don's interactions with other minor characters highlight social issues, such as childhood bullying.
Jumbo also weaves local elements into its storyline, such as the reasons behind grave demolition linked to road construction, reflecting socio-economic challenges that were common at the time.
Relevant moral messages
In addition to invoking nostalgia for home, Jumbo imparts moral messages that are prevalent in modern life.
The film emphasizes the significance of friendship, courage, and empathy. These themes are subtly conveyed through Don's adventures, making them easily relatable for viewers of all ages.
The story follows Don on his journey as he bravely confronts his parents' death. During his journey, he encounters Meri, the spirit of a girl who is in search of the person who disturbed her parents' grave.
Their interactions build a strong friendship, teaching Don the value of listening and understanding rather than placing blame on circumstances.
The characters in Jumbo are carefully crafted, each possessing unique traits and emotional depth. Don, with his bravery and determination, perfectly embodies the spirit of childhood.
Meri's spiritual strength and vulnerability evoke sympathy from the audience. Nurman, Maesaroh, and Atta, with their strengths and weaknesses, complement the group's rich dynamics of friendship.
The moral messages in Jumbo are delivered gently without being preachy. The film encourages viewers to contemplate the importance of friendship, courage, and empathy.
Through Don's experiences, we learn that everyone has their own story and struggles, highlighting that listening is essential for understanding and connecting with others.
The animated movie's storyline flows seamlessly from beginning to end. The five acts in this film are neatly intertwined, presenting complex but not confusing conflicts.
Jumbo is visually captivating. The detailed and fine animation, vibrant and lively colors, and dynamic movements create an engaging world.
The use of advanced animation techniques demonstrates that the Indonesian animation industry has achieved an impressive international standard.
The background music and soundtrack in "Jumbo" also play a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and influencing the audience's emotions. The theme song "Kumpul Bocah" by Maliq & D'Essentials, along with songs sung by the characters, creates warm and touching moments.
Watching Jumbo is an unforgettable experience. The film will take the viewer on an emotional journey that elicits laughter, tears, and reflection. It serves as a reminder of the power of friendship, courage, and empathy. This is a must-watch film for everyone.
Jumbo suggests that Indonesian animation will continue to evolve significantly despite some minor shortcomings.
For instance, transitions between sub-chapters slow down the story's pacing. The synchronization between the characters' voices and mouth movements is not yet optimal, which could have elevated the film, especially considering the diverse dialects and languages featured in Jumbo.
The integration of fantasy elements with an otherwise realistic storyline presents opportunities for improvement; for instance, Meri's spiritual powers and her parents' backstory lack detail (and why does a spirit or ghost speak in German?).
Additionally, advertisements for soy sauce and fruit juice could distract viewers from the narrative.
Jumbo, produced by Visinema Studios, will be screened in theaters across Indonesia on March 31, 2025.
The film was developed over approximately five years, with contributions from more than 400 local animation creators. This movie marks the directorial debut of Ryan Adriandhy, who has been known as a solo comedian.
The voice cast of the film features prominent Indonesian singers: Prince Poetiray as Don, Bunga Citra Lestari as Don's mother, and Quinn Salman as Meri.
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Translator: Abdu, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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