Directed by Hanung Bramantyo, Miracle in Cell No. 7 (Indonesian Version) uses the same premise but with a few modifications. Those who have seen the Korean version will recognize where the sadness is in each scene. Even if you’ve already seen the Korean version, this movie gives a heart-wrenching drama with an equally sad Indonesian dish (make sure to bring tissues before you watch!😆).
Storyline
“Do good to others and good things will come back to you” — Dodo Rozak
Dodo Rozak wishes to be a good father to his daughter, Kartika. Despite his low intelligence, he acts and behaves like a child. Kartika is the one who takes care of her father most of the time. She is proud of her father, who sells balloons on a daily basis and they both live happily. However, their happiness is temporary. Dodo is arrested on suspicion of raping and killing a young girl. Dodo is being held in cell No. 7 which contains violent inmates. After various incidents, Dodo gets help to sneak Kartika into his cell. The bond between Dodo and Kartika brings joy to both prisoners and prison staff. They start to question Dodo’s ability to kill a little girl because of his love for her.
Review
This movie is an intensely enticing, powerfully captivating, and emotionally engrossing story of love. Hanung Bramantyo knows exactly how to play with your emotions, it was like a roller coaster ride as you go from laughing to crying to laughing all over again.
The comedy and the criminal law system set this version of the movie apart from the original one (South Korean Version). The humor is lessened in favor of a more tragic and heartbreaking interpretation; nonetheless, despite following the same general path, the tone and mood are slightly different. The sweetness and the sentimentality in here can be overpowering but the main relationship makes it all worthwhile. Meanwhile in my perspective, the criminal law system is a little less complex.
The real highlight however is the performances, especially from the leading duo. Vino G. Bastian (Dodo Rozak) easily steals the stage as the mentally challenged father who was falsely convicted of a crime. His daughter, Graciella Abigail (Kartika) on the other hand is adorable and impressive throughout the movie. The two’s relationship is the main element of this story, and it is handled with so much care and tenderness that I become completely engrossed. Deni Sumargo and Mawar Eva de Jongh acting is also very polished and endearing. Not to mention, Indro, Tora Sudiro, Bryan Domani, Rigen, and Indra Jegel, who played Vino’s prison peers, succeeded in creating a “familiar” atmosphere in the movie.
Overall, Miracle in Cell No. 7 (Indonesian version) is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking and is one of the finest films despite the predictable storyline and melodramatic beats. Both the original and the remake were great movies but the original Miracle in Cell No. 7 (South Korean) was on a different level.
Bottom Line
Miracle in Cell No. 7 (Indonesian Version) is emotionally heartfelt. A rare beauty that will make you laugh and cry before making you do it all over again in reverse. It is a very satisfying ending and you won’t forget this movie once you see it and is by all means worthy of your time. Highly recommended!
