The latest film by director Monty Tiwa is based on the love story of Layla and a poet named Qays ibn al-Mullawah from the 7th century, which has been immortalized through many media, one of which is the poem Layla and Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi written in 1188. Acha Septriasa plays Layla, a religious woman, independent, and intelligent. He lived his life as he wanted, both as a teacher at an Islamic boarding school, and as a novelist. Best Movie Site
Until one day, he is forced to undergo an arranged marriage with Ibnu (Baim Wong), his childhood friend and candidate for regent. Initially Layla refused. During this time he has been vocal against matchmaking, especially if it takes a woman’s freedom. But because her mother (Dian Nitami) had received a lot of help from Ibnu’s father (August Melasz), Layla was unable to refuse. After leaving for two weeks to Azerbaijan to become a guest lecturer, Layla will immediately marry Ibnu.
It is there that Layla meets Samir (Reza Rahadian), one of his students, who previously studied in Indonesia. In just a short time, Layla, who was reluctant to marry at the beginning of the film, immediately fell in love with Samir. Does that make sense? That question will always be countered by the answer, “Isn’t love really illogical?”, So let me modify it a little. “Can the audience believe in their love?”. Top Movie
Alim Sudio’s manuscript did not succeed in creating that trust. Yes, Samir fell in love after Layla’s work healed his wounds (an element that can be drawn to a bigger idea, about the power of the beauty of a literary work to heal the wounds of a nation regardless of distance and culture). But what about Layla? If there was no matchmaking, would Layla love Samir that much? If Ibn’s temper did not produce an unequal “good vs bad” ratio, would Layla love Samir that much?
If it weren’t for Reza and Acha’s performance, maybe Layla Majnun would be bland, as well as boring. Both of them made me feel at home on a trip to enjoy the sights of Azerbaijan, which Anggi Frisca as the camera stylist captured quite well. Acha is strong about processing emotions, while Reza again proves that the demand to speak using a foreign accent (sometimes local language is also used) does not hinder his expression.
The ending tries to keep this film away from the tragedy that filled the original story. Not only for the sake of a happy ending that the audience prefers, but the message of the script, about family ties. An interesting idea, despite a weak exploration of the familial element, makes this decision easier to appreciate than to love. Movie Review