Jakarta. In the wake of the renewed interest in the 1984 film "Penumpasan Pengkhianatan G30S PKI," which delved into the 1965 rebellion of the Indonesia Communist Party (PKI), several Indonesian filmmakers have expressed a desire to create a more contemporary remake of the PKI narrative. This vision materialized in "Kupu-Kupu Kertas (2024)," translated as "Paper Butterfly," a film produced by Denny Siregar. The film made its debut in Indonesian cinemas on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

"Kupu-Kupu Kertas" distinguishes itself from its predecessors by adopting a unique perspective, spotlighting characters detached from the tumultuous PKI conflict. While Arifin C Noer's 1980s PKI film faced criticism for being perceived as pro-New Order government, and Joshua Oppenheimer's documentaries, "Jagal (2012)" and "Senyap (2014)," were labeled as too "left," "Kupu-Kupu Kertas" deliberately centers around individuals untouched by the intricacies of the PKI conflict. 

The plot revolves around the love story between Ning (played by Amanda Manopo), the daughter of PKI leader Rekoso (Iwa K), and Ihsan (Chicco Kurniawan), the brother of a GP Ansor, an Islamic organization, leader in Banyuwangi. Both find themselves trapped amid the bloody events of 1965 in East Java. Ning and Ihsan seek only peace, disregarding ideology as a barrier that separates their love.

As the brutality of the PKI unfolds, seizing land from citizens and massacring Ansor youth, it triggers the retaliatory Operation Black Crow, eliminating the entire PKI and those deemed as its accomplices.

As a drama set against the backdrop of the 1965 bloodshed by an organization now banned, "Kupu-Kupu Kertas" attempts to avoid justifying the actions of the enraged population or portraying the PKI as victims. Director Emil Heradi establishes a line that the film does not cross.

Rather than justifying or victimizing, "Kupu-Kupu Kertas" asserts that in a bloody conflict, those often victimized are those unaware of the issues and uninvolved in the ideological disputes. Denny Siregar's perspective on the sensitive PKI issue is evident in this 113-minute film.

The influence of the 1980s PKI film is noticeable in several scenes in "Kupu-Kupu Kertas." Torture scenes featuring PKI's women's movement Gerwani and their infamous Genjer-Genjer song, along with the merciless acts of the PKI, evoke a sense of repulsion reminiscent of films from the '80s.

Certain segments of "Kupu-Kupu Kertas" draw inspiration from actual historical events, such as the Cemethuk incident that claimed the life of Ansor Muncar youth, the disposal of bodies in Lubang Buaya, and Operation Black Crow to eradicate the PKI.

Among the ensemble cast (including Ayu Laksmi, Fajar Nugra, and Reza Oktovian), Iwa K's performance stands out. The veteran rap artist successfully portrays the ruthless and voracious PKI leader, embodying the feared image that lingers in the minds of the people.

While the fight scenes are presented with engaging choreography, the film's dramatic elements are somewhat predictable. Unfortunately, during a pivotal scene where the massacre alternates with the romance of Ihsan and Ning, the film fails to evoke the tension or emotion intended by the actors.

In conclusion, "Kupu-Kupu Kertas" tackles the controversial PKI issue boldly and effectively conveys its message to the audience. It emerges as a daring and successful film that addresses the historical bloodshed while presenting a contemporary take on the 1980s PKI era.

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