movie where to send combines a comedy drama set in the picturesque atmosphere of Lake Maninjau with a story full of cultural and economic issues that make this film feel exclusive and charming with its appeal.
Synopsis film Where to send
Angku Wan (Musra Dahrizal) who lives alone in the village of Sirigan, on the shores of Lake Maninjau, wins a competition of a soap company worth IDR 2 billion. Because of his love for his village, he wants to use the prize money to improve his village.
But a day after the announcement he passed away. Da Am (Jose Rizal Manua), who is considered family by Angku Wan, devises a plan to retrieve the money.
Along with his wife, Ni Ta (Jajang C. Noer) and their child, Mar (Shenina Cinnamon), they try to trick Anwar (Emir Mahira), a soap company employee who is asked to verify the winner .
Go back to the village
With a cast and director with Minang blood, the film where to send presents a very thick shade of Maninjau and West Sumatra. Starting from dialogue, accent to culture, it is presented in a very orderly and appropriate way. Not to forget the panoramic view of Lake Maninjau that refreshes the eyes.
whether Delicious horror (2022) raises the issue of people returning home after trying their fortunes overseas, so this film is closely related to people living in villages and trying to move the wheels of an economy that has become obsolete.
The character of Angku Wan, who is willing to leave behind his wife and child, and the character of Mar, who returns from studying in Jakarta to teach in the village of Sirigan, are the most prominent examples. Trying to preserve and protect villages and customs.
The story is solid and laced with comedy, but it still doesn’t feel optimal with the lack of detail in various small scenes; corpses that can still be seen breathing, the accuracy of comedy timing, even with an accent that is close to perfect but sometimes stutters.
Taking place in Lake Maninjau, the film’s visuals are even more vivid, supported by a homely village atmosphere. Even the scenes involving Minang culinary delights are delicious. It feels less if it only appears for a few seconds.
The roles of some of the main characters are equally divided. Kudos to Paul Agusta for including actors who are thick with Minang blood. Moreover, Shenina Cinnamon, who appeared charming, and Emir Mahira became spearheads of the drama that blossomed at the end of the story.
Bring on the big issue
After the comedy drama about the strategy to win the lottery, this film raises a deeper issue about the people in the Danau Maninjau area. A village that depends on the fish in the lake, but must languish for a year when the sulfur rises to the surface and kills the fish.
Besides beauty and tourism, Maninjau is known for its Rinuak fish that live only in the lake. The death of the fish in Maninjau makes Angku Wan’s desire to secure more business land for the residents of Sigiran village on the edge of Lake Maninjau more personal and urgent.
In addition, there are other issues that are more complex; for people who survive to prosper the village, for example Angku Wan, and people who decide to go abroad without thinking about returning and losing the essence of their Minang traditions, like Anwar and his mother.
It’s nice to see a national commercial film dealing with issues that maybe even Minangkabau people in general don’t know about. An appreciation for Visinema and Paul Agusta.
It’s a shame that the comical premise of the lottery, coupled with elements of Minang culture, doesn’t feel very exciting to mainstream viewers. Compared to the ‘migrant and home to go home’ theme he did Delicious horror much more relevant and make it flooded with fans.
movie where to send there is drama wrapped in comedy that is dense and interesting. However, the execution of the plot and the themes displayed are still not optimal to appeal to the general audience. But for spectators with Minang blood, there is a village flavor that calls them back home.
Genre: Drama
Director: Paul Agusta
Screenplay: Paul Agusta
Cast: José Rizal Manua, Emir Mahira, Shenina Cinnamon
Recommendations for the best movies
6.5/10
