Ancika

Ancika: Dia yang Bersamaku 1995 represents a surprising rebound for the Dilan cinematic universe, offering a more mature and culturally grounded take on the beloved character than the original trilogy that preceded it. Set in 1995 Bandung, the film follows Dilan (Arbani Yasiz), now a university student at ITB, as he pursues Ancika Mehrunisa Rabu (Zee JKT48/Azizah Asadel), an unconventional young woman who rejects traditional relationship norms. Director Benni Setiawan, working from a script co-written with Tubagus Deddy, wisely moves beyond the saccharine romance that defined Dilan's relationship with Milea, instead crafting a narrative that integrates Sundanese language and cultural elements more authentically than previous installments. The film also touches on the pre-Reformasi student activism of the era, giving Dilan a political dimension that adds depth to his character beyond his reputation as a smooth-talking romantic. Arbani Yasiz delivers a notably improved performance compared to Iqbaal Ramadhan's portrayal, with his command of Sundanese accent and more naturalistic delivery winning over critics who found the original trilogy's cheese factor overwhelming.

Nevertheless, there are several serious problems with the movie. Many have criticized Zee JKT48's acting as being stiff and unexperienced, which is understandable considering that this is only her second movie and she is a well-known actress/singer, but it is nonetheless harmful to the romantic chemistry at the heart of the narrative. There have been concerns about the pacing, which ends suddenly without the emotional peak the story seemed to be building toward and features a hurried last act that feels like the filmmakers ran out of ideas or money. Although the script is more sophisticated than the original Dilan trilogy, some viewers have also pointed out that it still makes extensive use of the character's trademark "tengil" (teasing) comedy and corny pickup lines, albeit in smaller doses. Despite these problems, a lot of Indonesian critics have praised this "reboot" for being better than its predecessors, citing its more natural language, smoother narrative logic, and sincere attempt to recreate Bandung culture in the 1990s beyond just window dressing. Ancika provides a sentimental, charming romance that raises the possibility that the Dilan franchise has finally found its footing, provided viewers are prepared to forgive its leading lady's green performance and its hurried ending.

Staff:

Directed by: Benni Setiawan

Screenplay by: Tubagus Deddy and Benni Setiawan

Based on: Ancika: Dia yang Bersamaku di Tahun 1995 by Pidi Baiq

Produced by: Budi Ismanto

Starring: Zee Asadel, Arbani Yasiz, Daffa Wardhana, Dito Darmawan, Nyimas Ratu Rafa, and Jefan Nathanio.

Cinematography: Roy Lolang

Edited by: Cesa David Luckmansyah and Apriady Fathullah Skumbang

Music by: Andhika Triyadi

Production companies: MD Pictures, Enam Sembilan Production, The Panasdalam Pictures, and Seer

Distributed by: MD Pictures

Release dates: January 11, 2024

Running time: 100 minutes