Watch Jaka Sembung
- 1981
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6.2 (311)
"Jaka Sembung" is an Indonesian martial arts film directed by Sisworo Gautama Putra, released in 1981. The movie is based on a popular comic book series of the same name by Djair. The story is set in the 19th century, during the Dutch colonial occupation of Indonesia. The protagonist is a skilled warrior named Jaka Sembung, played by Barry Prima. He is a commoner who was wrongfully accused of killing a nobleman's son and was sentenced to death. But he managed to escape from prison and started fighting against the Dutch colonial government, which was exploiting the indigenous people and their resources.
The movie begins with Jaka Sembung being tortured by Dutch soldiers, to extract a false confession. But he refused to confess and was sentenced to beheading. However, on the day of his execution, he fought back and killed the soldiers, which made him a fugitive. He was helped by a group of rebels led by Ki Item, played by W.D. Mochtar, who was a mentor and father figure to Jaka Sembung.
Jaka Sembung was given a mystical weapon called "Pelet Kunthi" by Ki Item, which had the power to detach his arms and legs and control them separately to fight multiple enemies. With the help of his weapon and his martial arts skills, Jaka Sembung became a feared warrior and a symbol of resistance against the oppressors.
The movie features several action sequences, with Jaka Sembung fighting against Dutch soldiers and their collaborators. He also had to face several supernatural creatures, such as a giant crocodile, a giant, and an evil witch who used black magic to control people's minds. Jaka Sembung also fell in love with a fellow rebel named Tarmini, played by Dana Christina, who was a skilled archer.
Apart from the action scenes, the movie also had some comic relief moments, especially involving the character of Ki Item, who was a wise man but also a glutton and a womanizer. The movie also had some political undertones, as it portrayed the Dutch colonial government as an oppressive force that exploited the native population and treated them as second-class citizens.
Overall, "Jaka Sembung" was a classic martial arts movie that showcased the talents of Barry Prima, a renowned Indonesian actor and martial artist. The movie was a major commercial success in Indonesia and spawned several sequels and spin-offs. It also introduced the character of Jaka Sembung to a wider audience, as he became a beloved icon of Indonesian pop culture.