Watch Kartini: Princess of Java

Kartini: Princess of Java is a 2017 Indonesian historical drama film directed by Hanung Bramantyo. The film is based on the life of Raden Ayu Kartini, a prominent Indonesian feminist and women's rights activist who lived during the Dutch colonial era in the early 20th century. The film is a historical biopic that tells the story of Kartini's life from a young age until her untimely death.

Dian Sastrowardoyo takes on the role of the titular character, Kartini. Ayushita and Acha Septriasa play her sisters, Kardinah and Roekmini, respectively. The film follows the three sisters and their lives as they grow up in Java, struggling to find their place in society as women in a patriarchal culture. Kartini, however, is different from her sisters. She is a bright, ambitious young woman with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to see changes made to the rigid class and gender roles that dominate her society. Her dream is to see women given the same rights as men, and to be allowed an education that will help them rise above their station in life.

The film takes us through Kartini's journey as she pursues her passion for learning and education, despite the barriers placed in her path by the Dutch colonial government and traditional Javanese culture. With the support of her father, Kartini is able to attend a Dutch school, where she meets a young man named Raden Adipati Joyodiningrat (Reza Rahadian). The two share a love of literature and a vision for a better future for the people of Java, and they soon fall in love.

Kartini's passion for women's rights only grows as she becomes more educated, and she begins to publish articles advocating for change in the status of women in Java. These articles raise eyebrows among the Dutch colonial authorities, who begin to see Kartini as a threat to their authority. The film also touches on the racism that is inherent in the Dutch colonial system, as Kartini and her family are subjected to discrimination and racism on a daily basis.

As the film progresses, tensions rise between Kartini and her family, as her activism puts her at odds with their more traditional values. The film also explores Kartini's emotional struggles and her love for Adipati. Ultimately, the film portrays her tragic death at the young age of 25, just as she was starting to make strides in her activism and advocacy for women's rights.

Overall, Kartini: Princess of Java is a well-acted and visually stunning biopic that tells an important story about social and political change in Indonesia. The film does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of Kartini, and the struggles she faced in her life as she fought for women's rights and equality in a society that was dominated by men. The film is inspiring, thought-provoking, and emotionally moving, and it is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of women's rights in Indonesia.