Is The Longer, The Better Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1987)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Comedy cinema, the 1987 release of The Longer, The Better stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Dono, Kasino and Indro (the Warkop Trio) live in a boarding house. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Dono, Kasino and Indro (the Warkop Trio) live in a boarding house. Amusement starts when the flat owner, Aunt Sarah, goes on a date. Dono installs a microphone so that the conversation between Aunt Sarah and her date can be heard in every room. As a result, Aunt Sarah starts fighting with the three friends. Then Erna, Aunt Sarah’s niece, arrives for a visit. The three friends compete to attract her heart. One day, the three friends are invited to go with Erna to a nightclub. Inside they meet Aunt Sarah. To avoid conflict, the three friends disguise as women."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Dono is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Dono captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by A. Rachman is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 106 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Longer, The Better truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 7/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Longer, The Better explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1987 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and A. Rachman respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Longer, The Better serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dono or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Longer, The Better is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.