Is The Song of Grassroots Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

The Song of Grassroots, a standout production of 2020, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Fajar Merah (21 years old) is the son of Wiji Thukul – a poets and human rights activist who was ‘made to disappeared’ in 1998 by The Soeharto Regime. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary 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: "Fajar Merah (21 years old) is the son of Wiji Thukul – a poets and human rights activist who was ‘made to disappeared’ in 1998 by The Soeharto Regime. Together with ‘Merah Bercerita’, a band established at 2010, and supported by his family, he tries to bring back his father’s poems to life, covers them with music notations and creates a music album. In a dynamic background of 2014 Presidential Election, 16 years after the 1998 tragedy, Fajar and family develops a new hope on one candidate; Joko Widodo, to solve some Human Rights Violation cases, to find Wiji Thukul and other victims."

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. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Fajar Merah delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Documentary acting at its most potent.

The direction by Yuda Kurniawan is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 107 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 Song of Grassroots 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 Documentary, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8.5/10 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 Song of Grassroots explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Yuda Kurniawan 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 Song of Grassroots is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Fajar Merah or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Song of Grassroots is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.