Is What is It? Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1983)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1983, What is It? represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Comedy, Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Ho Liang, a widower of Chinese descent with a custom that is still thick with customs in the ancestral land, in love with Pei-Pei. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Drama 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: "Ho Liang, a widower of Chinese descent with a custom that is still thick with customs in the ancestral land, in love with Pei-Pei. There is a relationship that does not match. As for Sastro, the old bandot, with his collection of turtles, fell in love with Nio, who if he was hanging out his clothes did not really wear a bra. This caused Sastro to be aroused and to update. Another story, Ibing was too late to find the girl he loved, Eti. Assisted by a pedicab driver. Everything flows with entertaining humor"

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. Suryana Fatah does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Nya Abbas Akup 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 90 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 What is It? 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, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 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, What is It? explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1983 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Nya Abbas Akup 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, What is It? is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Suryana Fatah or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, What is It? is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.