I believe that great things often come in small packages, that’s why i love shorts as well. Anthologies are like a compilation of shorts with interconnecting strings or themes. Watching Sanubari Jakarta aka Jakarta Deep Down reminds me of Paris Je T’aime, because of the use of the name of the city and the anthology format. The theme, however, was quite uncommon. LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) rarely made appearance as a theme in Indonesian local cinema, i guess this mirrors our local society which still dominantly intolerant, close-minded, considering the issue as a taboo, and often give hostile response towards the theme.
Through Sanubari Jakarta, we were told 10 love stories through short films by 10 different directors within 100 minutes. Just like other Anthologies, it like a jumbled bag of Bertie-Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, for the lack of better terms, despite some odd ones you can find some pieces that are special.
KaramelKinema 