"Balada si Roy," directed by Fajar Nugros, marks another addition to his recent string of film releases, following "Srimulat: Hil yang Impossible – Babak Pertama" (2022) and "Inang" (2022). This film, produced by IDN Pictures, is an adaptation of a novel from the late 1980s or 1990s. Starring a cast of talented young actors including Abidzar Al Ghifari, Febby Rastanty, Bio One, Zulfa Maharani, and others, "Balada si Roy" takes us back to the year 1987.
The story revolves around Roy, a high school boy from Bandung, who is compelled to relocate to Serang with his mother due to challenging family circumstances following his father's death. In his new school, Roy develops feelings for a classmate named Ani, setting off a series of conflicts between him and Dullah, the daughter of a powerful Serang official who wields influence within the school. These clashes expose deeper and more intricate problems.
"Balada si Roy" effectively captures the life of a Bandung teenager named Roy, who struggles to adjust to his new surroundings in Serang. Roy's charismatic nature immediately attracts attention, leaving many girls smitten with him. He quickly befriends Andi and Toni, forming a gang called RAT with them. Moreover, Roy becomes the only person courageous enough to challenge Borsalino, a gang led by the children of Serang officials that dominates the school.
The film excels in recreating the ambiance of 1987, evident in the character's makeup, which encapsulates the distinct style of the 1980s. The dialogue, too, reflects the era, with Roy's old-school flirting techniques giving audiences a nostalgic experience that aligns well with the film's setting.
A prominent theme in "Balada si Roy" is the search for a teenager's identity. Roy endeavors to become a dependable figure for his mother after the loss of his father. However, he also grapples with restlessness and rebelliousness that he yearns to address. Ultimately, the film showcases Roy's journey as he contemplates the path to his desired freedom.
Too many conflicts packed into a single film emerge as a notable concern. As someone who hasn't read the novel, I found "Balada si Roy" overwhelming in its presentation of numerous conflicts. Initially, the film appears to be a typical teenage romance, but as it progresses, it introduces political conflicts linked to Roy's father's past and his aspiration to liberate his school and Serang from the clutches of authority. The inclusion of mystical elements further adds to the complexity.
Although Abidzar Al Ghifari's portrayal of Roy is visually fitting, capturing the essence of a 1980s high school student, the character's execution falls short of endearing the audience. Roy, supposedly a student from Bandung, should possess fluency in Sundanese or at least demonstrate a distinct Sundanese accent, considering the setting of Serang where Sundanese is spoken. Yet, Roy delivers his lines with a strong Jakarta accent, contradicting the established context.
Furthermore, Roy's resentment toward Ani for the death of his pet dog, Joe, feels unjustified since it was Dullah who caused the tragedy. Roy's anger toward Ani portrays him as an irritating character, while Ani's unwarranted guilt exacerbates the confusion.
Balada si Roy struggles with maintaining a clear focus on the teenage identity search. The film oscillates between teenage romance, political resistance, and even mystical elements. This amalgamation of themes creates an overload of events, making it less accessible for viewers unfamiliar with the novel.
Balada Si Roy (2022) - info
- Release date: January 19, 2023
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Director: Alan Mak
- Writer: Salman Arist, oGol A. Gong
- Stars: Abidzar Al Ghifari, Febby Rastanty, Juan Bione Subiantoro