Definitely one of the best productions I've seen in a while. I mean, I am a very detail oriented person and there's nothing in life I enjoy more than accurate representations of things in a production like historical objects or fashion ect. Every detail in this series is very well thought&made in my opinion. My visual tastebuds were like "hell yeah." The development of the story and everything is good too except for the final maybe, because for some reason I was expecting a different ending. But still made me cry and throughout the series it was definitely worth to watch. Especially, shout out to the female lead! How beautiful she is and her acting was. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Enjoyed the whole package of emotional, romantic, heartbreaking story so much and finished it right away. Go go go!! Ps* I had no idea Indonesian sounded that good.
21 Reviews
Loved it!
wheatley-2023011 November 2023
This is a heavily atmospheric love story and if that is your thing you will love this.
It certainly is my thing and love it I certainly did.
The story plays out in two strands. The first is set in 1960's Indonesia. The romantic couple successfully struggle through the social barriers that surround them to then find all their hopes upset by the political and revolutionary upheavals of the time. Their continuing story is an emotional roller-coaster and I shed tears as I witnessed what happens to them.
The second strand is much closer to modern day, as their descendants piece together their story. A slice of joy to perfectly balance the sorrow of the past.
Every actor performs magnificently. Putri Marino, in particular, captures perfectly the turmoil her character experiences as she discovers secrets that turn her world upside down.
It certainly is my thing and love it I certainly did.
The story plays out in two strands. The first is set in 1960's Indonesia. The romantic couple successfully struggle through the social barriers that surround them to then find all their hopes upset by the political and revolutionary upheavals of the time. Their continuing story is an emotional roller-coaster and I shed tears as I witnessed what happens to them.
The second strand is much closer to modern day, as their descendants piece together their story. A slice of joy to perfectly balance the sorrow of the past.
Every actor performs magnificently. Putri Marino, in particular, captures perfectly the turmoil her character experiences as she discovers secrets that turn her world upside down.
Indonesia NEED this kind of entertaiment
rhiswakirana16 November 2023
I must say, as an indonesian i never watch series from my country, cause it's always be the same. But this is so refreshing. Every aspect just hit the right spot. The actors is top notch,they all nailed their characters. The setting was perfect,the plot was full of plot twist. For you who doesn't like crying over a series, this isn't for you, cause i'm bawling my eyes out all the time. Though i must say i'm not 100% satisfied. The character and chemistry building was so perfect, and the pace was too fast. It's just feel like there are so much potential they can explore here. I tell you 5 EPISODE WASN'T ENOUGH!!
Watch it in Indonesian.
kenneth-amazon10 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
If understand Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Jawa, it's better to watch it in the original language. The English translation while pretty good, loses a lot of the nuances and flavor of the language. A lot of the transaction isn't completely correct.
The acting is excellent. Especially when Seno reacts to his rejection.
The story isn't about just tobacco. It's about a perfumer. About not being able to recognize what's good in one's life. About choices that have huge ramifications. About standing up for someone that you love. About connections, about inter company politics and sabotage, about ambition, about not being able to give up perceived success for what is the true thing a heart wants. And regrets that will surface and haunt at life's end.
The story explores the intricacies of Indonesian culture and Indonesian hierarchy and class boundaries.
It's an excellent exposition and pretty much captures the essence of that era in a few short episodes.
I hope the release more Indonesian language shows of this calibre on Netflix. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
The acting is excellent. Especially when Seno reacts to his rejection.
The story isn't about just tobacco. It's about a perfumer. About not being able to recognize what's good in one's life. About choices that have huge ramifications. About standing up for someone that you love. About connections, about inter company politics and sabotage, about ambition, about not being able to give up perceived success for what is the true thing a heart wants. And regrets that will surface and haunt at life's end.
The story explores the intricacies of Indonesian culture and Indonesian hierarchy and class boundaries.
It's an excellent exposition and pretty much captures the essence of that era in a few short episodes.
I hope the release more Indonesian language shows of this calibre on Netflix. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
One of the Best Indonesian TV Series
metta-4978014 November 2023
This TV Series portrays the old culture when women were considered to be unsuitable to voice their opinions, the unrest situation when the government eliminated Indonesian Communist Party started in 1965, and the love between two people from different classes. The casts are so incredibly talented performing their characters as well as speaking in their local dialects which made. I appreciate the writer who brought up the unrest situation during the elimination of Indonesia Communist Party where thousands of innocent people who were not involved in the communist party had been victimized by the hatred of those people who had close relationship with authorities. I heard this story a lot from people surrounding me when I was growing up, but none had brought this up due to fear of persecution.
The music, song, and singer that were chosen for this TV series were excellently done. The song was composed in 1970's, but the music was made a bit softer for this TV series which represented the music character back in 1960's. I heard many 1960's music and songs my parents used to listen, and the music just brought my memory from the past.
I would not suggest using Netflix dubbing in English, but using the caption because while listening to Indonesian, I also have the caption turns on for my friend, and the captions almost match the speaking language.
Again, thank you to all casts, directors, writer, and all people who involved in making this TV Series. Well done!
The music, song, and singer that were chosen for this TV series were excellently done. The song was composed in 1970's, but the music was made a bit softer for this TV series which represented the music character back in 1960's. I heard many 1960's music and songs my parents used to listen, and the music just brought my memory from the past.
I would not suggest using Netflix dubbing in English, but using the caption because while listening to Indonesian, I also have the caption turns on for my friend, and the captions almost match the speaking language.
Again, thank you to all casts, directors, writer, and all people who involved in making this TV Series. Well done!
I cried, it's beautiful
Crescent1127 November 2023
I heard this show was beautiful. I didn't expect anything when I decided to watch it. I'm glad I did. It was one of the best Indonesian shows I've ever seen. The emotions felt real. The setting was solid. The acting was phenomenal. My first motivation was because of Dian Sastrowardoyo, she's my favourite actress. I also know Ario Bayu in several other movies. All of the actors in this show were the A-list bomb. I'm glad I watched it and I did it in one sitting. It has 5 episodes with each one consuming 1 hour. I would recommend people to watch this show. It has some great vintage detail of the old Indonesian in 1960s and early 2000s. 10/10.
A riveting breakthrough, although not without its flaws.
dinnarw3 November 2023
Allow me to start by saying I wish they cast a taller actor for the role of elderly Soeraja as the difference in height is rather striking, but this is a trivial continuity issue that in no way diminish what Kamila Andini and Ifa Isfansyah had successfully accomplished in this series.
I haven't read the book by Ratih Kumala, so I went into it with zero expectation, except maybe an assumption of many goofs as with other Indonesian series. I'm glad they proved me wrong.
After years of repeat force to watch the "so-called communist film", this feels like a refreshing portrayal, albeit from the other side of things. I'm surprised they didn't take out every single one of Idroes' family, though, despite them not being on the list. But I suppose then there wouldn't be a story to tell for the year of 2001.
Aside from the development of Arum and Lebas' friendship, which is rather hasty in my opinion, Putri Marino and Arya Saloka left people rooting for their characters. And of course, Dian Sastro did a marvelous job portraying the struggle of a smart, intuitive, and opinionated woman in a man's world, even years after Kartini paved the road. Ario Bayu also successfully represented a male feminist in that era. It's real, it's gripping, it's certainly not what you expect from an Indonesian series.
I will be checking out more work from Andini & Isfansyah for sure.
I haven't read the book by Ratih Kumala, so I went into it with zero expectation, except maybe an assumption of many goofs as with other Indonesian series. I'm glad they proved me wrong.
After years of repeat force to watch the "so-called communist film", this feels like a refreshing portrayal, albeit from the other side of things. I'm surprised they didn't take out every single one of Idroes' family, though, despite them not being on the list. But I suppose then there wouldn't be a story to tell for the year of 2001.
Aside from the development of Arum and Lebas' friendship, which is rather hasty in my opinion, Putri Marino and Arya Saloka left people rooting for their characters. And of course, Dian Sastro did a marvelous job portraying the struggle of a smart, intuitive, and opinionated woman in a man's world, even years after Kartini paved the road. Ario Bayu also successfully represented a male feminist in that era. It's real, it's gripping, it's certainly not what you expect from an Indonesian series.
I will be checking out more work from Andini & Isfansyah for sure.
Exceptional movie series
yanalikrisnadi9 November 2023
I must admit that I almost never watch Indonesian movies or series in some 15 years. But surprised after just few minutes.
I don't know any of the cast actors and actress, knowing Dian Sastor only by her name never once watch her movie.
But i really like this series. Their acting is so good, the story depth and the characters connection is well build.
We can also learn about our 1965-67 histories from other sides, how easy destroying life only by connecting them to "the party".
I was active smokers who just few years quit, watching this make me struggle not to smoke again😅.
Very good job👍 I hope there will be many more high quality Indonesian movies.
I don't know any of the cast actors and actress, knowing Dian Sastor only by her name never once watch her movie.
But i really like this series. Their acting is so good, the story depth and the characters connection is well build.
We can also learn about our 1965-67 histories from other sides, how easy destroying life only by connecting them to "the party".
I was active smokers who just few years quit, watching this make me struggle not to smoke again😅.
Very good job👍 I hope there will be many more high quality Indonesian movies.
I can't get rid of this from my mind! a masterpiece
alvian-1432621 November 2023
I can't get rid of this from my mind. It is a truly masterpiece. I just got amazed how they made such a good historical and romance in one classical movie. It was so simple but because of this, it is so epic and fabulous! Every characters showed their incredible qualities, in a way to give 100 percent efforts. Furthermore, the soundtracks were all matched with every moments in the movie!
Definitely a recommended movie to watch! Not only it gives us how Indonesian history and culture back in 60s but also how a passionate person (woman) on such a taboo thing. It was so good, I am not exaggerating it though!
Definitely a recommended movie to watch! Not only it gives us how Indonesian history and culture back in 60s but also how a passionate person (woman) on such a taboo thing. It was so good, I am not exaggerating it though!
This movie blurs the line between fiction and reality
dexterwidjojo28 November 2023
Have you ever encountered a movie so profoundly impactful that it keeps you awake at night? Even days after watching it, the scenes linger in your mind. This film achieved that for me-an arguably top-tier Indonesian movie. Objectively brilliant, it boasts outstanding performances by the entire cast, with Dian Sastro's portrayal standing out. Her expressions are consistently subtle yet convey the pain of years of gender-based mistreatment. The storyline is captivating, always leaving you wanting more. The movie also excels in showcasing Indonesia's traditional fabric designs through beautiful wardrobe choices, and it delves into detailed historical elements of the 1960s in Indonesia. This movie is so compelling that it blurs the line between fiction and reality.
Similar to the film 'The Last Letter From Your Lover'
mayanurul-7768214 December 2023
The first time I watched the first episode it felt like Dejavu, after continuing the second episode I realized that this film was very similar to the film 'The Last Letter From Your Lover'. The storyline goes back and forth, the discovery of letters which become a 'bridge' in time, the younger generation trying to become detectives, the regrets between the two old characters, ONLY THE ENDING IS DIFFERENT. But we will be taken to Indonesia's bitter and sweet past, where at that time there was the tragedy of 1965 and also the glory of the kretek industry. The film shooting location is very stunning, the villages in Java are rich in culture.
Got that romance, drama, and action in one.
surelhaqqiabdillah18 November 2023
REVIEW GADIS KRETEK
I decided to watch this series because it was everywhere on X (formerly known as Twitter). Before that, I already knew the book, it was a hot topic once. The book-with the same title-was written by Ratih Kumala who happened to be Eka Kurniawan's wife. No wonder why I felt deja vu when watching the series, because it shares the same taste with Eka's plotting. They have historical writing style.
The series alone was mainly about cigarette. Dasiyah, as the main character, was a daughter of Mr Idroes, owner of Kretek Merdeka company, and she had a big ambition to make its sauce. But, women aren't even allowed to enter the sauce room. Then she met Raja when she was going to the local market with her father. Raja became one of their workers. Dasiyah and Raja fell for each other, but the universe seemed to not get their way. This, is when the story began.
I got to say the plot was really well done. It was a beautiful play, and well, the actors acted pretty natural, especially Dasiyah and Raja. Dian Sastro succeded to draw all the emotions. This series got all the romance, drama, and action in one.
I rate 8/10.
I decided to watch this series because it was everywhere on X (formerly known as Twitter). Before that, I already knew the book, it was a hot topic once. The book-with the same title-was written by Ratih Kumala who happened to be Eka Kurniawan's wife. No wonder why I felt deja vu when watching the series, because it shares the same taste with Eka's plotting. They have historical writing style.
The series alone was mainly about cigarette. Dasiyah, as the main character, was a daughter of Mr Idroes, owner of Kretek Merdeka company, and she had a big ambition to make its sauce. But, women aren't even allowed to enter the sauce room. Then she met Raja when she was going to the local market with her father. Raja became one of their workers. Dasiyah and Raja fell for each other, but the universe seemed to not get their way. This, is when the story began.
I got to say the plot was really well done. It was a beautiful play, and well, the actors acted pretty natural, especially Dasiyah and Raja. Dian Sastro succeded to draw all the emotions. This series got all the romance, drama, and action in one.
I rate 8/10.
Deep, moving, tragic saga about a harsh era of Indonesia
alexeijoukovski3 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
*Spoilers inside*
I didn't think too much when this popped up on my suggested things to watch, however my partner started watching it and as she was only a few minutes in, I decided to join in.
From the first episode we watched it in Indonesian with English subtitles, which renders beautiful native dialogue in the way it is supposed to be enjoyed.
The story is heartwarming, and I think deeply heartbreaking, the way that some characters grow in your mind such as 'Raya' who I had a deep seated 'hate' if you can call it after he acted somewhat petty when she started courting with Seno, and ultimately when he didn't look for her and married Purwani, I was ready to write him off.
When the story developed and the audience is shown the railway scene, I was sobbing (and I am a grown man) and couldn't hold myself together. The scene where they talk in the side room of the railway station is one of the most powerful and polarizing scenes in terms of empathy for a character. I absolutely empathised with Raya and the excellent casting choice of the older version of him was so good that I felt like I was with him at his death bed when he starts wailing and howling at the very end about his wish that he could have made things right with Desiyah.
My other absolute favorite character is Arum who together with Lebas craft an excellent modern day duo who are transported back in time so beautifully.
The best series I have seen in 2023 and possibly in a long time. Only a handful of shows have left me unable to function in my daily life for a few days such as when I watched "The O. A" which was also very powerful but heavily-criticized saga.
If you enjoyed this you would also enjoy Memoirs of A Geisha.
From the first episode we watched it in Indonesian with English subtitles, which renders beautiful native dialogue in the way it is supposed to be enjoyed.
The story is heartwarming, and I think deeply heartbreaking, the way that some characters grow in your mind such as 'Raya' who I had a deep seated 'hate' if you can call it after he acted somewhat petty when she started courting with Seno, and ultimately when he didn't look for her and married Purwani, I was ready to write him off.
When the story developed and the audience is shown the railway scene, I was sobbing (and I am a grown man) and couldn't hold myself together. The scene where they talk in the side room of the railway station is one of the most powerful and polarizing scenes in terms of empathy for a character. I absolutely empathised with Raya and the excellent casting choice of the older version of him was so good that I felt like I was with him at his death bed when he starts wailing and howling at the very end about his wish that he could have made things right with Desiyah.
My other absolute favorite character is Arum who together with Lebas craft an excellent modern day duo who are transported back in time so beautifully.
The best series I have seen in 2023 and possibly in a long time. Only a handful of shows have left me unable to function in my daily life for a few days such as when I watched "The O. A" which was also very powerful but heavily-criticized saga.
If you enjoyed this you would also enjoy Memoirs of A Geisha.
Beyond Exceptional
lydiaekaf18 November 2023
Until now, not many Indonesian commercial films have dared to highlight the nation's dark history.
However, through the Kretek Girl series, the history of political issues is told directly as a background to the time.
Kretek Girl is not just a romantic story about women's struggle against women's equality at that time, but more than that, this series gives us a glimpse of society's struggle in the political chaos of the past.
A history that is still taboo to tell, a series of dark events that haunt many families to their descendants today.
The story of Dasiyah and her family is just one example of what hundreds of families felt at that time, but Dasiyah's story represents what they felt.
However, through the Kretek Girl series, the history of political issues is told directly as a background to the time.
Kretek Girl is not just a romantic story about women's struggle against women's equality at that time, but more than that, this series gives us a glimpse of society's struggle in the political chaos of the past.
A history that is still taboo to tell, a series of dark events that haunt many families to their descendants today.
The story of Dasiyah and her family is just one example of what hundreds of families felt at that time, but Dasiyah's story represents what they felt.
Little Beyond Expections
inishin5 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A story of a woman who wants to be the creator of cigarette falovour, but of course by that time woman never had chance to do do so. Then Dasiyah met Raja-an orphan with a good heart. Raja helps Dasiyah with her dream and Dasiyah became his dream.
One of the Indonesian series that feels really good. I don't watch Indonesian series that much actually. But this series just tell me that Indonesian series could be better than I could ever imagined.
I'm not gonna say that this is a perfect series cause it's not. But it's beyond expectations.
I wish in the future much more Indonesian series like this could be release.
One of the Indonesian series that feels really good. I don't watch Indonesian series that much actually. But this series just tell me that Indonesian series could be better than I could ever imagined.
I'm not gonna say that this is a perfect series cause it's not. But it's beyond expectations.
I wish in the future much more Indonesian series like this could be release.
Way beyond expectation
roymchunter28 November 2023
To be honest, I was a bit sceptical at first to see this show. Dian Satro is a very well known Indonesian actor and she usually made pretty good films. On the other hand 5 episodes is quite a lot of time to invest and I don't wanna waste it watching some dull mediocre series. But it has good reviews and some people insist that I should watch it. And I'm glad I did coz this is the best Indonesian show/movie I've ever seen. The acting is top notch especially from Dian Sastro, Ario Bayu and Putri Marino. I also like Tissa Biani as Rukayah and Lukman Rosadi as Dasiyah's father. The cinematography, the costumes, the dialogues and the story are superb with some really good plot twists. The music is amazing with catchy songs and mesmerizing main theme. I must say this show is almost perfect, 9/10.
One of the best Indonesia Cinema
frans_xavier30 December 2023
When I first bought the novel and read , It was beautiful crafted. Although the story it's similar like another love story. And at first I was skeptical about the movie. But it's completely perfect casts and emotional as the novel. From the music score, art direction, costumes, direction all perfect. In the era of cheap lousy horror movies and so so drama movies, Cigarette Girl or Gadis Kretek comes as the winner above that all. See this and you will miss our heritage tradition about cigarettes. The movie should be included in any major awards, well deserved and memorable scenes and songs. Grade A.
Beautiful, Emotional Series
rfadam2 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Fantastic series, very glad I watched. It's an emotional rollercoaster ride through Indonesian history as told through the lives of two families. The acting is superb, I fell in love with Arum. I haven't seen a show like this since the Time imIn Between that swept me up into the history and the lived of the characters. This is a really great period piece, so much detail put into the costumes and settings to evoke 1960s Indonesia. I especially loved how the series showcases the country's rich batik tradition. Although very rooted in Indonesian culture and history, this show speaks to the profound experiences of loss, grief, pain and forgiveness that we all experience. The male characters especially are flawed but sympathetic, the two lead female characters, Dasiyah and Arum, are complex, strong and brilliant. A very rich and well told human story.
Cigarette Girl
gurumaggie12 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
There is way too much glamorisation of smoking in this series, that aside it's quite interesting and romantic.
The leads are attractive and engaging, lots of innocent people get trampled by bad men, specifically men.
The women are just beautiful and silent for the most part, slow moving and dignified, hiding their true feelings and battling on with life, as it not as they would like it to be.
When it came down to it, raja was willing to sacrifice his wife and kids when it suited him, a faithful loving mother of his children, but not brave enough to walk out of his wedding.
Fixing everything means his family will suffer, admitting he stole her recipe meant his family would suffer, which seems pretty selfish tbh it's his father in law that's the baddy.
The leads are attractive and engaging, lots of innocent people get trampled by bad men, specifically men.
The women are just beautiful and silent for the most part, slow moving and dignified, hiding their true feelings and battling on with life, as it not as they would like it to be.
When it came down to it, raja was willing to sacrifice his wife and kids when it suited him, a faithful loving mother of his children, but not brave enough to walk out of his wedding.
Fixing everything means his family will suffer, admitting he stole her recipe meant his family would suffer, which seems pretty selfish tbh it's his father in law that's the baddy.
Great Story and very good movie
xelaandra2 January 2024
We enjoyed the series, it is well done and the actors are good. The story behind is very beautiful and filled with emotions. It is that kind of movie that keeps us till the morning in front of the TV to see the end.
It was the first Indonesian movie the we showed and got sure it will not be the last one.
I must say that I was dealing every emotion that was transmitted with the story and I was crying a lot at the end. The message is strong and we, as humans must realize how important is to have the right person in your life, money brings not anything, it brings a lot of sacrifices and we must analysis this if worthy in the end. We all have only one life!
It was the first Indonesian movie the we showed and got sure it will not be the last one.
I must say that I was dealing every emotion that was transmitted with the story and I was crying a lot at the end. The message is strong and we, as humans must realize how important is to have the right person in your life, money brings not anything, it brings a lot of sacrifices and we must analysis this if worthy in the end. We all have only one life!
Heavy emotion
grahamf-555425 December 2023
At first I thought this looked promising. I enjoyed the first couple of episodes, getting into the unusual story with a fascinating insight into the culture and history of Indonesia which was totally unfamiliar territory for me.
But this honeymoon period didn't last.
The pace got painfully slow in the later episodes, while the emotional level became steadily higher, reaching a point where I could easily have abandoned the show.
But I persisted. Having given up a few hours I wanted to see how it all resolved.
The plot is complex, to the extent that I found it hard to believe it might have happened. I didn't mind too much about the romanticising of tobacco, because I could accept it as a something that was going on while medical evidence eventually put a stop to it. But I really found it hard to enjoy the emotional interplay between parents and children.
If it had been edited down by maybe 3 hours I might have been more generous.
But this honeymoon period didn't last.
The pace got painfully slow in the later episodes, while the emotional level became steadily higher, reaching a point where I could easily have abandoned the show.
But I persisted. Having given up a few hours I wanted to see how it all resolved.
The plot is complex, to the extent that I found it hard to believe it might have happened. I didn't mind too much about the romanticising of tobacco, because I could accept it as a something that was going on while medical evidence eventually put a stop to it. But I really found it hard to enjoy the emotional interplay between parents and children.
If it had been edited down by maybe 3 hours I might have been more generous.
See also
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