Mencuri Raden Saleh

Once in a while, an Indonesian thriller that doesn't feature Iko Uwais succeeds. This film is one of them. It might be carried by a young cast but the actors prove to be equal to the challenge of making a good action movie/thriller.

Angge Dwimas Sasongko is able to put together a heist movie that doesn't disappoint, and which, in fact, totally gets the viewer's attention. The plus factor is that the object of the heist has great historical significance for Indonesia's struggle against Dutch rule. It's, thus, a worthy object of desire.

Raden Saleh is a highly respected Javanese painter in the 19th century, who like many artists of his age who were involved in nationalistic movements, spent time in Europe. His painting, The Arrest of Prince Diponegoro, which he did in 1857, is considered as his definitive work, and reflects his deep nationalistic fervor. Diponegoro was a key figure in the Java War. He remains, to this day, a key figure in Indonesia's nationhood.

Like any respectable heist film, this has veritable twists. And the way it's carried out is believable.

Kudos to the writer and director for an admirable work aided much by a young cast that performs like veterans on the screen.