The Mirror Never Lies

"The Mirror Never Lies" is a quiet, contemplative film set in the Bajau community of Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi. The story revolves around a young girl named Pakis, who is grappling with the loss of her father at sea. Her mother insists on moving forward, but Pakis clings to the hope that her father will return, using a mirror given to her as a means to "see" him. The film is a tender exploration of grief, culture, and the human connection to the sea, which is central to the Bajau way of life. The film's strength lies in its subtlety and the way it uses the natural environment to reflect the characters' inner turmoil. The underwater scenes are beautifully shot, capturing the vibrant marine life and the tranquil, yet haunting, underwater world that mirrors Pakis's emotional state. The performances, particularly by the young lead, Gita Novalista, are understated but powerful, conveying the depth of their emotions without the need for overt dramatization. "The Mirror Never Lies" is a poetic and visually captivating film that offers a rare glimpse into an indigenous community and the universal themes of loss and hope.

The film tells the figure of a Bajo tribe girl named Pakis (Gita). She lost his fisherman father while he was sailing and Pakis trying to find the existence of the father with the help of her friend,Lumo. Usually, they will go to wise man of their kampong and they were told that her father's mirror would help her to find her father( i think that's where its title came from). On the other hand,her mother, Tayung (Atiqah), is more pessimistic and realistic in the face of reality. That is where the conflict between them occurs because Tayung keeps telling Pakis to stop looking for her father. Problems and conflicts with her ​​mother's increasingly complicated Pakis when Tudo, a dolphin researcher from Jakarta, emerged into their lives.

In this movie we could see how the four characters interact in everyday life and their different respective interpretations of the sea. However, they agreed that it is sea which can help them find their identity.

The Mirror Never Lies presents the story with a plot that slowly but seemed to flow well. There are some scenes that I found a little bit funny,especially because of Lumo; and his friend, Kutta, who likes to tell a 'pantun'. In the story, indirectly, the film also exploits the beauty of Wakatobi archipelago good view over the sea and underwater scenery would not be surprised if when after watching this film you will want to enjoy the beauty of Wakatobi directly. I mean, I literally almost cried and gasped when i saw how beautiful Wakatobi's underwater scenery.

In addition the film also indirectly lead us into the lives of Bajo tribal communities . Society still steeped in cultural customs and tribal life Bajo with a strong maritime elements, such as how they move from one place to another using a boat or even when the kids go to school Bajo tribe who also use the boat.

Also, I want to give thumbs up for the actors. Their acting were believable for me. I'm impressed of how Atiqah managed to speak fluently in Bajo language although it's definitely not her first language.

"The Mirror Never Lies" is a quiet, contemplative film set in the Bajau community of Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi. The story revolves around a young girl named Pakis, who is grappling with the loss of her father at sea. Her mother insists on moving forward, but Pakis clings to the hope that her father will return, using a mirror given to her as a means to "see" him. The film is a tender exploration of grief, culture, and the human connection to the sea, which is central to the Bajau way of life. The film's strength lies in its subtlety and the way it uses the natural environment to reflect the characters' inner turmoil. The underwater scenes are beautifully shot, capturing the vibrant marine life and the tranquil, yet haunting, underwater world that mirrors Pakis's emotional state. The performances, particularly by the young lead, Gita Novalista, are understated but powerful, conveying the depth of their emotions without the need for overt dramatization. "The Mirror Never Lies" is a poetic and visually captivating film that offers a rare glimpse into an indigenous community and the universal themes of loss and hope.

A beautiful setting in the colorful waters and blue skies of the island of Wakatobi, Indonesia, which captivates us from the first frame of the movie which is directed extremely well. The characters of the children have come out as the strongest point in this film, which is about the hard life of the fishing community. There are several stunning scenes and incidents that keep the tempo very interesting right up to the end. The camera work is brilliant. To see the children moving around on wooden platforms leading to their homes on top of water and their effortless navigation on the tiny boats, are a treat to watch and enjoy. This film is definitely a good one to watch with friends and family and no one will come out disappointed.

My rating: (8 out of 10)