Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: BANDIT [Dances With Films LA - Los Angeles, California - Virtual]
The crime thriller genre is about the location it exists in and the possibilities that its players posses. "Bandit" establishes its issue in the first scene with a hit man that nobody dares mess with. But it is the story of a man unable to pay for his wife’s medical bills to fulfill her pregnancy. That shortcoming of being able to provide leads him down some darker roads. Gatra (Wafda Saifan) as a character walks a fine line that will only take him a moment to be pushed in the other direction. His friend Tiar (Roy Sungkono) is the one who will always get him in trouble which is part of the issue with the whole night though the fruition of his loyalty does come to bear. What is interesting about this film is that in many ways has the essence of a buddy comedy between the two men but the stakes and the violence of said hitman Beni (T. Rifnu Wikana) provides the duality and weight.
Granted there is other subterfuge and mistaken identity which does push the narrative progression forward . Shooting on location in what is supposed to be one night definitely gives the film a different look and feel. It does understand its wider appeal. There is a lot of horror films coming out of Indonesia which is understandable but this story works more as a noir in a way. Beni pushes himself forward as the hitman but what is interesting is that he too is making mistakes he can't walk back from. Everyone has their own reasons for their actions. One fight sequence involving Gatra in a club is simple but effective and definitely pays homage to "The Raid". The eventual resolution plays well because there are consequences to actions but the progression, acting and actions are palpable and consistently give the film a more universal appeal. This is aided also by the steady direction and not overwhelming style by. Brian Tan. B
By Tim Wassberg
