Arisan!

Arisan! is a 2003 Indonesian comedy-drama film directed by Nia Dinata that stars Cut Mini Theo, Tora Sudiro, and Aida Nurmala among its main cast. The film offers a clever mix of breezy entertainment and serious themes and is known not only for its captivating storytelling but also for being the first Indonesian film to openly portray homosexuality and issues surrounding it.

The title 'Arisan!' refers to a traditional Indonesian social gathering, specifically a type of rotating credit association among friends, where members contribute to a common fund, and in periodic gatherings, one member takes the whole sum on a rotational basis. In elite Jakarta society, 'Arisans' have become a social event where people flaunt wealth and status.

The film revolves around three central characters - Meimei (played by Cut Mini Theo), Andien (played by Aida Nurmala), and Sakti (played by Tora Sudiro). Each of these characters navigates through problems of their own, reflecting the underlying realities of modern Indonesian life and its paradoxes.

Meimei is a successful interior designer boasting an impressive clientele, elegant lifestyle, and a seemingly perfect marriage. Beneath it all, she battles the societal pressure of being unable to conceive a child, a struggle tied in with cultural expectations and her worth as a woman in society.

Andien, on the other hand, is a career woman who appears strong and independent. However, her success masks a turbulent marriage fraught with infidelities. She tries to cope with her husband's repeated betrayals, making her story a commentary on the clash between societal norms and individual happiness.

Sakti, a single, professional urbanite, struggles with hidden forces that come to the surface as he grapples with his sexual orientation. Reconciling his feelings amidst societal conventions and family expectations becomes the crux of his very personal journey.

All of these plotlines intersect at the occasions of ‘Arisan’ – the social gatherings where the façade of perfect lives is maintained amidst glitz and glamour. These gatherings serve as a backdrop where many pivotal moments take place, revealing the disparities between the characters' displayed lives and their internal struggles.

The film provides a raw and authentic look at the older generation's expectations, societal conventions, gender roles, and sexuality, juxtaposed with the ever-evolving urban culture. It doesn't shy away from putting on display the contradictions between the tradition-bound mentality and the emerging notions of freedom and self-expression, painted on the canvas of contemporary Jakarta society.

The performances by the lead actors are commendable, with nuanced portrayals of their complex characters. Cut Mini Theo delivers a powerful performance as Mei Mei, capturing the contradictions of being a modern woman in a conservative society. Tora Sudiro shines in one of Indonesian cinema's first 'out' gay characters, and Aida Nurmala skillfully depicts the struggle of a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage yet expected to maintain a perfect outward appearance.

Nia Dinata's directorial style adds a vibrant yet emotional tone to the movie. The cinematography of the film successfully captures the essence of Jakarta society, with a balanced mix of sparkling social settings and intimate private moments.

'Arisan!' won several awards and was widely appreciated for its daring, refreshingly candid portrayal of unsaid issues in the society - notably the depiction of a gay character coming to terms with his sexuality. The film's success led to it sparking important conversations about social norms, acceptance, and change in Indonesian society.

In conclusion, 'Arisan!' is a compelling film that provides an insight into the lives of the modern Indonesian urban elite while addressing deeper, rarely talked about societal issues with sensitivity and humor. The film's strength lies in its authenticity, its complex characters, and its approach to social commentary that is as nuanced as it is direct. It is, therefore, not only a milestone in Indonesian cinema but also a forceful statement about societal norms and the need for change.