Verses of Love 2

Verses of Love 2 is a stylish Indonesian romantic drama that released in 2017. Directed by Guntur Soeharjanto, this film is built upon a poignant screenplay by Haqi Ahmad. The movie stars Fedi Nuril, Dewi Sandra, and Chelsea Islan in pivotal roles, presenting a compelling narrative that touches upon love, relationships, and faith.

In this sequel to the 2008 film "Verses of Love," Fedi Nuril reprises his role as Fahri, whose life takes a dramatic turn following the disappearance of his wife. He is now living in Edinburgh, Scotland, committed to his life as a lecturer and researcher in a prestigious university. Far from his native home, amidst a drastically different culture, Fahri maintains a graceful balance in keeping his faith intact while adapting to his circumstances and fulfilling his professional duties — an essence beautifully grasped and portrayed by Fedi Nuril.

The character Fahri is depicted as honest, loving, and deeply connected with his faith, making him exemplary in the eyes of Muslim families and an idealistic role model. He grapples with loneliness yet remains resilient, and throughout the course of the film, viewers will surely build a strong emotional connection to his character. Fedi Nuril's portrayal is deeply moving, blending the subtleties of human emotions with the complexities of life's trials.

Sharing screen space with Nuril is Dewi Sandra, who plays Hulya, a Turkish woman with a fierce spirit. Her character is a simple girl from the countryside who arrives in Edinburgh and aspires to study Islam in its purest form under the insightful guidance of Fahri. She admires Fahri’s earnestness, his kindness, and finds herself drawn towards him.

Adding to the stellar line-up, Chelsea Islan takes on the role of Keira, a self-dependent and confident girl from Scotland. Islan paints the character with a dash of mystery and elegance. Different from Fahri and Hulya, she does not come from a similar cultural background or hold identical beliefs. Her experiences with Fahri make her question her outlook and foster a deeper understanding of life which unravels beautifully in the film's narrative.

In Verses of Love 2, Soeharjanto does not merely create a sequel but an emotionally stimulating standalone story that happens to feature some previously established characters. It explores the trials of life as an immigrant in a foreign land, the multicultural interactions, the clashes and alignments of varying belief systems, and the diverse manifestations of love, all while maintaining the anchor in the sincere understanding of Islamic teachings.

The film maintains a delicate balance between emotive dialogues and thought-provoking silences. These moments of silence, wonderfully paired with the picturesque locations of Scotland, become the canvas upon which the emotions slowly unfurl. There is strength in the subtlety of these moments that allows the significance of silence to shine, adding a certain poetic vibe to the film.

The cinematography deserves special mention. Each shot is framed with care and beauty, from the sweeping landscapes to the intimate scenes between characters. Scotland, with its grandeur and artistry, becomes more than just a backdrop; it evolves into a character on its own, striking a poetic balance in the film's narrative.

The music composed by Tya Subiakto Satrio fuses well with the elegant cinematography, sweetly hugging the film's storyline. The ever-present medley of music and silence plays harmoniously, amplifying the on-screen emotions manifold.

Verses of Love 2 is more than just a love story. It's a film that talks about faith, loss, self-discovery, and the unembellished truth of life's unpredictability. It's about understanding the intricacy of human emotions without rushing through them. It teaches patience in the face of trials and finding peace amidst chaos.

The film invites its viewers into a world filled with serenity, love, and profound life lessons. It's a moving cinematic experience that reflects the essence of human experiences and the myriad ways we perceive and inhabit the world. Inspiring, beautiful, and lingering, Verses of Love 2 is a worthy follow-up to its predecessor and a memorable addition to Indonesian cinema.