Netflix has helped me discover Indonesia as a film powerhouse. It takes years to develop expertise and of course money plays a role. Caught off guard I would like to recommend still another one, "A Brother and 7 Siblings."
A young man, Moko is living with his sister and her husband. He seems destined to graduate soon and become an architect. His girlfriend Meuron is set to also graduate and form a partnership with him. His life changes when his sister who was pregnant and her husband die within a short time of one another.
He takes on the responsibility of taking over care of the four children, including the new baby. He drops his education and his very supportive girlfriend and wears himself out working and caregiving. When he has to go out of town (for a job arranged by his ex girl friend) a brother in law takes over child care, but proves to be a con man. Struggling never seems to end, but Moko does wise up.
I suspect there is not really 7 siblings, but the original title is 7
Ponakan. In addition to the actual 4 siblings is added the daughter of
an old music teacher (expected to be temporary) and Moko's sister and
her husband. The 7 Ponakan are all treated as family.
The film got a very high rating so I have already given out too many plot details. Here are some of the contributors to its success.
Yandy Laurens was the director and writer. He started with commercials and musical videos. He has 13 credits as a writer, 14 for directing and 1 for script and continuation including "Cemara's Family (2019). see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/01/cemaras-family.html
Arswendo Atmowilata wrote the original tv. series. He was a journalist and short story writer. In 1990 he was imprisoned for subversion and released in 1993. Arswendo took a writing course at the University of Iowa. He has 7 writing credits, 2 for acting an 1 for directing including "Cemera's Family" (2019).
Olef Obaja Setiawan composed the music. He has 26 credits for composing and 2 for the music department.
Dimas Bagus Triatma Yoga was the cinematographer with 20 cinematography credits.
Hendra Adhi Susanto was the editor. He has 22 editor credits and 4 editorial department including"13 Bombs" (20243) and "Heatbreak Motel" (2024). See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/two-year-end-film-reviews.html
Nandi Giri was the casting director. She has 20 casting director credits, 5 for the casting department and 2 for acting including "Photocopier" (2021).
Chicco Kurniawan played Moko. He was an advertising model and was a film extra. He has 30 acting credits and one soundtrack including "Photocopier" (2021) and "13 Bombs" (2023).
Amanda Rawles played Maurin, the girl friend. Her father was Australian and she received some of her education there. She has 31 acting credits.
Freyanashifa Jayawardana played Nina, the older niece. She is well known as a singer and dancer and part of JKT48 musical group. She has 5 acting credits, 1 for the music department and 1 for soundtrack.
Ringgo Agus Rahman played Eka, the brother in law. He has 52 acting credits including "Cemara's Family" (2019).
Maudy Koesnaedi played Agnes, the older sister to Moko. She has 30 acting credits including "Cemara's Family" (2019) and "Losmen Bu Broto: The Series" (2025).
Available on Newflix subtitled.
As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.