All language subtitles for Gie.2005.DVDRip.x264-FUFU.en

Indonesia in the late 1950s
and early 1960s...

...was a country
caught in the middle of the Cold War.

Whether the country,
under the leadership of Sukarno...

...its "president-for-life",
would choose the path of communism...

...was a question on everyone's mind.

The entire population was politicized
and all factions of society...

...Indonesian students included,
became part of a larger game...

...that would determine
Indonesia's future.

Soe Hok Gie, a young man of Chinese
descent came of age in this era.

This film is a visual interpretation
of that young's life.

(A speech of President Soekarno.)

"Produce with financial support
of the Hubert Bals Fund...

...of the International Film Festival
Rotterdam".

Hey! He knocked over the paint!

Run!

Han!

I was born in Jakarta,
December 17, 1942...

...when war was exploding
in the Pacific.

When I was five,
my parents sent me to Xin Hwa School.

After that,
I went to Strada Junior High.

GIE

1956

Syan, I'm going now.

Out of bed, Djin!

Come on, girls.

Twenty people have been arrested
for suspected...

...involvement in an attempt
to kill President Soekarno...

This is all you could get?

You're lazy, a good-for-nothing!
Han! Come with us!

If you can't write anymore,
how are we going to feed the kids?

Why don't you contact Tan
at Star Weekly, ask for a job there.

Soe!

Mona and I can take in sewing.

Who is it, Gie?

It's okay. I'm fine.
You should go home, Han.

Your aunt
will have gotten over it by now.

No, you stay here.
You can sleep in my bed.

Gie, listen to Dien!
Take Han back to his house.

This is none of your business-or ours!

If he goes home, he'll get beaten
for sure. You want that to happen?

- Listen, Gie, I'll go.
- Where's that ungrateful wretch?

Such an ungrateful kid!

Where do you think you're going?

Sir, isn't there a difference
between an author and a translator?

In this case we can say
that he is the author...

...because the real author
isn't known here.

Indeed, we can say that Chairi Anwar
is the book's author.

No, you can't!
He's the translator, not the author.

Besides, Andre Gide, the real author,
is known here.

Maybe you know him,
but what about the others?

Giam, you know Andre Gide?

Well, most pedicab drivers
don't know Chairil either!

And you're no better than one!
That's right!

As a human being, I am no better!

Today is a day
when vengeance fils my heart.

I got an 8 on a 10-point test...

...but the teacher knocked off
another 3 points.

I'm not happy about this at all.

Why do you keep
arguing with him, Gie?

Your grades aren't all that bad.
They're still better than mine!

Han, if you want a life that's free,
you have to learn to fight for it.

Look at Soekarno, Hatta and Sjahrir...

...they were willing to fight
for the independence of this country.

They had the courage to stand up
against injustice.

Hey, how about going to the beach.

What are you talking about?

The beach.
I'd like to see the ocean.

My anger has become a stone
in my heart.

I have never failed a test before.

Now, because of it,
I'm ranked third in the class.

In fact, I know for sure I should be
number one. I won't accept this.

My grades deserve to be higher
than the ones in my report card.

Maybe so, but you have to apologize
to Mr. Arifin.

Asep got much better grades,
but that's because he is your nephew.

Isn't that right, sir?

I won't accept it, Mother.
My grades are better than that.

I'm a lot smarter than the other kids.

The teachers have something against me
is all.

You can repeat the year
like your principal said.

- You're not that old.
- I won't!

don't you believe me, Mother?
don't you think that I am smart?

Say something, Father.
You know how much I read.

- Stop it, Gie.
- No, I won't!

You can find me another school.
I'll prove it to you.

If my low grades are only
because I criticized my teacher...

...I won't put up for it.
And I won't apologize either.

But that's a stupid teacher for you.

Why, he doesn't even know his subject.

I know more about literature
than he does.

A teacher who can't take criticism
doesn't deserve to teach.

Teachers are not gods
and not always right either.

And students
are not just stupid buffalo.

Monday, October 28, 1957.

School has started
and it is so boring.

I'd like to study outside, in the
open air, like Tagore suggested.

Sunday, January 26, 1958.

I don't know what's come over me
but all I want to do is write.

I went to the central library today...

Sunday, January 26, 1958.

I am feeling excited,
made adventurous from my reading.

I just finished a book about Prince
Jenggala and his Chinese queen...

Tuesday, February 4, 1958.

I've been reading a lot lately.

I finished a book on Trifid,
a threat to the world.

It's a good book.

I feel uneasy.

Friday, February 14, 1958.

Women will always be beneath men
if all they care about...

...are clothes and make-up.

Monday, March 24, 1958.

I just read Romeo and Juliet.

The story is idealistic, illogical
and boring...

...but I read it anyway.

I've taken an interest in phiosophy.

I'd like to correct my faults.

Soe Hok Gie!

- Where are we going?
- To the mountains.

- I thought we were going to the beach.
- We can go to the beach another time.

Today, President Soekarno
officially announced...

...the concept of guided democracy,
which, he feels...

...is better suited to Indonesia
than Western-style democracy.

So, in your opinion, Soe, "guided
democracy" is not democratic at all?

That's right, sir. Just look at what
has been happening to the press lately.

Indonesia Raya and Harian Rakyat
newspapers, for instance.

I'm not a supporter
of the Communist Party...

...but the closure of Harian Rakyat
violates all democratic principles.

Here we are,
supposedly a democracy...

...but the government is the first to
sience anyone who speaks against it.

Meanwhile, journalists
and anyone else who speak out...

...against corruption
find themselves arrested.

That's what happened to Mochtar Lubis,
the journalist.

In my opinion,
this is a clear sign of dictatorship.

I'm sorry to say,
our time is up for the day.

Thank you all for participating
in this discussion.

We are the new generation
with the task of putting to right...

...the wrongs
of the generation before us.

We will be the judge and jury
for those who are corrupt.

We are the generation that will
lead Indonesia to prosperity.

Our current leaders were raised
in the Dutch colonial era.

Yes, they fought for independence.

But they have forgotten
what they fought for.

And now the people's are suffering
more than ever.

I am here for you,
the wretched and the oppressed!

Who is responsible
for this situation?

The older generation?

Our corrupt leaders should be executed
for what they have done.

Mona, the sewing machine is here.
You can put it over there.

Djin, help move that table.
Soe, do something!

Djin, tell your father
to give us a hand.

Our only hope is in the truth...

...but the radio
keeps spreading lies.

The truth is ephemeral...

...and the world is
full of deception.

High school is over now.

And the pleasant memories
of that time come back to me.

Realizing that everything
must and will come to an end...

...I almost feel nostalgic.

It's as if I am afraid
of the future and what lies ahead.

The past takes on a golden glow...

...but one principle I follow is
"let the dead be dead".

There are men and women so lonely,
they believe God too is lonely...

Gie!

Herman!

Ira!

Gie!

Ira!

Gie!

Gie!

You bunch of twits!
The others are waiting. Come on!

1963

The situation is getting worse.

Tension between the military and
the Communist Party is on the rise.

It's too soon
to tell what might happen.

I don't know. Let's just hope
it's not an open clash.

Prices are soaring...

...and greedy capitalists
are taking advantage of the situation.

Given this scenario, we,
as educated people, must do something.

As scholars,
we must devise a new set of solutions.

But we must remain neutral,
not swayed by vested interests.

We must be willing to shoulder
the burden of social responsibiity...

...and act when the time calls.

An intellectual who does nothing
in a time like this...

...has lost all sense of humanity.

When Hitler began to show
his true side...

...a young woman
by the name of Inge Scholl said no.

She and her followers
had the courage to say no.

They were young but they had
the nerve to oppose the Nazi regime.

That they were executed for
their opposition is not the issue...

...they fulfilled
their intellectual duty.

They faced cruel consequences
for their stance.

At the same time, what could be more
poetic than to die defending the truth?

We have to issue an announcement,
encouraging people to speak up.

We need new concepts and ideas.

We must do everything we can
to understand the true problems today.

Finding the key to understanding
is the quest of every thinking person.

Whether he is a nationalist,
a socialist or a communist.

We'll meet again next Tuesday.

Gie, I'm Ben...

...from the Socialist Student Movement.
Do you have time to talk?

After a discussion with supporters
of the Indonesian Socialist Party...

...I was introduced by an activist
to the party's leader...

...a former government official
by the name of Soemitro.

For opposing government policies
he was forced to live in exile.

I had heard
of his political manifesto.

He's a true idealist...

In principle,
I believe we both agree...

...the government
is going in the wrong direction.

And I would like it very much
if you...

- Is it "Gie" or "Soe"?
- It's Soe.

- If you, Soe, could help us
with a campaign. - How?

By bringing out
an underground publication...

...a journal, something confidential.

We need a forum for the opinions of
young intellectuals like yourself...

...a periodical of sorts in which
to publish them. - The objective?

The same as what you've been doing...

...creating public opinion
on problems today.

Is this a political conspiracy?

I guarantee you,
this is an independent movement.

There is no involvement from political
parties, or high-level institutions.

However, that does not mean
we don't have our supporters.

How about it?

Starting tomorrow,
I'll be staying with Dien.

She needs help with the baby.

Mona, you'l have to fix meals
for your father and Gie.

And, Gie, you should eat at home
more often.

It would save us some money.

Gie!

The People's Assembly today elected
Soekarno as president for life...

I was invited to meet Soekarno
as a representative...

...of young Chinese-Indonesians
who supported assimiation...

...and to ask for his blessing.
His blessing!

At first I was reluctant because
I had nothing to wear...

...but then, with a borrowed suit,
I went anyway.

Soe, are you ready?

I have a friend with whom
I rarely agree about anything.

According to him,
Soekarno has three kinds of titles.

Just like one
of the old Javanese kings.

A political title:
"Ruler of the Land".

A miitary title:
"Commander of the Battle".

And a religious title:
"The Chosen One".

Soekarno has positioned himself as
heir to the Javanese kingly dynasty.

And he acts just like one, with all
his wives and his great many palaces!

The suit is too big for him.

I now see the truth
in my friend's statement.

The revolution of 1945
is our new religion.

And Soekarno's political slogans
are nothing more than false prayers...

...yet people trust them implicitly.

It's time for the Indonesian people
to say no to Soekarno!

That film was too heavy.
I didn't get it!

Where do you think you're going?
Sit here, join the discussion.

Go ahead, Denny,
say what do you think of the film.

I just told you I don't get it!

You said it's a war fim
but where's the bang-bang-bang?

The point of the film was to capture
the human side of people...

...who have but a few days to live.

It is a tragic story
but also a heroic tale.

Remember, the Japanese see suicide
as a noble act.

Look at the film's leading character.

Personally he is opposed to war
and supports humanistic ideals.

Why then is he willing to die?
To bring the war to a sooner end!

He hopes to open the eyes of
the leadership to the misery of war.

As for the other leading character,
he is afraid to die...

...because he doesn't want
to leave his lover.

But on the final evening
he finds peace as he imagines...

...his lover performing
a mystical dance.

And, in the end,
he too kills herself.

But I bet you had more sympathy
for the main character, right?

Because you don't have a girlfriend!

And so you can't relate
to the other guy!

I liked the music.

Even though it sounds western,
you can tell it's Japanese.

I mean, even though
it's modern music...

...anyone listening can tell
it is Japanese.

Which means
that strong cultural roots...

...will not be penetrated
by western culture.

A good analogy is this...

...Japan is the soil,
the West is the seed.

Even though the seed grows
as a western tree...

...it will have Japanese roots.

So tell me, Ira, if you are the soil,
whose seeds do you want to have?

- Soe.
- Auntie, is Ira home?

- Ira, Soe is here. I have to go now.
- Yes, auntie.

Come in.

Ira, do you feel awkward
when we're together like this?

Huh?

I mean, when weire alone like this,
what do you feel?

Do you feel like
you're with your brother...

...with a friend, or a boyfriend?

What are you talking about?

We should get going.
The other will be waiting.

Gie, you're a Catholic, aren't you?
What?

I and some others have joined
the Catholic Students Organization.

It's small, but well organized.

There is a meeting at my place
next week.

We'd be very happy
if you could come.

- What is this for, Jaka?
- What for?

Gie...?

Han!

"The founding of Mapala
is to be marked...

...by a hiking trip
to Mount Pangrango"

- Gie. - Sorry, Ira. Why are you
walking backwards?

- It's Jaka, isn't it?
- He's changed so quickly.

Don't think about it, Gie.

By the way, I booked the auditorium
for the opening.

I think the name is great.

"Mapala" has a nice sound to it...

...the Student Nature Lovers
Association.

Gie...
About last night...

- Last night?
- Yes, last night, at my house.

What is it?
Did I do something wrong?

It's not that. I just wanted to say,
you're a very kind person.

"Before the first sun rises in 1965,
Malaysia will be defeated"

The history of the world
is one of oppression.

The question is, can there be
history without oppression...

...or without sadness and betrayal?

It's like, when studying history,
the only thing we find is betrayal.

It is there, in each and every part
of our life...

...yet we can do nothing about it.

How very tragic this is.

But "life is suffering",
so says the Buddha...

...and people cannot escape from it.

Historical awareness
denotes an awareness of life...

...and the futility of human values.

Indeed, life is not always pleasant.

"Happy is the people without history",
Dawson says.

And the historian is a person who
must know and experience life's pain.

- Gie. - Hi, Jaka.
Did you see the fim?

I saw you laughing at me yesterday.

I don't care
if you don't approve of my actions...

...but if you want
to do something useful...

...stop wasting your time watching
movies and climbing mountains!

- What are you trying to say?
- You yourself said it.

We need concepts, ideas
and to do everything we can...

...to understand the issues
affecting our country today.

Isn't that what you said?

Which side are you on anyway?
Left or right?

- Watch what you're saying, Jaka.
- No, you watch it!

- What's going on?
- Nothing.

Gie? It's me, Han!
Tjin Han.

- Han?
- How are you?

I didn't think I'd ever
see you again. - Yeah, me too.

I never get
to the old neighborhood anymore.

- So where do you live now?
- The Roxy area.

- Still with your aunt?
- Who else?

- I think a revolution is coming.
- Revolution? What kind of revolution?

No one wants to talk about it
but the situation...

...between the Communist Party
and the army is really tense.

Soekarno and the Communist Party
chairman are far too close.

The situation is likely to explode.

Why don't you come
to one of our meetings?

You could see
what we're fighting for.

The Party's getting bigger
and we got a lot of people's support.

I'll introduce you to my comrades.
I'm sure they will like you.

Try asking yourself why Soekarno and
the Communist Party support each other.

It's politics, Han.
It all a game of power.

Listen to me a second.

You should know why I want change,
why I want a better life.

Like you,
I also feel I have a duty...

...to see that the poor
have a better life.

And it's going to happen, Gie.
You should know that.

Just listen to me, please.
Get out of the Party while you can.

Trust me on this.

Political parties are now
influencing campus life.

Large student organizations like
the National Student Organization...

...and the Islamic Student
Organization...

...and even smalls ones
like the Catholic Student Union...

...are basing their moves
on their partyis political agenda.

I have no sympathy for them at all.

If students are making decisions
of political relevance...

...no matter how minor,
the decision-making process...

...should be neutral
and based on strong principles.

If something is right they must have
the courage to say itis right.

And if it's wrong,
to say it's wrong.

And not base truth on
religious, political...

...or any other
organizational principles.

"Submit the name of your candidate
for the Student Senate"

For me, politics is dirty business,
as dirty as mud.

But if the time comes
and it is impossible to avoid...

...one must jump in!

Have you seen Herman?

I just think we need to do something.

The situation is getting worse.

All the candidates
are being used by political parties.

We have to make sure the student
senate stays neutral.

It's not that I don't want
to be a candidate...

...but I have no interest in politics.
I hate all that political bullshit.

Thatis exactly my point!

You're ideal for the position.

You're the oldest one among us.

You have the charisma to be a leader.

And, most important, you're not
connected to a political party.

That's an advantage.
I'm sure our friends will agree.

With you as head, we could make
the hiking club stronger.

So, that's it, huh?

- But you will help me, right?
- Of course I will.

We can set up the kinds
of activities that we like...

...concerts, films,
mountain climbing...

- But...
- What?

But every now and then,
we have to attack the government too!

Okay!

I think it's clear for me now,
which is why I am giving this to you.

You'll see that
the thinking behind my essay...

...isn't all that far
from that of Soemitrois manifesto.

We're so glad you finally decided
to join us.

- I'm Roeli.
- I'm Yossy.

"A Political Manifesto
for a Reform Movement"

Though this country
achieved its independence...

...we have yet to achieve
the goals of the revolution.

We are concerned that our leaders
and our government...

...have led this country
to an alarming situation.

And now dictatorship, whether by
an individual or a group...

...is not just a danger...

It has become reality!

May I add something?

State policies and administration
not only contravene the principles...

...of humanitarianism
and consensus...

...they have emasculated
and suppressed them.

It is now very clear that
the term "guided democracy"...

...if but a ploy for suppressing...

...and destroying the very principles
of democracy itself.

The time has come
for every true patriot to assemble...

...to act, and to save this nation
from catastrophe.

Every student who considers himself
anti-colonialist and a revolutionary...

...is invited to participate
in the student senate.

This hope is shared by the teachers
in this department.

Together, we can achieve our goal.

Gie!

This must be your writing.

So, the government is just
a bunch of liars!

Hey, I have something for you to see.

- What's that?
- Just come with me.

Now all you have to do is relax.

I have a friend
who's dying to meet you.

Here are cigarettes,
peanuts and beer.

Now, I'm going to leave.
You relax, okay?

Hi.

- I'm Soe.
- I'm Santi.

- Where do you live?
- On Kebon Jeruk.

Do you like mountain climbing?
Denny and I do.

- Are you a student?
- No.

- Do you work?
- Yes.

- Where?
- The Nirvana Hotel.

Gie, get back in there.

You didn't tell me she's that kind
of girl. She even works out of a hotel!

This wasn't just my idea.
The other guys were in on it too.

- You have to get some experience.
- You're crazy.

You can't be so uptight with girls.

You haven't done anything with Ira,
have you?

- So you can practice with Santi!
- We've already paid for her time.

Ira is my friend and I respect her.

don't put her in the same category
as that woman!

Gie...

I'm sorry, Gie.

Really, I'm sorry.

- You're part of the scam!
- You pervert!

1965 - We demand that the initiation
organizing committee be disbanded!

In fact, the whole student senate
should be disbanded.

It's clear
they have tried to thwart...

...the National Student Movement's
every demand.

Ever since the senate was formed,
we voiced our objections about it.

The trashing of our posters
proves that the senate...

...is contra-revolutionary
and against Soekarno!

Sir, let me say something.

I want to clarify
that this student senate is neutral.

Members of the senate
are individuals.

They are not representatives
of any particular organization.

- They were chosen based on...
- Hey, Chink! Shut your face!

This is bullshit!

- Gie...
- What, Herman?

Can't you sleep?

I'm sorry about this mess.

You were right, politics is bullshit.

You know, I've always wanted
to ask you something.

What is it we're actually
fighting for?

Gie? - What you said reminds me
of a childhood friend.

He too used to ask me
why I was always protesting...

...especially when my life
was so much better than his.

Look at it this way,
we have a president, a leader...

...whom we recognize as
this country's founding father.

Even so, that should not warrant him
having absolute control...

...over our lives...

...especially when corruption
and injustice is so pervasive.

If we just sit back
and accept this fate...

...we'll never know
life's true opportunities.

It's simple, really. I want change
so that we can have a better life.

And this can only happen
if Soekarno is replaced.

Talking about change of fate...

Ira gave me the lyrics
to a Joan Baez song.

Calves are easily bound
and slaughtered...

...never knowing the reason why.

But whoever treasures freedom,
like the swallow must learn to fly...

I studied the lyrics.

What they're saying is not
to accept misery...

...or to live as if our whole life
has been predetermined...

...as if it's a curse
we have no choice but to bear.

If we want to live freely,
we must learn to fly.

Hey, shithead, wake up!

I don't want to be a bamboo
that sways in the wind.

I want to be an oak,
able to stand firm.

October 1, 1965

Something happened last night.
Some generals were kidnapped.

Now there's a curfew.

Come in.

I'm Soenarto.

Did Ben tell you?

You're working with me now.
Ben has been moved to another section.

Hi, Yossy!
Roeli...

Where are my car keys?

Good evening, Mr. Soenarto.
Friends of yours?- Yes, sir.

Sir, I've brought some people
for you to meet.

I'm Wijono. - I'm Yossy.
- Wijono...- I'm Roeli.

- I'm Soe.
- Soe?

Soe Hok Gie.

In high-level politics,
there are two major political forces.

This is true in the miitary as well.

The first block is anti-communist.
The second is pro-Communist Party.

Soekarno leans towards
the second to balance the two.

Because only the Communist Party
can compete with the military.

Good night.
Where are you going?

I am Soe Hok Gie, sir. I'm a student
at the University of Indonesia.

Don't you know there's a curfew?
- Is there really?

I've been so busy writing my thesis,
I havenit listened to the radio.

- I asked you where are you going.
- I'm going home, sir.

- Where do you live?
- Very close, on Kebon Jeruk, sir.

You better stay at home.

If people think you're a communist,
you could be kiled.

I don't get it, Gie
I'm sure the Party wasn't involved.

It's like you said,
it's political power game.

What do you think
is going to happen?

will they disband the Party?

You're coming with me.

I'll take you to a friend's house
where you can stay for a while.

No, Gie, I have to stay here.

My aunt is old.

If you stay, don't go out.

Hide anything that connects you
to the Communist Party.

Burn what you can.

In the morning,
try to find a place for your aunt.

After that, come to my house.
Do you understand me, Han?

Army headquarters has temporarily
banned all newspapers...

...except for ones
published by the miitary.

This policy has been put into effect
in order to resolve any confusion...

...regarding the attempted coup...

...and the role the Communist Party
played in it.

January 1966

In a political move, to break the power
of the anti-communist force...

...the government raised food prices.
Soekarno's objective is clear.

To make people think more about
putting food on their table...

...than crushing the Communist Party!

This puts the military
in a difficult position.

For them to do nothing
will mean chaos...

...but if they act,
the people willturn against them.

Student organizations have merged
themselves into KAMI...

...the Indonesian Students
Acts Union...

...which will take our demands
to the street.

If the government bans
the Communist Party...

...it must focus
on economic improvement.

If the people
become any more destitute...

...they will take matters
into their own hands.

That will mean chaos.

It would better for students
to lead the way.

Herman, this is Roeli
and Yossy Roeli.

We were in the same high school.

Herman Lantang?

- You two know each other?
- This guy used to be a delinquent!

Well now he and his friends
are helping us.

Herman is the student president.
He can get you some student IDs.

- Gie.
- Hi, Djin.

I went home yesterday to help Mother
move the rest of her stuff.

- Lately, I've been staying at campus.
- I've read your articles.

They're very good.

Well, I must go...

By the way, I'm managing a talk show
for the university radio...

...on current issues. Could I ask you
to speak one day? - Sure.

Who likes to wine and dine
while the people go hungry?

- The corrupt ministers! - Who likes
nightclubs and screwing around?

The ministers' boss!

We want to see the minister!

We're only asking you
to sign this, sir.

Maybe it would be a good idea
if you greeted the students yourself.

How many ministers do we have?

More than a hundred on the books.

Too bad every single one is a crook!

Cock, cock-a-doodle doo.

Our ministers are a bunch of clowns.

Pid, pid, stu-pid, stu-pid.

Bring all the idiot ministers down!

Down with idiot ministers!

Down with idiot ministers!

Mother...

Youire so dirty, Gie...
And you smell!

Sometimes I wonder
why you do all this.

Next time you go out,
have your sister wash your clothes.

That night
I slept in the Psychology Department.

Now, I'm really tired.

The holidays are coming
and the year will soon be over.

But memories of the demonstration
will live on.

It is a stepping stone
of Indonesia's student movement...

...a stepping-stone
of the Indonesian revolution...

...and a stepping-stone
in Indonesian history.

Because what we were fighting for
was truth and honesty.

February 1966/
Soekarno just delivered a speech...

...in which he made
some important announcements.

It was, however, very disappointing,
The Communist Party was not dissolved.

And the new cabinet
still has Communists in it.

The prices for staple goods
are as high as ever.

The students
will hit the streets again.

My fellow listeners!
Today, by presidential decree...

...President Soekarno handed over
the powers of the presidency...

...to Lieutenant General Soeharto
thereby giving him full authority.

To take whatever measures necessary
to re-establish national security.

To safeguard both the personal safety
and standing of the president.

And to implement the teachings
of our revolutionary leader.

"The Courage of a Journalist"

"Militarism among Students"

My name is Soe Hok Gie.

You may call me Soe or Gie
but never call me sir.

"Twenty Three Years
of National Struggle"

"Betrayal by the Intellectual Elite"

"Zainal Abidin"

General Soeharto has been elected
as the second President of Indonesia.

Hard hitting and incisive...
An amazing young man!

Just leave the reels. I'll return them
to the Goethe Institute myself.

- Gie.
- Hi! Did you watch the fim?

Yes, I was sitting
two rows behind you.

- Hi, Sinta.
- Hi, Ira.

Your article appeared in Kompas today.

- My dad read it and gave his comments.
- Oh, really?

Are you done here?
Can we go?

- What did your dad say?
- He said it was very good.

I love watching the rain.

And smelling its scent.

What about you?

One day, you must come
to the mountains with us.

Gie...

Do you feel awkward
when we're together like this?

I mean when it's just the two of us?

What do you feel?

Gie?

What were you saying?

You like mango, Gie.
Go ahead, eat up. - Thanks, Leia.

When did you last see Mother, Gie?

It's been a while.
It was on her birthday.

When was that?
Yeah, a month, two months ago.

- How's Father?
- He looks healthier.

I heard you've taken
an Indonesian name.

- What is it?
- Arief Budiman.

Wow...

- What about you?
- What?

- Are you going to change yours?
- Me?

Are you Soe Hok Gie?

I read your articles.
Have you seen today's news?

Watch out, Chink!

Indonesia Raya newspaper claims
to have uncovered strong evidence...

...that Bulog,
the State Bureau of Logistics...

...has sold 2,000 tons of rice
in a scam that has cost the state.

What do you think?

WiII Soemitro be able to retain
his ideals in Soeharto's government?

I don't know.

We'll have to see.

Soenarto?

How did you know where I live?

Mr. Soemitro sends you his regards.

He says that he would like to meet you
in person one day.

- Hi, Aristides.
- Gie.

Let's sit outside.

Why do you look so troubled?

You know, you don't always
have to be thinking.

Gie...

In 1966, the government introduced
changes in parliament.

Pro-Communist and pro-Soekarno
members were replaced.

Thirteen student leaders
were among the new members.

As representatives,
their rights and privileges...

...are the same as other members.

Some who once were almost destitute...

...now own fancy cars
and travel abroad frequently...

...having been offered such luxuries
by parties with vested interests.

Some are suspected
to have enriched themselves...

...by exploiting their position.

- Hi, Gie.
- Hi, Jaka.

I know exactly
what's going through your mind...

...and I don't care one iota
what you think of me.

I have the right to choose my own way
of doing things.

Listen,
I know you have your own dreams.

Maybe they're the same as mine.

Let's just hope that
what you have been fighting for...

...won't be tainted by your ambition
to keep your position.

I got to go, Jaka.

- Mother!
- Auntie.

Ira!

May I speak to you for a moment?

I don't know what to do, Ira.

I know what my feeling are for Gie.

But I can never tell
what he is thinking.

You're a good friend of his,
aren't you?

Ira?

I'm sorry, Sinta,
but I can't help you.

They picked up Han
in the middle of the night.

He told me to hide.

I don't know
what happened after that.

Commie dog!

The next morning
they came back...

...to pick up me
and other people in the area.

I was moved around until finally
ending up in Semarang.

For two years I was locked up,
not knowing why.

Since they took him away,
I haven't heard from Han again.

In late 1965 and early 1966...

...something awful happened
on the beautiful island of Bali...

...a mass slaughter possibly
without parallel in modern times.

When Stalin was in power in Russia,
mass terror ruled.

The same thing happened in Bali...

...targeting Communist Party members
and suspected sympathizers.

During this time, when these killings
were taking place...

...prisoners often begged
to be killed straightway...

...from fear of torture or such
heinous methods of execution...

...that no one either sane or
believes in God could possible approve.

The army did nothing to stop
these killings, obviously waiting...

...to see who would win
the political battle in Jakarta.

Soekarno, Soeharto...

...the nationalists,
the socialists or the leftists.

Self survival was the strongest motive
for their actions.

Everyone tried to erase any connection
to the Communist Party.

Former Party supporters became vocal
and vehement anti-Communists.

Private militias emerged whose members
were characterized by...

...their black uniforms
and their weapons...

...swords, knives, clubs and guns.

In Bali, these killings
claimed the lives...

...of at least eighty thousand people,
young and old, men and women...

...and this number is based on
conservative figures.

The burning of people's homes...

...the rape of women accused of being
communist spread everywhere...

...all with the blessing
of local political leaders.

Aren't you writing for Kompas today?

Hmm, Gie...

What is it, Tides?

I just want to be sure...

You know where you may go into
with this?

Gie... Okay, I understand.

Tien! Take this to Dullah.
Tell him it's for tomorrow.

No...
Tell him Monday!

So, when do you want
to make another climb?

- Semeru? You up for it?
- Mount Semeru?

Yeah, at 3,600 meters high,
it's the highest mountain in Java.

We've done Merapi and Salak.
So Semeru is next, right?

Sounds good. Call together
the others and we'll plan a trip.

Okay, will do.
Got to go now.

Yes, Dullah?

It's about Gie's article.
Are you sure about this?

Maybe you should think it over.

"Mass Murder on the Island of Bali"

Sinta, what is it?

Please forgive me, Gie...

I'm so sorry.

The media has strongly
to the government's new policy...

...requiring all print media,
to obtain a special...

...government-approved permit
to publish.

Dear Herman, in far-away Iran.

Thanks for keeping up
the steady stream of correspondence.

Of late,
I really needed someone to talk to.

I almost feel too tired to write.
Maybe I'm just fed up and uninspired.

Time passes quickly.

Most of our friends
have graduated from university.

I really miss you,
Ira, Denny and the others.

The laughter, the arguments,
our discussions.

Ira is still at the university,
working as an assistant lecturer...

...but we hardly ever seem to talk.
I'm sure you know the reason why.

The department has changed so much.
Many of my fellow lecturers...

...seem to have no dedication
or commitment at all.

This makes the students
all the more lazy.

This is just one of the issues
I've tried to raise...

...but fellow teachers complain
I'm being too stubborn...

...and making a big deal
out of nothing.

I don't care. I'd rather be
an outcast than a hypocrite.

I'm going to write an article
on this.

"The Sorry Face of Today's
University Students"

I plan to climb Semeru,
maybe at the end of the year.

I hope you'll be home
by then so that you can join us.

I trust your research is going well.
Regards, Soe.

Because the miitary is the nation's
new hero, their domination grows.

And now that they are in power,
power will guide their actions.

We can also expect to see
the reemergence...

...of Islamic mass organizations.

And with members
of parliament representing...

...the political interests
of those in power...

...it's not likely they will be
critical of the government.

- Who was arrested?
- Remi, Jon, Purnama, Joko...

The others have gone
to check on them. - I'll go too.

I don't think that's a good idea.

Roeli told me your name
was being bandied around.

You'd better keep your head down
for a while.

Chinese + Communist = Death.

You've always seemed
to know everything about me.

What do you know about this?

All I can say is
to take good care of yourself.

Be very careful, and watch
what you say when you speak.

If you speak out too strongly against
someone, you're going to have enemies!

Remember,
Soekarno is no longer in power.

The fight is over.

And the military is now in power!

Which I helped to bring to pass.

But does that mean I should
stay quiet and be content?

Is that what you're suggesting?

Father...

I've always wanted to tell you...

...I became a writer
because I'm the son of a writer.

Your example gave me the confidence
to become one.

This journal of mine...

It was once yours.

Syan! Mona!

I'm going out to borrow a book.

"No Trading Here!!!"

I don't know why
but I'm feeling melancholic tonight.

I'm seeing Jakarta's streets and
its colorful lights in a different way.

They seem to have been transformed
into a different kind of human face.

The sight seems familiar but alien...

...and I feel somehow disconnected
from my body.

The street's darkened shadows
are a haunting poem.

And there stirs in my soul,
an overpowering love...

...that I want to share
with all of humankind.

Auntie, is Ira home?

Ira is resting
and can't be disturbed.

At the end, everything will come
to one ordinary day...

...to a time that we long knew
would come to be.

Are you still as loving as
you used to be...

...asking if I drank my milk
and had a good sleep...

...even as you are straightening
my collar?

A veil of fog drifts slowly down
the valley of love...

...here in distant Mandalawangi.

You and I stand tall
looking at the dark forest...

...absorbing the sudden chill
brought with the wind.

Is your gentle touch
as loving as it used to be...

...when I held you tightly
and you pulled me even closer?

WiII you still say to me,
I can feel the beating of your heart?

We're so different in every way,
except in our love.

As day turns to night,
I see the world grow dark.

Unknown faces speak to me
in a language I do know...

...one veiled, like the morning fog.

- Gie!
- Han!

- How could you leave and not tell me?
- I had to go with my aunt.

Han!

December 1969

- Denny?
- Ira.

Gie left a letter with me for you.
I'm sorry, Ira...

I should have brought it over
yesterday, but I had no time.

I have some bad news
from Mount Semeru...

Some people would spend
all their time in prayer...

Others would spend their time
in a gambling den.

But I would willingly spend
all my time with you, my love.

Talking about our dogs
and the trouble they cause...

...or about the beautiful flowers
in Mandalawangi Valley.

American Soldiers
are dying in Danang.

Babies are dying of starvation
in Biafra.

But if I am to die,
let it be by your side, my sweet.

After years of living together
and asking questions about life...

...that not even the devil
could answer.

Come to me, my love...

...all of you who once cared for me
and gave me sympathy and kindness.

Stand tall to face the sky
and the darkening clouds...

A person who plants no crops,
will never lose a harvest.

The best fate
is to have never been born.

The second is to have been born,
but died young.

And the worst is
to die of old age...

Happy are those who die young...

Little creatures, born from nothing
returning to nothing.

Be happy in your nothingness.

Soe Hok Gie died
from inhalation of poisonous fumes...

...on Mount Semeru in December 1969.

His journal was first published
in 1983.

President Soeharto,
Soekarnois successor...

...remained in power for 32 years.

In 1998, a new wave
of student demonstrations...

...brought down his regime.

Soe Hok Gie's dream
for a government free...

...from corruption and partisanship
of any kind has yet to be realized.