Mondo-nesia: The Warrior

Indonesia is a strange place. They have given us such odd classics as The Queen of Black Magic, Mystics in Bali and Lady Terminator. They also brought us The Devil's Sword, which shares the same lead as today's film...

The Warrior

On top of being a rare, foreign import film, it is also an adaptation of a famous comic book from this country. A crazy, action comic-book film from Indonesia? Need I say more? I suppose so.

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This movie takes place during the Dutch occupation of the country. You all remember that, right? Let's move on. A freedom fighter named Jaka Sembung is standing strong against them, much like a very kick-ass Gandhi. In the beginning, he escapes from a chain-gang and prepares another attack. This leads the clearly-not-Dutch to seek out a powerful fighter to kill him. One finds them, however, and makes his way right into their compound.

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How tough, you ask? I dunno, how about super-strength? That do anything for ya?
How about the power to absorb bullets from 200 yards...with super-tough skin?!?
How about the power...to be stabbed through the head by Jaka Sembung? Well, now he's dead.

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In most films, I would wonder how the back of his head is vulnerable while the front is not. In this film, it is the most logical thing. After this failure, they get a little desperate. They hire a wizard with buck teeth to resurrect an even more powerful wizard. They are sold after he demonstrates Yoda-esque powers on one of the 'Dutch' lieutenants. The new wizard re-attaches his body to his head and gets to work. The villains draw out Jaka and our villain kicks his ass with Jedi magic. They're doomed.

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At this point, the film ventures into blatantly ripping off other famous heroes' stories. For example, Jaka is blinded and, later, bursts free of prison by pulling out the pillars. Sound familiar? That's Samson. During his escape attempt, he is turned into a pig and chased away. Is that Greek enough for you? The film does have some of it's own ideas though. One of Jaka's allies is wounded during his rescue and dies, so a good wizard gives him her eyes via magic. Yes, they show it. It is time for payback!

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Jaka has an epic battle against the wizard, which you can see here. It involves flying limbs, leaping people and swords. It is epic and completely weird. I was sold on the movie on this clip alone and you likely will be too. With that out of the way, him and his troops go to assault the main compound. This is a great series of scenes, save for the forced inclusion of the lone comic character. We don't always need them, Asian filmmakers! Jaka kills the General and everyone lives happily ever after. Oh wait, he's not dead and accidentally kills his daughter. Okay, most people live happily ever after.

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It is time to cover something new- namely, our neighbors from the stars. Stay tuned...