Condemnation or Forgiveness
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
A man chooses the way of forgiveness instead of revenge killing.
Description
This 34-minute film is in the Lampungese language and is now available in a VCD format. It might be useful in a language of wider communication.
It is pre-evangelistic/evangelistic and intended for people of a Muslim background. It is set in a contemporary Indonesian kampung (countryside/small town/neighborhood). Uncle Agus, the wise man, dresses in traditional Muslim fashion, but speaks of Isa, and encourages his nephew to read about him in the Injil (the Bible). It presents Isa (Jesus) as the Truth.
This is not a step-by-step presentation of the gospel, but shows one man’s struggle with the question of how he can enter paradise. It deals with this man’s sense of obligation to avenge his grandfather’s death while feeling at the same time that murder only multiplies his sin and further separates him from God. He comes to the conclusion that the way of Isa (forgiveness) is a higher way.
Indonesian actors wear either traditional Muslim or Western style dress, according to scene. The story is told through a lot of dialogue and some action. There is some use of “remembered speech” at a crucial point, quoting a wise man’s words of advice given previously in the film. Acting is realistic.
Notable interpretation or contextualization of Scripture
The film deals with the theme of forgiveness. Two young adult brothers feel an obligation to follow tradition and avenge their grandfather’s death by killing a young man (descendant of the killer) who has recently moved back into their neighborhood. The young man (Yusuf) kills the first brother in self-defense. The second brother prays for Allah to lead him, and is overheard by his Uncle Agus, who tells him the story of the woman caught in adultery as an example of where Isa forgave sin. Back at home, the brother reads from a copy of the Injil, and decides not to fight further. Yusuf and the first brother meet in the presence of others. The brother forgives Yusuf, who falls at his feet, and they leave reconciled.
Considerations
- It is well done, using a variety of angles, steady camera, good acting, and realistic fighting.
- It does not look like an amateur production.
- The series of scene changes is portrayed in a straightforward manner. Some close-ups and special angles are used.
- There are a limited number of actors.
Limitations
- The script, available in Lampungese, does not follow the video in all details.
- A low to medium level of media sophistication is required to understand video.
- There is very much contextualization in a Lampungese (the script says “Orang Laut”) setting.
