JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Acclaimed Indonesian actress Ariel Tatum recently shared insights into the most physically and emotionally demanding scene she encountered during the production of her highly anticipated historical drama film, Perang Kota (City War).
In the film, Ariel embodies the pivotal character of Fatimah, a resilient mother to Salim (portrayed by Ar Barrani) and the devoted wife of Isa (played by Chicco Jerikho), a talented violin teacher. Her journey through the harrowing landscape of war required her to delve deep into the character’s fierce maternal instincts.
Ariel candidly revealed that the most challenging sequence involved her having to carry Ar Barrani while running, a desperate act of survival as Dutch soldiers relentlessly pursued them. Interestingly, this arduous action was an improvisation suggested by Ariel herself, an idea she passionately brought to the set of Perang Kota.
“What proved to be even heavier than carrying a weapon was cradling Salim in that opening sequence – an idea that, remarkably, came from me,” Ariel explained at the Perang Kota press conference held in Cikini, Central Jakarta, on Monday, March 24, 2025. Despite her initial creative input, Ariel soon found herself regretting the decision, as the challenging maneuver had to be performed repeatedly over several days of intensive shooting.
“I quickly came to regret it because I had to run while carrying Ar Barrani through countless shots, across numerous scenes, day after day. It was a relentless physical demand,” she recounted. Nevertheless, Ariel acknowledged that this very struggle was integral to portraying Fatimah’s unwavering resolve as a mother. “It was a perfectly rational act for Fatimah. Fatimah wholeheartedly embraced that decision; Ariel, perhaps not so much. But carrying that child was essential for the complete immersion into Fatimah’s character,” she affirmed, highlighting her commitment to authenticity.
Ariel further elaborated on Fatimah’s powerful persona, describing her as a mother driven by exceptionally strong, primal instincts. She views Fatimah as an incredibly inspiring figure, whose resilience and protective nature resonate deeply with countless women in real life. “For me, Fatimah embodies the spirit of a woman navigating a war-torn world. She is a wife worthy of profound love. The maternal essence within Fatimah is incredibly visceral, yet also carries significant complexity,” Ariel expressed.
“During the intensive workshop process, I was entrusted with the extraordinary opportunity to explore her character’s incredibly high resilience, her formidable fighting spirit, and her deep love and affection for her husband. I genuinely feel that many of the qualities inherent in Fatimah are ones I’ve discovered in the remarkable women who have shaped my own life,” Ariel concluded, emphasizing the character’s profound relatability.
Directed by the acclaimed Mouly Surya, Perang Kota weaves a compelling narrative centered on themes of sacrifice, unwavering loyalty, and the profound cost of freedom. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1946, the film’s plot delves into the life of Isa (Chicco Jerikho), a troubled hero grappling with his personal life, who is tasked with a perilous mission: assassinating high-ranking Dutch colonial officials to safeguard Indonesia’s hard-won independence.
Isa’s dangerous endeavor is complicated by the presence of his loyal friend and violin student, Hazil (Jerome Kutjia), who harbors a secret affection for Fatimah (Ariel Tatum), Isa’s wife. This intricate web of duty, love, and betrayal promises to add layers of emotional depth to the action-packed historical drama.
The ensemble cast of Perang Kota boasts an impressive lineup, including Chicco Jerikho, Ariel Tatum, Jerome Kurnia, Rukman Rosadi, Imelda Therinne, Faiz Vishal, Anggun Priambodo, Ar Barrani, Lintang, Chew Kinwah, Alex Abbad, Indra Birowo, Dea Panendra, and many more. Audiences can mark their calendars for the film’s release in cinemas on April 30, 2025.
Ringkasan
In the historical drama film “Perang Kota,” Ariel Tatum plays Fatimah, a mother fiercely protective of her son, Salim (Ar Barrani). The most challenging scene for Tatum involved improvising a sequence where she carried Ar Barrani while running from Dutch soldiers, a physically demanding task repeated over several days of filming. This demanding action, though initially regretted by Tatum, became crucial in portraying Fatimah’s unwavering maternal instincts.
Tatum described Fatimah as a strong, inspiring woman whose resilience resonates with many. The film, directed by Mouly Surya, explores themes of sacrifice and loyalty during Indonesia’s struggle for independence in 1946. “Perang Kota,” featuring a large ensemble cast, is set for release on April 30, 2025.