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Jelangkung

Name: Jelangkung
Director: Rizal Mantovani, Jose Poernomo
Released: 2001
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2001

Director

Rizal Mantovani, Jose Poernomo

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Jelangkung stands out as a culturally specific work that rejects Western-centric casting in favor of deep immersion in Indonesian folklore. By centering the Jelangkung ritual and a West Java setting, the film provides a strong sense of regional identity and ethnic ability to act. However, the film remains tethered to traditional genre conventions. It relies on established clichés regarding gendered vulnerability and lacks any meaningful representation of LGBTQ+ identities or disabilities. The social architecture prioritizes the mechanics of a supernatural thriller over the deconstruction of social hierarchies. Ultimately, the film is a study of curiosity versus tradition. While it succeeds in presenting a non-Western worldview, it remains socially conventional in its treatment of character dynamics and social roles.

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Category Breakdown

Does Jelangkung have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities. The interpersonal dynamics focus on conventional social groupings typical of early 2000s horror.

How does Jelangkung portray gender?

Fair

The ensemble includes both male and female characters, but the narrative frequently positions women as subjects of supernatural vulnerability. It uses gendered clichés rather than challenging traditional hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Jelangkung?

Excellent

The film excels in regional authenticity by centering an Indonesian cast and indigenous folklore. This approach avoids a Western-normative lens, providing high ethnic ability to act and cultural specificity.

How does Jelangkung represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores the tension between modern urban youth and traditional spiritual taboos. It functions as a study of curiosity versus tradition through the lens of supernatural consequences.

Does Jelangkung include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities. Characters are presented within a standard physical framework typical of the supernatural genre.

Present on Screen

Strong regional authenticity through the use of indigenous Indonesian folklore.
High degree of ethnic ability to act by centering a local cast and setting.
Avoids a Western-normative lens by focusing on local urban legends.

Limited or Absent

Lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Reliance on gendered clichés that position female characters as vulnerable.
Absence of visible or invisible disability representation within the ensemble.

Official Synopsis

Four young people investigating urban legends in Jakarta venture to Angkerbatu, West Java, where a Jelangkung spirit-calling toy alters their lives upon their return.

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