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Battle of Surabaya

Name: Battle of Surabaya
Director: Aryanto Yuniawan
Released: 2015
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2015

TV-14

Director

Aryanto Yuniawan

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Battle of Surabaya is a significant work of regional storytelling that challenges Western historical dominance. By focusing on the Indonesian experience, the film transforms a historical conflict into a narrative of national reclamation. However, the film remains traditional in its gender dynamics and lacks LGBTQ+ visibility. While it excels in ethnic and cultural representation, it does not actively seek to subvert masculine leadership roles.

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Category Breakdown

Does Battle of Surabaya have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on the historical events of the 1945 conflict. There are no hints of LGBTQ+ identities or queer-coded subtext.

How does Battle of Surabaya portray gender?

Fair

The film follows traditional gender roles typical in war movies. Female characters emphasize the vulnerability of home life, while the male protagonist, Musa, holds the central role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Battle of Surabaya?

Excellent

The movie stands out by featuring an Indonesian-majority cast, highlighting ethnic specificity. It elevates the importance of indigenous nationalists by shifting the focus away from global powers.

How does Battle of Surabaya represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story uses a post-colonial framework to critique Western colonial rule. It portrays the fight for independence as a necessary reclaiming of identity against foreign occupation.

Does Battle of Surabaya include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent characters with visible or invisible disabilities used as central traits or plot devices.

Present on Screen

Highlights the ability to act of non-Western subjects by centering indigenous nationalists.
Effectively dismantles the legitimacy of Western imperial authority through a post-colonial lens.
Commits to ethnic specificity and regional storytelling.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visibility for LGBTQ+ identities or queer-coded subtext.
Maintains traditional gender hierarchies with female characters in supporting roles.
Does not depict characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Musa, who is only a thirteen-year-old shoe shiner, undergoes destiny through his adventure of waging war during the war time. Will he manage to bring peace among the troops who keep on fighting for nothing?

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