Jakarta (1988)

Jakarta Poster
Original Title: Peluru dan Wanita

A CIA agent roams the streets of New York haunted by the death of the beautiful woman he fell in love with while on assignment in Jakarta. When he is kidnapped and drugged, the destination is Jakarta once again where he tries to unravel the mystery that is the city which broke him three years earlier.

Film Introduction
The 1988 film "Jakarta" is a South Korean production directed by Im Kwon-taek, who is well known for his representations of conventional Korean life. While "Jakarta" leaves from that theme, the film maintains Im's gritty, practical design.

Plot Summary
The main plot of "Jakarta" revolves around an elaborate heist prepared by three bumbling lawbreakers: Bulldozer, Pipe, and the slick-talking Mastermind. The trio thoroughly plans to rob a high-stakes illegal betting setup operating in downtown Seoul's jewelry district. The operation's cover is a jewelry maker that peddles its wares to leading dollar patrons during the day and organizes a secret high-stakes poker game at night. With millions in cash at play, the crooks see it as their golden opportunity.

Twists and Turns
Their plan involves controling a possibly corruptible staff member of the jewelry store while impersonating Indonesian gem purchasers. Through their deceptiveness, they manage to gain privacy with the ignorant fashion jewelry salesperson, causing an invite to the secret unlawful poker game. The trio prospers initially in executing their strategy, handling to steal the whole pot. Nevertheless, their effective heist unravels when fear and worry set in, and the players turn versus each other, resulting in a climax filled with violence and betrayal.

Themes
The movie "Jakarta" explores various styles such as greed vs. humankind, trust vs. deceit, and funny mixed with aspects of crime and thriller. Just as the heist begins to unfold, the viewers are handled an emotional roller rollercoaster, filled with intense series, unanticipated twists, and turns that bring into sharper focus the real colors of the characters as they spiral into insanity driven by their greed.

Style and direction
The motion picture showcases Im Kwon-taek's experienced instructions, mixing well with an interesting plot and enriched by excellent efficiencies from the cast. Despite the heist-centric storyline, the director manages to infuse humor into its narrative, making for an enjoyable viewing experience. Additionally, the movie uniquely depicts Seoul's underbelly throughout the late '80s, supplying an insightful look into the socio-political sphere of the town during that time.

Conclusion
"Jakarta" is a crime comedy-drama that skilfully explores the human elements of greed and betrayal. Although the plot revolves around a bank robbing trio, the movie effectively ventures into the psychology of its problematic characters and the really essence of human greed. Viewers are delegated grapple with the ethical obscurity of its characters and, eventually, the awful consequences of their actions. In spite of being a film from 1988, "Jakarta" holds up well, with its insight into humanity, humour and suspenseful plot still resonating with modern audiences.

Top Cast

  • Chris Noth (small)
    Chris Noth
    Falco
  • Suzee Pai (small)
    Suzee Pai
    Esha
  • Frans Tumbuan (small)
    Frans Tumbuan
    Jack
  • Ronald Hunter
    Dolph
  • Zoraya Perucha (small)
    Zoraya Perucha
    Lola
  • David Sharp
    Bernie
  • Doyok Sudarmadji (small)
    Doyok Sudarmadji
    Taxi Driver
  • David Gale (small)
    David Gale
    DeJames
  • Judith Cohen
  • Mick O'Rourke (small)
    Mick O'Rourke
  • H. Kosim Betawi