The Indonesian film “Andragogy,” also known as “Budi Pekerti,” on Netflix explores the subject of cyberbullying. The movie, which was directed by Wregas Bhanuteja, centres on Prani, a guidance counsellor whose life takes a drastic turn after a video of her berating a line-cutter becomes popular online. Everyone, including her family and coworkers, has a different idea about how to handle the circumstance. But as the issue becomes worse, Prani is also made to reflect on her history and consider whether or not her actions may have had a bad effect on someone.
Reviewers and audiences alike have praised the film for its timely lessons of relevance in today’s environment. After all, many people have found resonance in the realistic portrayals of how the internet may affect daily life. As a result, many find themselves wondering if this incredibly relevant film was influenced by a true story.
Is Andragogy Based on a True Story
Although “Andragogy” is not a recounting of a single actual event, it draws inspiration from other analogous tales that have transpired up to this point. The film’s director and writer, Wregas Bhanuteja, said that he has been doing research for his follow-up to “Photocopier.” Bhanuteja became motivated to discuss the effects of cyberbullying in real life after seeing several instances of it, particularly films of parents receiving criticism for their behavior.
Bhanuteja was especially keen to highlight the potential real-world consequences for those who endure abuse on the internet. The movie explores how cyberbullying impacts others close to the sufferer, in addition to the psychological strain that such circumstances may frequently bring about. The narrative also clarifies how these incidents may affect a person’s career. In addition to that, the viewers are compelled to consider the fact that context is frequently important and that individuals are far more complex beings than the few seconds of their lives that go viral online.
Story of Andragogy
Middle-aged educator Prani (Sha Ine Febriyanti) is renowned for her unyielding morality and for her inventive “reflections” that serve as punishments. Her students and coworkers appreciate and admire her for them. At a well-known coconut cake stand, she witnesses someone cutting in front of the line, and she bravely speaks up against the unfairness. However, her act takes an unexpected turn when a vlogger uploads a video of her that becomes widely shared. Misconstrued, and sparks a firestorm of anger online. Prani’s family tries to assist her in proving her innocence, but things quickly go out of control. Her reputation and her hopes of getting the vice principal job she wants are now in jeopardy.
Filmmaker Wregas Bhanuteja again offers a character study of an unfairly accused person in his second feature film, Photocopier. Which came out after his first. Though the obviousness of the situation may not always outweigh the wisdom of taking a stand? In Prani’s society, as well as maybe our own. People tend to conclude quickly from the few facts at our hands.
It is difficult to distinguish between private concerns and public rights. In light of Bhanuteja’s remarks on social media and cancel culture. Andragogy informs us that shocks and discord are always around us with its distinct, bold colour scheme and humorous soundtrack.
Review of Andragogy
Actor Sha Ine Febriyanti’s portrayal of instructor Bu Prani. Who is leading an online teaching and learning (T&L) session, is a pivotal moment in the story. Amidst the sound of crashing waves, conversations over synonyms for “bodoh” (insensible) reverberate. This seemingly ordinary scenario hides deeper cinematic themes.
This successfully captures the zeitgeist and offers a subtle introduction to the film’s main subject. The waves hint at upcoming difficulties, and the online T&L context’s recurrent use of “bodoh, goblok, tolol”. Prepares the ground for a thoughtful examination of important problems with the existing educational system.
Wregas carefully develops his semiotics in the last moments of the movie, which ends with a family migrating. With a backdrop of lush hinterlands, a red traffic signal junction becomes the site of a poignant moment. It is when the girl gets off to buy bakso (meatballs), signifying familial concern. The previous world, which was rife with poison, mistrust, hostility, and arrogance, stands in sharp contrast to this reunion.
Wregas deftly captures the fundamental human need. To re-establish a connection with the natural world and our ancestry in Budi Pekerti. This cinematic investigation fascinatingly grips our emotions because we are ready to place blame. On others and have become enmeshed in the world of social media. The moral principles that define “budi pekerti,” or moral character, have progressively eroded in the environment we live in today.
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