Finally got to watch this long-awaited Indonesian silent full-length film I’ve been dying to see. Sadly, it never screened in my city, so I missed the theatrical experience... but oh well here we go. This film definitely isn’t for everyone. It leans heavily into a magical, traditional, almost surreal vibe from start to finish. The story itself is actually pretty clear, but you have to pay attention (especially to the score) to fully feel it. If you do, it becomes such an extraordinary experience. There are a lot of meaningful lessons woven in, and it also gives you a glimpse into Balinese culture that you might not have known before. The lead duo (Ario & Juliet) absolutely killed it. With zero dialogue to rely on, they carry everything through expressions and body language, and you can really see the commitment in every movement. "Samsara" is such a beautiful cultural experience: visually stunning, hypnotic, and deeply atmospheric. The music by Gabber Modus Operandi hits hard at times, but it still blends perfectly with the scenes. And honestly, the black & white cinematography choice isn’t a drawback at all. If anything, it makes the visuals even more striking. Every frame feels wallpaper-worthy. So surreal. So enchanting. My only issue? I honestly felt like the runtime was a bit too short. Everything wraps up pretty quickly, and sometimes it feels like the film moves on before we can fully soak in the visuals it’s presenting each act. But at the same time, it’s understandable, maybe they were worried audiences would get bored since it’s a b&w silent film. Still, I wouldn’t have minded a little more time to just sit with its beauty.