Gundala

Movie guide

Gundala (2019)

  • Action
  • Adventure
  • Science Fiction
6.2/10 Drama4U Score · from 349 TMDB votes · How the score works

Gundala (2019) guide: plot summary without spoilers, cast led by Abimana Aryasatya, release date and where to watch Joko Anwar's superhero film.

Gundala plot summary (no spoilers)

Abandoned by his parents at a young age, Sancaka grows up on the streets. The world there is harsh, and he learns one rule early: look after yourself first. That instinct keeps him alive into adulthood, but it also keeps him at a distance from everyone around him.

Meanwhile the country is sliding into disorder. Injustice spreads, ordinary people bear the brunt of it, and the city Sancaka calls home grows more dangerous by the day. The question at the centre of Gundala is a personal one. Can a man who has spent his whole life avoiding trouble keep his head down when so many people are suffering? Or will he finally step forward and stand up for the people being crushed?

The film’s tagline, “This nation needs a patriot”, sums up that tension. Sancaka’s journey from self-preservation towards something larger drives the story. That journey unfolds against a backdrop of social unrest and a growing cast of figures with their own agendas.

Gundala — Mood illustration, not a still from the film
Mood illustration, not a still from the film

Gundala review guide: what makes it notable

  • Director and writer: Joko Anwar wrote and directed the film, giving it a single creative voice from script to screen.
  • Origin: It is an Indonesian production, made in Indonesian. It adapts a homegrown comic-book hero, also known locally as Putra Petir (“Son of Lightning”).
  • A cinematic universe: The film is tied to Bumilangit and the wider Jagat Sinema Bumilangit universe of Indonesian comic adaptations. Production companies include Screenplay Films, Bumilangit Studios, Legacy Pictures, Ideosource Entertainment and Screenplay Bumilangit.
  • Cast: Abimana Aryasatya leads as Sancaka / Gundala, with Muzakki Ramdhan playing the young Sancaka. The supporting cast includes:
    • Tara Basro as Wulan
    • Bront Palarae as Pengkor
    • Ario Bayu as Ghani Zulham / Ghazul
    • Rio Dewanto as Sancaka’s father
    • Marissa Anita as Kurniati Dewi
    • Lukman Sardi as Ridwan Bahri
    • Faris Fadjar as young Awang
    • Cecep Arif Rahman as Swara Batin / The Dancer
  • Genre: The film blends action, adventure and science fiction, with a runtime of 123 minutes.

Who will enjoy Gundala

  • Superhero fans curious about comic heroes beyond Hollywood
  • Viewers interested in Indonesian cinema and Joko Anwar’s work
  • Audiences who like origin stories rooted in social themes
  • Action and adventure fans open to subtitled films
  • Anyone following the Bumilangit cinematic universe from its early days

Gundala release date and where to watch

Gundala premiered on 29 August 2019. In the United States it received a limited theatrical release on 28 July 2020. A trailer is available.

In the US, the film is widely available:

  • Subscription streaming: Amazon Prime Video (including the ad-supported tier), Hi-YAH, the Hi-YAH Amazon Channel and the ViX Premium Amazon Channel
  • Free with a library card: Kanopy and Hoopla
  • Free: Fawesome
  • Free with ads: The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, ViX, YouTube Free, Plex, the Plex Channel, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Tubi TV and Amazon MX Player
  • Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home

Trailer

Cast

  • Abimana AryasatyaAbimana Aryasatyaas Sancaka / GundalaSee credits →
  • Tara BasroTara Basroas WulanSee credits →
  • Bront PalaraeBront Palaraeas PengkorSee credits →
  • Ario BayuArio Bayuas Ghani Zulham / Ghazul
  • Muzakki RamdhanMuzakki Ramdhanas Young SancakaSee credits →
  • Faris FadjarFaris Fadjaras Young Awang
  • Rio DewantoRio Dewantoas Sancaka's Father
  • Marissa AnitaMarissa Anitaas Kurniati Dewi

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was Gundala released?
Gundala premiered on 29 August 2019. In the US, it had a limited theatrical release on 28 July 2020.
Where can I watch Gundala in the US?
You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Hi-YAH. You can also watch it free on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Plex and YouTube Free. Kanopy and Hoopla offer it free with a library card. It is also available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Who is in the cast of Gundala?
Abimana Aryasatya stars as Sancaka / Gundala. He is joined by Tara Basro, Bront Palarae, Ario Bayu, Muzakki Ramdhan, Rio Dewanto, Marissa Anita, Lukman Sardi and Cecep Arif Rahman.
Who directed Gundala?
Joko Anwar wrote and directed Gundala.
How long is Gundala and what language is it in?
Gundala runs 123 minutes and is in Indonesian.

Sources

  1. TMDB
  2. IMDb

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