And the Moon Dances

It is not easy to describe a story that intends to give certain impressions. However, there is something to be said about a story narrated in an unusual and a non-linear way. The story is captured from dialogue fragments and a series of images, as the film tries to take you on the mental journey of the character. It also suggests the problems between the ancient and contemporary Javanese culture, especially in Solo (a famous cultural city). Ilalang carries a trauma from his childhood, when memories of his love for his mother and the violence from his father, makes him poke his fingers with a needle or wire. As an adult, he becomes a disciple of an old master musician, Waluyu, at the Sultan’s palace. But he often ignores the music scores, as he falls in love with his teacher's star pupil, Bulan, a girl who is always “looking for something”. None of these relationships bring happiness.