Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- melancholic
- tense
- intimate
- historical drama night
- arthouse film night
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The story unfolds amid the post-independence atmosphere of Indonesia, with British NICA officials and Dutch forces still present.
The central plan targets British and Dutch authorities in a contested Indonesian city after independence.
Guru Isa is both a violinist and a former fighter who designs a bombing plot.
Critic response specifically praises the production design for recreating the post-independence archipelago atmosphere.
Films like This City Is a Battlefield, and why
The Battle of Algiers
Shares anti-colonial resistance, urban wartime tension, political seriousness, and morally conflicted characters.
Rome, Open City
Shares occupation-era resistance, intimate human drama, bleak historical atmosphere, and ethical compromise.
The Year of Living Dangerously
Shares postcolonial political upheaval, romantic entanglement, and emotionally vulnerable performances within a period drama.
Lust, Caution
Shares wartime resistance, divided loyalties, romance, and a tense atmosphere shaped by political violence.
Movie Details
- Director
- Mouly Surya
- Release Date
- 2025-04-17
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (6)
Cast
- Chicco Jerikho
- Ariel Tatum
- Jerome Kurnia
- Ar Barrani Lintang
- Imelda Therinne
- Chew Kin Wah
- Rukman Rosadi
- Indra Birowo
- Anggun Priambodo
- Alex Abbad
Common questions
- What is This City Is a Battlefield about?
- A former fighter and violinist navigates love, fear, and revolutionary commitment while plotting an attack on colonial authorities in post-independence Indonesia.
- What is This City Is a Battlefield like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of This City Is a Battlefield as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is This City Is a Battlefield violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in This City Is a Battlefield as moderate.
- Which films are like This City Is a Battlefield?
- Films with a similar feel include The Battle of Algiers, Rome, Open City, The Year of Living Dangerously, and Lust, Caution.
- How long is This City Is a Battlefield?
- This City Is a Battlefield runs 119 minutes.
