Is The Enlightener Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Enlightener is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 123 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Enlightener Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2010, The Enlightener emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Returning from Mecca, Darwis changes his name to Ahmad Dahlan as he is disturbed by the trend of Islamic laws in his society; that borders on heresy, Syrik (polytheism), and Bid’ah (wrong innovation). Unlike standard genre fare, The Enlightener attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Hanung Bramantyo, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Enlightener features a noteworthy lineup led by Lukman Sardi. Supported by the likes of Slamet Rahardjo and Zaskia Adya Mecca, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Lukman Sardi, Slamet Rahardjo, Zaskia Adya Mecca manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2010 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama, History space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Enlightener is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of The Enlightener follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 123 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The Enlightener resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 7/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, The Enlightener is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. Returning from Mecca, Darwis changes his name to Ahmad Dahlan as he is disturbed by the trend of Islamic laws in his society; that borders on heresy, Syrik (polytheism), and Bid’ah (wrong innovation). Using a compass, he proves that the direction of Qibla (that points to Mecca), in the Great Mosque of Kauman is wrong. The discovery angers every Kyai (Islamic experts), especially the head of the Great Mosque of Kauman, Kyai Penghulu Cholil Kamaludiningrat. Dahlan, who studied in Mecca for five years, is seen as a rebel upstart. Since the proposal of changing the direction of Qibla is rejected, Dahlan starts a movement calling for the change. On his first sermon as a preacher, Dahlan criticizes the habits of residents in his village in Yogyakarta: "In a prayer, only a sincere and patient heart is needed, it requires no Kyais, money, let alone offerings". As a result, Dahlan gets a hostile reception.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Enlightener (2010) is overwhelmingly generally positive. With an audience rating of 7/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama, History categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Lukman Sardi, Slamet Rahardjo, Zaskia Adya Mecca or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The Enlightener is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2010. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Enlightener has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, The Enlightener stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2010 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Enlightener movie hit or flop?
The Enlightener is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, History movies.
Is The Enlightener worth watching?
Yes, The Enlightener is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, History cinema.
Where can I watch The Enlightener online?
The Enlightener may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Enlightener movie hit or flop?
The Enlightener is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, History movies.
Is The Enlightener worth watching?
Yes, The Enlightener is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, History cinema.
Where can I watch The Enlightener online?
The Enlightener may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of The Enlightener?
The Enlightener is a Drama, History movie that follows: Returning from Mecca, Darwis changes his name to Ahmad Dahlan as he is disturbed by the trend of Islamic laws in his society; that borders on heresy, Syrik (polytheism), and Bid’ah (wrong innovation)....
Is The Enlightener family friendly?
The Enlightener is classified as Drama, History. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is The Enlightener available in?
The Enlightener is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Returning from Mecca, Darwis changes his name to Ahmad Dahlan as he is disturbed by the trend of Islamic laws in his society; that borders on heresy, Syrik (polytheism), and Bid’ah (wrong innovation). Using a compass, he proves that the direction of Qibla (that points to Mecca), in the Great Mosque of Kauman is wrong. The discovery angers every Kyai (Islamic experts), especially the head of the Great Mosque of Kauman, Kyai Penghulu Cholil Kamaludiningrat. Dahlan, who studied in Mecca for five years, is seen as a rebel upstart. Since the proposal of changing the direction of Qibla is rejected, Dahlan starts a movement calling for the change. On his first sermon as a preacher, Dahlan criticizes the habits of residents in his village in Yogyakarta: "In a prayer, only a sincere and patient heart is needed, it requires no Kyais, money, let alone offerings". As a result, Dahlan gets a hostile reception.
Critic Reviews
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