Bumilangit Cinematic Universe VS MCU and DCU: By highlighting Local Culture, Can BLCU Become The MCU from Indonesia?
Bumilangit Cinematic Universe (BLCU), a live action media franchise for Indonesian superheroes adapted from Indonesian superhero comics, Bumilangit. The release of their first film was in 2019. The genre of the Bumilangit film is practically similar to the films produced by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DC Extended Universe (DCU) in America. It is widely known by the world community that the MCU and DCU use superhero themes in their film works. There are also some similarities between BLCU and MCU and DCU if we take a quick look at the character traits in the films. Even so, BLCU has its uniqueness taken from Indonesian cultural values that are different from the MCU and DCU. In addition, the MCU and DCU appeared long before the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe.Â
In making the character traits, BLCU is very conspicuous when it imitates characters from the MCU and DCU. An example of a film character with a similar nature is Gundala (BCU), which is similar to Thor (MCU) and Flash (DCU). Gundala's strengths are striking lightning and being able to run fast. His strength is similar to Flash's power which can run fast and Thor's power which is none other than lightning. Apart from that, the costume worn by Gundala is also similar to that worn by Flash. Even so, of course, the storylines of these characters are different, for example, Gundala is an ordinary human being while Thor is a god in their respective films.
Nevertheless, despite the many similarities, the two production houses have their own characteristics in each of their works. In making a work, of course, it is very influenced by cultural elements that exist in the community where the film originates. Judging from the differences in backgrounds, the films made by the MCU and DCU are certainly very thick with western cultures. Meanwhile, the film directed by BLCU is closely related to Indonesian cultural values. Cultural differences can affect people's perspective when watching films from other countries. This can happen to fans of MCU films in Indonesia.
For example, in the MCU film Eternals (2021), there was a lot of talk about it because it contained a scene promoting the LGBT movement. Eternal features a guy character named Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry. Apart from Eternal, there are also films containing LGBT elements, namely Thor: Love and Thunder (2022). In the film, a character who has an interest in the opposite sex named Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, is shown. The scenes that contain LGBT elements are shown either explicitly or implicitly.Â
In fact, even when this film was shown, it was not accepted in several countries in the Middle East. However, in Indonesia this film can still enter and be shown in all cinemas in Indonesia. In America and several western countries it has been legalized and there are laws that regulate the protection of the LGBT community. However, as we know, LGBT is not part of Indonesian culture. Meanwhile, BLCU's films carry a lot of Indonesian culture in their production, such as Sri Asih, Gundala, and Virgo and The Sparklings. Starting from the setting, the plot and the characters all really carry the theme of local culture. Certainly, this is more relatable to Indonesian society in terms of culture.
The problem is how the public responds to BLCU works that are similar to the MCU and DCU. Will they accept it happily despite the similarities in characters, genres, and differences in the films? It is possible for the community to respond with negative responses, this cannot be controlled even though BLCU raises aspects of local culture. Moreover, the era has begun to shift to become more modern due to globalization. The emergence of LGBT, for example, is no longer taboo in Indonesia. So, it is the community that ultimately has the right to vote concretely according to them which film suits their tastes.
We know that BLCU takes inspiration from the MCU and DCU, however, behind the success of the MCU and DCU, there are some values that don't fit in Indonesia. As good Indonesian citizens, for example, we must stay away from things that are contrary to Indonesian values in western films. Apart from that, we should support and be proud of the existence of a BLCU with the theme of local superheroes and culture in accordance with Indonesian values. Even though there are some undeniable similarities, this should be able to make us more enthusiastic about being creative so that we can produce better and pure works.
