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Movie poster for 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2024)

2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7

2024
2h 27m
Director: Herwin Novianto
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Overview

As a group of cellmates continues to protect the daughter of their peer, they tackle a new challenge when authorities thwart her adoption by caretakers.

Cast

12 people

Reviews

6 min read
AI-generated editorial review
The Prison as a Family: How 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7 Turns Cinder Blocks Into a Home

I’ve seen this story before. A wrongfully imprisoned father, a daughter separated by bars, a found family of inmates who become the only people who truly understand. It’s a tale that’s been told in South Korea, Turkey, and now twice in Indonesia—each version promising fresh tears, fresh laughs, and that same aching question: What would you do to protect the ones you love? The 2024 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does something quieter and more interesting. It turns the prison itself into a character, a place where love isn’t just endured but actively built, brick by brick, joke by joke.

A dimly lit prison cell where a group of inmates sit in a circle, laughing as one of them holds up a handmade birthday card for a young girl.

The film follows Dodo Rozak (Vino G. Bastian), a man with an intellectual disability who’s framed for a crime he didn’t commit. His daughter, Kartika (Graciella Abigail), is placed in foster care, but the inmates of Cell No. 7—led by the gruff but kind-hearted Bang Ucok (Indro Warkop)—conspire to bring her into the prison, hiding her in plain sight. It’s a premise that could easily tip into mawkishness, but director Herwin Novianto and screenwriter Alim Sudio ground it in something more tangible: the physicality of the prison itself. The cell isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a stage for the inmates’ makeshift family. They share food, tell stories, and even throw Kartika a birthday party, complete with a cake smuggled in through the kitchen. The camera lingers on these moments, not with the heavy-handed sentimentality of a Hallmark movie, but with the quiet awe of people creating joy in a place designed to strip it away.

That’s the film’s real miracle. It doesn’t just ask us to believe in the power of love; it shows us how love is made. The inmates don’t just tolerate Kartika’s presence—they build a life around her. They teach her to read, they protect her from the prison’s dangers, and they even stage a fake escape attempt to keep her spirits up. The humor here isn’t just comic relief; it’s a survival tactic. When the inmates bicker over who gets to braid Kartika’s hair or argue about the best way to smuggle in her favorite snacks, it feels less like a sitcom and more like the messy, beautiful work of family. (I’m still thinking about the scene where one of the inmates, a former chef, tries to teach Kartika how to make nasi goreng in a prison kitchen. The way he fusses over her technique, the way she giggles when she burns the rice—it’s the kind of small, human moment that makes the film feel alive.)

Audience Opinions

AI summary of viewer review patterns
Audience 7.2/10 AI
"A heartfelt yet formulaic remake that delivers emotional punches but struggles to stand out from its predecessors."

Viewers appreciate the strong performances, particularly from the lead actors, which bring genuine emotion to the story. The blend of comedy and drama is well-received, making it an engaging watch for fans of the genre. However, many note that the plot feels overly familiar, closely mirroring earlier versions of the story, which dulls its impact for those who have seen the originals.

What viewers praise
  • Strong lead performances Vino G. Bastian and Graciella Abigail are praised for their heartfelt and convincing portrayals, adding depth to the emotional core of the film.
  • Balanced tone The mix of comedy and drama is well-executed, keeping the film engaging without losing its emotional weight.
  • Emotional resonance The story’s themes of family and justice resonate strongly, leaving many viewers moved by its conclusion.
Common complaints
  • Predictable plot The storyline closely follows earlier versions, making it feel unoriginal for those familiar with the original or other remakes.
  • Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles, including the prison inmates, lack depth and often feel like caricatures rather than fully realized characters.
  • Pacing issues Some viewers find the film’s middle act sluggish, with moments that drag before the emotional payoff.
Recommended for
Fans of emotional family dramas Remake enthusiasts Indonesian cinema lovers Comedy-drama seekers Vino G. Bastian fans

Full Plot (Spoilers)

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Buzz & Rumors

Public reports
AI-researched entertainment notes

Indonesia’s "2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7" Brings Fresh Drama to a Beloved Story

The 2024 remake of 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7 is making waves as Indonesia’s latest take on the heart-wrenching tale of a wrongfully imprisoned father and his daughter. Directed by Herwin Novianto, this adaptation stars Vino G. Bastian in the lead role, alongside a stacked cast including Graciella Abigail, Marsha Timothy, and a lineup of comedic heavyweights like Indro and Tora Sudiro . But what’s behind this new iteration, and how does it stand out from its predecessors?

A Familiar Story, Reimagined

2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7 is the third major remake of the original 2013 South Korean hit, following Indonesia’s 2020 version and Turkey’s 2019 adaptation. The core plot—a mentally disabled man framed for murder and separated from his young daughter—remains intact, but Novianto’s direction promises a fresh emotional punch. The film blends comedy and drama, a signature of the franchise, with a runtime of 147 minutes [2]. While the original Korean version leaned heavily into tearjerker moments, this remake reportedly balances humor with heartbreak, thanks to its ensemble cast.

The Cast: A Mix of Drama and Comedy

Vino G. Bastian, one of Indonesia’s most bankable stars, takes on the role of the wrongfully accused father, a part previously played by Aras Bulut İynemli (Turkey) and Ryu Seung-ryong (South Korea) . His performance is expected to anchor the film’s emotional core, while Graciella Abigail, who plays his daughter, brings youthful energy to the story. Marsha Timothy, known for her dramatic roles, adds depth as a key supporting character [1].

The film’s comedic backbone comes from Indonesia’s top comedians, including Indro, Tora Sudiro, and Indra Jegel. Their presence suggests a lighter tone in prison scenes, a contrast to the heavier moments of the father-daughter bond. Rigen Rakelna, Bryan Domani, and Denny Sumargo round out the cast, though their specific roles remain under wraps [1].

Behind the Scenes: Why Another Remake?

The decision to revisit Miracle in Cell No. 7 so soon after Indonesia’s 2020 version (directed by Hanung Bramantyo) raises questions. That film, a co-production with South Korea, received mixed reviews, earning a 6.7/10 on SensCritique . Novianto’s version, however, is a solo Indonesian effort, suggesting a desire to reclaim the story with a more localized touch.

Rumors suggest the 2024 remake was greenlit due to the original’s enduring popularity in Indonesia, where emotional family dramas often dominate box office charts. The addition of comedic stars may also be a strategic move to broaden its appeal beyond the usual tearjerker audience. However, with no official statements on budget or production challenges, details remain scarce [2].

What to Expect

Early buzz suggests 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7 will stay true to the franchise’s winning formula: a mix of laughter, tears, and a powerful father-daughter dynamic. The extended runtime (147 minutes vs. the original’s 127) hints at deeper character development or expanded subplots [2]. Whether it can surpass the original’s emotional impact—or the 2020 remake’s cultural relevance—remains to be seen.

For now, fans of the story can look forward to a fresh take, led by one of Indonesia’s most charismatic actors. If the trailer is any indication, Bastian’s performance could be the film’s biggest selling point.

Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.