Watch Grisse

Set in the mid-1800s, Grisse is a historical drama series that transports its audience back to colonial Indonesia, when it was under Dutch rule. The show is centered around a small town called Grisse, which serves as a crucial stop for merchants travelling from Java to Sumatra. However, Grisse is not just any ordinary town but a bustling trade hub, which is also home to a diverse group of people with their own personal, political and economic motivations.

The show primarily follows the story of a strong independent woman, Kalia (played by Adinia Wirasti), who is determined to unearth the mystery behind her parents’ death. Kalia is the daughter of the town’s wealthy Chinese merchant who disappeared years ago, leaving her and her sibling at the mercy of her power-hungry uncle. Kalia, who has lived most of her life under the shadow of her uncle’s control, is tough and resourceful, and is willing to go to any length to uncover the truth about her parents’ death, even if it means dealing with dangerous men whom she cannot trust.

As Kalia embarks on her quest, she meets and allies herself with a group of unlikely heroes, including Aria (played by Marthino Lio), a master fighter and rebel leader who is determined to overthrow the Dutch; and Tu Hulu (played by Zack Lee), a Malay warrior who is also working towards the same goal.

The relationship between the three leads is one of the strengths of the show, as their different skills and backgrounds complement each other, leading to a strong bond and a common mission. Together, they merge their skills and knowledge to unravel the mystery behind Kalia’s parents’ death and also to fight for justice in a society that is rife with social and political inequalities.

Apart from the three leads, Grisse is also notable for its ensemble of complex and intriguing characters, each with their own unique backstory, strengths, and weaknesses. From feisty prostitutes to corrupt Dutch officials to cunning Chinese merchants, Grisse paints a vivid picture of a colonial society that is both diverse and highly stratified.

The production design and the costumes on Grisse are also worth special mention. The show does an excellent job of capturing the look and feel of mid-19th century Indonesia, with its vibrant colors, intricate fabrics, and detailed architecture. The audience is transported back to a time when colonialism was at its peak, and the people living under colonial rule were grappling with their own identity, navigating their own ambitions while struggling to form alliances that could effect change in a society that did not belong to them.

The show’s pacing is also impressive, and the plot never seems to drag. Grisse is an adventure story, full of action, intrigue, and drama, and the episodes are structured in a way that keeps the audience engaged for the full duration. The cinematography and the use of lighting are also top-notch, and the show has a cinematic quality that makes it a pleasure to watch.

In summary, Grisse is a well-crafted and engaging historical drama that tells an important story of colonial Indonesia through the lens of a rich ensemble of characters. Led by an excellent cast, the show successfully captures the clash of cultures, the colonial divide, and the struggle for power that marked Indonesia in the mid-1800s. It is a show that is both exciting and insightful, and one that is worth the watch for anyone interested in the history and culture of Southeast Asia.

Grisse is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on March 6, 2019.