In the midst of the chaotic hustle of university life, with minds frazzled from the battles of Midterm Exam week, we sought a small space to breathe. The warm and quiet Friday night of November 21, 2025, became a moment for us to broaden our perspectives and strengthen our personal principles. The Unisba KUI room transformed into a small oasis of relief—a place where tension slowly melted away, replaced by light laughter and comforting togetherness.
At exactly 8:00 PM Western Indonesian Time, we gathered to watch Hacksaw Ridge, a deeply inspiring film about life principles, based on the true story of a WWII combat medic. Fourteen UGIS members attended with great enthusiasm, arriving as a form of respite after “fighting” on the exam battlefield. Their presence made the room feel alive and warm. We, as the organizers, provided snacks to accompany the film, while several members brought their own. The atmosphere became lively, intimate, and cheerful. We shared snacks and jokes like a big family enjoying a night together.
Tension was visible on every face as Desmond Doss’s struggle displayed a rare steadfastness of heart amidst the pressures of war. For 2 hours and 19 minutes, time passed incredibly quickly. Each scene held us breathless, and Doss’s decisions prompted reflection on how someone can uphold their principles without violence—even on the most terrifying battlefield. It was proof that a struggle can be carried out without taking lives, and that one can serve their country with complete sincerity even when their choices are challenged by everyone around them.
Several members gasped and glanced at each other during intense scenes, occasionally holding their breath when Doss was nearly shot. Yet amidst the tension, we still enjoyed the warmth of togetherness, even sharing quiet laughs as snacks were passed from hand to hand. After the film, nearly all members admitted they were swept away by Doss’s story. Some said the film was “goosebump-inducing,” as if they were transported to that era and joined the war themselves. Others said they could feel the tension from beginning to end. Ultimately, everyone agreed that the film choice for the night was perfect.
After the film ended, we held a Q&A session. Teh Aliya, Hani, and Kang Daffa answered enthusiastically and won door prizes. Their answers clearly showed they had paid close attention to the film, with several other members even chiming in with their own thoughts.
Then came the impression-sharing session. Almost all members expressed similar sentiments: the film was excellent, the message was powerful, the atmosphere was fun, and the watch party gave them a genuine space to release post-exam stress. One of the most touching impressions came from Derra:
“My impression from the movie night last night was that it was sooo fun. I think the film choice was also great, it had so many messages. We also felt like we were transported to that era, could feel the tension, especially watching it together with you guys—it made it even more heart-pounding hahaha. I saw we were all tense because we were afraid something would happen to Domsel (Desmond) during the shooting scenes, but he ended up safe. To the movie night organizers, good job! I was really happy that night and enjoyed it. Thank you, organizers.”
Hearing all of that, our hearts as organizers were truly warmed. Before we knew it, the tension had faded as the credits rolled. The night closed with a group photo, capturing smiles, togetherness, and a story we hope to keep for a long time. A night so memorable, full of inspiration, and one that opened our minds to the importance of upholding one’s principles even amidst pressures that seem to leave no room for choice.
In the end, we realized the peace of that night did not come from silence, but from togetherness—from a screen, simple snacks, and the presence of friends who followed every moment of the story with us. It was the perfect closing to a long Midterm Exam chapter, and a reminder that after every battle, there is always space to to recover, strengthen, and come together again.
