Cross-Cultural Cinematic Ethics:

Muslim Women’s Moral Development in Indonesian and Hollywood Films

Anas Ahmadi

 

Abstract: This study examines the portrayal of Muslim women and the theme of moral education in Indonesian and Hollywood films through the lens of Søren Kierkegaard’s moral philosophy—specifically his aesthetic, ethical, and religious stages of existence. Using a qualitative methodology, the research analyses two films: Perempuan Berkalung Sorban (Indonesia) and Ms. Marvel (Hollywood). Data were interpreted through a structured process of identification, reduction, interpretation, and synthesis. The findings reveal three key stages of moral development. At the aesthetic stage, Muslim women pursue personal desires—such as horseback riding or attending cosplay events—while navigating familial and societal expectations. In the ethical stage, they begin to internalise communal norms, including traditional marriage and modest dress, reflecting a shift toward social responsibility. At the religious stage, they make spiritually grounded decisions—such as marrying for love or becoming a selfless hero—demonstrating a 'leap of faith' that transcends both aesthetics and ethics. By juxtaposing Eastern and Western cinematic narratives, this study highlights both the shared and divergent moral trajectories of Muslim women across cultural contexts. It argues that Kierkegaard’s existential framework offers a universal yet critically nuanced lens for understanding moral education beyond traditional Islamic paradigms. The research contributes to interdisciplinary discussions in film studies, feminist ethics, and global moral education, positioning cinema as a powerful medium for exploring the evolving moral agency of Muslim women.