Ballad of a Man

A group of Javanese villagers are driven to revolt against the Dutch colonialists in this historical drama, which revolves around the themes of loyalty and treachery.

Togar, a student from North Sumatra is expected by his parents to graduate. Because his talent is in journalism, Togar fails and becomes a labourer in a cement factory. With the assistance of Buyung, Togar begins writing for a newspaper and then quits his job in the cement factory.

Love story in which the girl's parents disapprove of her boyfriend because he was accused of killing his former wife.

Edo and Ipah study in the same art college. Both are attracted to each other and the relationship is pure yet Ipah’s father does not approve. One day, Edo’s father who works in the railway service dies in an accident. Both Edo and Ipah must condemn with the decision that tested their relationships.

Siska, a young woman was heartbroken after her fiancé broke off their engagement. Unwilling to see his sister depressed, her brother Johnny introduced her to his friend Leo, who is known as a womanizer.

A portrait of newly married couple, Nurlela and Hasan, who have to live at the house of Nurlelas’s father. They do not have enough money to find a place of their own. Nurlela's father constantly compares Hasan negatively to his rich son-in-law Bakri (August Melasz), causes a friction between the young couple. Hasan and Nurlela fights when looking for their own way to be able to live independently. This situation makes them lie to each other, especially Hasan, who questions himself about his work and its environment. Hasan’s hard work to get off the family’s house eventually causes a misunderstanding. Nurlela almost commits suicide before the couple is able to trust each other again.

A Javanese mother has to struggle to lead their children against a complex confusion of their age. Unfortunately, the mother realized that actually, her children are trying to lead her too.

Set in Bandang in early 1930s, story concerns a young man who joins the anti-Dutch freedom movement. When his best friend is shot by police, he vows to assassinate the chief of police who gave the order to fire.

Bram and Nona marry without her parent’s approval, as she is already arranged to marry Paul. The life of the husband and wife is only supported by Bram’s small salary so they live in the slums, which is realistically depicted. They also have problems with Nien, Bram’s old unmarried sister.

Shot in dark colours and with an atmospheric treatment, the narrative is sketchy but the plot revolves around Koswara, a driver for Kardiman. Koswara’s brothers and sisters-in-law trade his wife, Aisah, to Kardiman, until his wife goes insane and dies. Agus Herman, son of Kardiman, is as brutal as his father and Mrs. Kardiman, also has an impure background. Her daughter, Nana, who is born without knowledge of her biological father, is almost raped by her stepfather, Kardiman. It is also suggested that Mrs. Kardiman desires Koswara. An experiment from Indonesian directing legend, Teguh Karya, that was not entirely successful.

Arman’s father denies his request for a toy gun, but his mother allows it. With that toy gun, Arman forms a squad called “Berani Mati” or “Ready to Die” with his friends, Hamdan and others. The security in the neighborhood is threatened by the mischief of Bang Hamid, and Arman and his squad, successfully prevent a burglary by him. The residents are proud to have such brave boys in the neighborhood.

Mr. and Mrs. Padmo celebrate their 25th anniversary but Mrs. Padmo's jealousy towards her husband's secretary, Ms. Retno, is sparked. The jealousy leads to many misunderstandings.

The death of Mrs. Maengkom causes some change in her family. Willy Maengkom, the father of four children, has to learn to manage the household. He becomes extremely busy because his oldest daughter, Elsa, has to be hospitalized after the death of her mother, who slipped on a bathroom brush that Elsa left. After she recovers, Elsa feels the responsibility to replace her mother. Taking care of her father and her three siblings changes her. She is not the lively and active teen in church and school anymore, and starts behaving like a housewife.

Director Teguh Karya intended to make a “real” comedy amidst the many slapstick comedies at the time, and in fact calls this film a bitter comedy. In the film, Ms. Sumirah, a widow who used to be a favourite pretty girl in Padalarang, worries about her daughter Anna, who is shy and self-conscious. She keeps pushing Anna’s brother, Willy, to invite home a co-worker from the clothing factory he works in. Then a change occurs after Anna meets Jaka, an English teacher living near her house. When their relationship starts to bloom, it is found out that Jaka is the son of Saodah, a woman who once had an affair with Sumirah’s husband, Van Nijs. Sumirah changes her mind and opposes their relationship. Finally Anna and Jaka elope.

Since birth Ponirah has lived a cursed life. Her mother died while birthing her and her brother Permadi is hit by a truck while riding a bicycle with her. This leads her father, Jabarudi, to go temporarily insane and nearly stab her with a kris. Their maid, Trindil, brings Ponirah with her and escapes the city, settling in Yogyakarta. Trindil becomes a prostitute to support herself and Ponirah; the two live at the brothel.