Let the Moon Be

Dewi, who has many love problems with her boyfriends, falls into the arms of Dayan, her boss, who also has a problem after becoming a successful businessman. Being told by his doctor that he has only a few months left to live, he suddenly feels the emptiness at home. His wife, Anneke, has her own occupation. His two children are studying abroad, while the youngest rarely sleeps at home and eventually dies while playing Russian roulette. Dayan and Dewi find a mutual need to release the burden. The situation changes with the appearance of Ferico, an old school friend of Dewi, who continues to pursue her after his divorce. Both Dayan and Dewi finally return to their partners. Director Arifin chooses a “poetic” style of telling the story so that the storyline follows the internal conflicts of the characters. The poetry is also characterized by slick photography.

Directed by Arifin C. Noer, Let the Moon Be leans on a strong ensemble — El Manik, Rima Melati, Marissa Haque — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1986.