The Red Line of Marriage

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.

Directed by Henky Solaiman, The Red Line of Marriage leans on a strong ensemble — Yessy Gusman, Rachmat Hidayat, Tuti Indra Malaon — 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 1981.