Teenage Romance

Twins, Rina and Ratna, are separated without their parents’ knowledge, by a midwife who longs for a child of her own. Rina lives in the city and Ratna becomes the daughter of the midwife who lives in the village. After the death of her parents, Rina is treated as a housemaid in her uncle Harmoko’s, house, who is dominated by his wife. Meanwhile, Ratna grows up to be a tomboy who performs acrobatic tricks with her friends, Martin and Ucok, to earn some money. When she can’t tolerate the treatment of her uncle and aunt, Rina runs away from home. Ratna also runs away from home when she is about to be engaged to an old man. They somehow end up switching places so Ratna manages to change the situation at Harmoko’s house, while Rina manages to soften up the drunken Martin. The story ends with the unity of the twins.

Directed by Jopi Burnama, Teenage Romance leans on a strong ensemble — Jenny Rachman, S. Bono, Tuti Mutia — 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 1979.