Lutung Kasarung

This legend from West Java is told thus: In heaven, among the gods, Minda's teacher, who later became Lutung Kasarung, was penned by his own mother, Sunan Ambu, for wanting to be a human being and a wife as beautiful as her mother. So he turned into a langur. He will turn into a human again when he later meets a woman who loves him.

Directed by B.Z. Kadaryono, Lutung Kasarung leans on a strong ensemble — Erna Santoso, Johan Saimima, Enny Beatrice — 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 1983.