Kembang Kertas

Because of his wife’s encouragement, Prabowo enters a dangerous business and is eventually imprisoned. While waiting for his trial, his business partner, Wahyuni the divorcee, whom he also loves, bails him out. Their children Ani and Reni, who have to downgrade from their mansion to a flat, suffer from the shock of change. They resort to drugs and prostitution to escape reality. While the mother is sick, Wahyuni becomes intimate with Prabowo. Once found out, they slowly try to solve each problem. Wahyuni is willing to reconcile the entire family. So Rini attempts to become a photographer, by following her boyfriend, a tour guide in Bali. There is another character, a journalist, who comes in and out of the film, and functions as a commentator and witness of their lives. The dialogue veers on philosophical messages as director, Slamet Rahardjo, tries to represent both the lower and upper classes, mixing his narrative style with realism.

Directed by Slamet Rahardjo, Kembang Kertas leans on a strong ensemble — Zainal Abidin, Lenny Marlina, Ria Irawan — 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 1984.