Rio Sang Juara

Reminiscent of the Rocky film starring Sylvester Stallone, Rio has to use his fists to make a living as an illegal parking man. When the parking area is taken over by the local government, Rio loses his livelihood. Mursali then helps him by offering his taxi for driving at night. Again he has to use his fists on this new job, but when he meets Lia, she advises Rio to become a boxer. So he goes to Oom Eddy’s boxing gym and his career takes off. But Lia distracts him from his training and his fights. He also forgets about his girlfriend in the village, Sinta (Ayu Azhari). His losing streak begins and then Lia dies during an abortion. So Rio goes back to his village. Oom Eddy and Rio’s friends try to lift his spirit up again. Then Rio returns to the boxing ring, and is victorious once more.

Directed by Muchlis Raya, Rio Sang Juara leans on a strong ensemble — Willy Dozan, Sophia Latjuba, W.D. Mochtar — 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 1989.