Cinematography
This film, produced in Indonesia and based on the old Japanese folk saying that "a man's happiness depends upon a knife, house, horse, wife, and singing bird," tells the story of the restoration of a young man to his rightful place in his society and nation, and depicts basic Indonesian traditions while outlining Indonesia's successful fight against malaria (with U.S. cooperation). The film follows Amin, a village youth who attempts to earn a living in the city. However, he is unsuccessful, and so he returns to his village to live with his wife-to-be, Marlina. Before the couple can marry, Marlina falls ill with malaria, and only after she is cured are they able to wed. The film was directed by Miriam Bucher and is a joint production of the U.S. Information Service (USIS) and Produksi Film Negara (PFN).
Director of Photography
Suparto is a middle-ranked officer who is moved to Jakarta. In the city, he meets Harjiman, the licensing importer. Then Harjiman introduces him to Roostinah whose task is to seduce Suparto for help in securing the import licenses. Suparto's wife, Sulastri, comes to Jakarta when she hears about her husband's unfaithfulness. Then Suparto realizes that Roostinah is sent to seduce him, but when he returns to Sulastri, she rejects him. His crime is discovered and Suparto is sent to prison. When he completes his sentence, Suparto joins the migration to Sumatra. Then Sulastri accepts him again.
Director
Suparto is a middle-ranked officer who is moved to Jakarta. In the city, he meets Harjiman, the licensing importer. Then Harjiman introduces him to Roostinah whose task is to seduce Suparto for help in securing the import licenses. Suparto's wife, Sulastri, comes to Jakarta when she hears about her husband's unfaithfulness. Then Suparto realizes that Roostinah is sent to seduce him, but when he returns to Sulastri, she rejects him. His crime is discovered and Suparto is sent to prison. When he completes his sentence, Suparto joins the migration to Sumatra. Then Sulastri accepts him again.
Camera Operator
Tamin is one of the village boys who are ensnared by Japanese propaganda to enroll as Heiho (auxiliary soldiers). He joins the mission to Burma (Myanmar) during World War II in the Red Cross division. When the Japanese forces are defeated, Tamin and his friends are brought back to Java and handed over to the Dutch who are attempting to rule the country one more time. Tamin is forced to join the Dutch military (KNIL) to fight his fellow citizens. After Indonesia gains full sovereignty (1950), Tamin chooses to return to the village. But his heart remains uncertain as his friends accuse him of not participating in the struggle for Indonesia's independence. So Tamin goes to the city where he meets a fellow former Heiho, who is now in the Indonesian military force. His friend shows him that there are other ways to contribute to the national struggle. Then Tamin returns to his home, his village and his country.
Camera Operator
The status of natives and the Dutch is like earth and heaven. Abidin, a native, is forbidden to associate with Frieda, a girl with Indonesian and Dutch blood. After they are separated by the circumstances, Abidin, who already has a family runs into Frieda again. Although they still have some feelings towards each other, they must face each other as enemies. This last meeting brings Frieda to her tragic end.