Tabrani

Drawing from the novel, lenong (play) and the previous film (Njai Dasima I), this new film version has heightened erotic scenes considered the boldest for its time. But as mentioned by the director, the eroticism is meant to reveal the psychological aspects of the characters. Unlike the previous version, that mainly highlights conflict between love and witchcraft, this one features social and psychological conflicts. For example, how Dasima feels like an outsider with Edward Williams’s friends, or how she prefers leaving their house to live with her maid in the village. It also shows more background of the Samiun and Hayati characters - Samiun is a black market trader with a lot of debts and Hayati is a woman obsessed with gambling to get rich. When his debts are due and he is unable to pay, Samiun asks his friend, Puasa, to “rob” him while he is returning to their village with Dasima.

When army intelligence detects an underground movement, Operation X is carried out. Lieutenant Hadi receives a secret mission to penetrate into the underground movement. In order to keep it secret, Hadi breaks up with his girlfriend, Savitri, for the time being. Spies kidnap Savitri as their hostage when Hadi’s dual role is suspected. But then the army moves in to smash the underground movement and rescue Savitri.

Djoni is a promoter who likes to scam artists by being very persuasive. He is trusted to arrange a performance that is meant as a fundraising gala. Top singers such as Rachmat Kartolo and Titiek Puspa become the stars of the show. Djoni displays his skills, so that even when he cheats, he manages to improvise and arrange the show. They depart for Bandung by borrowing a bus and on the road, there are arguments, jealousy and suspicion amongst the group. The film shows the ups and downs of the life behind the stage. Inspite of everything, the performance is a success.