Cinema
Nagabonar
Naga Bonar
M. T. Risyaf · 1987
Synopsis
In Medan, as the Japanese leave, Naga Bonar, a pickpocket who has spent more time in prison than outside, learns from Bang Pohan that independence has been proclaimed in Jakarta and that the Dutch are returning. He proclaims himself general of a band of volunteers, with his friend Bujang and the scribe Lukman, while still fearing his domineering mother, and falls for Kirana, the daughter of Dr Zulbi, who is suspected of serving the Dutch. Illiterate, he cannot read a map.
Context
The film was produced by Prasidi Teta Film from a script by Asrul Sani, one of the poets of the generation of 1945; the music is by Franky Raden. Shot in colour and in CinemaScope, it gave the title role to Deddy Mizwar, who himself directed a sequel in 2007. A restored version came out in 2008: the surviving performers re-recorded their lines, and other voices replaced those of the deceased.
Who it is for
In Indonesian, with no French edition; a satirical comedy in which the hero struggles between his duties as a general and his mother's orders.
Prizes and reception
Six Citra trophies at the 1987 festival, including best film; submitted for the Oscars without being selected, it was shown in Berlin in 1989.