Kembang Kertas (1984): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1984, Kembang Kertas is a drama film directed by Slamet Rahardjo, running about 104 minutes.

What it’s about. 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.

Who’s in it. Kembang Kertas stars Zainal Abidin as Prabowo, Lenny Marlina as Wahyuni, Ria Irawan as Ani and Dewi Yull as Rini, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Kembang Kertas page.

If you liked it. Fans of Kembang Kertas tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.