historical, war, biography, women | Blood, Violence
Set in 1896, Tjoet Nja’ Dhien celebrates one of Indonesia’s great heroes who fought for independence from the Dutch. The pious Muslim people of Aceh, a city that had flourished since ancient times as a trade port, enter into a fierce war with the Dutch. Tjoet Nja’ Dhien (Christine Hakim), the widow of a rebel leader operating in Aceh in Sumatra, assumes leadership when her husband Teuku Umar (Slamet Rahardjo) is killed in an ambush. Dhien’s charismatic presence and power of survival motivate the locals to join and later continue their opposition to the Dutch. Despite personal obstacles, she remained in the thick of the struggle for ten years.
Eros Djarot began his music career with the soundtrack of Kawin Lari (Elope) in 1976. He became famous with the success of Badai Pasti Berlalu (The Storm Will Surely Pass) and its soundtrack album. In 1988, he made his directorial debut with Tjoet Nja' Dhien, which received 8 Citra Awards. Throughout his career in the film industry, he has been involved in 18 films as a music composer, writer, director, and producer. He won 7 Citra Awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score.
