Movie spotlight
Lara jonggrang (Candi Prambanan)
Legend about Loro Jonggrang's love story with Bandung Bondowoso. When he was newly appointed as Senopati Baka, he was assigned to attack the Pengging Kingdom. However, while he was there, he was recognized as the crown prince of Pengging, who had apparently been kidnapped by the Baka people when he was still a child. The angry King Baka personally led an attack on Pengging and was killed by Bandung Bondowoso. The son of the Baka king, Loro Jonggrang saw his father die and held a grudge against Bandung Bondowoso. When Bandung Bondowoso was about to propose, Loro Jonggrang also put forward a condition to build a thousand temples. When there was one less temple, Loro Jonggrang made the cock crow as if it was morning. Bandung, knowing that Loro Jonggrang was cheating, cursed it, making it the thousandth and largest temple.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film tells the Javanese legend of Princess Lara Jonggrang, who was cursed by a powerful sorcerer named Bondan to turn to stone. This curse was a punishment for her rejecting the advances of the prince of Pengging. The story unfolds with themes of love, betrayal, and supernatural occurrences, all set against the backdrop of ancient Javanese kingdoms.
Critical Reception
The film is a notable adaptation of a classic Indonesian legend, praised for its atmospheric portrayal of the myth and its lead performances, particularly from Suzzanna. It is considered a significant entry in Indonesian fantasy cinema of the era, though like many films of its time, it may be viewed as having a somewhat theatrical style by modern standards.
What Reviewers Say
Visually captures the mythical grandeur of the Lara Jonggrang legend.
Suzzanna's performance anchors the film with her signature mystical presence.
A faithful and atmospheric retelling of a beloved Indonesian folktale.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film's narrative is inspired by the legendary origins of the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, which is said to have been built by a thousand gods in a single night as a wedding gift for Princess Lara Jonggrang.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources