Movie spotlight
Neraka Perempuan
Beginning with a flashback, Richard goes for a vacation at the hometown of his friend, Roni. There, he dates Roni’s sister, Katyana, and makes her pregnant. But Katyana chooses another young man who lives in the town, as she sees Richard falling for Nina, who has always been jealous of her. Richard leaves, leaving a necklace and swearing a furious oath that he will destroy all women. The flashback ends and we see Rizal, who is left by his mother, Katyana. Rizal is Richard’s son. He becomes a vagabond and is found in a weak condition by Roni and his daughter, Riana. He is taken care of until he is grown up. Then Roni is disabled after an accident and his wife, Nina, becomes a prostitute and joins a crime syndicate. When Rizal and Riana start to have an intimate relationship, Nina throws Rizal out of the house, and then he starts a job as a police informant.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in a boarding school for girls, the film centers on a young woman named Nurlela who is haunted by a dark past and possessed by a vengeful spirit. As strange and terrifying events begin to plague the school, the other students and staff become increasingly fearful, suspecting Nurlela's involvement and the supernatural forces at play.
Critical Reception
Information on the critical reception of 'Neraka Perempuan' from 1974 is scarce. Indonesian cinema of this era often focused on local distribution, and detailed critical analyses were not as widely disseminated internationally as they are today. However, films of this genre and period were generally popular for their entertainment value, often blending melodrama with sensational elements.
What Reviewers Say
Offers a blend of dramatic tension and supernatural horror elements common in Indonesian cinema of the 1970s.
Features strong performances from its lead actors, particularly in conveying the emotional turmoil and fear.
The film's narrative often relies on its atmospheric horror and melodramatic undertones to engage the audience.
Google audience: Audience reviews from the time are not readily available. However, films of this genre were generally popular for their suspenseful plots and engagement with local superstitions and dramatic themes.
Fun Fact
The film was controversial upon its release due to its horror and supernatural themes, which were not as common in mainstream Indonesian cinema at the time.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources