Opera Jawa is part of The Global Lens Collection

Inspired by the famous story “The Abduction of Sita” from the ancient great classic the Ramayana, Opera Jawa is a musical like no other in cinema. It tells of a passionate love triangle that leads inexorably to conflict, violence and death. Setio and his wife Siti run a pottery business in a small village where Ludiro, a powerful and ruthless butcher, controls all the trading activities. When the couple’s business collapses, Ludiro, who has always been in love with Siti, seizes his chance, abducts and tries to seduce her. Inevitably the two men begin to fight over Siti...

WINNER! Best Film, Singapore International Film Festival
WINNER! Best Composer & Best Film Nominee, Asian Film Awards

What the Critics are Saying

"Beautiful, exotic... A sumptuously mounted Indonesian extravaganza!" - The Guardian (UK)

"An aural and visual treat!" - San Francisco Chronicle

"At once sophisticated and elemental, playful and joyous." - Village Voice

"Extraordinary, eerie, exotic and erotic, 'Opera Jawa' is like nothing you have seen before. A beautiful, amazing film." - ReelingReviews.com