Indonesian Movie Tells Hardships Faced by Couple with Mental Disabilities

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The newly-released movie entitled 'Balada Sepasang Kekasih Gila' (ballad of the crazy couple) directed by Anggy Umbara tells a fictional story about how the public poorly treats people with mental disabilities. The public stigma that is attached to them unfairly disregards the fact they are restricted by their mental health.

The main characters in this movie named Jarot and Lastri were played by Denny Sumargo and Sara Fajira. Denny said that they learned plenty of lessons from the movie that was adapted from a novel with the same title written by Han Gagas. 

“It was greatly handled. Acting wise, I think this performance is the one I truly enjoy or maybe I just fit to be a mad man,” Denny Sumargo said in an official press release on August 19. 

The plot of 'Balada Sepasang Kekasih Gila' was narrated by the couple's child and how he became witness to the bad stigma that people with mental disabilities face on a daily basis. They are considered as society’s scum, exuded from social life, become victims of bullying, and harassed all because they ask for food to eat. 

The movie highlights the life of mentally disabled people among low economy class society. It showcases the couple’s life living as vagrants often conflicting with the general public. 

It also confronts the notion that people with mental disabilities are forever unable to interact with normality. Mentally disabled people can properly interact when they do not relapse, especially if they are undergoing treatment. 

'Balada Sepasang Kekasih Gila' is available in streaming platforms Falcon Pictures and Klikfim.

Read: Indonesian 'Plastic Island' Documentary Hits Theaters April 22

FALCON PICTURES | ANTARA | Cheta Nilawaty P.