Polygamy is one of the discussions that is quite sensitive in the social sphere of Indonesian families. But that doesn’t mean this practice doesn’t exist, because quite a lot of people in Indonesia practice polygamy.
You can also find various stories about polygamous life in various films. One of the most popular films about polygamy was directed by director Hanung Bramantyo.
The film is entitled Ayat-Ayat Cinta (2008) starring Fedi Nuril, Rianti Cartwright and Carissa Putri. This one film managed to make many people go to the cinema in droves. Even though it was commercially successful, there were also several parties who protested against this film, which was adapted from a novel by Habiburrahman El Shirazy.
Apart from Ayat-Ayat Cinta (2008), there are actually several other Indonesian films that allude to polygamy. For those of you who are curious, Bacaterus has prepared several film recommendations about polygamy that you can watch below.
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1. Love Verses
Ayat-Ayat Cinta (2008) really needs to be included in this list. One of the reasons is because this film directed by Hanung Bramantyo can be said to be one of the pioneers of films about polygamy.
Starring Fedi Nuril, Rianti Cartwright and Carissa Putri, this film adapts the story from the novel of the same name written by Habiburrahman El Shirazy.
This film tells the story of Fahri, who has just married Aisyah, is suddenly visited by the Egyptian police on charges of rape.
In order to save her husband, Aisyah gave up Fahri to marry another girl named Maria. Because, only Maria can save Fahri from the slander hurled by Noura Bahadur.
2. Sharing Husband
Another film that tells about the complexities of polygamous life for women is Sharing Your Husband (2006). This film, directed by Nia Dinata, stars a number of well-known Indonesian actors. Starting from Jajang C. Noer, Shanty, Dominique Agisca Diyose, El Manik, Tio Pakusadewo, Lukman Sardi and many more.
The film tells the story of three women who come from different backgrounds, but have the same fate. The three of them had to feel the bitterness of the household when their husbands brought another woman into the household.
Will Salma, Siti and Ming be able to accept this fact in silence or will they fight against this injustice?
3. Before, Now & Then
Before, Now & Then (2022) does not directly discuss the practice of polygamy. This film by the talented Indonesian director, Kamila Andini, is a must watch for you.
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This film is adapted from the first chapter of Ahda Imran’s novel Jais Darga Namaku. Happy Salma will play Raden Nana Suhani, then act alongside Laura Basuki and Arswendy Bening Swara.
The story begins when Raden Nana Suhani, a Sundanese woman in the 60s married a rich merchant.
However, Nana’s married life is not going well, because her husband, who is a womanizer, often brings women to their house. One of them is Ino, who is now his best friend and longs for freedom.
4. Bismillah I Marry Your Husband
