The Photograph

Indonesian filmmaker Nan Achnas' moving drama centers on the unlikely relationship between an aging photographer and a young prostitute. After being evicted by her harsh pimp, the spirited Sita (played by the single-named Shanty) has a chance encounter with Johan (Lim Kay Tong), the elderly owner of a photo studio, which results in her taking up residence in his attic. Sita assumes a housekeeper role, but Johan rejects her interest in learning his craft and eventually taking over his business. Rather than viewing his rebuff as a snub, Sita assigns herself the responsibility of locating a suitable candidate to become Johan's protégé. Both characters have deep emotional issues that rigidly define their lives—Sita sends her earnings to her mother, who is caring for the young woman's 5-year-old daughter, while Johan possesses mysterious photographs that inexplicably haunt him. Some viewers may find the film's pacing too leisurely, but those with patience will enjoy the delicate interaction between Sita and Johan, which falls within a wise tale about the persistence and sometimes corrosive influence of the past. Recommended. (P. Hall)