A Retrospective: Hanung Bramantyo

Tuhan, Izinkan Aku Berdosa

Hanung Bramantyo | 2023 | Indonesia | 117 min | Indonesian Sub: English | 17+

The religious drama film Tuhan, Izinkan Aku Berdosa (Harlot's Prayer) is a powerful adaptation of Muhidin M Dahlan's novel Tuhan Izinkan Aku Menjadi Pelacur. Directed by Hanung Bramantyo, the film tells the story of Nidah Kiran, an intelligent and religious student who finds herself trapped in the organization of Islamic State fighters. Instead of receiving guidance, she endures a series of severe trials. Forced to become the fourth wife of the group's leader, Abu Darda, she also endures accusations of defaming the Imam, physical threats, and sexual harassment. Compounding her struggle, her parents back in the village label her a rebel for challenging religious authorities. Overwhelmed and disillusioned, she abandons her former beliefs and turns to a life of prostitution to expose the hypocrisy she has encountered in the world around her.