Review series Cigarette Girl (2023)
Cigarette Girl (2023)
“Cigarette Girl” is a 2023 Indonesian streaming television series that tells a deeply moving story set against the backdrop of Indonesia’s tobacco industry. The series stars Dian Sastrowardoyo as Dasiyah “Jeng Yah,” Ario Bayu as Raja, along with Arya Saloka, Putri Marino, and others in significant roles. Directed by Kamila Andini and Ifa Isfansyah, and produced by BASE Entertainment, “Cigarette Girl” is based on the novel “Clove Girl” by Ratih Kumala. The narrative unfolds in two timelines, focusing on the tragic love story between Dasiyah, the daughter of a Kretek (clove cigarette) business owner, and Soeraja, a man deeply involved with the tobacco industry but marred by political and personal turmoil.
The plot weaves through the journey of Dasiyah and Soeraja’s love, which faces numerous challenges due to political and business rivalries, personal betrayals, and the harsh realities of their time. Soeraja’s entanglement with the Communist Party and the subsequent implications for Dasiyah and her family lead to devastating consequences. Despite their deep love, external forces and decisions drive a wedge between them, resulting in separation, imprisonment, and untold suffering. The narrative also follows Lebas, Raja’s son, and Arum, revealing layers of past secrets and the enduring impact of parental decisions on their children’s lives.
The series is celebrated for its rich storytelling, capturing the essence of 1960s Indonesia and the complex dynamics of the tobacco industry, intertwined with a poignant love story. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, the pursuit of dreams against societal constraints, and the lasting effects of decisions across generations. Cigarette Girl premiered at the 28th Busan International Film Festival and was released on Netflix on November 2, 2023, offering a captivating blend of historical drama and romance.
This series is a testament to the depth and complexity of human relationships, set against a backdrop that’s as rich and fragrant as the kretek cigarettes at its heart. It’s a story that spans decades, revealing the cost of ambition, the weight of tradition, and the enduring power of love, making it a must-watch for fans of intricate storytelling and historical drama.
Cigarette Girl | Official Trailer | Netflix
Movie review update : Moview review
Recent review : Monarch: Legacy of Monsters