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Pasir Berbisik (Drama, 106 minutes). Starring Christine Hakim, Slamet Rahardjo, Dian Sastrowardoyo, Didi Petet, Desi Fitri. Directed by Nan T. Achnas.

Pasir Berbisik (Whispering Sand) centers around the lives of a mother, Berlian (Christine), and her teenage daughter, Daya (Dian). Daya's father left when she was young, leaving her with a constant longing for a father figure.

When Berlian and Daya are forced to move to another village, Daya meets her father (Slamet), and her image of him as an adventurous and brave man is quickly shattered when he sells her to an evil merchant, Suwito (Didi).

The strong cast features some of Indonesia's most respected actors, and their performances are up to their usual standards.

Shot mainly in the sands near Mount Bromo in East Java, the film is filled with beautiful scenes, which are often used in the place of dialog.

The problem is that, beautiful scenes aside, the story is weak and lacks any real emotional punch.**1/2

-- Hera Diani