LakshmiSet in 19th-century Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty, this tale tells the story of a young woman who reluctantly marries the district governor. An unexpected encounter with her childhood love, rekindles hidden emotions, leading to complicated consequences. Vietnamese-American film director, Victor Vu, beautifully captures this storyline adapted from author Hồng Thái’s novel, ‘The Lake of Vengeance (Hồ Oán Hận)’ as he celebrates 20 years of film making!
Nguyen in a still from the film. Photo: 3388 Films
Linh (Kaity Nguyễn), an alluring, elegant woman, was forced to wed an arrogant governor, Quan Đức Trọng (Quang Thắng), due to unforeseen circumstances. As his third wife, she was able to give birth to a daughter, but the governor wanted a son. After several years and consistent pressure, she is still unable to reproduce another heir, nor are his two other wives able to do so. However, on happenstance, she runs into her former love interest, Nhân (Thuận Nguyễn) which dramatically alters her life, revealing many truths and painstakingly miserable situations.
The patriarchal feudal system and the notion of the male heir supremacy, pivots the movie through a harrowing narrative, implicating the society of the divide between the rich and the poor. The antagonism among the three wives highlights the complexity of dynamics in the old society, making it an intriguing watch. The discrepancies result in an anticipated, yet captivating sequence of scenes.
The story develops as the Governor’s bookkeeper, Thầy Đề Thiện Lương, gets involved when he detects a disparity in the books of accounts and similarly on the arrival of government investigator, Thám Tử Kiên, who probes into a murder that eventually occurs. Through flashbacks, intertwined with the present, the love story between Nhân and Linh is beautifully portrayed.
Linh and Nhan in running in the rain. Photo: 3388 Films
But what I loved the most about the movie, is Vietnam itself. The magnificent scenery, rich foliage, breathtaking waterfalls, and rural panoramas draw you into the drama from the outset. The authenticity of the attires and the living quarters of the various characters, adds to the charm. I would watch this film once again just for the cinematography.
Vietnam in all its beauty. Photo: 3388 Films
The angelic Kaity Nguyễn is bewitching as Linh. Her performance was so convincing, that the people in my theatre clapped during a few scenes! Her exquisitely brilliant portrayal of a reticent yet courageous woman lent her character an undeniable charisma coupled with an admiration of her power to make decisions in that patriarchal society. Actor Thuận Nguyễn’s chemistry with his co-protagonist is splendid, to say the least. His character’s unyielding sense of protection and love towards her forms the spine of the film.
Visually speaking, I would 100% recommend watching this movie for Dominic Pereira’s mind-blowing cinematography and a pulchritudinous performance by Katie. Victor Vu has truly made his best movie till date!. Explore More Movie Reviews
| Release Date: 2023- 11-03 (Vietnam) 2023-12-08 (US, Canada) | Distributor(s): 3388 Films | ||||
| Cast: Kaity Nguyen, Thuan Nguyen | Producers: Lotte Entertainment, TFilm Entertainment, November Films | ||||
| Director: Victor Vu | Screenplay: Vo Nguyen Dan, Trieu Hoang My , Duc Nguyen , Victor Vu | ||||
| Runtime: 132 Minutes | Genres: Thriller, Romance |
Lakshmi
