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THE SCENT OF GREEN PAPAYA – Tiết Tôn-Thất
THROWBACK THIRTY
Original Review by Jonathan Broxton
The Scent of Green Papaya (L’Odeur de la Papaye Verte in French, Mùi Đu Đủ Xanh in its native Vietnam) is a Vietnamese drama film, the feature debut of director Tran Anh Hung. Filmed with a cast of mostly non-professional actors, the film presents a poignant portrayal of Mui, a young girl from the countryside, as she transitions into adulthood while working as a servant for a middle-class family in Saigon. Set in 1951 against the backdrop of a Vietnam trying to find its place in the world following the end of French colonial rule, the movie meticulously captures the essence of the country’s culture, landscapes, and traditions, and follows Mui as she navigates her daily life within the confines of the household. When the family’s father absconds with their life savings, the tireless mother is forced to support the family through the slim profits of her tiny fabric store. As the family struggles to make ends meet, Mui becomes attracted to a friend of the family, Khuyen, who has ambitions to be a concert pianist. A decade later, and with the family in dire financial straits, Mui is sent to work in Khuyen’s home. Mui initially serves him as she has served the family – with perfection and silence – but gradually Khuyen begins to take notice of Mui’s love for him. Read more…
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