TIFF 2024: Viet and Nam (Movie Trailer in Vietnamese with english subtitles)
TIFF 2024: Viet and Nam – A Mystical Love Story Deep Underground
Trương Minh Quý’s Viet and Nam is set to captivate audiences at TIFF 2024 with its unique blend of romance, history, and poetic storytelling. This North American premiere takes viewers deep underground, where two young miners, Viet and Nam, find love and intimacy amidst the darkness of a coal mine. But this is more than just a love story—it’s an exploration of the emotional scars of war, the search for a better future, and the haunting beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places.
The Story: Love in the Depths
In Viet and Nam, we follow two young men working in the suffocating confines of a coal mine, 1,000 meters below the surface. The setting may seem bleak, but for Viet and Nam, it’s a place where they can express their love freely, away from the prying eyes of society. Their relationship is tender and intense, a bright spark in the darkness. However, their time together is short-lived as Nam prepares to move abroad for better opportunities.
Before they part, Nam accompanies his mother on a journey to find his father’s remains, a man who never returned from the war in the 1970s. This search, set against the backdrop of a Vietnam still healing from its past, brings a layer of poignancy and reflection to their story. The film masterfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and longing, making it a deeply emotional and universal tale.
A Haunting and Poetic Vision
Beautifully shot on 16mm film, Viet and Nam is a visual masterpiece. Trương Minh Quý uses the stark contrast between the dark, confined spaces of the mine and the open, sunlit landscapes of Vietnam to mirror the emotional states of the characters. The film’s dreamlike quality, combined with its deep exploration of the senses, leaves a lasting impression. Viet and Nam’s physical and emotional connection feels almost otherworldly, as their interactions blur the lines between individuality and unity, past and future.
Why You Should Watch It
Viet and Nam isn’t just a love story; it’s an exploration of the lasting impact of war, the complexities of identity, and the desire for connection. The film’s ambiguity and artistic approach allow it to transcend its specific setting, becoming a universal reflection on the human experience. Trương Minh Quý’s decision to shoot on 16mm adds a layer of tactile beauty to the film, making it a sensory journey that lingers with you long after the credits roll.
This film was banned by Vietnam’s Cinema Department for its “gloomy” depiction of the country, but its story is anything but hopeless. Instead, Viet and Nam is a deeply moving reflection on love, memory, and the search for meaning in a world marked by change and uncertainty.
Showtimes at TIFF 2024
Catch Viet and Nam at TIFF 2024 during these showtimes:
- Thursday, September 5 – 9:15 am (Scotiabank Theatre, Press & Industry)
- Tuesday, September 10 – 8:30 pm (TIFF Lightbox)
- Wednesday, September 11 – 3:45 pm (Scotiabank Theatre)
- Sunday, September 15 – 9:20 am (Scotiabank Theatre)
If you’re drawn to films that are both visually stunning and emotionally profound, Viet and Nam is a must-see. It’s a rare, intimate story that manages to capture both the beauty and the tragedy of life, love, and history.
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