Vietnamese Film “Viet And Nam” Brings Underground Romance To Life
A hot new film shows two coal miners finding passion in unlikely settings
Viet And Nam is a 2024 drama that has already captivated festival-goers, ignited discussions, and raised a few eyebrows. Why is this Vietnamese indie film so compelling?
From March 28, Viet And Nam will shine beyond the festival circuit, thanks to Strand Releasing. Directed by Truong Minh Quy, the film is set to play at select theatres, kicking off with NYC’s IFC Center.
A Love In The Depths
Set in early 2000s Vietnam, the film takes us 1,000 metres underground, where two young coal miners, Viet (Dao Duy Bao Dinh) and Nam (Pham Thanh Hai), find freedom in each other. Beneath the oppressive weight of earth above, their love blossoms in secret. It’s raw, it’s vulnerable, and holds nothing back.
Minh Quy’s depiction of their intimacy is layered with cultural nuance. “In Vietnam, homosexual relationships are quite accepted. But, in reality, it’s still difficult to be gay,” Minh Quy explains in a press statement. He reflects on how internalised fear often forces many to hide their true selves. “In the film, I wanted to bear witness to this while remaining quite subtle. Most of the time, when we see Viet and Nam showing their love, they only do so when they’re isolated.”
The romance between Viet and Nam, while powerful, has an expiration date. Nam plans to leave Vietnam, hoping to secure a brighter future abroad. But before departing, he must unravel a personal mystery – the truth behind his father’s death. A former North Vietnamese soldier, Nam’s father left behind unanswered questions, pulling Nam deeper into a journey that blends personal loss with generational trauma.
The story shifts when Viet and Nam, joined by Nam’s mother Hoa (Nguyen Thi Nga) and army veteran Ba (Le Viet Tung), travel toward the Cambodian border. As they search for Nam’s father’s final resting place, the film broadens its focus, touching on environmental concerns, war’s enduring impact, and the harsh realities of immigration.
Controversy And Bans
Filmmaking sometimes brings conflict, and Viet And Nam is no stranger to it. Vietnam’s Cinema Department banned the film last year, claiming it casts a “gloomy, deadlocked, and negative view” of the country. For Minh Quy, the ban is deeply disappointing. He hopes audiences can see the film as “a tender and emotional expression of what is happening in the country from a Vietnamese filmmaker.”
What Can We Expect From Viet And Nam?
Are you ready for a story that’s equal parts heartache and resilience? This is a tale of freedom, loss, and the search for meaning. It challenges perceptions, sparks debate, and lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
We can’t wait to see what Viet And Nam has in store.
