Chang Vo Cua Em

An unlikely romance that works because of superb acting, great dialogue and likeable characters. Thoroughly enjoyable, not one false note.

The 2018 Vietnamese movie "Chang Vo Cua Em" (aka "My Mr. Wife") turned out to be a rather wholesome movie. When I sat down in 2022 to watch this movie from director Charlie Nguyen, I have to admit that I had neither heard about the movie before, nor did I know what it was about. But it being an Asian movie that I hadn't already seen was more than sufficient to make me watch it.

And I will say that the storyline definitely proved to be entertaining. It was a nicely written storyline and plot, however, running at two hours, the movie was feeling a bit heavy and slow paced at times. So perhaps a more round-handed trim in post-production would have spruced up the movie here and there.

The movie starred Thai Hoa (playing Hung) and Phuong Anh Dao (playing Mai). They carried the movie quite well with their performances, especially Thai Hoa.

If you enjoy a romantic drama with elements of comedy to it, then give "Chang Vo Cua Em" a chance, should you find yourself with the opportunity to do so.

My rating of "Chang Vo Cua Em" lands on a six out of ten stars.

The My Mr. Wife movie was surprisingly well made by famed director Charlie Nguyen who previously and unfortunately flunk at the box office for Fanatic also played by Thai Hoa.

All the akwardly-pleasant funny scenes were with grace and meticulously calculated moderation. The story edges on cliche but managed to stay original and suspenseful... enough to keep me guessing until the near-end.

It's a heart-warming love story with a relatively fresh view (at least from what I know of Vietnam social climate and family structure) on woman and man role's in a relationship. Scenes of the world-class real estate business, the upscale apartment building, the old book store, dogs chasing after kids,...even simply running in the park for morning exercise fully and whole-heartedly captured the vibe, the imagination and the aspiration of Saigon.

A memorable cinematic experience that warms your heart and sets it free to yearn for more.