Mai

I am being generous here, I think the movie sits somewhere between 7 and 8/10

To foreign friends who do not have the background: the director of this movie used to be an MC and comedian and he worked really hard to rise to the top face in Viet's show biz. Despite many past and ongoing controversies, what cannot be denied is his talents and hard work.

The movie starts with a intertwining scence where the Mai mopping her apt floor and her neighbor banging girls. I think it's a pretty good funny scene and a good sign of a quality movie.

Sure the dialogue is not as natural as you see foreign movies but it's a common problem with Vietnamese. We have.

I can't believe I lost 2 hours of my life watching a movie that ends in triumph for the character I most despised. This confounding tumultuous tale of a carnival-like Vietnamese subculture awash in masseuses, evil neighbors, street thugs and perverts might be exciting to some viewers but it's one rabbit hole I wish I never ventured down. While the fact that many Vietnamese kids will dutifully worship at the feet of judgemental, controlling and selfish parents is something I've seen firsthand, it doesn't make it any easier to witness or accept. From the get-go, the film's protagonists all seem to suffer from a culturally pervasive sort of Stockholm Syndrome. Despite an ephemeral moment or two of promising romantic charm, overall I found the story relentlessly disturbing.

Unlike toandph I thought Mai was a very well made movie.

I thought the script was well written and the movie was well directed.

I'm amazed, in general, by how far Viet Nam has gotten in terms of artistry and music videos. We have came very far from the home made music videos to the short movie music videos that can compete compared to Korea and US. Mai is the first movie that follows that development.

Phuong Anh impersonated Mai tremendously in form of acting and maybe more so looks. She plays it like it was her autobiography. Cinematography, editing, and directing was on point for me also. I was taken aback by the one shot scenes, especially.

Altogether, I think Mai is very worth watching and I hope there's more to come from Viet Nam.

In the bustling streets of Vietnam, where tradition intertwines with modernity, "Mai" paints a poignant and visually stunning portrait of a single mother's quest for love amidst cultural intricacies. Directed by the visionary filmmaker Tran Thanh, this enchanting tale transcends borders, inviting audiences into a world where love blooms in unexpected places.

The film follows the journey of Mai, a devoted single mother navigating the complexities of Eastern Asian culture while yearning for companionship. Portrayed with grace and depth by the talented lead actress, Mai's character embodies resilience and hope as she embarks on a quest to find love against the backdrop of traditional values and societal expectations.

One of the most striking elements of "Mai" is its immersive portrayal of Vietnam. The meticulous attention to detail not only adds authenticity to the narrative but also serves as a window into the cultural nuances that influence the characters' choices and relationships.

At its core, "Mai" is a celebration of love in all its forms - romantic, familial, and self-discovery. Through heartfelt performances and evocative storytelling, the film explores the universal themes of longing, acceptance, and the transformative power of human connection. As Mai embarks on a journey of self-discovery, audiences are invited to reflect on their own experiences of love and belonging.

Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, "Mai" is a cinematic masterpiece that captivates the heart and soul. With its compelling narrative, exquisite cinematography, and stellar performances, this enchanting tale leaves a lasting impression, reminding us that love knows no boundaries - it is eternal, like the blossoms "Mai" that adorn Vietnam's spring.

This is a beautiful story about the character Mai's journey to find happiness. The character's psychology is portrayed deeply and complexly. The director gave us a deep dive into the character's psychology. This is not a simple romantic movie. This is a movie about life and happiness in every person. Although there are still many errors in the storytelling, this is a significant mark of Vietnamese films. From the film we can see the careful investment in content, images, script and message conveyed. The actors have devoted a lot to their roles. In short, this is a movie worth watching. An incredible cinematic mark from Tran Thanh.