VIÊT AND NAM

Coal miners Nam and Viêt transform their place of work and daily confinement into a space of freedom where they can love each other. That is until the former prepares to leave the country in a shipping container. But before setting off, Nam embarks on a journey accompanied by Viêt, in which he searches for the body of his father, a soldier who went missing during the Vietnam War. Trương Minh Quý explores his nation’s past, but only to distance himself from the clichéd images of the famous conflict, instead focusing on its emotional impact and the wounds beneath the surface. Straddling contemplation and sensuality (in 16 mm), the characters’ fickle memory and uncertain future are reminiscent of Tarkovsky’s and Resnais’ abstract conception of time. Underground passions and spiritual sentiments pave the way in this enchanting film.