#Tran Nu Yen Khe

[you-just-said-that]

그린 파파야 향기(The Scent Of Green Papaya/ Mui Du Du Xanh : L'Odeur De La Papaye Verte, 1994)

ⓒWATCHA

/자극적인 장면 하나 없이 너무 티 없는 영화.

나는 의외로 음식 장면보다 이 장면이 좋았다. 10년간 모신 마님의 가족을 떠나, 첫째 도련님의 친구인 ‘쿠엔’의 하녀로 들어간 ‘무이’. 무이에겐 첫사랑이지. 그리고 ‘쿠엔’도 감정을 키워나가다가 어느 한 밤엔 ‘무이’의 방에 들어갈지 말지 계속 고민하다가 들어간 장면. 그 떨림과 설렘과 두려움이 느껴져서. 약혼녀에게 무이가 싸대기는 맞았지만(...) 쿠엔이 좋다는데 어쩔겨! 약혼녀가 화나는 건 충분히 이해하지만 ‘무이’가 행복했으면 됐어! 그러다 ‘하녀는 믿으면 안 된다’고 옛날부터 하녀에 대한 속설이 많았다는 것도 기억난다. 일리가 없는 말은 아니었네요. 껄껄.

아무것도 모른 채 도시로 일하러 온 10살짜리 꼬맹이 ‘무이’의 성장 이야기라고 보면 된다. 1950~1960년대의 베트남 정경을 보는 것도 흥미로웠다. 음악을 경쾌하게 깔지 않고 긴장감 넘치는 피아노곡으로만 깐 것도 인상 깊다. 무슨 사건이 일어날 것처럼. 베트남 부모님을 둔 다문화 가정인 한 지인도 떠오르고. (그런데 그 친구는 너무 K-감성이라 같이 있으면 다문화 가정이란 생각이 전혀 안 든다.)

주인마님의 정 많은 모습도 흐뭇했고 ‘모든 가정엔 일정한 불행이 존재한다’라는 생각도 들고. 예전에 보려다가 계속 미뤄뒀는데 ‘왓챠(WATCHA)’의 여름 작품 추천 목록에 있길래 다시 생각나서 봤다. 오늘 치과 가서 음주하면 안 된다는 말 듣고 캔 콜라만 벌컥 들이마시면서 봤는데 오히려 그 순수한 감성을 느낄 수 있어 좋았다. 소박하지만 왠지 해 먹어보고 싶은 음식들도 먹음직스러웠고. 귀뚜라미도, 개구리도, 도시지만 그 안에서 자연적인 걸 많이 녹여낸 작품이라 마음에 든다. 오랜만에 캡쳐!

[antinousamongthereeds]

[romanceyourdemons]

cyclo (1995) is an absolute treat to watch. it is tran anh hung’s second film after the scent of green papaya (1993), and, like that film and to an even greater extent, it uses rich colors, striking scenarios, beautiful camera movements, and incredible soundscaping to render its two hours with a very loose plot absolutely captivating at every point. the soundtrack in particular is not only gorgeous but sounds almost kurosawa-esque, and interleaves with portions of the film soundtracked with unforgiving and nearly overwhelming ambient city noise to both enhance and facilitate the narrative’s shifting from almost neo-realist to almost dreamlike. although, as in the scent of green papaya (1993), the plot is loose and slow, the acting—especially from tran nu yen khe and tony leung chiu-wai—as well as a number of motifs keep the film highly emotionally cohesive. of all the motifs, the one that is most striking to me is that of water. water, and particularly running water, is present in virtually all the scenes in which the characters are most clearly shown to be helpless in choosing the course of their lives. this water is transmuted at times to blood or to paint, or, in several key moments of life-altering helplessness, to urine as the characters themselves become nothing but sources of water. the constant, endless, and uncontrollable motion of water juxtaposes the volitionally movement of the cyclo after which the film and its main character are named; this cyclo is stolen at the beginning of the film in a moment that seemed to echo bicycle thieves (1947), and, after its theft, the gradual and unstoppable converging fates of the characters carry them like water into catastrophe. this film is beautiful, and i highly recommend it, but i must warn of several extended scenes with flashing lights. despite that, cyclo (1995) is a beautiful and subtly done film that i deeply enjoyed and would highly recommend

[andersonvision]

"The Vertical Ray of the Sun," directed by Tran Anh Hung and released in 2000, is a Vietnamese drama that explores the intricate lives of three sisters living in Hanoi. Known for its lush cinematography and poetic storytelling, the film captures the essence of family dynamics and the passage of time. The film stars Tran Nu Yen-Khe, Le Khanh, and Le Van Loc, among others. Behold The Vertical Ray of the Sun!What is it about?Look at this cast! Mark Lee Ping Bin is a talented cinematographerWhat we loved in The Vertical Ray of the SunDouble Feature Plans and Similar MoviesReader QuestionsThe Vertical Ray of the Sun finally gets a proper Blu-rayYou can buy The Vertical Ray of the Sun Blu-ray at MovieZyng! Behold The Vertical Ray of the Sun! Tran Anh Hung, acclaimed for his earlier works "The Scent of Green Papaya" and "Cyclo," directed and wrote "The Vertical Ray of the Sun." The film was produced by Christophe Rossignon and features cinematography by Mark Lee Ping Bin, known for his work on "In the Mood for Love." The production took place in Hanoi, utilizing natural lighting and authentic locations to create a visually stunning portrayal of Vietnamese life. The film's score, composed by Ton That Tiet, adds to its lyrical and contemplative atmosphere. What is it about? The plot revolves around three sisters: Lien (Tran Nu Yen-Khe), Suong (Nguyen Nhu Quynh), and Khanh (Le Khanh), as they navigate their personal lives and relationships over the course of one summer. Each sister faces her own challenges and secrets, from infidelity to unexpected pregnancies. The film intricately weaves their stories together, creating a tapestry of familial love, loyalty, and the complexities of human emotions. Look at this cast! Tran Nu Yen-Khe, as Lien, delivers a captivating performance, embodying the youthful innocence and curiosity of her character. Le Khanh and Nguyen Nhu Quynh also provide strong performances, portraying the nuanced emotional landscapes of their characters with grace and depth. The chemistry among the sisters feels authentic and contributes significantly to the film's emotional impact. Mark Lee Ping Bin is a talented cinematographer Mark Lee Ping Bin's cinematography is one of the film's most celebrated aspects, capturing the beauty of Hanoi with a painterly eye. The use of natural light and long, contemplative shots enhances the film's serene and introspective mood. The visual style reflects the tranquility of daily life while also highlighting the underlying tensions and emotions of the characters. What we loved in The Vertical Ray of the Sun Key scenes include the family gatherings, which serve as the emotional anchor of the film, revealing the deep bonds and unspoken tensions between the sisters. Another significant scene is Lien's dream sequence, which blurs the line between reality and imagination, reflecting her inner turmoil and desires. The film's ending, which brings a sense of closure and continuity, is also noteworthy for its poignant and reflective tone. Double Feature Plans and Similar Movies "The Vertical Ray of the Sun" can be compared to other family dramas that explore the intricacies of relationships, such as "The Joy Luck Club" and "Yi Yi." Like these films, "The Vertical Ray of the Sun" delves into the emotional depths of its characters, using a slow-paced, contemplative narrative to reveal their inner lives. The film's visual style and use of natural settings also draw comparisons to Wong Kar-Wai's "In the Mood for Love." For a thematic double feature, pair "The Vertical Ray of the Sun" with "The Scent of Green Papaya," another film by Tran Anh Hung that explores Vietnamese culture and family dynamics. Another excellent companion film is "In the Mood for Love," which shares a similar aesthetic and thematic focus on relationships and emotional complexity. Reader Questions Q: Is "The Vertical Ray of the Sun" based on a true story? A: No, "The Vertical Ray of the Sun" is a fictional narrative written by Tran Anh Hung. Q: Where was "The Vertical Ray of the Sun" filmed? A: The film was shot in various locations in Hanoi, Vietnam. Q: Is "The Vertical Ray of the Sun" suitable for children? A: The film contains mature themes and is best suited for older viewers who can appreciate its subtle storytelling and emotional depth. Q: Who directed "The Vertical Ray of the Sun"? A: Tran Anh Hung directed the film. Q: What is the runtime of "The Vertical Ray of the Sun"? A: The film has a runtime of approximately 112 minutes. Q: Are there any notable cameos in "The Vertical Ray of the Sun"? A: The film features a notable cast of Vietnamese actors, but does not include cameos in the traditional sense. The Vertical Ray of the Sun finally gets a proper Blu-ray In 2024, "The Vertical Ray of the Sun" received its debut Blu-ray release, offering fans an enhanced viewing experience with high-definition visuals and remastered audio. The Blu-ray edition features a pristine transfer of the film, preserving the lush cinematography and intricate details that make it a visual masterpiece. The Blu-ray release includes no special features. Still, the Blu-ray release is a must-have for fans of Vietnamese cinema and contemplative dramas. You can buy The Vertical Ray of the Sun Blu-ray at MovieZyng!

[ofallingstar]

The Scent of Green Papaya (1993)

[anamon-book]

シクロ CINEMA RISE NO.63 パイオニアLDC 監督：トラン・アン・ユン／出演：レ・ヴァン・ロック、トニー・レオン、トラン・ヌー・イェン・ケー ほか

[maggiecheungs]

Trần Nữ Yên Khê as Mui in The Scent of Green Papaya (dir. Tran Anh Hung, 1993)

[riinasawayama]

Tran Nu Yen Khe in The Scent of Green Papaya (1993), dir. Tran Anh Hung

[sheep-tunes]

quick redraw

[artfilmfan]

The Third Wife (Ash Mayfair, 2018)

cinematography: Chananun Chotrungroj

[moviemosaics]

The Third Wife

directed by Ash Mayfair, 2018

[antinousamongthereeds]

[romanceyourdemons]

oh my god i’ve never seen a vietnamese film that doesn’t have tran nu yen khe in it. well she’s very good so i suppose that isn’t all bad

[nikitasbt]

Two Fantasy Worlds of Tran Anh Hung: Cyclo (1995) and The Vertical Ray of the Sun (2000)

Cyclo (Xích Lô , 1995)

The second feature of Tran Anh Hung Cyclo lensed a few years after success of The Scent of Green Papaya appears to be quite a depressive depiction of life in desperate ghettos of Saigon, overwhelmed by poverty, violence, power of street gangs and lack of hopes. The first half an hour gives a shocking glimpse into the days of protagonist 18-years rickshaw driver credited as Cyclo (Le Van Loc) who lives with grandfather and two sisters. As outsiders thrown to the city center, we glance at the ways poor people try to make living: fixing tires, carrying buckets of water, driving rickshaw to give shares of money to different people supervising the district.

Tran Anh Hung makes it even more desperate showing how corruption, violence and sexual abuse bring down and destroy first Cyclo and then his sister played by Tran’s wife Tran Nu Yen Khe. After the protagonist’s rickshaw is getting which reminds of Bicycle Thieves of De Sica, young brother and sister meet a gang leader who also appears to be a poet. With his influence, Cyclo slowly encounters with the sides of Saigon life which are even bleaker than his previous routine, while his sister is forced to become a fetish-only prostitute. A poet (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) and girl develop feelings to each other, yet he remains her pimp.

It feels like we are getting immersed into very bleak and nearly pornographic fantasy now. We see deranged and corrupted characters and many different liquids as the symbols of depravity they soak into. The things get worse and worse as there are no positive sides in this life we observe. The gang members are shown with fondness to poetry or music giving a hint they could have been good people. But that’s a poor and violent life! We also observe the poet being rejected by his father and ruminating on the streets of Saigon. In many crucial moments of the life his nose bleeds showing him as some sort of outsider who is not supposed to be here. Playing this role was probably something Tony Leung has got used to after Kar-wai’s Chungking Express. Frequently, we see the scenes with gold fishes who are meant to spend all life in the aquarium just like characters here are trapped for ages in the walls of dirty city filled with violence and abuse.

The film ends with no hopes for better future, and there is quite a lot of violence we see. Comparing with the first feature of Tran, Cyclo is very dark and pessimistic. However, we are to note the delightful imagery in Cyclo, a great usage of camera being able to capture several plans simultaneously and some good dramatic performances of the actors.

  The Vertical Ray of the Sun (Mùa hè chiều thẳng đứng, 2000)

  Comparing with Cyclo, the first film of Tran Anh Hung “The Scent of Green Papaya” was more remarkable and adorable, with its warmth, idiosyncratic beauty and slow-paced rhythm of touching story. With the third feature, the director decides to get back where he had started making another poetic film about life in Vietnam. Though, this time the plot is set in Hanoi, instead of Saigon.

The Vertical Ray of the Sun is a non-plot dream-like film, showing split scenes from the life of one extended family but never unfolding them properly. Tran Anh Hung once again attempts to create a fantasy world of a tremendously emotional power. This world is fragile, tender and sophisticated. The three sisters from Hanoi have developed very strong bonds, and we witness different scenes from their life basically not telling much to us. We don’t learn a lot about their personalities, but observe the shots of beautiful relationships. The family relations can be compared with nothing else in this atmosphere of Hanoi on the screen. From time to time, we see additional characters just talking about life, love. And that’s it!

Tran Anh Hung with The Vertical Ray of the Sun once again works upon creating visual sophistication and walks us though his fantasies of life in Vietnam he had never experienced. Perhaps, such life didn’t even exist in reality, yet it is simply adorable and the film looks fascinating. The story is being told in hypnotically catchy stream, offering us a meditative enchantment to experience. Certainly, the deep meaning of these scenes of sisters’ relations, rumors and talks about adultery can be figured out. But this is not really necessary, as the film only offers an adventure to this beautiful world lensed as a parallel dimension. It is similar to The Scent of Green Papaya, but from my point of view the first more fresh and adorable. With his feature, Tran repeats the important motifs and topics after himself which is not bad, though. However, The Scent of Green Papaya still remains my favourite film of this style.

The youngest sister pretty and playful Lien played by Tran Nu Yen Khe is gorgeous once again. Director’s wife has grown into a great actress for the films of this kind driven by the fantasies and conceptual vision of Tran Anh Hung. Such world starts in his head and gets depicted on the screen after being lensed to remain absolutely unrealistic and quixotic. Yet it is entertaining, warm, graceful, rejuvenating and adorable to observe.

[ofallingstar]

The Scent of Green Papaya (1993)

[anamon-book]

青いパパイヤの香り CINEMA SQUARE MAGAZINE vol.114 シネマスクエアとうきゅう 監督：トラン・アン・ユン／出演：トラン・ヌー・イェン・ケー、リュ・マン・サン、グエン・アン・ホア ほか