Big Father, Small Father and Other Stories (2015)
Saigon, early 2000s. Photography student Vu has just arrived from Vietnam's backwaters and is immediately attracted to his handsome roommate Thang, who works odd jobs as a bouncer and low-level drug dealer. Entranced by the nocturnal rhythms of Thang's world, Vu follows him around the city where he meets Van, a ballet-cum-exotic dancer and Thang's sometimes-girlfriend.
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Very Cool!!!
A lot of fun.
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.
I watched this movie ( "Small Father and Other Stories" in English ) today on Belgrade FEST unexpectedly after I received a friend's call. And I got what I expected - a serious drama about hard life of young population in Vietnam. The opening scene is very instructive. It shows shabby, small dwellings at a river bank. Behind that we see a big modern building. Opposites that can be so often seen in so called "third world countries". The story is about a poor family that lives on a boat. We have a father, daughters and a few sons. One of those sons has friends and we mostly see what they do - talking about girls, swimming, trying to gain some money. It all resembles their hard life but they are full of life and very energetic. I won't tell you what one of these guys did to make money, it would be a spoiler, but that act is a symbol of poverty and lack of future in this country ( and not only that country!). The most mysterious characters in this film is a club dancer, a voloptuos and beautiful girl who practices ballet during the day and sells her body during the night. Also, there is a gay element between some characters. The closing scene is even more striking than the beginning. If you are sick of shallow blockbusters and want to watch a drama with some depth this may be a thing for you.