This low-key Vietnamese production will surely appeal to those who like films such as In the Mood for Love, Scent of the Green Papaya, Norwegian Wood, Lust Caution. It doesn't break any new ground and the lack of verbal communication between the main characters may be annoying to some viewers.
The meditative nature of this film seems to contrast certain of its themes. We've got animal abuse-this film is certainly not for vegans-forbidden sex, domestic abuse, and the murder of a disabled girl. Despite these elements the director does not let his film slide to the levels of a Hong Kong Category 3 sleazefest. Some Western viewers will find unacceptable the way this film defends certain kinds of behaviors. There is no criticism against the questionable behavior of the male characters in this movie and the makers are not apologetic about this.
A sense of calmness runs through this movie from the start to end. You don't feel upset by the things unfolding in front of your eyes. Maybe because the viewer-like the main protagonist-is unable to do anything to change this. You've just got to accept how things are.
Review of Dao cua dan ngu cu
