Scent/Green Papaya

 

 

Create your own review

This is a lovely French-Vietnamese film that tells the story of Mui (Man San Lu), a ten year old, illiterate girl with a sweet disposition who becomes a servant in a traditional upper middle class, Saigon household in 1951 Vietnam. Separated from her mother at such a young age, Mui takes the world in stride, enjoying and savoring all that is around her. Even the simple scent of green papaya charms her. She is definitely someone who looks at her glass as being half-full rather than half-empty.

She comes to the household like a breath of fresh air. The household consists of a mother, a father, three sons, and the grandmother, the father's mother. The mother (Thi Loc Truong) seems to be a somewhat unhappy woman. Having lost her only daughter, a child that would have been Mui's age had she lived, the sight of Mui makes her happy. She otherwise has little about which to be happy. The father (Ngoc Trung Tran), a seemingly uncommunicative man, spends his time playing melancholic music. He occasionally leaves the household for months at a time, taking with him the family's money and small valuables in order to carouse and have a good time, leaving the mother to fend for the family as best that she can. The grandmother is given to berating her, blaming her for the father's absences.

There are three sons in the household, two young ones who play pranks and torment others, as well as a much older son, whose best friend, Khuyen (Hoa Hoi Vuong), occasionally comes to dinner. It is there that he first catches Mui's eye, and she is smitten, developing a little crush on him. Ten years later, with the family on the skids, their wealth having dissipated, the father and mother-in-law now dead, the oldest son married to a shrew, a now twenty year old Mui (Tran Nu Yen Khe), who is quite lovely to look at, can no longer remain in the household, as they can no longer afford to keep her. She is to go and work in the household of the wealthy Khuyen. The mother, heartbroken at Mui's leaving, gives her valuable gifts that she would have given her own daughter, had she but lived.

When Mui goes to Khuyen's westernized household, the influence of the French being obvious, Khuyen is engaged to a very cosmopolitan and worldly woman who makes demands upon Khuyen that upset the harmony of his life. Khuyen is an artist, as he is a composer and pianist. Mui quietly walks around the fringes of his life, bringing peace, harmony, and beauty along with her. Comparisons to Khuyen's fiance are inescapable. Mui is now a beautiful young woman who still delights in the simplest things around her. One day she decides to use the valuable gifts that her former employer gave her. The artist in Khuyen cannot help but notice. It is then that Mui's life is transformed and becomes the stuff of fairytales.

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, this is simply a beautiful film. With a minimum of dialogue, the director, Tran Anh Hung, who also wrote the screenplay, manages to convey much, exacting exquisite performances from the entire cast. It is Mui, however, who captures the heart of the viewer. Mui is a pure delight, patient, joyful, and loving. It is the role of Mui that is central to the film, and both actresses succeed brilliantly in anchoring the film through their respective portrayals. Moreover, although most of the film takes place in the two households in which Mui works, the film does not cease to fascinate. It is hard to believe that this film was shot on a sound stage in Paris, as the sets look so authentic. This is not a film for everyone, however, as the scenes are slow and deliberate and contain little dialogue. For those for whom beauty is of the essence, their patience will be amply rewarded.

Absolutely phenomenal! This is, by far, my favorite Vietnamese film. Rather than repeat what other reviewers have said, I will just say that I can not recommend this film highly enough. It really stays with you. BEAUTIFUL!!!

I remember the first time I had ever seen this movie. 4-5 years or so ago I was surfing through my parents' digital cable movie channels hoping to find something that interested me. When I read the info for 'The Scent of Green Papaya', I thought to myself, that sounds like a good movie, so I tuned in to watch. Honestly, the first time I watched it, I thought it was good, but after the second and third time, I thought it was fantastic. It's a charming story about a 10-year-old servant girl growing up in the 1950's in Saigon. As you're watching the movie, you feel sorry and perhaps a bit angry at the mother who's husband is cheating and leaving the house for days with all the family's hard earned money. You learn to spite, yet love the youngest son for his devilish and mischievious tricks he plays on the young servant girl.

It's a wonderful movie, but not necessarily family oriented. Perhaps for those interested in forgein films with a bit of comedy and romance attached. Still, it is definitely a must see!

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 42 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Yes, this movie is slow
I will not lie and say this movie filled with car chases or explosions. If you expect an action flick, look elsewhere. Read more

Published on Mar 2 2004

1.0 out of 5 stars The Slowest Movie Ever Made
This is the slowest movie ever made, and also one of the least meaningful movies I have ever seen. There is nothing redeeming about any of the characters, as they are not fleshed... Read more

Published on Dec 10 2003

1.0 out of 5 stars sorry--hated this movie
I'm an asian female and the strange eroticizing of this woman is freakish to me. Her gaping hollow stare is maybe endearing as a child, but as a woman it just made her look... Read more

Published on Nov 29 2003

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing movie
Normally, I don't mind movies that use visuals instead of dialogue to tell the story as long as the visuals give a good insight into the character. Read more

Published on Oct 20 2003 by sherbertrose

4.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful movie
Watching "The Scent of Green Papaya?is just like listening to a harmonious song. There is not much dialogue in this movie but you will not feel boring. Read more

Published on Aug 8 2003 by kahlun

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite
This movie is great for those who enjoy excellent character development. Not many people my age appreciate such films and I must admit that some of its like do not keep my... Read more

Published on May 1 2003 by Amanda Williams

4.0 out of 5 stars Vietnamese Cinderella
I'm always on the lookout for Cinderella type stories. In this story we definitely have a servant and two "naughty" step-type brothers instead of sisters. Read more

Published on Feb 9 2003 by Rebecca Johnson

3.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite visual movie with poor DVD transfer
I agree with all the positive things said about this movie. This is one of the most beautifully photographed movies you will ever see. Read more

Published on Dec 8 2002 by Island Reviewer

5.0 out of 5 stars Best vietnamese film out there
If you are vietnamese, you will love this film.....

The cinematography is INCREDIBLE. It has one of the best scenery ever. Read more

Published on Oct 31 2002 by Q. Le

5.0 out of 5 stars The Fruits of Kindness
This lovely and subtle film washes over you like a gentle tropical rain. The dialog is sparse and the beauty dense in director Anh Hung Tran's portrait of a young servant girl in... Read more

Published on Oct 8 2002

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

› See all 42 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

Search Listmania!