By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Director: Ash Mayfair
Starring: Long Le Vu | Maya | Nu Yên-Khê Tran | ong Chuong Nguyen
Country: vietnam
Year: 2019
Running time: 97
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7692966/reference
Michael says: “THE THIRD WIFE must be something of a first.. it’s an anomaly for anywhere in the world, but surely even more so in its native Viet Nam. This remarkable film was written, directed, produced, edited by women. And the gorgeous cinematography was by a woman as well. Ash Mayfair wrote and directed this gentle but unflinching look at the life of a 14-year-old girl who becomes the third wife to a wealthy landowner in 19th century rural Vietnam. It’s all about birth, life and death, and all three are strongly present through this visually and aurally stunning film. There’s not a lot of joy evident in the lives of the many women (or even the few men) that appear in this film. It’s not all doom and gloom, there is care evidenced among the family, and moments of celebration, but women are basically seen as chattle, vessels to bear children (mainly sons) and basically keep the household running. Third wife, Ong Ba, is, as you would expect of a fourteen-year-old girl, confused by the complex relationships she witnesses as she takes her place as third wife. Some of the things she sees frighten her, while others set loose a desire to live a life different from what she is expected too live. But that kind of independence is not fostered in women, especially during this time period, and she must learn some difficult lessons as well.
“Mayfair has a lovely, firm, but not harsh touch to tell this tale in her first feature film, and she surrounds herself with talent. The cinemtography by Chananun Chotrungroj (who was also director of photography for last year’s POP AYE) is languid and stunning, capturing both the beauty of rural Vietnam, but the mysteries of owning an estate through the eyes of a 14-year-old girl. I think this one will earn some nominations in the tech categories, but I’m considering the acting as well, both from the lead, played by Hong Chuong Nguyen, and by Mistress Ha, our first wife, by Tran Nu Yên-Khê. 4 cats“