Viet and Nam: A Poignant Exploration of Queer Love Amidst Tradition

A Unique Cinematic Perspective

The film 'Viet and Nam', directed by Vietnamese filmmaker Truong Minh Quy, presents striking visuals of queer love that are rarely depicted in cinema globally, especially not in our own country where such narratives are often marred by awkward portrayals of intimacy.

In this film, intimate moments are captured with the artistry reminiscent of a time before censorship, showcasing explicit scenes that evoke a sense of timeless beauty. The sequences, filmed in the dim, decaying light of a coal mine, contrast sharply with the film's overall somber atmosphere.

Love in a Desolate Landscape

The characters Viet and Nam, portrayed by Duy Bao Dinh Dao and Pham Thanh Hai, are set against a backdrop of perpetual despair. The experience of love within the confines of a coal mine, buried deep underground, lacks joy. The only glimmer of hope comes from Nam’s mother, Hoa (Nguyen Thi Nga), who encourages her son to bring his partner home.

A Complex Narrative

The dinner scene featuring Nam, Viet, Hoa, and a male guest, who is a colleague of Nam’s missing father, is devoid of joy as they share a meal of frogs. The film presents challenging themes that may be difficult for some viewers to digest. A significant portion of the narrative revolves around Nam and his mother’s quest to find the grave of their missing father, which disrupts the central love story and highlights the struggles of a nation in transition.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Ironically, the film's narrative attempts to balance the radical love story with the ritualistic search for a grave, reflecting the protagonists' own struggles. Their passionate relationship is hindered by the weight of tradition, illustrating a society grappling with the challenges of liberalism. Until societal attitudes evolve, expressions of same-sex love may remain hidden beneath the surface.