After reading everyone's comments, the movie can be summarised as being long and lacking in action. Now, what makes the difference is the quality of the picture and colours, unforgettable. This movie is not just about Mui's work experience as a maid in a wealthy house, nor about her feelings for her new Master ten years later (a ten-year gap in the story), neither about Vietnam itself. The movie looks like it's taken slices of Mui's personal story, so that people would have a private "look" at a few events that marked her life, a form of autobiography, as the ending demonstrated, by Mui talking directly to the viewer. Does the movie need action? I think not. Does it need to demonstrate something? I don't think so. Finally, I highly recommend watching this movie, but mainly when you're in the mood for some quiet time to yourself. It's not your usual Friday night screening.
Review of The Scent of Green Papaya
The Scent of Green Papaya
(1993)
Take the movie as it comes and when you feel like it.
3 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers