The Third Wife - CinemAsia

Set in late 19th-century rural Vietnam, 14-year old May (Nguyen Phuong Tra My) becomes the third wife of affluent landowner Hung (Le Vu Long). In order to secure her place in the household, she desperately wishes for a boy. While she experiences a forbidden sexual awakening, May observes the bitter reality of being a woman when she learns that none of Hung’s other wives are what they seem.

Recalling Raise the Red Lantern for its frightening portrayal of patriarchal tyranny, and redolent of the decadent sensuality of The Scent of Green Papaya, this brilliant debut by Vietnam-born, UK and US-educated Ash Mayfair stands on its own for its delicate female perspective. Featuring a beautiful ingenue, the film addresses all of life’s phases from birth to death with splendid design, decor and visual details. No wonder it has garnered several awards at A-list festivals like San Sebastian and Toronto.