also known as Mùi du du xanh
The Scent of Green Papaya1993
Recognition
What makes this film worth watching?
Winner of the "Caméra d’Or" at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival.
2 members like this review
A simple story of a girl, and not a perfect film, but oh, the cinematography! By Benoit Delhomme! Luscious. I saw "The Proposition" only because Delhomme filmed it, and when he focuses in on the teapot pouring tea, it brought me right back to this film. For me, "moving pictures" are all about the photography, generally. This film pleases my eyes. I could watch it backwards in slow-motion.
Starring
- Nhat Do - Lam
- Nguyên 'Anh Hoa - Old Ti
- Trần Nữ Yên Khê - Mui
- Man San Lu - Mui
- Truong Thi Lôc - The Mother
- Gerard Neth - Tin
- Thi Thanh Tra Nguyen - Mai
- Van Oanh Nguyen - Mr. Thuan
- Keo Souvannavong - Trung
- Vantha Talisman - Thu
- Ngoc Trung Tran - The Father
- Thi Hai Vo - The Grandmother
- Hoa Hoi Vuong - Khuyen
Poster & Images
Member Reviews (11)
A simple story of a girl, and not a perfect film, but oh, the cinematography! By Benoit Delhomme! Luscious. I saw "The Proposition" only because Delhomme filmed it, and when he focuses in on the teapot pouring tea, it brought me right back to this film. For me, "moving pictures" are all about the photography, generally. This film pleases my eyes. I could watch it backwards in slow-motion.
A beautiful exquisite film. You have to wonder how the vision of a film like that develops.
One of the finest pieces of cinematography that I have ever seen. The pacing of this film is exquisite, the sound track gorgeous and the acting superb. The stillness of the settings accentuates the ambient environmental murmurings and soft warm rain. It is almost like being there. An art masterpiece.
I loved the cinematography, the set, art direction and mood of this film. I liked the music as well. I want to give it 5 stars but I am not sure about the characters and the story--I couldn't really feel along with the characters. But the cinematography and sets kept my eyes glued to the screen. When the young girl first arrives at her new employers house, it is very dreamlike--it's hard to tell if it's a city street, an alley, a stage set or a house. The sideway movements of the camera across the set make for very exciting imagery, beautiful paintings, looking through windows, doorways the compositions and colors are very complex and satifsying. But the relationship between the son of the lady house and servant girl--him tipping things over and peeing in pots to command her attention and consternation, didn't seem enough to sense a connection or attraction between the two. I will say no more. I did enjoy the film very much.
My eyes were captivated, each moment lingering, staying with me till the final frame. Watch this with a sense of wonder, appreciate the genuine sentiment that defines this beautiful film.
Beautifully rendered; a delight to the eye. It's about the music though. The last 20 minutes don't have dialog, just musical narrative.
Cannot break review into paragraphs? Are there browser-related issues? I'm using Chrome. If I can't break the review into paragraphs here I probably won't write any.
A movie with a cool green palette more gorgeous than Amelie's. Impassioned diegetic music, and then moments so quiet that you can hear the rainforest stir. Very real, very beautiful people living through it all. A very slow plot that lets you savor the peaceful joys of antebellum Vietnam as if they occur in real time.
LOVED IT !! one of my favorites....and one i always enjoy playing for others.....!!
Just the right amount of mellowness :)
One of my all-time favorite movies by director Trân Anh Hùng, “The Scent of Green Papaya” is a stunning film for all the senses and a sheer delight to watch again and again . . . definitely watch it with someone you love! ;-)