Vietnamese-born director's box office hit to screen abroad

A scene in filmmaker Victor Vu's box office hit "Nguoi Vo Cuoi Cung" (The Last Wife). Photo by Huy Tran

The film has grossed VND78 billion (US$3.2 million) domestically.

According to Thanh Nien Newspaper, as a Vietnamese-American born and raised in the U.S., Vu did not have many chances to be exposed to Vietnamese culture throughout his childhood. And in the limited cultural products featuring Vietnam he had the chance to see, Vietnamese people were often portrayed unremarkably.

Because of this, he has always thought about introducing a movie with strong Vietnamese cultural elements, which can be appreciated by both Vietnamese and foreign viewers. He hopes to fulfill that ambition by releasing "Nguoi Vo Cuoi Cung" in foreign markets.

Set in a northern rural region in Vietnam in the 19th century, "Nguoi Vo Cuoi Cung" tells the story of Linh, a young woman who comes from a poor family background. Forced to become a concubine of a district governor, Linh suffers obstacles due to her husband’s two wives until she reunites with her ex-boyfriend and starts an affair with him.

Released his debut film in 1997, Vu, 48, has made several critically and commercially acclaimed movies since and established his name as a major director in the local market.