The Third Wife

Late 19th century in rural Vietnam. 14-year old May becomes the third wife of Hung, a wealthy and much older landowner. May is naive and has yet to discover her place within the hierarchy. After the cruel first wedding night, she learns that the only way to gain status is to give birth to a boy. Through a mysterious encounter between Xuan, Hung's second wife, and his eldest son Son, dangerous feelings arise in the young girl. May must make a choice, to either carry on in silence and safety, or forge her way towards personal freedom. Stunning and beautifully stylized, sensual images, with the camera silently recording the emotions of the women. The slow rhythm fits perfectly with the serene atmosphere. The female director tells an intense life story about oppressed desires and delivers a critical view a the patriarchal society. Programmed by Henriëtte Poelman, programmer of International Filmfestival Assen.