Monsoon

This is a beautiful film to watch - the cinematography of Vietnam, the bustling rejuvenated city of Hanoi and the welcoming nature of the people - all a magnificent advertisement to go visit. The story, on the other hand, is just.. well... wet! Henry Golding goes back after 30-odd years to scatter the ashes of his parents. Once back, he hooks up with an American guy for some nookie and with a distant cousin who points out, rather ironically, that after all they had to do to escape the Pol Pot regime in the first place, it's odd that he decided to bring them back! It has potential, this - if we knew a little more about any of the characters then that might add substance, but as it is it's a sort of low grade gay romance centred around an attractive enough, but unremarkable actor, and with a story that is about as thin as a banana leaf.

Henry Golding gives a very emotional performance, but it's unfortunately lost as 'Monsoon' is simply uninteresting. Everyone's intention here means well, but the final film is just a waste. That's not to say the film isn't worth watching - it opens the door to the conversation of cultural identity, and is worth a small applause for its portrayal of a gay relationship. Read Chris' full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-monsoon-look-at-loss-of-cultural-identity-misses-the-mark