The Vertical Ray of the Sun

Set in modern-day Hanoi, the film follows three sisters whose lives are intertwined by family secrets and romantic entanglements. The youngest sister, Lien, is happily married but becomes fascinated by her husband's past. Meanwhile, her elder sisters navigate their own complex relationships and desires, revealing the subtle emotional currents that shape their lives in a rapidly changing Vietnam.

The Vertical Ray of the Sun was met with critical acclaim for its atmospheric direction, sensitive portrayal of female relationships, and stunning cinematography. Critics lauded its subtle exploration of desire, memory, and the constraints of tradition within a contemporary Vietnamese setting, though some found its pacing to be slow.

• Praised for its lyrical and evocative visual style.

• Applauded for its nuanced and sensitive depiction of female characters and their emotional lives.

• Noted for its contemplative pace and subtle exploration of themes like memory and desire.

Google audience: Audiences generally admired the film's beautiful cinematography and its intimate portrayal of family dynamics and female relationships. Many found the slow-burn narrative engaging and the exploration of Vietnamese culture compelling.

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival.

Director Trần Anh Hùng intentionally used natural light as much as possible during filming to capture the authentic atmosphere of Hanoi and the subtle emotional states of his characters.