The Scent of Green Papaya (Mùi du du xanh) 1993

This stunningly beautiful film is the story of Mui, a poor servant girl who lives totally in the here and now, and sees and appreciates everything. She quietly goes through her ordinary life, giving every tiny moment all her attention and invisibly enriching the lives of all those around her, until near the end of the picture she is given off to a family friend whom, coincidentally, she has fancied since she was little. He is engaged to another woman, but one day he picks up a bust of Buddha, and stares at it with recognition, realizing suddenly that the face and the smile of the Buddha are something he has been seeing every day, on Mui. He sees her for what she is, and both their lives are transformed.

Director: Tran Anh Hung

Stars: Tran Nu Yên-Khê, Man San Lu, Thi Loc Truong

JDramaMama Rating: A+

This is an unforgettable and intoxicating film. Gorgeous cinematography and a sweetness not seen in most films of today.

#Vietnam #romance