FVH FILM EVENT

Tues 21 Apr, 7.30 pm
Cinematheque

“The Gamble”

From the Cinematheque members email:

The Gamble located in Vietnamese film history.  During the early doi moi (renovation) period a ‘social realism’ style emerged in Vietnamese cinema. Faced with new challenges and opportunities, the movie companies turned their attention away from heroic war stories and began searching for new subjects. “The Gamble” (1993) was one of the first films to fairly honestly portray the social problems of gambling, prostitution and drugs in a non-ideological manner. Melodrama, yes, but with characters and situations that many common people could identify with.

The film in summary: Mai, too proud to ask for government assistance to continue her studies, decides to work at her aunt’s roadside food stall. “I need money desperately”, she says, “Lots of money.” But she soon discovers that working as a waitress on a northern truck route is not only poorly paid, but also demeaning. Enter Chien, a truck driver with mysterious cargo. Mai decides that she can earn enough money to continue school if, acting as his wife, she helps him through the police checkpoints. A relationship develops, but her innocence is shattered. Ultimately, Chien’s urge to gamble not only threatens their relationship, but also lead Mai into great danger.

The movie was made in 1993.  Written by Ms Nguyen Thi Hong Ngat, one of Vietnam’s leading modern poets and screenwriters, and directed by Luu Trong Ninh, an outstanding post-war filmmaker.

Both Ms Hong Ngat and Mr. Ninh will be present for a discussion/Q&A with us after the screening.

tickets – 100,000 VND

Reservation: Please contact: [email protected]

Your reservation is not confirmed until you receive our email.

Please pick up and pay for your tickets on the evening of the event at the cinema (6:30-7:15 pm).  As a courtesy to those on the waiting list please cancel if you can’t come (phone 097 255 0029 or 0977 510 177).  Reserved seating tickets are allocated on a first come – first served basis.

We don’t pre-book seating but if you come early you can pick your favourite seats.

For more information please contact Hanoi Cinematheque. Better yet – become a member! Members recieve regular emails with schedule details and film notes.

Tickets to the films are by donation.