Monsoon
Where to Watch Monsoon
Monsoon is a powerful, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged drama released in 2019 under the adept directorship of Hong Khaou. The film is an intimate portrait of cultural complexities, heritage and identity, enhanced by the stunning cinematographic presentation of Vietnam – its vibrant cities and peaceful countryside landscapes.
At the heart of the narrative lies Kit, a role superbly played by Henry Golding. Kit, a Vietnamese-born British man, returns to Ho Chi Minh City for the first time since his family's desperate escape when he was just a six-year-old child at the end of the Vietnam War. Now in his 30s, he returns to a place that is simultaneously familiar and profoundly alien to him. He confronts a sense of disconnection as he grapples with the ghosts of war-torn past, manifested in the physical and cultural transformation that Vietnam has undergone over the decades.
The movie touches upon issues of cultural dislocation, inherited trauma, and the challenging quest for identity. How does one connect with a homeland that has morphed into something radically different from the vague memories of a childhood tainted with war and desperation? It's this contemplative journey that is explored as Kit embarks on retracing his roots.
Henry Golding delivers a sensitive performance with a nuanced portrayal of a character who's straddling two worlds, struggling to reconcile the past with the present. He delicately captures the emotional labor involved in confronting a past that is both personal and shared by the collective memory of his birthplace, exploring the spaces between his memories, diasporic identity, and the stark reality of Vietnam now.
Adding to the complexity of Kit’s journey, Monsoon introduces us to Lewis (Parker Sawyers). Lewis, an African American clothier, also carries the weight of the Vietnam War, albeit from a different perspective. His father fought for the US in the war, adding an intriguing layer to their romantic relationship. It's a meeting and merging of two separate diasporic experiences, each shaped and shadowed by different facets of the same war.
There’s also Lee (David Tran), Kit’s distant relative who is the only living link to his parents’ past. Their encounters serve as quiet windows into the enduring effects of war on the people who never escaped it, and the generational fissures it carved on families impacted.
The film also bravely touches on the impacts of capitalistic globalization, with Ho Chi Minh city showcased as a burgeoning metropolis teeming with Western brands and frantic energy, much different from the rural Vietnam of Kit's fragmented memories. Yet, the peaceful paddy field and quiet country life still endure, presenting a stark contrast.
Monsoon showcases multiple Vietnam landscapes through the sensitive lens of the cinematographer Benjamin Kracun. From the bustling, chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh City, teeming with millions of motorbikes and hawkers selling their goods, to the tranquil and lush green paddies of rural Vietnam, the film weaves a spellbinding visual journey, as if Vietnam itself is a silent character that bears witness to Kit's quest of self-discovery. The ambient soundtrack, rich with local sounds, compliments the visuals and enhances the overall narrative experience.
The film's title Monsoon is metaphoric, hinting at the overwhelming rush of emotions, undercurrents of memories, and the tumultuous journey of identity reclamation. It's a soothing downpour of realization, acceptance, and a sense of homecoming amidst personal and intercultural tumult, resonating long after the film reaches its end.
In summary, Monsoon is more than just a film. It's a poignant exploration of diasporic identity, cultural dislocation, the enduring wounds of war, and the universal quest for belonging. While this might be a deeply personal voyage for Kit, it subtly poses questions that resonate with anyone who has ever strayed from their roots and attempted to navigate the tumultuous waters of identity and belonging. With stellar performances, exquisite visuals, and thoughtful storytelling, Monsoon is a cinematic gem that leaves a lasting impact.
Monsoon is a Drama, Romance movie released in 2019. It has a runtime of 85 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 6.0. It also holds a MetaScore of 69.
How to Watch Monsoon
Where can I stream Monsoon movie online? Monsoon is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Amazon Prime, Tubi TV, Kanopy, Apple TV, Amazon, Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Monsoon for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.