# Three Seasons (1999)

### reviewed by
Murali Krishnan

    [3.0/4.0]

(Dialog in Vietnamese, English subtitles)

The climate of Vietnam passes through three seasons, and just as the seasons endlessly disappear and return, so to the human spirit cycles through periods of loss and redemption. This sentimental film follows the parallel stories of several characters in Vietnam and details the similar journeys of the different people.

The narrative is comprised of several distinct, and occasionally intersecting stories. The first consists of a young woman who joins the employ of a scholarly leper who raises and sells lotus flowers. Another follows a former American Marine (Harvey Keitel) who has returned to search for a daughter he abandoned years ago. Another follows a young urchin who ekes a living by peddling trinkets. Another presents a cyclo (cycle rickshaw driver) who yearns for a young woman apparently unavailable to him.

The common element to the stories is that they all embody loss and rejection. The Marine and the urchin depict people coping with loss, and the flower seller and the cyclo embody the power of redemption. The narrative deftly cycles between the subplots, and tempers the drama of each with the context switches. The characters are well drawn. It is obvious that they all have a past, but exactly what it is is implied, and left as an exercise for the viewer. This is the antithesis of formulaic filmmaking, where the story overexposes its character to make up for a lack of depth.

When presenting a story with such weighty themes, a weak film will get bogged down by melodrama. Filmmaker Tony Bui avoids this trap by not overstating the emotions that are presented. The actions and events are neither extreme nor manipulative. The film successfully uses subtlety and symbolism to craft a moving story.

The film is both well written and well acted. Its only real flaw is that at times it relies on stereotypical characters, and one cliche relationship. However, it generally avoids convenient resolutions, and thus remains an enjoyable film.

Recommended. This is a slow, sentimental film that is captivating. The beautiful cinematography captures the oppressive heat, the drenching rain, and natural beauty of Vietnam. Its symbolic stories also reflect the power of the human soul, and its ability to persevere. Although it has shortcomings, it is a moving and pleasant film.

    (c) 2000 Murali Krishnan
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