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"Friendship is the most suitable ground for love to sow its seeds..."
The film tells the story of the intertwined friendship and love between three characters: Miền (Ngọc Xuân), Vinh (Avin Lu), and Phúc (Nhật Hoàng), from their childhood to adulthood and as they face life's turning points.
In each character, director Trinh Dinh Le Minh fully portrays all aspects, from their perspective and family circumstances to how those circumstances influence their future decisions. From a young age, Mien always lived with a sad face because her father was a violent man. His irritability almost permeated the family atmosphere, and even Mien's older brother was equally violent. In the film, only Mien's family is absent from scenes of members gathering together.
Of the three, Vinh seems to be the only one who grew up in peace. Although orphaned, he was doted on by his grandmother and other family members. As a result, Vinh, though somewhat naive, is the warmest and most self-sacrificing of the three. Finally, there's Phuc, who grew up between two extremes – the harshness and extremism of his grandfather and the sometimes excessive indulgence of his father. In scenes from his childhood, Phuc repeatedly mentions his father's teachings, which somewhat foreshadows his later choices.
A story of friendship and love, tender yet intense.
The friendship between Phuc and Vinh is the central focus of the first half of the film, and the director successfully made the audience believe in their close relationship. They complement each other; while Phuc supports and encourages Vinh to confront his fears, Vinh, in turn, brings joy to Phuc, making his childhood less difficult.
"Once Upon a Love Story" is a film adaptation of the novel of the same name by author Nguyen Nhat Anh, first published in 2016 and reprinted 20 times with 120,000 copies sold.
Then, when Miền enters their relationship, meaning love has crossed over into friendship, the fact that there is no conflict between the three becomes convincing. The friendship and love in the film are both beautiful and precious. Phúc gives way to Vinh, and Vinh is happy for Phúc. Miền and Phúc share the passionate, pure love of youth, but Miền and Vinh share the bond of marriage, a present moment to cherish.
"I am recreating the emotional journey of a generation in love."
Ultimately, each character has their own fulfilling journey. Miền, after prioritizing love so many times, finally makes a decision that is right for herself and her family. Vinh, after repeatedly choosing to sacrifice, finally learns to fight for love. And for Phúc, he will have to embark on a journey similar to his father's years ago.
The wedding was the culmination of the love that blossomed between Miền and Vinh.
The happy ending everyone was waiting for.
Perhaps that wedding was the clearest affirmation of a love Vinh had cherished since childhood. It was a love that was "steadfast, selfless, and radiant" that Vinh had for Miền from his youth to adulthood, full of patience and tolerance. That love was pure and noble from beginning to end. Vinh dedicated his youth to loving and protecting Miền, overcoming countless storms of life. And now, standing beside her on this momentous day, he felt truly happy and complete.
Each frame of the film brings to life Vietnam in the 1980s.
Nostalgia for a beautiful era...
The beautiful, melancholic scenes in the film, combined with Phan Manh Quynh's music, heightened the audience's emotions, evoking much empathy and affection as they witnessed this beautiful love story. This scene brought many viewers to tears because it marked a crucial turning point, signifying Vinh's long wait for the girl he loved for so many years, finally culminating in a happy ending. After so many hardships, Vinh overcame his shyness and, with his passionate and forgiving love, decided to protect little Su and his first love, the one he secretly cherished.
The wedding elevates the film's climax.
Leaving an unforgettable impression on the audience.
The film's setting recreates a rural wedding scene in Southern Vietnam during the late 1980s and early 2000s. The lively sound of drums blends with the boisterous laughter of the guests, making the atmosphere even more vibrant. The banquet tables are meticulously arranged with a variety of traditional dishes, their fragrant aromas filling the air. Children play under the ancient banyan tree, their cheerful laughter echoing throughout the village. The female lead, Miền, appears graceful and elegant in her white ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), while the male lead, Vinh, captivates viewers with his handsome, scholarly appearance in a suit, tie, and leather shoes – a quintessential style of that era.
The 2000s are meticulously recreated, from costumes and makeup to the setting.
Every glance and gesture between Mien and Vinh when they stood facing each other created an explosion of emotion, making everyone agree that Ngoc Xuan - Avin Lu is the perfect "book-ready" version of the novel "Once Upon a Love Story".
"Once Upon a Time There Was a Love Story" will have early screenings at theaters starting October 25th, and will officially premiere on November 1st. The film is suitable for audiences aged 16 and above.
