Resilience Against Exploitation in Entertainment

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MOVIE REVIEW
A Fragile Flower (Doa Hoa Mong Manh)
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Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Mai Thu Huyen
Writer(s): Nhat Ha
Cast: Trizzie Phuong Trinh, Nhat Ha, Anh Dũng, Khanh Hoang, Lam Tuyet Trung, Ho Xuan Dao, Jacky Tai
Where To Watch: opened theatrically in 175 Theatres Across Vietnam on April 12, 2024, and premiered across the US in select theaters on March 29

RAVING REVIEW: Enter into a vibrant yet challenging life in A FRAGILE FLOWER, which introduces us to a world where dreams are made and broken down. Directed by Mai Thu Huyen, who also plays a pivotal role (Yvonne), this feature stands out as a pioneering effort and marks the first full-length Vietnamese film made entirely in America. It offers a unique window into an artist's trials and victories navigating international terrains.

Right from the opening scene in a bustling nightclub, the film captures our attention as Maya brings Thach Thao to life with authenticity and finds herself propelled into the limelight by her cousin Ellie (Trizzie Phuong Trinh.) This encounter leads to a promising but challenging opportunity as Son, a charming executive portrayed by Quoc Cuong from Seoul Entertainment Television, offers her a lead role in a new musical production. Thus begins Thao's journey through the dazzling yet demanding world of show business.

A FRAGILE FLOWER sidesteps some clichés associated with showbiz dramas by zeroing in on Thao’s personal growth and the barriers she confronts along her path to success. Written by Nhat Ha, the script is a deep exploration of cultural elements, amplified by a Vietnamese, English, and French soundtrack that encapsulates the immigrant experience in a melodic blend.

Despite its strengths, the film struggled to catch up with its ambition. The plot becomes cluttered with too many twists and an overabundance of characters, which blurs the emotional connection. On top of the very soap opera style of the film, some of the performances felt incredibly forced. While generally static in her delivery, Mai Thu Huyen shines in moments that uncover the complexities beneath her character’s stern exterior. In stark contrast, Maya’s performance is the guiding light throughout the film, embodying resilience and vulnerability that make Thach Thao a character to cheer for.

The narrative doesn’t shy away from the darker realities of fame, portraying the struggles against a backdrop of manipulation and exploitation with unflinching honesty. Thao’s defiant rejection of unethical advances cements her moral fortitude and deepens our engagement with her plight.

A FRAGILE FLOWER carves its niche by intertwining its Vietnamese characters' unique cultural and emotional fabrics into the broader narrative of ambition and identity. This portrayal ensures the film resonates with anyone familiar with the negatives of the entertainment industry while still maintaining a wide connection. Yet, for all its depth and cultural insight, A FRAGILE FLOWER often needs to be more focused, leading to an overcrowded and underdeveloped narrative.

A FRAGILE FLOWER is an engaging film that offers a look into the life of an international artist in America, balancing realism with artistic flair. Although it may not revolutionize the genre, it enriches it by offering a fresh perspective on the classic narrative of rising to stardom. This film serves as a reminder that in the glamorous yet ruthless world of entertainment, authenticity, and perseverance pave the way to true success.

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[photo courtesy of TINCIM MEDIA, BHD DISTRIBUTION]

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