Watch Between Shadow and Soul

Between Shadow and Soul is a 2020 Vietnamese film directed by Ash Mayfair, and stars Long Le Vu, Maya, and Hong Chuong Nguyen. Set in the early 20th century, the movie explores the love triangle between Thuy, her husband Hung, and her personal maid, named Lan. The film opens with a shot of Thuy (Maya) visiting a fortune teller, who predicts that she will be leaving her husband soon. This prediction is not surprising given that it is a known fact that her husband, Hung (Hong Chuong Nguyen), prefers boys to girls, and her bedroom is adorned with pictures of young men. Despite this, Thuy tries to maintain a dignified appearance and endures her husband's strange behavior. One day, Thuy hires a personal maid, Lan (Long Le Vu), to assist her and to take care of her infant child.

At first, Thuy and Lan seem to have a typical master-servant relationship. However, as time goes by, their bond deepens, and they begin to develop feelings for each other. Thuy becomes increasingly unhappy in her marriage, and she starts to confide in Lan about her feelings. Lan, on the other hand, is loyal to Thuy, and she tries to help her in any way possible, even if it means going against her husband's wishes.

The tension between Thuy and Lan is palpable, and their relationship becomes more than just a mere friendship. The two women are clearly in love with each other, but they must keep their relationship a secret from Hung and the outside world. Thuy's husband grows suspicious of Lan, and he decides to investigate her, but he discovers more than he bargained for.

The cinematography in this movie is breathtaking. The use of natural light, the stunning landscapes, and the artful staging of each frame, make the movie a visual treat for viewers. The film is shot mostly in black and white, with flashes of color in certain scenes, which adds a layer of depth to the storytelling.

The direction and writing by Ash Mayfair are also noteworthy. The film takes its time to tell its story, and it manages to convey the complexity of the characters and their relationships in a powerful way. Mayfair explores themes such as love, loyalty, and betrayal, offering an intimate portrait of three characters struggling to reconcile their desires with their social obligations.

The acting is superb, and the performances of the three leads are exceptional. Maya delivers a nuanced and emotional portrayal of a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage, while Long Le Vu brings depth and sensitivity to her role as Thuy's loyal servant. Hong Chuong Nguyen, in the role of the conflicted husband, also gives a strong and convincing performance.

Overall, Between Shadow and Soul is a beautiful and poignant movie that explores the beauty and tragedy of forbidden love. Its exploration of the complexities of relationships and the struggle to follow one's heart in the midst of social conventions, makes it a must-see for fans of romantic dramas.

Between Shadow and Soul is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.