Cu Li Never Cries

The short Temporary Living plays before Cu Li Never Cries

With Cu Li Never Cries, Phạm Ngọc Lân delivers an impressive feature film debut that captivates with its visual power and poetic storytelling. The film unfolds in beautiful black-and-white images and an atmospheric depth, telling the story of Duong (Minh Chau), a Vietnamese widow who inherits not only the ashes of her late German husband but also a small Cu Li—a pygmy loris that gradually bonds with her.

Upon returning to her homeland, Duong is confronted with surprising news about her niece Van, whom she raised: Vân (Ha Phuong) is engaged to Quang (Xuan An), a man from a humble village. What initially seems like a joyful announcement soon reveals deeper conflicts. Van plans to move away with her new in-laws, and there is another reason behind the rushed wedding. These developments plunge Duong into a deep crisis, where she increasingly loses control over her emotions and drifts into her own surreal world.

In this subtle, intelligent film, Phạm Ngọc Lân paints a portrait of a Vietnamese society torn between tradition and modernity. His protagonists, lost in this changing world, find the greatest truths in the smallest moments. Cu Li Never Cries is a sterling example of Vietnamese arthouse and slow cinema, and was awarded the Best First Feature prize at the 74th Berlinale last February.

By Đức Ngô Ngọc