Published on March 25, 2026
Debut feature films often capture attention for their fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling. Pham Ngoc Lan, a promising young director from Vietnam, follows this tradition with his first feature film, “Cu Li Never Cries” (2024), co-authored with Nghiem Quynh Trang. This intelligent exploration of time, tradition, and family life in a unified Vietnam follows the journey of two ordinary lovers navigating the complexities of modern relationships against a backdrop of historical reflection.
Set in contemporary Vietnam, “Cu Li Never Cries” unfolds as a bittersweet tragi-comedy that artfully intersperses elements of the past with the present. The narrative is both poignant and layered, echoing the turbulent history of Vietnam while also addressing the everyday lives of its citizens. As the characters grapple with personal and familial expectations, the film poignantly depicts the older generation’s regrets and the younger generation’s quest for autonomy.
Central to the film are the lives of Van, a young nanny, and her recently widowed aunt, who returns from Germany with her deceased husband’s ashes and an unusual pet, a slow loris named Cu Li. The aunt’s character serves as a bridge between generations, embodying the traditional values of the past while wrestling with the choices of modern life. Van’s life as a nanny reflects the current socio-economic realities in Vietnam, with her own backstory hinting at deeper traumas linked to the Vietnam War.
The screenplay introduces a compelling tension between the traditional and the contemporary. Van’s quick engagement, spurred pregnancy, sparks a series of cultural clashes and generational misunderstandings, particularly with her aunt who adheres to more conventional views. Meanwhile, the whimsical insertion of the slow loris in the narrative serves as a metaphor for lost connections and the bittersweet nature of life, providing comic relief amid the serious themes.
Visual storytelling takes center stage in the film; the slow loris, Cu Li, with its expressive yet melancholic eyes, acts as a silent observer of the humans around it, embodying the wisdom and nostalgia that permeates the film. This connection between Van’s life and Cu Li’s presence reflects a deeper meaning—how past experiences shape one’s future.
The film is marked that enhance its rich narrative. For example, the broken metal rib of the aunt’s umbrella symbolizes her shattered life experiences, while the symbolic exchange of jewelry between Van and her aunt signifies a tacit approval of the younger generation’s choices . The film also incorporates a sense of humor, with moments that critique and reflect on national identity and the legacies of leaders through contemporary conversations among the characters.
While produced on a modest budget, the aesthetic choices—including the final presentation in black and white—serve to heighten the film’s emotional weight and artistic expression. The bold decision to shift the visual style post-production to black and white showcases the director’s resourcefulness and emphasis on storytelling over spectacle.
“Cu Li Never Cries” has not only gained critical acclaim but also won several prestigious awards, including the Best Debut Film at the Berlin Film Festival, further solidifying Vietnam’s emerging voice in the global cinematic landscape. The film stands as a testament to how young filmmakers are capable of weaving personal stories with cultural heritage, inviting audiences to reflect on memory, loss, and the hopes of a new generation while acknowledging the weight of history.
This nuanced exploration of familial bonds, societal norms, and an intergenerational dialogue positions “Cu Li Never Cries” as a significant contribution to the ongoing evolution of Vietnamese cinema, alongside other notable works in the region. As such, it exemplifies the potential for storytelling that captures the essence of both a nation’s past and its present trajectory, ultimately forging a path for future narratives that resonate universally.