The world of a debt-claiming gangster from the Saigon underworld and the contrasting colourful existence of a travelling performer collide in the new acclaimed film SONG LANG.
It’s Saigon in the 1980s – and for ruthless debt collector Dung aka ‘Thunderbolt’ (Lien Binh Phat) no debt is too far for the locals who are keen to honour the joys of having extra money in their bank accounts – even if they realize the consequences of their actions, something Dung reminds them about when he comes to collect, even to the point of almost taking away the two young children of one couple whom he wastes no time beating.
Things begin to change when he calls to collect a debt from an opera troupe in town for a concert featuring the specialist Vietnamese Folk opera discipline of Cai-Luong. When the initial impression suggests it won’t be honoured, Dung doesn’t waste any time rifling through the costumes backstage and threatening to burn them, only stopped by the interjection of lead performer Linh Phung (played by Vietnamese pop star Issac) who appeases him with the promise of honouring the debt repayment within a day or so.
When Linh is set upon at a local restaurant after a performance after he gets complimentary food in light of his excellent performance the previous night, it is Dung who saves him from being totally beaten – and takes him back to his
place where he recovers. It is also the starting point for clarity and revelation, particularly from Dung, who has more in common with Linh that he thought as he reflects on his own family past….
Without question one of the most beautifully shot films of recent years, coupled with a refreshing take on an oft-told story of a gangster with a conscience which we have seen in many of the American examples of the genre, SONG LANG revitalises the genre which some felt had run the course after Martin Scorsese’s seemingly final swansong from the genre, THE IRISHMAN.
However, the film is so much more than that, with a truly dream-like quality and the perfect introduction to Cai-Luong performance which we were probably not as aware of. Beautiful costumes, poetic imagery and excellent performances, as well as moments of violence that are sparsely staged, making them all the more powerful when they happen.
The cinematography and framing is another virtue and reason for seeing this film, with memorable shots amidst a solid screenplay, edited and directed by Leon Le. A movie worthy of repeat viewings and much more within. An absolutely joyous cinematic experience.
SONG LANG will commence a nationwide virtual theatrical release on October 9th 2020 – to be followed by an On Demand/DVD release from November 11th, 2020. To book, please click on the link below:
https://www.laemmle.com/film/song-lang
