The Last Wife

The Last Wife: A Reflection on Feudal Ideals and Gender Inequality in Victor Vu’s Vietnamese Cinema

Vietnamese director Victor Vu’s recent film The Last Wife delves into the oppressive gender and social dynamics of Vietnam’s feudal period. Inspired by a true understanding of traditional Vietnamese society, The Last Wife shines a light on the male-dominated power structures that led to the subjugation of women and the tyranny of corrupt officials over common people. Vu’s work intertwines a poignant narrative that showcases a young woman’s tragic journey, where love becomes a sacrifice as she leaves behind her desires and dreams to become a concubine to a powerful mandarin.

Read more about The last wife in Vietnam

Trọng nam khinh nữ

The film’s central message springs from the deeply entrenched belief in male superiority, known as “trọng nam khinh nữ,” a mindset that placed men at the center of power and relegated women to roles of obedience and servitude. The Last Wife portrays the sacrifices women were forced to make under such feudal systems. In this case, the protagonist, a young woman who desires freedom and love, is instead pressured to join the ranks of a mandarin’s wives, becoming yet another tool in the demonstration of his social status.

The consequences of misused power.

Vu’s film goes beyond personal sacrifice to address broader social injustices. The authoritarian and corrupt officials wield unchecked power, often at the expense of the people they are supposed to protect. This is visually and thematically highlighted throughout the film, creating a haunting portrayal of societal control and the consequences of misused power.

Presenting imagery that echoes the historical

Accompanying the release of The Last Wife, a photo series inspired by the film beautifully captures its spirit, presenting imagery that echoes the historical, emotional, and thematic resonance of Vu’s work. The costumes, set designs, and solemn expressions of the characters in these images mirror the sorrow, sacrifice, and stoicism of Vietnamese women who bore the weight of such societal structures.

A Vietnamese film by director Victor Vu

Through The Last Wife, Victor Vu revives conversations around historical inequities, providing audiences with a powerful reminder of a time when women’s lives were controlled by the whims of men and power was often synonymous with oppression. This film not only reflects a past steeped in gender and class inequalities but also resonates as a timely critique, urging us to recognize and dismantle remnants of such ideologies in modern society.

This is a photo series inspired by The Last Wife, a Vietnamese film by director Victor Vu. This captures the themes of feudal authority, gender roles, and the sacrifices made by women under such social structures, reflecting the era’s traditional attire and solemn atmosphere. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to adjust!