Metrograph

“Việt Linh’s 1988 classic tells the bittersweet story of a small traveling circus from Hanoi who arrive at an ethnic minority village in Vietnam’s central highlands. Through the impressionable eyes of a child, the film shows the stark contrast between reality and illusion as the villagers hope that the performers’ magic, particularly a trick making rice appear, might solve their starvation. Known for surprising audiences with bold stylistic choices, Việt Linh shot in black and white when color had become the norm, infusing the film with touches of magical realism.” —Minh Nguyen