In post-war Vietnam, just after the victory of the Vietcong and reunification in the early 1980s, the country was under the rule of the Communist Party. In cities such as Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon in former South Vietnam), neighborhoods are policed by local leaders, and everyone scrutinizes everyone else. In this context of petty privileges and timid attempts at individualism, young Khang arrives from Hanoi (former North Vietnam), carrying both the privilege of a powerful uncle and a prestigious assignment. This humble and generous young man is soon drawn to Ky Nam, an attractive widow and talented cook, surrounded by an aura of mystery.

    The film unfolds as a beautiful, slow dance between two souls wounded by life, both seeking recognition and peace. For director Leon Le, the story is less about plot than about what comes after conflict. Khang is from the North, and Ky Nam from the South. “It’s not just a love story between a man and a woman,” he said in an interview with Variety. “It’s reconciliation between the winner and the loser, between the North and the South.” He adds, “What are we going to do now, after the war has ended, after the foreigners have left, and we have to live with each other again?”

    Khang is a translator. The government has tasked him with producing a new translation from French to Vietnamese of Antoine De Saint-Exupéry's “The Little Prince.” Between Ky Nam and the young man – both versed in history and literature – a bond begins to form through their shared understanding of the book, which is ultimately about love.

    The film not only explores reconciliation after war and separation, but also addresses the legacy of colonialism. As the director notes, it was made for the Vietnamese people. It does not explain the historical context in detail, and while mature viewers may clearly remember the divisions between North and South Vietnam, as well as the country’s colonial past, younger audiences may benefit from the perspective of their elders. Beyond its specific historical setting, the film serves as a powerful metaphor for mending relationships between communities that have learned to hate and fear one another.

    Director Leon Le immigrated from Vietnam at the age of 12. He has carried with him the sounds, sights, and atmosphere of his native land, recreating them with meticulous detail in the old quarters of Ho Chi Minh City, where much has remained intact.

    The journey of the two main characters toward one another is portrayed with great care and compassion. Ky Nam has endured much, and the arrival of young Khang from the former enemy side is likely painful. He approaches her with respect and curiosity, slowly building trust. This delicate process echoes the relationship between the little prince and the fox in “The Little Prince” – the same patience, affection, and, ultimately, love.  It’s this factor of love, that has the potential for supplanting the vicissitudes of war, that makes this movie relevant for our time, as well as theirs.

    "Ky Nam Inn" will open at the Orinda Theatre on May 22 for at least a week. It is brought to Lamorinda by the International Film Showcase, a local nonprofit. For times and tickets go to: Orindamovies.com.