• Drama
• Romance

The Last Wife 2023

Directed by Victor Vu and inspired by the novel The Lake of Vengeance by Hong Thai, The Last Wife (2023) is a poignant period drama set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam. The story centers on Linh, a young woman from a humble background who is forced into a life of servitude as the third wife of the powerful and wealthy District Governor, Quan Đức Trọng. Trapped in a cold, patriarchal household where she is relentlessly pressured to bear a male heir and tormented by the senior wives, Linh’s life remains bleak until she unexpectedly reunites with Nhan, her childhood sweetheart. Their forbidden and passionate affair becomes a desperate rebellion against the oppressive social structures of the era, leading to a suspenseful and tragic climax as they attempt to escape the Governor's reach and the corruption of the feudal system. The film’s emotional depth is anchored by a stellar cast, led by Kaity Nguyen as the resilient Linh and Thuan Nguyen as her devoted lover, Nhan. The antagonist roles are brought to life by NSƯT Quang Thắng, who plays the stern District Governor, while NSƯT Kim Oanh and Đinh Ngọc Diệp portray the first and second wives, respectively, highlighting the internal politics and rivalries of the manor. Additionally, Quốc Huy appears as Detective Kiên, a character who plays a pivotal role in investigating the dark secrets and legal entanglements that arise within the governor’s estate, rounding out a cast that effectively bridges the gap between veteran performers and modern stars. Commercially, The Last Wife proved to be a major triumph for Vietnamese cinema, dominating the local box office upon its release in November 2023. It achieved the prestigious milestone of entering the "100 Billion VND Club," grossing approximately $4.1 million USD (100 billion VND) within Vietnam alone. Its international reach was expanded through limited theatrical runs in the United States, Canada, and Australia via 3388 Films, bringing its total global box office earnings to nearly $4.5 million USD. This performance solidified Victor Vu’s reputation as a top-tier director and reaffirmed Kaity Nguyen’s status as one of the country’s most bankable leading actresses.For global audiences, the film is widely accessible through mainstream digital platforms, most notably Netflix, which added the title to its international library in early 2024. This streaming release includes high-definition visuals and localized subtitles, making the lush cinematography and intricate cultural details accessible to viewers worldwide. Beyond Netflix, the film can also be found for digital purchase or rental on various video-on-demand services such as Apple TV or Fandango at Home, ensuring that the story reaches a diverse global demographic long after its theatrical run. Read More

• 2023
• 2 h : 13 min
• 134 views
• 6.245
• 15