Summer in Closed Eyes | 2018
Directed by: Cao Thuy Nhi
Main Plot
Summer in Closed Eyes follows the story of a young girl named Thuy, who grapples with the complexities of adolescence and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Set against the backdrop of a small Vietnamese town, Thuy navigates her relationships with family and friends while dealing with the challenges of her changing emotions and identity. As summer unfolds, she experiences moments of joy, heartache, and self-discovery, all intertwined with the vibrant memories of her childhood. The film captures the essence of fleeting moments and the passage of time, as Thuy learns valuable lessons about love, loss, and the importance of cherishing the present. Through her journey, the film explores themes of nostalgia and the innocence of youth, ultimately painting a poignant picture of the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Characters
- Phuong Anh Dao plays Nhat Minh, a Vietnamese tour guide who falls in love with a Japanese visitor, exploring themes of love, cultural differences, and personal growth.
- Takafumi Akutsu is a Japanese photographer who helps Nhat Ha, a Vietnamese girl, find her mother's old lover in Vietnam, exploring themes of love and reconciliation.
- Cong Ninh Nguyen plays Haru, a Japanese man who falls in love with a Vietnamese woman, exploring themes of love, cultural differences, and personal reconciliation.
Ending Explained
In Summer in Closed Eyes, the ending brings a poignant resolution to the central conflict of reconciling personal dreams with familial expectations. Throughout the film, the protagonist grapples with the weight of her family's aspirations and her own desire for independence. As the narrative unfolds, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, exploring her passions and the complexities of her relationships. In the final scenes, the protagonist makes a bold choice to pursue her artistic ambitions, symbolizing her break from the constraints imposed by her family. This decision is not made lightly; it reflects her growth and the internal struggle she has faced throughout the film. The emotional climax occurs when she confronts her family, expressing her need for autonomy and the importance of following her own path. The resolution is bittersweet, as it acknowledges the pain of separation but also celebrates the courage it takes to embrace one's true self. The film concludes with a sense of hope, as the protagonist steps into a new chapter of her life, suggesting that while family ties are significant, personal fulfillment is equally vital. This ending encapsulates the overarching theme of balancing individual desires with the expectations of loved ones.