Monsoon
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Monsoon
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Monsoon is a slow-burn drama about a British-Vietnamese man, Kit (Henry Golding), who returns to his birth country after the death of his parents. The movie references the war and focuses on the emigrant experience and feelings of displacement. Infrequent strong language includes various uses of the word "f--k." Alcohol is consumed numerous times and characters occasionally smoke cigarettes. Some sexual references include shirtless kissing between Kit and Lewis (Parker Sawyers) -- a man he meets in Vietnam -- and there is the implication of sex. There are no great peaks in the drama, with the film maintaining a slow, steady pace that may fail to grip younger viewers.
What's the Story?
In MONSOON, Kit (Henry Golding) travels from England to his birth country of Vietnam, following the death of his parents. After more than 30 years away, he feels like a tourist in his own country and, as he searches for a place to scatter his parents' ashes, he also goes on a personal search for identity and belonging.
Is It Any Good?
A reflective, almost dreamlike delicacy floats throughout this beautifully shot drama that integrates the emigrant experience with a personal search for understanding. More tension can be found in the stark contrast between the bustling cityscapes and the stillness and silence of Kit's hotel room than much of the rest of Monsoon, which shows a brave restraint in its lingering shots and unrushed narrative. That we are only gifted one side of Kit's FaceTime conversations only adds to the sense of displacement and isolation so well crafted by director Hong Khaou alongside Golding's pared-down performance.
The locations are so vividly brought to life that there is almost a travelogue feel, the audience discovering the cities and history alongside the main character. While the narrative doesn't offer much in terms of emotional highs or, in fact, a particularly strong resolution, this just serves to reflect the nature of Kit's experience and his search to fully understand things that may never be resolved.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Monsoon explores the themes of identity and belonging. What does identity mean to you? How aware of your family's background are you?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
What understanding does Kit gain over the course of the movie?
How is the outside world portrayed in comparison to the sterile feel of Kit's hotel room?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 13, 2020
- Cast: Henry Golding, David Tran, Parker Sawyers
- Director: Hong Khaou
- Studio: Strand Releasing
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Communication, Curiosity
- Run time: 85 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
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