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The Story of Woo Viet

Name: The Story of Woo Viet
Director: Ann Hui
Released: 1981
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

1981

Director

Ann Hui

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ann Hui’s work stands out for its engagement with post-colonial themes and regional identity. By focusing on Vietnamese and Chinese characters within their own contexts, the film avoids external clichés and provides a genuine ethnic portrayal. However, the film follows traditional narrative structures regarding gender and identity. The story centers around the male protagonist's journey, lacking representation for LGBTQ+ individuals or characters with disabilities. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its cultural and racial authenticity. It replaces conventional heroism with a complex exploration of systemic displacement, even if it falls short on Western-centric identity measures.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Story of Woo Viet have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight identities. The story centers on the protagonist's survival within a framework that assumes everyone is straight.

How does The Story of Woo Viet portray gender?

Fair

The male protagonist holds the primary role, emphasizing the male perspective of displacement. Female characters are present but do not challenge traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Story of Woo Viet?

Excellent

The film authentically portrays East Asian identity with a predominantly Cantonese cast. It avoids the Western perspective by focusing on local experiences.

How does The Story of Woo Viet represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative offers a nuanced look at systemic instability and geopolitical tensions. It presents the protagonist as a victim of circumstances rather than a villain.

Does The Story of Woo Viet include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Such identities are not used as part of the plot.

Present on Screen

Authentic portrayal of East Asian identity through a predominantly Cantonese cast.
Nuanced critique of systemic instability and geopolitical tension.
Avoids the Western perspective by focusing on regional lived experiences.

Limited or Absent

Lack of representation for LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities.
Central role is heavily focused on the male protagonist.
No characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Wu Viet is a Vietnamese refugee who wants to leave his country behind and start over in the United States. First, he must make his way to Hong Kong, but as he passes through Thailand, he meets a beautiful woman who travels with him. Wu and his new love end up in a refugee camp in Thailand, where they discover many of their countrymen are disappearing under mysterious circumstances. As Wu tries to learn the truth about what's happening, he discovers his life is in danger, and he must flee to the Philippines for safety.

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