The film Indochine depicts the French occupation of Indochina in the 1930's. The film represents the three sides during this turbulent time. They include the French, the Vietnam Communists, and the Vietnam Nationalists. Eliane, the rich rubber plantation owner represents the French control in her command over the Vietnamese workers, and how she holds herself in a higher status than the Vietnamese people. Camille is adopted by Eliane, which seems emblematic of the Vietnamese adopting the French culture. Camille flees from Eliane, and defies her, similar to the rebellion of the Nationalists.
It seems clear that the film takes the side of the Nationalists. The French are depicted as brutal people, particularly when they murder the family, who many are fleeing from. Likewise, the Communists seem disorganized and unstable. Contrary to this, the Nationalist seemed like the favored side in the film.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
The film "Indochine" depicts the French occupation of Indochina in the 1930's. We see Eliane, a French rubber plantation owner. Eliane may be a French person, in a position of power; however, she has never even been to France. This is a sign that times are changing. Vietnam is beginning to gain its independence. Furthermore, we see the Vietnamese workers punished at the plantation. This depicts the French in a poor light as they are oppressing the Vietnamese people.
ReplyDeleteAlso, characters such as Tanh represent the plight of the Vietnamese people. Tanh was expelled from France, because he was accused of having communist beliefs. Having said that, Tanh was more concerned with the freedom of Vietnam than a political ideology. This is reminiscent of the young Ho Chi Minh.
The film presents the two distinct sides, the French occupiers and the Vietnamese people. Because of the aforementioned examples, it appears this film is speaking for the liberation of the Vietnamese people. In addition to this, Camille's transformation from the daughter of Eliane to excepting communism, shows the transformation of Vietnam. It seems she represents what this film feels should be for Vietnam. Vietnam is letting go of French rule and realizing their impending freedom. Because of this, the film is taking the side of the Vietnamese people.