Three Seasons (1999) - full transcript
An American in Ho Chi Minh City looks for a daughter he fathered during the war. He meets Woody, a child who's a street vendor, and when Woody's case of wares disappears, he thinks the soldier took it. Woody hunts for him. A cyclo driver, Hai, gives a ride to Lan, a hotel call girl, and starts waiting for her daily; he falls in love with her and tries to break through her tough veneer. Kien An, a young woman, takes a job harvesting lotuses in the ponds of Teacher Dao, a reclusive man who has leprosy. Her singing awakens him from depression, and he asks her to write down poetry he has composed. The characters' paths cross in small ways, around flowers and kindnesses.
THREE SEASONS
You must be Kien An.
Yes, I am.
Follow me.
Here are your things.
You are here on high
recommendations.
-I hope you don't let me down.
- I will not, sir.
We follow strict codes here.
It is important none are violated.
Teacher Dao is not a forgiving man.
The bell rings early every morning..
The flowers must be picked
and be sold in the city.
Teacher Dao takes pride
in his flowers.
Customers take pride in
in his flowers.
Thus, you must take
pride in his flowers.
Try not to think about it. Don't
let the temple distract you.
It is important to keep busy.
You'll soon forget it's there.
It looks abandoned.
It is the Teacher's home
He has not left it in years.
We never saw him.
The older women say his
soul left him long ago.
Is this lake what is
there as pretty as a lotus?
Green leaves, white flowers?
Green leaves, white
flower, yellow center.
Yellow center...
white flower, green leaves.
It is near the mud,
yet does not smell of mud.
A woman destiny is
like a raindrop.
Some fall in the gutter...
some fall in the rich ponds.
You buy for me?
Chewing gum, cigarette?
Hai, I've been waiting all morning
Did you bring the rubbing oil?
Yes, the arm still bothering you?
lf it's not the arm, then it's the back.
Let me have some of that.
-Maybe you can put a stop to this debate.
-What now?
-You see that hotel there?
-What about it?
l was betting Minh...
that the towels there
must smell like perfume.
Why is that?
You ever notice the smell? Everyone
we drive from there has a fresh smell.
Like I said...
it's the smell of money.
Well, it's a waste of money.
We need to work a whole
month to barely afford...
their cheapest room.
4 star, 5 star they can't match my
thousand star deluxe.
What's your thousand
star deluxe?
From my bed, I see a thousand stars.
No roof, just a thousand of stars.
At least you have a bed.
Are you still reading
that old book?
You sure are persistent.
You haven't fixed that?
It's gonna get you one day.
Come back here!
Let's go!
That was close.
-What happened?
-Just watch the street.
Drop off at the Marquis Hotel.
Damn, my lipstick is all smeared.
l never let anyone take me home.
It was great to see the
look on their face.
-Thanks for the fast legs.
-Should I wait?
-No, it'll be a while.
-I don't mind.
It'll be hours.
I'll get another ride.
Fresh white lotuses!
Fresh white lotuses!
Fresh white lotuses!
Wait a minute...
Splendid, the white
lotuses have arrived.
You must be new.
I've not seen you before.
Yes, sir. I started this week.
These are nice flowers
your Teacher sells.
May I have a bundle?
Smells wonderful.
So beautiful. How much?
$ 5,000.
Thank you.
You again.
Why are you here?
-To take you home.
-I said you didn't have to wait.
l didn't mind.
Are you expecting more money?
l was just making sure
you had a ride.
All right. Take me to District Two.
Tomorrow I will work at the Majestic.
There are wealthier guest there.
They know how to treat
a woman.
-You got a cigarette?
-No.
It's too damn hot for a smoking.
l could be in a cool room
now if I wanted to
I'd just have to do overnight.
l don't though.
Sometimes I wish I could fall
asleep on a large bed...
and let the air-conditioner run
until I want to wake up.
That's what they all do up there.
l could use a drink right now.
l bet you don't drink.
No.
You don't smoke, you don't drink
what the hell you do?
Besides waiting for pretty girls.
Damn it! Not another blackout.
It's the third time this week.
It's damn hot on nights like this.
-What's the problem?
-Where are you headed?
-Taking her home.
-It's all right. She lives here.
Let them go!
Our block hasn't been
safe during blackouts.
Some streets have it worse though.
Stop at the lamppost ahead.
Yellow center, white flowers
green leaves.
It is near the mud
yet doesn't smell like mud.
A woman's destiny
is like a rain drop.
Some fall in the gutter
some fall in rich ponds.
Can anyone ever know how many stalks
are in a rice field?
How many bends are in a river?
How many layers are in a cloud?
Can anyone sweep
the leaves of a forest?
And tell the wind to
shake the trees no more.
How many leaves must
a silkworm eat...
to make a dress
of colors from the past.
How much rain must...
Don't let them bother you.
For many years the old women
have been singing the same songs.
They've been here so long
they think they own the lake.
-I didn't know.
-How could you?
Lack of work makes
Mr. Huy look bad
to Teacher Dao...
Thus he punishes severely for it.
After all this years, I still
can't stand this heat.
Try to forget.
Throw up a bag of nuts for me.
I'm waiting for the day that corner of ours
is replaced by a hotel.
It's so crowded, we just have to
live with it.
l hope when I'm their age
my life had change.
Tell me something. You ever notice
the American over there?
l have been watching him.
He has been there for days.
-Just him and his cigarettes..
-Days?
He's been there for weeks.
Someone in the hotel told me.
He sits there smocking all day.
He just stares at that
restaurant across from him.
Many American used to stay there.
l bet you didn't know that.
That used to be a G.l. Bar.
l got stuck driving him around town
last week. We went around...
looking for a young woman
in a photo. I think he's nuts.
Let's go back to
our corner.
Kien An.
Get dressed.
Teacher Dao would like to see you.
Thank you for coming.
Do not be alarmed.
l have a simple request..
Your song from this afternoon...
tell me where you learned it?
From my mother. She sang it
to me when I was a child.
l would like you to sing the song.
-I don't understand.
-You weren't brought here to understand.
Your song from this afternoon...
l want you to sing it.
Can anyone know how many stalks
are in a rice field?
How many bend are in a river?
How many layers are in a monsoon cloud?
Can anyone sweep
the leaves in a forest.
And tell the wind to shake...
You buy?
Stop! Stop!
Pay money!
Pay money!
How much?
When I fall,
To Saint Peter I will tell.
Another Marine
reporting, sir.
I've served my time in Hell.
1/9 1st. Marine Division
68-69.
Isthis shit for real?
Where did you get this?
l will give you, $ 50,000
Dong. For the lighter, how much?
$ 100,000 Dong?
You got be kidding me.
l will give you $ 60,000.
Forget the lighter,
how much for all..
What's the matter with you?
l will tell you what
have a seat.
Buku dong.
How long have you been on the streets?
l have a daughter.
She's here, somewhere.
l have never seen her.
l get a letter that her mother had died.
l figured it was time
to find her.
She looks like me, doesn't she?
l just know it's time
to find her.
Maybe, somehow, make sort of
peace with this place.
It's all right.
Nobody here gives a shit.
They're all lost in their own world.
This is just between you and me.
And of course, Woody.
You are all right, kid.
Have you seen my case?
Mister, have you seen my case?
l hope my
private thoughts...
have been entertaining.
I'm sorry. I will leave immediately...
How much of my work did you read?
Enough.
-Is that right?
-Enough....
to know your pain.
-What do you know about pain?
-I too have had a hard life. Lonely.
Do you know how it is...
to have children point and
mock as you walk down the street?
Or when they see you coming..
to have people close their door?
Isthat why you
hide in the shadow?
I'm not hiding.
They say you have not left
this temple in years.
Nonsense!
Every morning...
my ears escape these windows to embrace
the songs of the birds.
My nose pierces these walls
and naps in the fragrance of my lotuses.
With every sunrise and sunset..
my eyes flutter into the air.
And my heart...
My heart has transcended...
above the bondage of man.
Until you have learned more
do not come back here.
On fully flapping wings fly
I Chasing chubby...
lazy clouds...
across the sky.
And herding evening breezes
through plains and meadows.
To visit the Seas, my
fluttering sails I set.
Brother to the Marlins
togheter in the night.
I raise my badly whims
on the rising tides.
Oh rise, gentle sun
golden in your reach.
And weave, dear Moon,
your silvery filaments.
Unveil away the darkness
that over me hangs.
Upon a lake a lotus
wish I be.
Scenting the day's breath
with fragrance and poetry.
Searching in the wind for traces
of my former spirit.
This discovery
my reflected present.
That was the last poem I wrote.
Before I lost my fingers.
You may leave now.
l will lend you my fingers.
You do not want to be bothered
with a bitter man's thoughts.
l would not be here
if it was bother.
You should leave
before others begin to worry.
Wait.
We could
start tomorrow.
We shall start tomorrow.
Have you shined any shoes for
an American with a wooden case?
l haven't shined one shoe in this rain.
-Are you following me?
-You said you would work here.
And so what?
That didn't mean for you to be here.
Did you wait in front all night?
l just thought you might want a ride.
There aren't too many safe cycles now.
How do I know you're one of them?
Pull over right here.
-This is for you.
-I can't accept.
Take it. I'm usually not
so generous.
-What are you doing?
-It is very hot.
You're crazy? I'd trade places
with you anytime.
So pale was the moonlight
it could not shroud
the pallid lake.
Yet I have found joy
admist searing pain.
And I saw the rainbow in the middle
of a white cloud.
To write these words
is like a striking note.
Plucking a chord...
vibrating a stream of light.
It's melody echoes from
my forlorn heart.
Did you get all that?
Yes, I have it all.
Good.
That will be enough for now.
-I could go on further.
-I can't.
l am out of words for now.
Do you ever plan on
leaving this place?
Sometimes I dream about leaving
the temple and go home.
l dream my fingers
have grown back
and the swelling on
my face has subsided.
l dream I have with me a dozen
baskets of my best white lotuses...
and travel to the floating market
of my youth.
As I approach
the women I would free all
my lotuses into the water.
And watch them float through the market
like a white river.
And I had returned home
set free and pure.
l would wake up into the black night...
and realize it was simply a dream.
One of many that will
never be fulfilled.
It's not too late.
It is late. It is later than you realize.
Don't come back until you find it.
-Do you wanna a ride?
-Finally we are going to compete.
Take the brochure.
The winner win U$200.
Who is my challenger this year?
-You know Khoi over there?
-Is he the one to beat?
Not only is he entering
but he'll beat you.
And you, are you entering?
l don't think so.
You will think I'm crazy,
but I enjoy the heat.
-What did you say?
-I said I really enjoy the heat.
To most people it's unbearable.
l remember going to school
and wearing a white Ao Dai
and near our school were rows
of Phuong Vi trees
with red flowers that
blossom during the warm months.
And all the girls would put them
in their hair...
after wait too long
that they fall.
But if we were lucky,
a boy would give them to us
and we would dry them
as bookmarks.
-So we wouldn't forget the boy.
-You must have gotten a lot of flowers.
Miss.. How much do you charge?
Charge for what?
To spend
an evening with you.
U$ 50. But as you know
l don't do overnights..
Why? Do you have
some new clients for me?
No. Curious, that's all.
Don't think I'm going
to be doing this forever.
l have plans you know.
There are other ways
to make money.
Like what?
Like my mother...
who died breaking her back for
her family. What did she get out of it?
That's not going to happen to me.
Have you been in one of
those hotels?
No.
It's a different world in there.
They are not like us.
They have a different walk,
a different talk.
The sun rises for people
like them. Not us.
We live in their shadows...
and it grows bigger with each
new hotel built.
Pay close attention to who comes
through those front glass doors.
How many do you see like yourself?
One day I will remain in that world
to become one of them...
To became one of them.
I'm not sure that's the solution.
What do you suggest
marry a cyclo driver?
Here are your flowers.
$ 5,000.
Thank you.
Could I have some flowers?
You are selling, no?
-I figured you wanted the...
-Plastic lotuses? No.
They're popular. I've have trouble
selling my flowers.
I've yet to sell one.
People have been giving
in to their convenience.
It is big and white
just like yours.
It will not wither or die.
They even spray the flowers
to make them smell real.
Like the real ones.
These days seems to be
the trend for everything.
Give me a couple.
How much?
Thank you.
-Is that you Woody?
-I'm being chased.
Quick, get on.
Causing problem again?
Where is the case?
It was stolen. Have you given any rides
to an American with a case?
l haven't seem nobody. And in this
rain it's hard to see anything.
Stay out of troubles Woody.
lf I see him I'll let you know.
Watchout for the motorbikes.
Don't disturb my restaurant again.
I'm sorry. Teacher Dao
has terminated your meetings.
Mr. Huy, is something wrong?
He doesn't have more poems
for you to write.
How is that possible?
He just started writing.
He can't be out of poems.
l can't question him...
-Could I speak to him?
-No.
lf you just let me talk
to him...
I'm sorry, but his request
is clear.
Enough. I recommended you
return your room..
Iseverything all right?
Are you all right?
Please I have to go now.
It's you!
What are you doing here?
What's the matter kid?
You're staring at me
like I'm a ghost.
Where is my case?
You took my case.
Beat it! Quit bothering the customers!
He says you took this case.
-What case?
-At the bar.
You've got to be joking.
What happened?
He say you make him offer then up
and left with his case.
It anyone ran out it was you kiddo'.
l went to the john...
and when I came back out you were
gone.
l don't know anything about a case.
You see. He says he didn't take anything...
I'm sorry about your case kid, but
this is my last night here.
So I'm going to drink and
forget this place.
l want you to leave...
and don't come back here!
I'm glad you could make it.
That's what Binh said last year...
right before I beat him.
Brothers and sisters, are you
ready for the cyclo race?
Riders, are you ready?
On your mark. Get set... Go!
- Look, I no longer need a ride from you.
-Why?
-It's better for both of us.
-Is something wrong?
l just won't be needing...
- Did you see me race today?
-No.
-I won.
-Congratulations.
I'll follow you home.
l have 50 dollars
Should we get started now?
What is this all about?
Open it.
Wait...
l want you to put it on
without your make-up.
Look, what does it matter?
Please, I've already
bought this for you.
Walk back and forth for me.
l want you to sleep.
l just want to watch you sleep.
Can I have some flowers?
A bouquet.
How much?
5,000 dongs.
Thank you.
Please, sit back down.
Thanks for coming.
-Can I get you something?
-No, thanks.
l know how difficult this was...
to finally agree to meet.
l made many mistakes in
my life.
Most of which
I'll have to live with.
When a chance comes around
to make a wrong...
About meeting you today
l hope I've made a wrong, right.
I'm sorry.
They're for you.
I've already seat here
but it wasn't restaurant.
But that was a long time ago.
I'm not the same man I was then.
A lifetime since then.
l was a young marine. And
this is where I met your mother.
-Hello.
-What are you doing here?
I've been waiting at the Hotel,
but you haven't been around.
Didn't I tell you...
l no longer need you.
Besides, I don't work there
anymore. Please leave.
What do you want from me?
l did what you asked.
Leave me alone.
l want to spend another night
with you. I'll pay you again.
Wait here.
Take it. I don't want your money.
l don't deserve it.
We didn't make, love.
So you owe me nothing.
You deserve.
You have given me more than you know..
What are you trying to do to me?
Why me?
Have you forgotten that I've been
with many men?
Not with you the way
l have.
Open your eyes, Hai.
Can't you see what you're looking?
l am a whore...
and you were just my driver.
That's all.
Please, don't make me feel
what I'm not capable of.
Let her in.
Why didn't you tell me?
There was no need for you to know.
Why now, when you have
fought so long?
Do your words mean
nothing for you?
l have hidden from death long
enough. It's time..
to welcome it,
as my final guest.
Do you know why
l made you sing...
the first night you
were here?
The song you sang out
in the lake that afternoon...
had crossed my ears before.
It was the song...
of the women of the floating
market of my childhood.
l had forgotten
my youth.
The only time I was
pure and whole...
until I heard your song.
l would like you to
sing...
that song one last time.
Can anyone ever know how many
stalks there is in a rice field?
How many bends are in a river?
How many layers are in a cloud?
Can anyone sweep the leaves
of a forest?
And say to wind to shake
the trees no more?
how many leaves must a
silkworm eat
to make a dress of colors
from the past?
How much rain must fall
from the sky
before the ocean overflows
with tears?
How many years must the moon have
before it become old?
In the middle of the night, the moon
comes and waits nearby
He who can steal
my heart
I will forever sing
joyful songs
Woody! Come join us!
-Are you in?
-I'm in.
Woody! What's taking so long?
He will see you now.
Thank you for coming.
Please have a seat.
Thank you, sir.
He wanted you to
have this.
The Teacher was a
handsome man.
When the leprosy spread to his face,
it devastated him.
He blamed himself and lived a life
of self-punishment.
The photo was taken
on his 23rd birthday.
Six months later,
he was sent to this compound.
The photo has remained hidden until now.
His words will not fall
on death ears.
lf there is anything I can do for you do
not hesitate to present your request.
There is one thing.
You don't have to pretend anymore.