Dandelion

Dinh Phong's father is hospitalized for a while and passes away soon after. One of his final wishes is to keep smiling and to eat dog meat before dying. This event becomes the emotional anchor for Phong's future choices and dreams.

After his father's death, Phong continues to chase a music career, but Lam pushes him to become an actor. Lam's ambition and influence shape Phong's early career path. The struggle between musical dreams and acting obligations defines his professional direction.

During an audition, Phong's eye soreness leads to a hospital visit where he is diagnosed with a tumor. He is hospitalized briefly for tests and treatment. The news marks a turning point in his life and priorities.

Phong's mother forbids him from singing, but he sneaks out of the hospital to perform at live shows. He chases the stage despite medical restrictions, driven by a passion to share his music. This defies his family's concerns and foreshadows his stubborn pursuit of happiness.

After leaving the hospital, Lam receives a doctor’s notice that Phong has cancer and can live only about five years. The prognosis crushes his hopes but steels his determination to live fully. The clock starts counting down, intensifying his choices.

Despite the grim prognosis, Phong maintains a positive outlook and continues to perform, seeking joy in every moment. He refuses to let the illness erase his dreams of music and happiness. This mindset fuels his later, more defiant decisions.

Earlier, Phong and Lam met on a bridge where Phong stated his philosophy: he doesn't care how long he will live, as long as he can live happily and sing as much as possible. This moment crystallizes his approach to life and art. The bridge encounter foreshadows the conflict between control and freedom in his career.

Phong refuses further medical treatments because he cannot bear his family's worry. He chooses to live with the illness rather than let it dominate their lives. This decision underscores his stubborn commitment to living in the moment.

In his final performance, Phong reveals that Lam took all his money and hid his medical situation to keep him performing. Kien Ha punches Lam and they cry together, signaling a moment of truth and reconciliation among friends. The gig becomes a turning point in their relationships.

Phong dies after a long battle with cancer, mourned by his family and fans. His passing marks the end of an era of defiant optimism and musical ambition. The crowd and his loved ones honor his memory.

After his death, his friends visit him at the pagoda; Phong's mother opens a crab hotpot as wishes, and Lam donates Phong's money to children in need. These acts symbolize communal mourning and the redistribution of Phong's legacy. The scene closes the circle of friendship and generosity.

Ngo Kien Ha and Pham Quynh Bang marry and have children, while Sky eventually marries years later. The final image shows a future built on the memories of Phong and the lives that continue beyond his death. Their descendants carry forward the resilience Phong embodied.