The Scent of Green Papaya

Mùi arrives at the household in pre-unification Saigon, taking on the role of a servant for the struggling family. The family's former wealth has diminished, largely due to the husband's irresponsible behavior and the wife's attempt to maintain a modest living through her fabric shop.

The family's dynamic is complicated with the husband’s widowed mother constantly criticizing the wife. Meanwhile, the three sons exhibit their own unique issues, from rebellion to indifference, creating a tense atmosphere within the household.

The husband goes missing for the fourth time, taking with him his wife’s savings and jewelry. His absence plunges the family into a state of desperation, as they begin to face hunger and poverty.

When the husband eventually returns, he brings back a portion of the stolen items. However, he collapses right after arriving home, leading the family to panic and concern over his health.

In a bid to provide medical assistance for her husband, the wife sells cherished family heirlooms, including a valued vase. The doctor is summoned to treat the ailing husband, but the atmosphere is heavy with anxiety and grief.

Despite efforts to save him, the husband passes away, leaving the family devastated. The wife faints upon receiving the news, causing a ripple of despair throughout the household as they grapple with their loss.

Ten years have passed, and the family continues its downward spiral. Two sons have left home, leaving the wife to take on the image of a tragic grandmother, rarely seen, and mourning the family's blighted legacy.

The family can no longer afford Mùi's services, prompting the wife to part with her. With a heavy heart, she gifts Mùi a silk dress and some jewelry before Mùi moves on to work for the well-off friend of her eldest son.

Mùi begins working for the eldest son, who has become a concert pianist engaged to a lavish fiancée. However, he appears to be emotionally distant, more attuned to his music than his forthcoming wedding.

During a fateful night filled with tension, the fiancée discovers Mùi entering the room where the pianist plays. The music changes dramatically, reflecting the deepening connection between Mùi and the pianist, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship.

Following the pianist’s secret visit to Mùi, the fiancée confronts her in a fit of rage, slapping her and leaving behind her engagement ring. This confrontation only serves to deepen the bond between Mùi and the pianist as they navigate their newfound feelings.

As their relationship blossoms, the pianist takes it upon himself to teach Mùi how to read and write. This learning process symbolizes hope and a new beginning for Mùi, who longs for a life beyond servitude.

In a beautifully poignant final scene, Mùi, now visibly pregnant, is seen reading poetry to the pianist. Her face radiates joy and fulfillment, representing her transformative journey from servant to a loved companion, embodying dreams of a brighter future.