Lost in Paradise

I've heard a lot of hype about this movie being the first homosexual movie and usually when people hype things it turn out bad. However, I loved this movie; it lived up to my expectations and beyond. The storyline was touching, I was engaged and I felt what the people on screen were feeling. It left me speechless and I'm so touched by it!

For me, this is not the first homosexual movie in Vietnam, the first one I have seen was "Trai Nhay" which was more of a comedy and a pretty darn good one too. However, it does take a lot of gut to come out with a heartfelt homosexual movie in such a narrow minded society.

A lot of actors in this movie really surprised me. For example, I have seen Luong Manh Hai (Lam) acted before and I have to admit that this time he was superb. By far his best role, I honestly was convinced that he was gay. His partners Ho Vinh Khoa (Khoi) is another story, honestly, if I was gay this is the type of guy I would go look for. I felt that he was not portraying a character but he really is the character. He have all of these unique characteristics that people look for in the ideal world.

Although, I loved the heartfelt relationship and physical attraction between two very hot men, some of the conversations came out a little blunt. In addition, unless the director can connects the prostitute and smiley boy story with Lam and Khoi, then it was unnecessary to book Phuong Thanh and Hieu Hien.

Phuong Thanh as usual is not a very good actress; if her role was given to someone else I honestly would have cried. Hieu Hien however, blew me away, I have seen him in numerous other projects and he is not very good; in this one I really felt his pain.

Overall, this is a must watch movie. I'm proud that Vu Ngoc Dang can produce such a heartfelt and beautiful masterpiece. If this movie comes out in a movie theater near where I live I will definitely be promoting it.

Sorry but I have to say the correct name of this movie is Lost in Paradise, not Lost Paradise. I watched it a few days ago, and I was moved to tears. It is a great movie. I love everything about it especially the music. In fact, it is the best Vietnamese movie I've ever seen. The story is simple, but it attracts viewers because it's REAL. I was most impressed with the prostitute. Just looking at her sad eyes made me have many mixed emotions. The story of the prostitute and the Smile man may not relate well with the love story of the two main characters. However, their acting is impressive. The ending is sad. I had expected this movie would not have a happy ending before watching it. However, when I saw the ending, I couldn't stop my tears ( sorry for being too sentimental). Highly recommend.

I came here right after watching the movie. I am still pretty much blown away by the plot (and the ending) . The actors fitted in perfectly and did their job in making it more intense to watch.

+ I think this movie is timeless. Prostitution is still a horrific theme and it destroys many lifes because people are forced to do jobs like that to earn money. The movie makes you even more aware and transmits mixed emotions/ views of those who are affected.

It can even help you to rethink about life and your decisions. Always follow your path, even you might need to change it, you don´t have to be afraid of what comes next. Don´t be afraid of unfamiliar roads. Be free.

A good job with regards to the fledling film-making industry in Vietnam. A relatively persuasive storyline and reasonable ending (although Hai revealed a more compelling substitution). The acting is still far from that of Hollywood stars. But we are in Vietnam, that is fair enough. I rarely like Vietnamese (new) movies now I like this.

Hai's previous roles in TV series like "Suddenly I wanna cry" or "Full house" are like rubbish to me. His starring in this movie is a good turn for him. A good beginning for Khoa also.

Sorry the movie did not bring tears to my eyes as it has done to lots of young ladies in Vietnam but I really respect your effort and believe in the future of Vietnamese movies.

Whilst it is very emotional viewing to see the story unfold, the director Ngoc Dang Vu has done a stunning job and the cinematography and pace of the film are superb. He and his writers clearly express a less-than-optimistic view on the affect prostitution has on these young people's lives, which of course may not be the same for everyone in every country but it certainly is a believable story for these young people in their poor circumstances.

There are a few love stories unfolding in the film and it's the least likely one that ultimately proves to be the strongest. When the cold-faced Lam explains to the young, scared Khoi that sex and love are not the same thing he's right. There's no resolution at the end, instead it is a memorable journey with 5 people and if you ever get the chance to see this film I thoroughly recommend it.