Draft:The Moonlight at the Forest's Edge

The Moonlight at the Forest’s Edge (Bao giờ cho đến tháng Mười, La lune au bout de la forêt, 月亮在森林的尽头) is a 1980 Vietnamese 35mm black and white film directed by Nguyễn Minh Châu.

Plot
The protagonist, Lãm, is a military truck driver tasked with delivering supplies to remote outposts. On one moonlit night, he encounters a mysterious young woman named Nguyệt who is hitchhiking near the forest. Their chance meeting sparks a connection, and Lãm offers her a ride.

As they travel through the darkened landscape, Lãm and Nguyệt share stories of their lives. Lãm reveals his longing for his sister and girlfriend, both stationed at the youth volunteer unit. Nguyệt, too, carries her own burdens—her family lost to the war, leaving her alone in a world of uncertainty.

The moonlight casts a magical glow on their journey, illuminating their shared hopes and fears. Lãm is drawn to Nguyệt’s resilience and vulnerability, while she finds solace in his kindness. Their bond deepens as they discuss dreams, aspirations, and the fragile beauty of life amidst chaos. Yet, the war looms over them like a shadow. Lãm’s duty calls him away, and Nguyệt remains at the forest’s edge, waiting for his return. Their love blossoms in stolen moments—a touch, a whispered promise—but the reality of war threatens to tear them apart.

In a heart-wrenching twist, Lãm receives orders to transport troops to a dangerous zone. He faces an impossible choice: duty or love. As he drives away, Nguyệt’s tearful eyes haunt him, and the moonlight seems to weep alongside her. The forest becomes a silent witness to their love—a love that transcends borders, ideologies, and the ravages of war. Lãm’s memories of Nguyệt sustain him through battles, but the ache of separation gnaws at his soul.

Years pass, and the war ends. Lãm returns to the forest, seeking the moonlit spot where he last saw Nguyệt. But she is gone, leaving only memories etched into the ancient trees. The moon still bathes the clearing, whispering secrets of love and loss.

Cast

 * Nguyễn Hải Đăng as Lãm
 * Trần Thị Mai as Nguyệt
 * Lê Thị Anh as Hạnh
 * Thắng as Phạm Văn Quang
 * Đặng Văn Tùng as Captain Hùng
 * Nguyễn Văn Bình as the Old Forest Keeper
 * Hoàng Thị Lan as Lieutenant Minh
 * Trần Văn Khánh as Soldier Đức
 * The Moon as the Moonlight

Production
The film was shot in Đồng Xoài, the capital of the province of Bình Phước in Vietnam.

Reception
Nguyễn Minh Châu’s poignant tale comes alive on screen, thanks to the mesmerizing cinematography by Lê Thanh Hòa. The moonlight dances with the characters, revealing their innermost desires. A must-watch for lovers of poetic cinema.

Nguyễn Hải Đăng as Lãm and Trần Thị Mai as Nguyệt share an electric chemistry. Their silent glances speak volumes. Lê Thị Anh and Phạm Văn Quang add depth to the supporting roles. A beautifully acted ensemble.

Trịnh Thị Hương’s editing stitches together emotion and longing. The transitions between past and present are seamless. The forest scenes breathe with life, echoing the characters’ yearning.