Original subtitles

Life always seems peaceful.

But in fact, traps are hidden everywhere.

And at some point we let our guard down,

and we get into the stickiest of situations…

This is me, Ngoc Vy, 23 years old.

-Vy… -Yes?

I love you.

You always say that.

I always want to tell you that.

Morning, afternoon, evening, night…

I love you.

In what way?

Passionately, my reason for living until my heart stops beating…

Before you find out more about me, let's get to know Hoang My…

who, at this moment, is still a stranger to me.

Quiet please, you're so loud!

Quiet!

You're going to leave me.

But not right now.

I want to introduce you to one more person…

her name is Dung, Tuyet Dung.

How is it, Mother?

Delicious.

Because I haven't had this for a long time.

It's yummy, Mom.

My wife makes great Mi Quang.

Make me another dish of fish sauce.

It's spicy already.

-I want it extra crazy spicy. -Yes, Mother.

The most wonderful thing about Dung is her innocent views on life.

She is happiest taking care of her home, where most women find it miserable.

-Look… -Yes?

-Why keep praising your wife? -She is a good wife.

Women are like children.

Keep giving them sweet candy,

and they'll get addicted, ask for it, then be spoiled.

Should I scold her more?

Smart ass.

Scolding her all day

makes you a terrible husband.

Yes, ma'am.

Your father never scolded me.

Really, Mother?

Sometimes he'd slap me in the face and that was enough.

My speaking.

My, your next tour is not up to par.

Why not? Nude beaches, fancy restaurants,

whale watching…

Miss My?

That just doesn't cut it for VIP clients.

I've already tried my best.

Your best isn't good enough. You need to fly to Hoi An.

There's an island called Shrimp Paste Island.

It's becoming "Paradise Island."

You need to add it to the last leg of the tour.

Wait a minute.

Did you just say Shrimp Paste Island?

Is there a problem?

Well…

Miss My?

You're good at your job

but remember, no playing while working.

Yes, I'm sorry.

I think that…

This is an order. Just remember one thing…

Who, at this moment, is still a stranger to me.

If you can't make it happen, then you should quit.

Honey…

You haven't answered my question.

When are you leaving me?

After tonight.

Is that everything?

It's just two days in Hoi An.

I meant for you.

Three days, three outfits.

Hubby, I'm going to put this in your bag, okay?

What's that?

Oh my…

Are you crazy?

Hong told me to do it. She said when men are away,

they get drunk and lose control and bring diseases home.

Throw that away now.

It's just in case…

I don't need it!

Only bastard husbands would go around cheating, understand?

What's all the racket?

What did you say, Mother?

-Having trouble with your wife, huh? -Well…

Just do what your father used to do. One slap and all done.

Yes, Mother.

I'm sorry.

Next time you can slap me for real, okay?

Hey, hubby?

I'd still like you to go back to the island with me.

My trip to India is really important.

I'm not used to going on a trip alone.

Well start getting used to it. You need to be there for the Ancestor Ceremony.

Hubby…

Let's make a baby.

Right now?

I'm going to miss you so much when we're apart.

Dung is a good girl.

As for me, if you want to know if I'm good or bad

then maybe I'm bad right now… really, really bad.

-Hold on a sec! -Honey.

Forget about it.

I can't! That's my boss' ringtone.

Yes, it's Vy.

You call this journalism?

Are you sure the salesmen said exactly what you wrote?

-Yes, what's wrong? -Didn't you tape the interview?

-Of course I did. -You did?

Then let me listen.

Just a minute, boss.

-I love you. -In what way?

-Passionately, my reason for living… -What's that?

… until my heart stops beating.

Did you play a porno?

I'm sorry, let me open a different file.

What's the point of having a sound recorder if you never use it?

When someone agrees to do an interview, I get so excited

and I forget to turn on the recorder.

For a journalist, your brain is your gun,

your recorder is your bullet, and wherever your view is…

your barrel must be aimed at it.

You just need to pull the trigger, bam! Masterpiece.

Yes, sir.

Tomorrow you must go to Shrimp Paste Island.

-Huh? I thought Hoa was going to… -Her son got sick.

Your deadline is the day after tomorrow.

Whatever's new and modern will wipe out the old.

Yes, sir, I will aim my barrel at that old Shrimp Paste Island

and boom, destroyed.

Please use the goddamn recorder.

Yes, sir.

Don't worry about it, honey.

Give me a minute!

Why do I keep having to wait a minute?

I've never been touched.

-Hoang, honey… -I know!

Because every time something's about to happen

you say, "I've never been touched, I'm still a girl."

Honey!

Damnit!

Truly a romantic night that turned into a nightmare.

But the following two days were even more unimaginable.

Did you come to the island to visit family?

Yes, how did you guess?

All that luggage, must be gifts.

So are you on holiday or here for work?

A bunch of reasons. Actually I was born on this island.

Excuse me, you two know Shrimp Paste Island pretty well, right?

Kind of…

My mom died when I was 12, so I moved to Saigon with my uncle.

Ah, you're Auntie Six's daughter. My, right?

Yeah, this island is so small,

everyone knows each other.

Hold on, let me remember…

Fourth Uncle's daughter, right?

That's right! It's Dung.

Dung the Innocent Crazy Woman!

That's right. That's me.

Oh, but how come your accent's a bit off?

Oh yeah, because I got a scholarship to study in America.

After I graduated, I stayed to work.

I've only been back in Vietnam for two years.

Oh, that's why, oh yeah…

She "oh yeah"s now.

I like your accent, My.

And what's your name?

Me? I'm Vy.

I'm a journalist.

A journalist intern.

Look, it seems like destiny that we met, right?

Let's stick together as a group.

Anything in mind?

After we finish our work, let's meet at "Long Gio" at 6 p.m.

If you're not drunk, you aren't going home!

SHRIMP PASTE ISLAND

A STORY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE: PARADISE IS CALLING

Wow, you rented such a fancy car!

Want to check out the island?

Yeah! Give me a second.

My article will probably be surrounding the liveliness

and the crafts of the Shrimp Paste Island.

Here there are dozens of handiwork traditions

that My thinks are outdated and should disappear.

That makes sense, since My's lifestyle is very open, minimalist.

Her world has nothing to do with this island…

What is it?

A strawberry leaf?

Yes, it was my mom's before she passed away.

Let's just go.

-Who's the most important person here? -The owner of the village.

I mean, in terms of spirituality.

The island chief, the keeper of the Main Communical Temple.

Can you take me to see him?

Can you?

Do you really have to see him?

It's really important for my article.

Please help me out.

Please.

Sir, being chief of the island must give you a lot of influence.

Before, yes. But now no one listens to me.

Is this the Ancestor, My?

Yep, this Ancestor founded this island 500 years ago.

But why is the statue so tiny?

When the Ancestor passed away, the village was very poor.

They could only afford this size.

Why do you care about that?

I'm writing about the changes that are about to happen in this area.

After the ceremony, everyone will sign contracts to sell their land, right?

You guys are so excited, right?

While Dung was happily visiting relatives

we were still at the altar,

with something hard to understand happening,

so My wanted to leave the island as soon as possible.

But to me, this altar was the key to unlocking my article.

I need it now, the more detailed, the better.

I'm hanging up.

Dear Ancestor, thank you for all the goods you give us daily.

I have sad news, Bom's wife has left him for another man.

Why would he talk about that here?

The villagers share everything with the Ancestor.

As for good news,

tomorrow night our family will sell our land to the Land Baron.

Inappropriate.

Once we have money, our family will open up a huge fashion store!

Chief, is it because…

It's your fault! You know the Ancestor is sensitive.

-I bet the wind just blew it out. -What did you just say?

You are exactly the same as when your mom was alive.

Get out of this temple! Out!

-What's wrong with him? -Who knows?

Or maybe the selling price of the land isn't good?

Maybe.

Oh, darn it!

What is it?

I forgot to turn on my tape recorder again.

Someone wandering from afar

Come to enjoy shrimp sauce

Got married when I was 15

My husband says I'm too young And refuses to lay with me

Now you are 18 and beautiful When you sleep on the ground

Your husband carries you to bed

On the bed he says he loves me

Why is love so aggressive? The legs of the bed keep shaking

Did you finish all your duties?

My arms are so tired.

Hey slow down, you're going to get drunk fast, baby!

My tolerance is pretty high, I just rarely drink.

This wine is light but gets you drunk out of your mind.

The locals call it "rice milk wine."

Drink one glass and you want one more.

Drinking it one time makes you remember it forever.

But to remember forever, we must drink.

Cheers!

No one can remember anything?

Damn that shitty rice milk wine.

Do I look like a street hooker?

Exactly.

If my husband saw me now, he'd probably kick me out on the street.

But that's so strange…

Who cut you?

Huh, how come this scar is so long?

It's chewing gum!

Who'd dare stick this onto my face?

Earlier I just wanted to kill myself.

-What are you chewing? -Chewing gum.

Dung!

Dude!

You…

Little one, why so sad? Nothing happened to you.

I lost my virginity.

Well everyone's got to lose it once.

But I just lost it last night.

Someone stole it from me.

Wait a minute…

How do you know?

Look at this…

Just where are we?

Why is there not a single soul out here?

Don't tell me we're stranded on a deserted island!

Hey, guys, do you see and hear that?

You guys!

Are those jungle people?

Oh my God, what country are we in?

I hear there are still tribes that eat humans.

What are you doing?

Hoang, I'm about to die, I love you!

Hubby, I love you too!

I'm sorry I refused you last night only to have someone else take it--

I'm sorry that after three years I haven't had a baby for your mother.

Baby, I'll love you until my heart stops beating!

-I'll meet you in the next lifetime! -Shut up, you two! They're coming!

Do they know how to rape before eating us?

Oh my God! How come I got harassed twice in the same day?

Twice? There are tens of them.

Welcome to Hoi An.

It's Vietnamese. How come you don't get it?

So actually we're still in Hoi An?

But how come you guys… are dressed so funny?

We're on the way to perform for foreign tourists!

Next time don't give out free performances!

Nothing better to do, huh?

Nothing better to do?

Ten shows a day, no thanks.

Hey!

-What's he got over his face? -Looks like bird shit.

-Hey careful! -Don't take another step! Hey!

-Watch out! -No!

Well he's done for.

Who is this guy?

He looks…

-So handsome. -Normal handsome.

Regular handsome.

-He looks very suspicious. -Just a little.

Eh, what if he's the one who took Vy's innocence?

To make sure, you must smell him.

Smell what?

Sniff his body scent.

Sound, music and scent are all excellent ways to jog the memory.

Oh yeah, let me take a whiff.

Hey, sister, this girl was violated, not you.

So, is the scent familiar?

I just smell bird shit.

Hey, buster!

Who are you?

I'm Tuan.

How did you end up with us? Why were you sleeping here?

Damned, if I remember.

My skull feels like it's cracked.

Did you do anything to this girl last night?

What do you mean by that?

Ah, well I'd also like to know the answer to that question.

It's probably best for us all to go our separate ways, huh?

-See you. -Okay.

Goodbye, innocent girl.

I hate guys like you.

Hey, who's calling you?

Unknown number.

Hello?

You ladies have a precious item that does not belong to you.

-You must have the wrong number. -My…

My, you have no idea who you're messing with.

If you can return it to me by 7 p.m.

then I would consider it an act of stupidity and forgive you.

Otherwise…

What was that?

I'm sorry.

I was careless.

Careless?

It's your carelessness

that let those girls steal my precious item!

Please…

You're the Head of Security but nothing is secure.

That item is something that can destroy all my years of planning.

Understand?

My, if you girls don't return it to me,

I will chase you to the ends of the earth.

I will remove each and every nail on your fingers and toes

until all your blood drains out.

Remember, before 7 p.m. tonight.

-Gather everyone here now. -For what, sir?

Divide into groups, find those girls

and bring them to me.

Yes, sir!

So we're guilty of stealing a precious item?

Didn't you hear him address me by my name?

Is there something horrible that we don't remember?

What is this "precious item"?

It must be an electronic chip or an international secret.

That's too ridiculous!

Trust me, I watch a lot of American movies.

Whenever characters lose their memory, it's because of those things.

You take care of this place. I'm going out.

I lost my camera.

Are you sure?

Positive. It's always with me.

I lost my backpack too.

In order to keep from being killed…

we need to try to remember what happened last night!

And figure out what that precious item is, and how we ended up with it!

-Hey, I found a clue! -What is it?

-"Beauty Salon." -Where?

Vinh Dien town.

Let's go.

Hey, it's a tricycle truck!

Man, where did that come from?

Or maybe we came in this last night?

Hey, isn't that the guy from earlier?

That's him.

Get in the truck.

-Why should I? -To find a precious item.

Precious item?

Some scary guy is accusing us of stealing his treasure.

And it's pissing us off.

Don't think you're not involved somehow.

Get on.

BEAUTY SALON - HAUGHTY BEAUTY CAN GO WITH HAUGHTY

Ooh la la, you ladies were just here last night but you're back already?

Ooh, that hair is so gorgeous! Truly one of a kind.

Your husband is going to die when he sees it!

Why are you making that face? Let's shave your head.

No, thanks. I just wanted to ask you what time we were here last night.

Around 8 p.m.

The three of you were getting beauty treatments and drinking happily.

You three really are Saigon gals out to have fun, huh!

Were we carrying with us some kind of precious item?

Oh, that precious thing is always on you.

No, we meant it's an actual thing.

What's it look like?

What a headache.

Let me ask my staff.

I have no idea how I could've come up with this crazy hairstyle.

You're like a spring that's been coiled tightly for too long and bouncing back.

To the max!

You're the same.

Everyone's like that.

There are so many things we normally wouldn't dare do

but then when you're drunk,

or more accurately, when you're no longer held back by anything,

then we'll take it to the max.

Call it "unconscious action."

Wow, how'd you come up with that?

Psychoanalysis.

That's a great subject, but will also give you a headache.

Ladies, ladies!

-Ladies, my staff told me that… -They remember?

They don't have it.

-Thank you then, we'll be leaving now. -You're welcome.

Next time you're free, come back to shave your head.

Oh, after we left here, did we say where we were going?

The Holy City of My Son.

What the heck were going up there for?

This girl was crazy, she wanted to go marry a guy up there.

So did you get married?

So your husband took advantage of you, not me.

Look, I'm not playing around.

When I find the jerk that did that to me, I'm going to cut his penis off.

This just gets weirder and weirder.

Who's that?

Boyfriend?

Do you need something?

-I'm listening. -How are you?

About last night…

I'm not sure how to explain so you'll understand.

Forget it, I understand.

You took me for granted, so you turned me down.

Stop it. I'm in the middle of something really horrible.

I'm really busy. We'll talk another time.

You can't say something nice and sweet to me?

I'm hanging up.

-Impressive. -What is?

He didn't even care to know what you're going through.

What do you know?

He's a very cute, romantic man. You're not an ounce of what he is.

You must be the Romeo & Juliet type of girl, huh.

I believe in an ideal love.

What does ideal mean?

It's when you truly love someone,

then you can sacrifice yourself

and do everything you can for the person you love.

What are you smiling about?

Nothing.

A guy like you will never understand what I mean.

Hey! There they are! Turn around!

This doesn't look good. Drive faster!

Why?

They're chasing us. Go!

Who's chasing us?

Who's chasing us?

Those guys in the van over there.

My! Let me drive for you!

It's okay, just sit down.

My, turn right!

What?

Turn right into the alley!

Out of the way!

-Get out of the way! -What the hell?

My God!

Mom! Save me!

Please God, please Buddha, save me!

Oh God!

Turning now, hang on!

What a relief!

My heart was beating out of my chest!

If not for My's fearless driving, we'd be goners.

But how come you're calm?

I'm about to pee my pants.

Why are they chasing us?

Only God knows.

Dung!

What's wrong?

Are you okay?

Dung…

Don't scare us, please.

These lands really are holy!

Thank you Sacred Lands.

Are you being possessed?

I need to throw up and it makes me so happy.

I… I must be pregnant!

What?

Thank you, God, thank you, ancestors,

thank you…

Why are you making those faces?

We're all nauseous.

Back to reality, lady, you have sunstroke.

Uh… so… I'm… not pregnant?

Hey little babe, let's keep going, alright?

I wonder if Tuan was here last night.

Definitely not. I didn't meet you ladies until later.

-Are you sure? -Positive.

You're hiding something from us, aren't you?

No, I'm not.

Then how can you remember?

I'm just connecting information and taking a guess.

Look here, don't try to play off like some pathetic guy to us, okay?

Let's leave the handsome boy alone.

Excuse me, miss. Last night, who did I marry?

So in the end did I marry the old westerner

or the Mexican guy with the big belly?

You didn't marry either of them.

Really?

Because you wanted to marry Siva.

Where is he? I don't see him.

It's right here.

Whoa.

So she married this piece of rock?

According to Cham beliefs, this is the vital force of life.

Meaning?

It is… the male genital.

It's Linga, a male energy, the symbol of Siva.

In other words,

Linga is male energy, Yoni is female energy.

The combination will create all living beings in the universe.

I did take some photos.

Oh, let me see.

Oh, let me see.

What a rebellious girl!

Forget it, I'm not looking at anymore.

Come on, it's fun. It's not easy for a human to marry a god, you know.

What is it?

My God! Bury me!

What the hell is that?

That's enough.

Did you have fun in Hoi An?

So you're saying after that we went to Hoi An?

I heard you saying you were going back there to find the real thing.

-What do you mean? -Real one night stands.

That's an exact quote from you, you know.

-Did I tell you an exact address? -Nope, you didn't.

-Try to remember where the treasure is. -Heck, if I can remember…

I feel so guilty about my husband.

So you think only men are allowed to have fun?

ANCIENT TOWN HOI AN

Vy, I might've been the one who did that to you last night.

Why would you say that?

I was just thinking, meeting a nice girl like you,

how could I not like you, right?

-Cheesy. -Do you like me at all?

Even cornier.

That isn't an answer.

I already have a boyfriend.

It doesn't matter.

What matters is do you like me or not.

You're way too confident.

I don't like you.

Why don't you like me?

Why do I need to explain?

Because most girls who meet me, fall for me immediately.

Cocky again.

Hey, hey, stop!

Who's that? What's going on?

Stop!

-I've been looking for you all morning. -Did we hang out last night?

-Crazy. You slut! -Where's the treasure!

We don't know what it is and we don't have it!

Are you trying to mess with us?

Stop!

Stop!

Are you alright?

Stop!

Get out!

Hey My, they are chasing us again.

I'll go first.

You kidding me?

Kick!

Done.

Hey, guys, he's bleeding a lot!

Tuan, are you okay?

Are you okay? Tuan!

Who are you ladies?

Who's blood is this?

Is it yours?

Or maybe it's yours?

Oh, Tuan!

Jerk face! You scared me!

Too much time on your hands. Nothing left to joke about, huh?

Does it hurt a lot?

Just a little.

-Man, your head is split. -It's nothing.

Oh, I need to call my husband before he freaks out.

Hi, hubby, what are you doing?

I'm working. Why haven't you called me all day?

Oh, I've just been doing too many things.

Mother has been asking about you. You've only been gone for one day

and you've already forgotten all your family responsibilities?

Why are you always working?

Who is it?

-I'm caught up in something. -What happened?

I'll tell you later. It's complicated. I'm hanging up.

Talk about a bossy husband!

If it was me I'd kick his ass out in three seconds.

-I'm here. -How dare you hang up?

Who do you think you are, daring to hang up on me mid-sentence?

Because… because… Because you're way too bossy!

Plus you're having an affair and still lying about it!

I'm hanging up!

Where did all that bravery come from?

I think you're rubbing off on me.

Sorry…

You look so delicate but actually you're pretty strong.

Still joking around, huh?

If someone hit me on the head with a stick, I'd be a goner.

Thank you.

It was nothing.

Not everyone has that kind of courage.

So what do you do for a living?

I'm an assistant director at a real estate company. You?

Me? I'm a…

Oh darn it!

I haven't even written a word of my article.

-I'm probably going to get fired. -How come?

I used to be a really good at writing.

But I really suck at journalism.

Now I just have zero confidence.

Truth is, behind your fragile look

is a powerful strength.

And though you are always honest, you still seem extremely mysterious.

You want to share what you know,

but you also want to keep everything to yourself.

You may be right.

It's strange.

You just met me,

but you know me better than those who've been with me for a long time.

Do you mean your boyfriend?

What happened to you? Is it a brain clot?

No.

I get nosebleeds a lot.

No wonder, you don't seem like a normal guy.

I know.

Time to eat, huh?

Hanging out with you makes me full.

I thought you couldn't lie.

-I'm telling you the truth! -Oh, really?

Then why don't you sit here and hang out.

I still don't get how Tuan is involved with us.

And when did he get involved?

I think these two kids are stuck on each other.

-My God. -What's wrong?

Did you step on a cow pat?

What's wrong?

Crocodile!

Aw, come on, My, you're such a scaredy cat.

It's already dead.

-Are you sure? -I'm tired of you Princess.

Look at me!

You see? See? He's in a thousand-year-sleep.

Dung!

You want crocodile meat for dinner, right?

It's about to eat you.

Watch out!

Help me!

Goodbye forever!

How do we help you?

Run!

Help me! Help me! Help me!

It's enjoying itself.

Make it faint!

Do you have more? Keep going!

Just try!

Dung! Come down!

Dung, you're dangerously amazing!

I may be small, but I know Kung Fu, baby.

It's out cold.

My God.

Disgusting!

The stench is horrible!

It's mine but even I want to throw up.

Hello?

It's me, Tinh.

How are you Hoang My?

Tinh?

Hey, look.

Don't tell me that freaky guy over there is your Tinh.

No idea.

Oh, hello.

Would you ladies like a drink?

Thank you.

Oh, so last night My made out with you?

No.

Then you're not Tinh?

I am Tinh.

Let's start over, huh?

My name is Tinh, Tinny Tinh Tinh,

the pimp of the "White Night" bar.

"Pimp"?

Then… last night we got really wild here?

Of course you did.

The "White Night" Bar is for the ladies.

Things were a bit rushed, you guys ran away, I felt bad.

So I wanted to make it up to you…

Make it up to us?

These angels will do whatever you ladies like.

Including… taking you to the "climax"!

One gentle touch and you've already finished?

If only it were so easy for me.

Trying to hide from me, huh?

I knew you would come back to this bar.

Who are you?

Hey, fella…

We should talk calmly, okay?

Run!

My…

We're almost out of time, you need to think where you could've put the item.

You heard what he said.

Why isn't it you or Vy that lost the item? Why me?

I think Tuan knows more than he's letting on.

Something fishy is going on.

He's going to find the precious item then kill the three of us.

Then he'll hang our bodies, dangling them from pine trees!

You are way too obsessed with American movies.

-What is that? -Just looking for fun.

-Let me see too. -You can't.

It's a bunch of nasty party and sex photos.

What kind of partying?

Club, girly bars, loose women,

general debauchery.

But actually I don't really like that stuff.

Liar. If you don't like it then why do you go?

I have to take photos for my boss.

He wants a record of all the women who he's had.

What a sicko.

-What's wrong? -It…

A crab?

What's wrong?

What is it?

What's wrong?

It's a crab in your dress.

What's going on?

Are you okay?

Does it really hurt?

Looks like your goods are all scratched up.

Let me check out your wounds.

You owe me.

What do I owe?

You saw everything.

-Virgins have different rules. -I'm not anymore.

Hello…

Oh man, we're really sorry.

I just wanted to get my commission.

Commission?

Come on, I knew unconsciously you gals would come back here.

You're with clients?

No way. He only likes the beautiful ones.

Yes, yes, I'm looking for some.

I know. You can trust me.

This is truly a White Night.

Hey, I got some girls for you.

-Oh, yeah. -Yay!

Hello, lovely ladies.

-You ladies want more fun? -More fun?

My boss is having a mansion party.

If you come, it will be very fun.

Who is he?

They call him the "Land Baron."

He's rich, classy and premium.

So what do you ladies think?

Why not?

So you thought we were hookers?

Well you look exactly like them.

My commission. Quickly.

-Who are they? -The Land Baron's henchmen.

Hey! So good that the Land Baron wants seconds, eh?

What did you say? Late last night these girls dared to trick the Land Baron!

Stop!

Stop!

Stop!

What? There's more?

-Where do you guys want to go? -Let me drive.

Like I'd let a guest drive.

Watch out!

Hey! Stop! Stop!

Forget it, drive it yourself!

They're not going to escape.

I'm going to turn.

Be careful!

Be careful!

Get away!

The engine stopped.

-What's that? -We have to run.

That's it, we're goners.

Still feel like running, sweethearts?

So we did take the precious item from the Land Baron?

Seems like it.

I'm listening.

-Where are you? -I'm nowhere, really.

You're still mad about what happened before?

I just realized that you don't trust me.

How can you say that?

If you did, you'd have given it to me

instead of refusing me every single time.

I'm sorry. I was truly an idiot

because…

I have nothing left to give you.

What?

Last night I went out with some girlfriends.

Someone… and I don't even know who he was…

stole it from me.

Are you serious?

Why did you let such a terrible thing happen?

Why are you making me suffer like this?

Got anything else to say?

He's selfish and stupid.

You don't need to comfort me.

You're really adorable.

Welcome back, lovely ladies.

Didn't we have an almost perfect night?

Yeah, brilliant.

Just like I said, it was almost perfect until you ladies stole that backpack.

The backpack? But that's my backpack!

It only looks like yours.

Yeah, an orgy is more fun, money is no object.

What?

You're drunk.

Ah, you get it!

That's exactly what I like.

Let's play "I'm bad, but I don't want to be easy."

-Where's the Boss? -Having a good time.

Wait a moment.

Run quickly before he catches us!

Hurry!

Stop!

That's my bag! Give it back!

And you four disappeared then.

So inside the backpack is the precious item.

Stop pretending.

It's the Ancestor's statue.

I hired Tuan to steal it from the temple.

I didn't think you'd pretend to be hookers to steal it back.

We're definitely gonna die here.

Calm down, let me handle it.

Did the Island Chief hire you to ruin me?

-Who knows? -Give it back to me. Now.

What can we get for betraying the one who hired us.

How much?

100 million. Per girl.

Alright.

That's reward for your hard work.

Okay, we'll be on our way.

I'll keep this girl as collateral.

When you bring the statue back I'll return her and give you 300 million.

Deal.

Little one,

we'll be back.

You only have a little over an hour. Lock her in the basement.

Let go of me.

-You filthy bastard. -Go.

I can't believe Tuan ended up being the Land Baron's man.

But what does he really want from the statue?

Stop!

Remember that bruise on Tuan's forehead?

Yes.

Must've been from this barrier.

Let go!

Makes sense.

Basically there was an accident that caused him to black out.

That's why he didn't know where the statue was either.

Those girls really are professionals.

Is it true that last night you blacked out and can't remember anything?

Yes.

It's also the reason why I stuck to the girls to find where the statue is.

And?

The truth is, the girls really don't know where the statue is.

You must think I'm a child.

Boss…

Believe me.

The girls are innocent.

The way you look at them,

especially the young one in the white dress,

clearly tells me you're either on their side

-or have been bewitched by them. -Boss…

You get points for

your loyalty after all these years which makes me believe you.

You get subtracted points for being the one who lost the statue.

But Boss, no one could've predicted that would happen.

-Is that so? -Yes.

Don't make me more pissed off.

You're the one who's making me more miserable.

I'm sorry, Boss.

Is the only thing you know how to do is say you're sorry?

Remember, you are like my puppy dog.

I can either bring you up or destroy you.

My, what are we going to do now?

How about we go back to the boat to look for the backpack?

I think it can't be anywhere else but there.

Alright, you're going to go back to look for the statue.

-I'll go back to Shrimp Paste Island. -Why?

There's something to do with the Offering Ceremony.

I need to see the Island Chief to figure it out.

Okay?

Hey! Motorbike taxi!

I thought you drove my truck back to Saigon!

Last night I borrowed your truck, Ninth Uncle?

More like you stole it.

The jeep is still over there.

Here are the keys.

Thanks a lot, uncle.

You dare come back here?

I know the Ancestor's Statue has been stolen.

I don't want everyone to know yet.

Why?

Look around. Just like how you kids wanted it.

What did we want?

Didn't you guys say yesterday what's new and modern

will sweep away old, outdated traditions on this island?

After the Offering Ceremony,

the people will decide whether to sell to the Land Baron.

I'm against it, but no one will listen to me.

They just see the fire before them.

The Offering Ceremony is the last chance

to keep this deal from happening.

Your idea is to your culture too…

These are the 500-year-old traditional crafts on this island.

This ceremony is the chance for them

to put tradition and money on the scale and reconsider the deal.

That statue is very sacred to the people.

Today it was stolen and along with it, my plan is gone.

I know you don't like this place…

but…

do you have a way to help this island?

Oh my God!

Why put the biggest pressure on the housewife? Oh God!

A genie lamp.

Oombala, oombala, Mr. Ancestor,

please fly out, Mr. Ancestor, come out!

This lamp is a fake. I don't see the statue anywhere.

Mr. Ancestor, Mr. Ancestor!

Mr. Ancestor

Mr. Ancestor, come out, I'm so pooped, Mr. Ancestor!

I thought it was Mr. Ancestor's head.

Your friends have been gone a long time.

You're hatching a conspiracy against Shrimp Paste Island.

I'm buying the land for double the value. I am a generous man.

Why did you steal the statue?

Because I know the Chief's plan.

I can't just sit while my "Paradise Island" project goes down.

You're willing to play dirty just to get what you want?

Of course. With no Ancestor Statue, there is no Offering.

No offering, no ceremony. No ceremony, no more tradition.

No ceremony means no tradition.

When there's no more tradition, the people are ready to sell their souls to me.

You bastard.

Time to go. Bring her with us to the island.

And tell the other girls we'll make the exchange there.

Yes, sir.

I can't believe what a bad guy you are.

I'm sorry. I've never done anything bad until now.

Except for stealing the statue. But I cannot stand against the Land Baron.

Stop making excuses.

I'm such an idiot

for falling for you!

What I mean to say was…

I did have a little feeling…

when I saw that you cared about me…

and saved me from getting a stick to the head.

But maybe that was just your instincts, right?

Right?

Yes.

How can you say that?

You're supposed to say that was a sacrifice for love.

Yes, it was.

Why?

It was my instinct.

Stupid head.

I gave you a second chance but you didn't correct it.

It's because I don't like sweet talk.

That's what your ex is good at and I bet there is a big jar of lies.

He's not my ex yet.

It's over because his jar of lies is broken.

You.

The Offering Ceremony is the last chance to keep this deal from happening.

Your idea is to your culture too…

These are the 500-year-old traditional crafts on this island.

This ceremony is the chance for them…

to put tradition and money on the scale and reconsider the deal.

I want to give up, Mr. Ancestor!

Where's that crying sound coming from?

Mr. Ancestor, don't you come here bringing spirits with you, I'm going to freak out!

Wait, but I'm the only one crying out loud, right?

I found you, Mr. Ancestor!

Help!

Help! Rapists!

You're not playing fair, hot boy. Are you into cougars or something?

How come you mannequins are so good?

Ah, it's my phone vibrating.

Let's change position.

I've looked everywhere, I can't find it.

Just run straight to the ceremony once you find it.

-Why? -The fate of this island is in your hands.

-Dang, you're giving me major goose bumps. -Hurry! We're almost out of time.

Don't rush me. The more you rush, the more I stress.

Mr. Ancestor!

I knew it was your crying I heard earlier!

Mr. Ancestor, I'm doing my best to be brave.

Come on, Dung, you're there. You're already there.

The destiny of the island is in your hands, Dung.

You got it!

Oh my God!

Actually, I'm pretty lucky.

Damn, but now how do I get down?

Hey, Mr. Ancestor, can you find a way to rescue me?

Will anyone rescue me?

Help!

Help me, please!

Five more minutes until the Ceremony begins.

We have to let the people sign the contracts.

Wait.

This is my chance to do something for this island to redeem my mistake.

THE LAND BARON COMPANY

-Prepare the contracts for the people. -Yes, sir.

Welcome everyone to the Offering Ceremony.

Celebrating the 500-year Anniversary.

Welcome! Welcome, everyone!

What kind of game are they playing?

Dear everyone, just yesterday I thought the same way you guys did.

We should sell the land at good prices to turn this place into "Paradise Island."

It seemed to be the best way to move into the future.

But I was wrong.

Bullshit.

Get down! Get down!

Please, everyone calm down.

I'm just asking you all for a few minutes.

For dirty reasons, there are some people who don't want this ceremony to happen.

So they stole the Ancestor Statue.

Over there is the Land Baron.

He's only in it for the money.

He has no idea how to take care of the people.

I understand what you mean.

That I am only a wealthy man, that I only have one talent…

which is counting my money.

But let me ask you…

do you really need some young, inexperienced girl

to stand there and tell you what to do?

It's almost 8 p.m. now.

It's a pity this Offering Ceremony cannot happen.

So let me invite you all to sign your contracts.

Right here, right now.

You will all get plenty of money to spend.

Please, go ahead. Please, go ahead.

The day has come, everyone.

We're going to be rich!

Chief…

Dung is back!

I almost lost my shorts running here!

-I don't see any shorts. -My shorts are here!

-Got the statue? -Yes, but he's freaking me out.

-What's there to be scared of? -He's crying inside.

-It's your imagination. -For real.

It was lucky I heard him crying so I found him.

-Where did you find it? -On top of a pine tree.

The top of a pine tree?

I don't know how much you must've drunk to throw it all the way up there.

Hey, kids!

Can we cut the chit chat?

Yes.

-What's wrong? -He's still crying.

More like you're crying.

Dear everyone!

Everyone stop for a moment, please.

Our Ancestor has come back

home to us.

And now…

the Offering Ceremony…

begins.

-Prepare the camera. -Prepare the photos of "Paradise Island"?

Attack them.

My's camera.

What do we do with this?

We're gonna outrageous, naughty photos of the girls to everyone.

Tuan, you can't possibly do that to us.

To end this ceremony, please spare a minute

to remember, to honor and give thanks to our Ancestor.

Tuan…

I'm sorry.

Darn that guy…

doing something wrong but still goes and kisses me.

Everyone, the Offering Ceremony has finished.

What just happened here is our heritage passed on to us through many generations,

it has been the life, sweat, tears and laughter for each of you.

And now…

for those of you who feel in your heart…

that this change would be harmful to the island,

please step to the left.

Please be brave.

Let's all step over there!

That's right, everyone, step over here.

All of you, over here. That's right.

Everyone, please don't lose your bright future over a careless mistake.

Let this island become a six-star resort…

and you'll be moved into a better and more modern place.

Let me ask you something.

What will you do with a 100 square meters piece of land?

It's not enough for agriculture, cooking rice wine, cakes…

making bamboo mats, baskets, and pottery.

No more boats and fishing, no more river for the kids to swim and play in.

And you'll regret it because you'll lose the 500 years of value

that our Ancestor and all of you have built for this island.

Stop.

Please stop.

These ladies here are talking about traditions,

but their lifestyles are quite the opposite.

I have evidence.

Enjoy the show!

We're goners.

That was only the beginning.

The next photos are naughty, disturbing, and disgusting.

-Tuan! -Yes, sir.

What is it?

Look at the screen!

Beg and I'll stop the show.

-You should take a look at yourself. -So handsome.

I'm going to throw up. Look at the screen.

Turn it off!

Come on, it's fun!

Where did you get those photos?

Did you forget about this?

Partying with my boss has its benefits.

Shut it down. Off!

Stop! Stop it!

Off!

Dear everyone, it was only a misunderstanding in the past.

As for now, with this project, I have put my reputation and belief in all of you.

Liar!

What's her plan?

Who knows?

The Land Baron is actually nothing more than an asshole.

That's right. Hey! What do you know about me?

I have this.

What is it?

All the horrible things you said in the basement.

So good! She's such a good journalist!

Listen carefully everyone.

-I love you. -In what way?

Passionately, my reason for living until my heart stops beating.

Distinguished guests! It's time to stop these childish games.

-Hurry, hurry! -I'm looking! Don't make me nervous.

It's time for us to seal the deal and have a fresh beginning…

With no Ancestor Statue, there is no Offering.

No offering, no ceremony.

No ceremony means no tradition.

When there's no more tradition, the people are ready to sell their souls to me.

Asshole!

Without tradition, they are barely walking animals.

Now you all know everything.

Everyone look a little closer.

He is the true animal.

Everyone to the left!

Stop!

Stop!

Stop!

Stop!

Don't let your heart rule your head.

The chance to change your life only comes once.

Now, you can hold on to your piece of land…

with no coins in your pocket

or you can sell it to obtain a brighter future.

Just choose.

Temporary feelings?

Or logic?

-I wouldn't have to get my hands dirty. -I could have a big house and car.

Right!

Tradition is only good for showing off, not for your stomach.

Only money can move us forward.

Before, on this island,

there was a mother who was a silkworm breeder.

She gave her little daughter a pendant

with the image of a strawberry leaf,

with the hope that she'd follow family tradition.

But the daughter was only dreaming of some distant horizon

and always managed to hurt her mother.

I hate living like this, understand?

One day you'll understand.

I don't want to understand.

Oh, Mother…

I'm the one who killed you.

My, on this island, everyone knows your mom died in a bike accident.

No.

It was because of me that my mother drove while upset.

And got hit by a car.

I had to grow up with all that sadness and pain.

And I've tried to deny it.

I wanted to prove that I was right

to become a modern, successful woman.

But now I know I was wrong.

Because running in my blood

is the water that embraces this island daily,

is the odor of the silkworm in my every breath,

is every deep wrinkle on my mother's face

every time I smile.

Everyone, just as I have lost my mother,

if you lose this island,

you will never get it back again.

It was an amazing feeling when the villagers decided to keep their island

and together continue to rebuild.

The most important thing was that the journey

helped us all change for the better.

After finding her husband cheating on her and realizing the quality of freedom,

Dung decided to no longer live in that prison.

As for My, there was no greater gift than to return to a state of peace.

As for me,

coming back here made it easy to see the real face of whom I once idolized.

HOTEL SHRIMP PASTE ISLAND

It's been hard to reach you.

Okay, I kept our relationship

because you were still a virgin.

Otherwise you're a loser in your job,

weak and a pathetic daydreamer.

Thank you, you are nothing but a low class,

disrespectful and evil man.

Goodbye.

Baby's all grown up now.

Where are you off to?

I'm homeless now.

I should try to find shelter in Vy's life.

Tuan, how did you get the guts to betray the Land Baron?

I think I got more strength from you three.

And I understand belief from this day-dreamy girl over here.

Belief in what?

That when you truly love someone, you'll risk yourself for that person.

But you know… she's no longer a virgin.

That's okay.

It's easy to say that now…

but when you fight you'll drag it up and argue again.

I promise I won't bring it up.

Are you sure?

Sure.

But actually… Vy hasn't lost it.

How do you know?

It's just a guess but I'm pretty sure it's accurate.

But when did you realize this?

When you bandaged my head wound

and my nose started bleeding.

Then why didn't you tell me right then?

If I'd told you, that other guy's honey jar wouldn't have broken.

You jerk!

I'm going to kill you! You liar, I hate you!

Boss, when did you become such a good listener?

You're agreeing to the divorce because your mom said so?

You're saying this article is super-duper amazing?

Front page?

Yes, thank you, Boss!

The front page!

You're pretty patient, I've been going nuts over here but you didn't even flinch.

Only men like that are adorable.

In the 21st century men must obey women.

Exactly!

Since we're celebrating, how about some rice milk wine?

What do you mean?

I mean, let's party 'til we drop!

I got your rice milk wine right here!

Here's your rice milk wine! Rice milk wine!

Wake up, everyone! Wake up!

Vy!

I missed you so much, Vy!

He misses you but he handcuffed my hands so tightly!

Help us!

Why are Dung and Tuan cuffed to each other?

We must've gotten too drunk last night and I took advantage of Tuan.

I'm sorry, Vy!

I'm sorry, Vy!

Should we jump in the water?

Let's all jump in!