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Trailer

The Scent of Green Papaya

1993Movie1 h 44 minNR

DramaRomance
83
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.3Metacritic817.8Rotten Tomatoes100%82%

A slow-burning, nostalgic drama movie about history and family, with standout cinematography and world-building.

Good for date night · family movie night · friends night

Skip it if you want fast pacing

Where to watch

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Not for scares, adrenaline or brutality.

Movies with

Story

1950s Saigon through the eyes of Mui, a Vietnamese servant girl. At 10 years-old, Mui leaves her village to work for an affluent, troubled family. As she comes of age, Mui finds work in the household of a pianist she has admired since childhood, and finds their relationship growing in complexity.

Feels like

  • Coming-of-Age
  • Visual Poetry
  • Intimate & Gentle
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Female Perspective
  • Nostalgic Reflection
  • Class Consciousness
  • Subtle Storytelling
  • Patience Required

Cast

4 of 4

Crew

Directed by
Trần Anh Hùng
Written by
Trần Anh Hùng
Produced by
Christophe Rossignon
Music by
Tôn-Thât Tiêt

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

June 8, 1993 · 1 h 44 min · NR

Released
June 8, 1993
Runtime
1 h 44 min
Age rating
NR
Genres
Drama, Romance
Original language
Vietnamese
Made in
France
Available in
21 countries

Tropes

Slice of Life, Time-Shifted Actor, Silence Is Golden +9

  • Slice of Life
  • Time-Shifted Actor
  • Silence Is Golden
  • Returning the Wedding Ring
  • Shrine to the Fallen
  • Romantic False Lead
  • Visual Title Drop
  • Like a Son to Me
  • No Name Given
  • Tantrum Throwing
  • Blade-of-Grass Cut
  • Food Porn

12 of 18 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

6 questions, like "Where can I stream The Scent of Green Papaya?"

Questions about The Scent of Green Papaya

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Scent of Green Papaya?

KanopyHooplaKino Film Collection

In the United States, The Scent of Green Papaya streams on Kanopy and Kino Film Collection, and it is free with ads on Hoopla. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 10 other countries.

Is The Scent of Green Papaya worth watching?

83
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 100%, and Metacritic 81). Critics rate it higher (91 out of 100) than audiences (78).

Is The Scent of Green Papaya okay for kids?

NR

Yes: it's rated NR in the United States, and the viewing guide lists it for kids.

Is The Scent of Green Papaya good for date night?

and 5 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFamily Movie NightFriends Night

Yes: romance is 6 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

Will I feel good after watching The Scent of Green Papaya?

BleakHopeful

Yes, it's an uplifting movie: the title analysis rates it 8 of 10 for hopefulness and 7 for wholesome.

Is The Scent of Green Papaya in English?

Vietnamese

No, it was made in Vietnamese.