You might think that Ru is just another immigrant story about adjusting to life in Canada. That would be a disappointment because Ru is a really good film with an interesting story to tell, history lesson included.
The film centres on Tinh (Chloé Djandji), a young girl from Vietnam who is learning the ways of Quebec society after her family moves to Granby as Vietnam War refugees. Ru is adapted from the Kim Thúy 2009 novel.
Ru alternates between life in the new life in rural Quebec versus her life in Vietnam as well as the boat ride from Vietnam.
Tinh doesn't speak much but takes in this new world intently. Her younger brothers seem more outgoing and carefree in the new environment but you feel that Tinh is carrying more of the baggage from their journey leading up to the time in Quebec.
The obvious commonality between Vietnam and Quebec is the French language. This makes a difference in the story since they can understand each other. The other major difference is that the people in this small Quebec community warmly welcome the new refugees, even if there are cultural barriers.
The parents came from upper levels of society as the patriarch held a high government position.
Charles-Olivier Michaud directed the film from Jacques Davidts' adapted screenplay of Kim Thúy's novel. They lean into Tinh's quiet observation of the new life for her family. She thinks a lot even as she doesn't say much.
The cast also includes Chantal Thuy, Jean Bui, Olivier Dinh, Xavier Nguyen, Karine Vanasse, Patrice Robitaille, Mali Corbeil Gauvreau, Marie-Thérèse Fortin and Richard Fréchette. Vanasse definitely nailed down the cool mom aesthetic from that era, like you wanted her to be your mom back then.
Ru is a quiet film where it might not seem like much is happening so definitely don't distract yourself in watching the film. The pacing may be slow for some people and ideal for others.
If you are up for a patient telling of an immigrant story, put Ru on your list.
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Ru had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Barry Hertz of The Globe and Mail named Ru as one of his top 10 list of Canadian films of 2024.
The film has played in Canadian theatres. Ru is available on Crave in Canada.
video credit: TIFF
photo credit: Ru
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