No Crying at the Dinner Table

A Vietnamese family living in Canada. The stories told by its members. Sad, delicates, hidden, confessions, memories, images, regrets.

The status of universal story gives force to this film about death, gestures and family spirits.

Exercises of a form of exorcism , in some measure.

Beautiful, sad and hopeful.

Nguyen has created a short film that is not just about culture-specific ways of dealing with grief. It is possible that people and families have problems dealing with grief together across cultures. A very accessible subject, with gravity and ease. Like the family in the film, the viewer learns that grief can be experienced together. You learn that the different points of reference of grief share common aspects, especially in a family. The loss of loved ones unites, only the approaches of memory, the cornerstones of grief, are different. The individual stories make it clear that grief arises from love, security and laughter. Nguyen underlines this warm melancholy with a fantastic atmosphere, wonderful, minimalist musical interludes and a quiet camera. She lets people talk, asks follow up questions only once and uses the simple-seeming trick of direct confrontation with the filmed material to trigger a feeling of mutuality in the family with regard to the grief they talked about. The wonderful conclusion of the film is that it is okay to cry at the dinner table and it's ok to do it together. No, not only is it okay, it is life enriching and a tool for stronging bonds.

Excellently made minimal film! Every shot was meaningful and overall very raw. Would definitely recommend for any person of immigrant background, especially Vietnamese folks. Beautifully made and would recommend to many.

Well done. moving and touching, you can feel the raw emotions of the characters. great short 👌

I've followed Dir. Carol Nguyen's Career since her days of Façade and she's Always stepping up her game with every new effort. Her latest film No Crying at the Dinner Table, however, Isn't just a step up. It's a whole new evolution.

With just 16 minutes, she manages to use her familiar themes of intergenerational trauma, family, and identity in a way that will not only move you but make you consider your own family dynamics with introspection.

The confessions told by her family are so personal and touching, and yet it never feels invasive. you're pulled into that dinner conversation with them and you don't want to leave.