) living in poverty with her struggling colonial family in Saigon. Her life changes during a ferry ride across the Mekong River when she meets a wealthy 32-year-old Chinese businessman (played by Tony Leung Ka-fai

The film takes place in colonial Saigon, where 15-year-old Lucien (played by Jérôme Flynn) becomes infatuated with a 17-year-old Vietnamese woman, Marie (played by Bae Doona). Despite their significant age gap and cultural differences, the two embark on a passionate and all-consuming affair. As their relationship deepens, Lucien finds himself torn between his desire for Marie and the societal norms that frown upon their love.

The film focuses heavily on the girl's sexual awakening and the raw, physical intensity of their meetings, which serve as an escape from their respective lives.

As their relationship deepens, Marie becomes torn between her love for Yan and her family's expectations. Meanwhile, Yan struggles with his own identity and the cultural differences between him and Marie. The film explores themes of love, desire, class, and cultural identity, set against the backdrop of colonialism and war.

Based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Marguerite Duras, the film is a drama set in 1920s French Indochina (colonial Vietnam).