Like most countries that lived through the tragedy of war, Vietnam too has made numerous films dealing with the pains of war. Among the list, Dang Nhat Minh′s When the Tenth Month Comes is regarded as one of best films on this subject. While waiting for her husband who is away fighting in a war, Zuyen patiently takes care of her young son and father-in-law who is growing feeble with age. Aš the anniversary of her mother- in-law′s death approaches, Zuyen asks the village teacher Khang to forge letters from her husband in hopes of pleasing her father-in-law. Khang agrees to do the job, but also finds himself falling in love with Zuyen. To the Vietnamese whose pains have not ended with the war, director Dang Nhat Minh seems to be offering comfort with this film. The film′s title "When the Tenth Month Comes" takes its meaning from the Buddhist ′Days of Forgiveness′. Likewise for Zuyen, this meant meeting her husband′s spirit whom she has been longing for, and a peaceful death for her father- in-law who mistakes this apparition for the return of his son. Such peace was possible with the love and care of friends such as Khang and Zuyen′s husband′s fellow soldiers with all forgiven. The beautiful landscape shot in black and white highlights this film′s theme of forgiveness and peace. (Kim Ji-Seok)