Song Lang

My father used to say

that to him, song lang was not merely an instrument.

It embodies the god of music.

It not only helps control the tempo for musicians and performers,

but also delivers the rhythm of life,

guides the artists down the moral path.

For a long time,

my life has been missing that familiar beat.

On a rainy autumn morning

The Heaven Temple is still sound asleep

As the temple bells strike sporadically

Hey, what's wrong?

Don't stop. What happened?

Mr. Dung, can we talk this through?

We did. Too many times.

Debts must be paid on time.

Don't try to hide.

Watch me.

What are you laughing at?

Here we don't require collateral. That’s why the interest is higher.

For urgent loans, the interest is 20%.

For five million dongs, the interest is 150,000 per day.

The principal and the interest must be repaid within 40 days.

How does that sound?

If you agree, give me your Household Register and ID.

I got it. I'm grateful that you agree to help us.

Here you are.

Let me!

Here, watch this!

-See! -It's Brother Dung.

Brother Dung!

Give it to me.

Brother Dung! Anything fun at work today?

Hey, ask Brother Dung to put in a word with Auntie Nga.

-What now? -He wants to work for Auntie Nga.

Would you take me under your wings?

Hey!

Dad let you come here to help, not to cause trouble.

THANH NGA JEWELRY

-Hi Bro! -Hi Bro!

Thank you so much.

Have a good evening!

Tired?

Have you eaten?

I just ate.

On your way home, stop by Kim Electronic for me, OK?

Mr. Dung, I already talked with Auntie Nga.

She's agreed to give me a few more days.

Bullshit!

Then why she asked us to come here?

You can talk to her tomorrow.

For now we'll keep your things.

Nothing will be damaged, don't worry.

Mr. Dung, please reconsider! What about my customers?

We'll just take what we need and leave.

We won't bother your customers.

Hey.

Is that the new game?

I've been waiting for it.

That one just came in.

Just take it, it's on me.

This is for me, so I'll pay for it.

The altar to worship the god of theater is usually simple yet solemn:

a table, some incense sticks,

and a light or fire that is always lit.

Before taking the stage,

performers light incense sticks and pray to the god of theater for luck.

There are many other legends and superstitions about the altar...

See you later!

Electric bill.

Why is it so expensive?

Don't complain. Use less next month then it'll be cheaper.

Okay, thank you.

Electric bill!

LIST OF DEBTORS

Mom! Electric bill! Please wait a minute, my mom's coming.

Is that "Romance in the rain?"

Yes, come inside to watch.

Is that Lady Wang? She's a tough woman!

Yeah. Come in.

Which episode is this?

Bring it up a bit higher.

Over to the left.

Okay, that is good.

Wow, you guys run such a grand premiere this time.

It's been a while since we came back.

We have to make it big.

Where is it?

Quick!

Got it! I'm coming!

Hey!

Why don't you let My Chau wear authentic Vietnamese costumes?

Nowadays costumes are costly.

These costumes can be used again for other shows.

We are nearly bankrupt putting up this new show.

I know. I was just saying.

These costumes still look gorgeous.

And these two look good together.

Just leave that over there.

Set it down here.

Can I help you?

A few cigarettes, please.

There are six left. Would you mind buying them all?

-Keep the change. -Thank you.

Are you visiting the crew?

Leave your bike there. I'll keep an eye on it.

All right it's done. Lunch break, guys!

Lunch, everyone! Let's go.

Dung, why don't you have lunch?

He's having fun!

I will kill you! You betrayed me!

I will kill you!

I am as fragile as a flower bud

I cannot fight against this mighty power

No more fear or sorrow

From now on I shall always be by your side

With the gods In heaven as my witnesses

I wish to be true to you Until the end of time

Diao Chan!

-Fantastic, isn't it? -Yes.

Bravo!

Hello?

Hi? Excuse me?

Are you looking for someone?

Mr. Dung!

Oh gosh, please stop!

Please understand!

The past few months we've been losing money on tour.

We just got back in town.

I put all we have left into this new production.

You're killing us all if you do this.

Go see if anybody is back from lunch.

Ask them for help. Hurry!

God! What are you doing?

No. You can't do that!

What are you doing?

He's destroying our costumes.

What happened?

He was going to burn our costumes.

What? Where does this thug come from?

What? Thug?

Only thugs do this kind of thing!

Let me call the cops!

Don't.

Call them. Explain about the money you owe.

What money?

Who owes you?

Even if it’s true,

you can't be so disrespectful to us like that.

As if you artists have any self-respect.

-Ma. -Phung!

I got this, Ma!

I'll pay the rest after tomorrow's performance.

You have my word.

If you shut us down, we can't perform.

We won't have money to pay you back.

-Bring it inside. -Okay.

‎-Hurry up. ‎-Okay.

We have a bed.

Why do we always have to do it on the floor?

My back is killing me. You're a freak!

Ready to leave?

After this cigarette.

Hurry up.

I don't trust Bon to close the shop by himself.

The other day, he abandoned the shop and followed Hien to work.

All those gangster movies got into his head.

All he wants now is to be a part of Auntie Nga's crew.

He idolizes you, Mr. Dung Thunderbolt.

If he wants to join, let him.

Such a good idea!

Yeah, just let him.

My dad would shave my head first,

then kill him later.

Let's go!

Trust me, this is the only way we can get rich.

Brother Dung!

What are you whispering about?

Nothing. We were just chatting.

I still don't get it. How could your husband let you do this?

We're different. We can't tell each other what to do.

I see.

If the Arts Committee can't tell you what to do,

no one can.

Don't talk nonsense.

How long is your break?

Take this eye palette. The colors fit this type of show.

Dung!

When you grow up,

don't be like your mom!

It makes your life more difficult.

Dung, here's the money!

Mommy said that selling a figurine of Christ is a sin.

You can't get much money for it anyway.

People threw paint into our house.

What's that?

It's her long slit dress.

Because I'm a teacher.

Please have a drink.

Dad took Mom to the doctor.