* This article reveals some of the film's plot.

The film, a rare Vietnamese coming-of-age story, is directed by Doan Si Nguyen and adapted from the Korean screenplay "The Last Ride." It revolves around Hoang (played by Avin Lu), an 18-year-old student diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), who has only about a month to live. Having never been in a relationship, his final wish is "to be a man" before he dies.

Hoang's wish becomes a challenge for his two best friends, Thy (Hoang Ha) and Long (Quynh Ly). They devise a detailed plan, trying everything to fulfill his desire, from persuading the school's hot girl to scouring dating apps. They find themselves in a series of awkward, unintentionally suggestive situations, facing questions and misunderstandings from their parents.

Five days after its release, the film earned nearly 20 billion VND—a considerable achievement for a young director's debut. However, the film has received negative reviews for its explicit scenes. Many viewers found the frequent sexually charged comedic scenes excessive and distasteful.

For example, Long initiates conversations with girls by asking for their measurements. In another scene, upon hearing about Hoang's declining health, Long tests his friend's physiological response in the hospital bed, only to be caught by Hoang's father (Tien Luat), who becomes suspicious of their relationship.

Many scenes are criticized for being exaggerated and unrealistic. For instance, frustrated by the search for a suitable partner for Hoang, Long tries to persuade his own sister. "Towards the end, the situations become even more audacious and forced," said viewer Hoang Nguyen.

On TikTok, many viewers admitted feeling embarrassed by some of the sensitive scenes, with some even leaving the theater midway. On a film forum with over 200,000 followers, the film garnered numerous negative comments. "The sexual content is vulgar and clumsily handled, especially in a school setting," commented viewer Dinh Huan.

Conversely, some viewers found the mature content "acceptable." Nguyen Phong Viet, a film critic, predicted that many would react negatively due to the novelty of this type of comedy in Vietnam.

"However, I think the humor is appropriate, not offensive. I like how the director portrays the characters—willing to do anything for their friend, no matter how crazy the dream," he said. Sharing this view, blogger Lucas Luan Nguyen acknowledged the exaggerated nature of many scenes due to the film's slapstick style, but considered it characteristic of the coming-of-age genre.

From right: Hoang Ha, Avin Lu, Quynh Ly in a scene from "The Last Wish." Photo: Provided by the film crew

Director Doan Si Nguyen anticipated the potential for controversy. He believed that exploring sex and sexuality in adolescence is an interesting topic and was willing to take the risk. He wasn't overly concerned about the explicit content, as the film's ultimate message focuses on family and friendship. "This is a story of laughter and tears, about those who stay and those who leave. Sex is just a catalyst to make the story more impactful. I hope the audience doesn't find the film excessive and can connect with it," he stated.

Doan Si Nguyen graduated with a degree in film theory from New Zealand and returned to Vietnam in 2018. He began his film career as a screenwriter for projects like "Sister Sister" (2019), "Sun Man" (2023), and "Over Drinks, Under Schemes" (2023). After attending a directing course led by Tran Anh Hung and Phan Dang Di at Autumn Meeting (2018-2019), he made his directorial debut with the short film "Devil-faced Fish."

Tam Ky