Ma Da: The Drowning Spirit (2024) Movie Script
Windy nights in the fall
You sleep peacefully in my lullaby
All night long
All night long
I stayed up watching you sleep
Dear, my honey
Dear, my beloved
My mind is with you
My soul is with you
Don't cry, my baby
Sleep tight, my baby
We couldn't even land a fish.
My God.
What did you get caught in here for?
Look how small it is.
How come it's so weak?
Mister.
Who the heck just called me at this time?
Mister.
Who's there?
Do you know where my doll is?
Why did you rip off its head?
Did it scare you?
Yes.
Is that girl really the Ma Da, nanny?
Of course she is. She is the Ma Da indeed.
Nanny, does the Ma Da take kids?
Let me tell you. She takes naughty kids.
Those who play alongside the riverbrwill be taken by the Ma Da.
That's why you should neverbrplay alongside the river, got it?
Yes.
But I have one more question.
The Ma Da stays in the water all the time.brDoesn't she get sick?
I can't believe thatbryou really asked that question.
It makes sense, doesn't it?
I can get sick easilybrjust by taking a long shower.
And the Ma Da lives in the river.brIs that right, nanny?
-That's right.br-Right.
That's what I expectedbrfrom the class monitor.
That's not all.
Another question. Does she drink water?
-Does she drink water, nanny?br-Does she?
-Hi, nanny. Jesus.br-Hi.
Do you know what time it is?brGo home. It's very late.
Calm down. Hear me out.brIt's late. You kids should go home.
I'll tell you more tomorrow.
Yes, nanny.
We are leaving. Bye, nanny.
-Happy birthday.br-Happy birthday, Nhung.
-Bye, Nhung.br-Bye-bye.
-Let's go home.br-Let's go.
Thank you, kids.
You're welcome, nanny.
-Oh, you're home.br-Yes.
She's been waiting for you all night.
She just fell asleep after whimpering.
-You must be starving, right?br-Yes, I am.
I saved you a bowl of rice with some fish.
Thanks, nanny.
She celebratesbrher birthday only once a year
and you chose to miss it.
No.
Hoang's wife wouldn't stop crying.brI had to try my best to find him.
-Did you find him?br-Not yet.
I think his body will surface tomorrow.brIt has been three days.
What a hard job, Le.
Maybe you should quit this job.
What?
The job chose me, not the other around.
What is it?
I searched over herebrbut couldn't find him.
Your husband's bodybrprobably washed out to the big river.
Go home and get some rest.
It's not goodbrfor pregnant women to be here.
Honey.
Honey. Honey, why did you leave me?
Honey.
I know that you havebra talent for body fishing,
but if you want to quit, just quit.
You have to think of Nhung.
Hey, listen.
She doesn't have a father.brIt's only the two of you in this house.
You have to take care of Nhung.
I don't have to.
She has you.
She's safe and sound.
She won't starve.
Nonsense. Cut it out.
I'm leaving now.
Eat up and go to bed soon.brSave your energy for tomorrow.
Roger.
We came here to be closebrto your school. Let's go.
Yes.
It's old, but it's still good.
We can fix it up and move in.
As long as there isbra school for her to attend.
I brought you two pineapples, nanny.
What's your name?
My name is Nhung.
OK, sit still.
Let me push.
Yes.
Be careful.
One by one.
Be careful.
Are you mad at me?
The victim's family cried a lot yesterday.
I tried my best to find him, but I failed.
I'm not mad at you.
I'm worried about you.
Please don't leave me again.
OK.
I'll go to Xom Moi marketbrto buy you a cake
and a duck to re-celebratebryour birthday with Nanny.
We're even now, right?
Smile if you're not mad at me anymore.
If you don't smile,brI'll go home and cook the duck.
Hell no.
Do you guys want to get anything else?
Nhung, you're already late for school.
Wait a bit.
Let's head out.
OK.
Who left you here?brCome home and be friends with me, OK?
FIRST, LEARN YOUR MANNERSbrTHEN, YOU CAN LEARN YOUR LETTERS
You can do this.
You can do this.
Nhung, do you want to jump rope?
Do you want to play, Nhung?brCome play with us.
Sorry, I don't want to play.
-Let's go.br-OK.
Nhung.
I told you that?
Come here and play, Nhung.
Come here and play.
Come to me.
Who's there?
Who called me?
Nhung, it's me.
Come here.
Nhung, come and play shuttlecock with us.
OK, I'll be there in a minute.
OK.
Come and play.
It's so much fun, Nhung.
Come and play.
Come to me.
Nhung.
Who's there?
Hey. What are you doing?
There's a lady over there.
-Where?br-There.
Which auntie? There's no one there.
There is.
Cut the crap.
I can't believebrthat you're scared of ghosts.
There's no one there.
There.
-There.br-Where?
Who?
You see? No one's here.
Behind you.
Behind me?
Peekaboo.
See? There's no one here.
My God.
Enough.
You can stay and keep looking.
I'm going to have some fun.
Here, I'll take these.
Put it here.
It will be half a kilo.
Late morning coffee, huh, Mr. Van?
Why are you here so early?
Why so late?
Forget about that.brWhat's happening with Hoang's case?
This case makes no sense.
Hoang's a good swimmer. How did he drown?
We'll know the answerbrwhen we find the body.
Hey.
Did he get lost in the woods?
Are you crazy?
He fishes there every day.brHow could he get lost?
-Here's your tea.br-Okay.
He knows that placebrbetter than his own house.
In that case,
do you think the Ma Da took him?
Rumor saysbrthat there is a Ma Da in the woods.
-How scary.br-You don't say.
You mean the girlbrwho jumped off from the bridge?
That's right.
I think it's just a rumor.
Rumor my ass.brFifty percent of all rumors are truths.
-There's a saying.br-What?
The Ma Da can onlybrtake the lives of people
who are spiritually compatible with them.
That's right.brMy grandma said the same thing.
-That's correct.br-There.
Hoang must have been compatiblebrwith the suicide girl.
But if he was compatible,brwhy did she wait until now?
Let me enlighten you.
If Ma Da chooses someone,
she will wait untilbrthe date and time are correct.
Hey.
If Ma Da chooses someone,
she will wait untilbrthat person gets into the water.
-You did ask.br-Really?
I get goosebumps just from listening.brEven my jaws are numb.
I think I won't shower today.
Anyway, you two keep going.brI have to go home now.
-I'll leave with you.br-Bill, please.
Collect the money.
-How much is it?br-That would be 10,000 VND.
Ten thousand VND?
What's that disgusting thing in its belly?
Hey, fatty.
-What?br-Where did you get the doll?
-Let's go buy some snacks later.br-OK then.
Which doll?
OK, and maybe some moneybrfor internet games.
-Let's go.br-What's wrong with you lately?
-Want to go?br-Nothing.
Hey, wait. My mom showed mebra shortcut the other day.
Let's go this way.
What kind of shortcut is this?
What's wrong with it?
I'm here. You have nothingbrto worry about. Go.
Is this the right way, fatty?
Yes, it is.
Let's head back to the old road.brThis one is so scary.
You talk too much. Pick up your pace.
-Are you sure this road leads home?br-Sure.
My mom took me home this way.
Nhung.
Hey, Nhung.
Why are you going that way?
Miss
-The lady at noon?br-Yes.
There's no one there.brCut it out. Let's hurry up.
Tell her not to show up anymore.
Mommy. I met a lady this morning.
But she was pretty weird.brShe kept staring at me.
Maybe it is because you are cute.
But?
She also called me.
How did she call you?
I could not hear properly.
I think it was, "Nhung, come here."
Don't ever follow a stranger.
But what if I meet her again tomorrow?
You run straight home.
You shouldn't follow anyone.
-Do you hear me?br-Yes.
Mrs. Le, Mr. Hoang's body just surfaced.
That's all. Go to bed.
Yes, Mom.
Go to bed.
-The body is coming up.br-It stinks.
Make way.
Get out of the way. Get out.
What a beautiful doll.brLet me brush your hair just like mine.
One for me.
One for you.
Now you are as beautiful as me.
Go straight forward.
Cover him with a blanket.
It's all written in your fate.
There have been many deaths in our river.
Ma Da?
You're giving me goosebumps.
They pushed him downbrand pretended to retrieve him.
Stop that crap.
What did I say wrong?brYour actions will irritate Ma Da.
Mark my words. She will take more people.
That's right.
How can I live!
Shut up.
Her husband just died.
-How can I continue living?br-Sister.
You must live for your husband's sake,
to take care of the kids.
This brat swam like a fishbrwhen he was alive.
How could he drown?
That's right.brEveryone says the same thing.
People say there isbra Ma Da in our village.
It's the suicided girlbrwho came back to get vengeance.
Look at my goosebumps.
There are two reasonsbrwhy Ma Da takes people.
One is spiritual compatibility.
Second, someone taunted her.
-Is that real?br-That's creepy.
Oh, he just smiled.
-Hey!br-Oh my God, so scary.
It's midnight already.brWhat if she takes you for real?
-Let's go home.br-Let's go.
-I'm leaving, Uncle.br-Stay with me.
I am the only one here.
What if he gets upbrand asks me for a drink?
Go buy him some fish for the party then.
-Let's get out of here. It's too scary.br-You're on your own.
Leave now.
Timid as rabbits.
Not even three days yet.
Drowning.
How is it possible?
Is there anyone elsebrwho wants to cross over?
No one?
-Hieu.br-Yes?
-Can you pick up Nhung this afternoon?br-Roger.
ASSIGNMENT BOARD
Le.
Come here quickly.
What?
Stop body fishing.
Why?
Don't you understand?
You keep fishing up bodies.
People say that there's a Ma Dabrin this river.
Don't listen to them.
Right. Don't underestimate it.
The Ma Da will dragbryou down there someday.
And Nhung Don't you worrybrthat your job is affecting her?
-Brother Hieu.br-Huh?
Why don't we take the main road?
This road is faster.
Huh?
Where did this strange doll come from?
Why is its hair so ugly? Let me fix it.
Why did you rip off my doll's head?
I'll fix it in no time.
There.
Now, let's get going.
Why did you put it on backwards?
Brother Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Nhung.
What are you doing?brWhy are you standing here?
There's a lady over there.
There's no one.brIt's been me and you all the time.
Let's go.
I'm here. You have nothingbrto be afraid of.
Why don't you eat?
Why have you been shaking your head?
Tell her to eat.brShe's been shaking her head for hours.
What's wrong?
What's the matter?
Scared?
Hey.
Remember when you saidbrthat there was a lady staring at you?
-Did she stare at you again today?br-Yes, Mom.
Maybe she was there to pick up her kids,
she found you cute,brand couldn't stop looking.
No, I was heading home when I saw her.
Oh, you saw her on the way home?
I'm sure she's fine.
She
She looks very angry.
She wears a red dress, but she's all wet.
She even tried to take me.
Oh my God, did it really happen?
But brother Hieu showed up.
Hieu was there.
Stop crying. I'm here.
I asked Hieu.brHe said there was no one there.
There really was someone.
Right, baby.
Maybe it was becausebryou played too much and got dizzy.
I really mean it. I'm not lying.
OK, you're telling the truth.brYou're not lying. Nanny believes you.
Don't cry. I believe you.
I'm so scared.
Don't be scared.
I got some things from town,
but when I returned,brhe was nowhere to be found.
He said he wouldbrstay home to fix your tire.
Now look, his tool box is here,brbut he's gone.
-Maybebr-Go to his best friend's house.
I'll search the river.
-Go now.br-OK, I'll go to his friend's house.
What is it, honey?
-Nanny.br-Huh?
Can you sleep with me tonight?
What happened?
I'm so scared.
Scared of what?
There's nothing to be afraid of.
Sleep.
I'll check on the rats.
Just in case they ruin our food,brlet me clean up first.
Go ahead and sleep.
Get in here.
Go to sleep, okay?
Miss, I'm stuck down here.
It's so cold.
Ghost!
-I'm here.br-Nanny, there is a ghost.
What is it? I'm here.
Calm down. What is it? What scared you?
I'm here.
There's a ghost by the window.
Hey.
There's nothing here.brI don't see anything.
Don't be scared. Calm down.
Hieu.
-Hieu.br-Calm down.
My little boy.
Do you want to go inside?
You should go. She'll cry if she sees me.
Why did I have such a strange dream?
-Le, take this home.br-Why do you keep giving me things?
We're neighbors. Don't be shy.
Little sis.
Come and get some vegetablesbrfor your meal.
-Thank you.br-No need to be formal.
Le.
Uncle Ba.
Ma Da took Hieu.
If they're a spiritual match,brMa Da will reincarnate.
If it's vengeance,brHieu's body must be vertical.
But Hieu is just a kid.brWhy did Ma Da kill him?
I have no idea.
I think that Hieu somehow insulted her.
It won't stop with Hieu.
There will be more.
You and your family should be careful.
Mom?
Nhung.
Nanny.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung,
Mom is looking for you.
Let Mom see you.
I asked Hieu. He saidbrthere was no one there.
There really was someone.
Yeah, right.
Maybe it was because you playedbrtoo much and got dizzy.
I mean it. I'm not lying.
-I'm not lying.br-Yeah, right.
-Mom.br-Huh?
Mom, can you stop body fishing?
Ma Da may get to you some day.
Mom, do you find my drawing pretty?
What a masterpiece.
Why do I have long hair?
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH
That's great.
It hurts.
-Thank you, master.br-You're welcome.
Mr. Luong.
What I'm about to do is calledbr"Death eyes switching technique".
This technique needs a bodybras a conductor attached to Ma Da.
Both of us can connect to it.
I'll take it.
I'll take it all. Allow me.
You will be unconsciousbrand feel getting pulled into the water.
Don't allow yourselfbrto stay in that state for too long.
Are you ready?
I'm ready.
You can do this.
Come on. Let's get out of this place.
Go find Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
-Nhung.br-Time to get out.
-Nhung.br-Hurry up.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung is still alive. Mommy's here.
Gramp.
Gramp, Nhung is still alive.
What's wrong with you?
Gramp
Gramp.
Are you awake?
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung, are you OK?
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Come home with Mommy.
Let's go home.
Let's go. Let's go home, honey.
Mommy's here. Don't be afraid.
Okay?
Don't be afraid.
Nanny, change this bowl for me.
Get some sleep.
I asked a shaman to help find Nhung.
It's revenge.
When is Nhung's birthday?
-December full-moon day.br-December full-moon day, right?
It's on the same day she died.
My darling, do you knowbrthat you're so beautiful?
He suddenly left you and me heartlessly.
Will you come with me?
I promise that I'll take him with us.
Take him with us.
Take him with us.
No, I cant let anything happen to Nhung.
Mrs. Le.
Windy nights in the fall
You sleep peacefully in my lullaby
All night long
All night long
I stayed up watching you sleep
Dear, my honey
Dear, my beloved
My mind is with you
My soul is with you
Don't cry, my baby
Sleep tight, my baby
Dear, my love
Dear, my love
Nhung.
-Nanny.br-I'm here.
-What happened to my baby?br-Nanny's here.
-What happened to her? Bring her up.br-Let me go.
Take her home. It's dangerous.
-Take her home, quickly. It's dangerous.br-Nhung.
-Nhung.br-Nhung!
Be careful.
Sit down.
Nhung.
Uncle, what's happening to her?
Wait here.
Nhung, it's Mommy.
Hold her tight.
What's happening?
Nhung.
Hold her tight and open her mouth.
-Put it in her mouth.br-That's it.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
How did you know about this coin?
This is the Ma Da exorcism technique.
With this coin in her mouth,brMa Da cannot do anything.
You know this technique?
Actually
I was also a body fisher.
But
I could not save my wife and kids.
So, I understand your current situation.
Why did she choose Nhung?
Maybe it wasbrbecause of a spiritual compatibility
or karma.
-Karma?br-Correct.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Could it be,
the kids are paying for the karma
because of our body fishing job?
No.
The job is meant to help thembrreunite with their beloved families.
We're doing good things.
We don't know for sure.
What if some of the bodies down there
don't want to go back to their homes?
Windy nights in the fall
You sleep peacefully in my lullaby
All night long
-Mom.br-Let her go.
-Le.br-Mom Uncle help me.
-Mommy,br-Stay away.
Le. Three hun, nine po.
Mom.
Mommy.
Mommy.
Mommy.
Le.
Nanny.
-Nhung, honey.br-Nanny.
Where's your mom? Where's your mom, huh?
-Mom wasbr-Was what?
-Mom.br-Le.
Mom.
Nanny. Mommy.
Nanny.
Nanny.
Mommy. Mommy, what are you doing?
Mom.
Mom.
Mommy.
Shut up. I'm not your mother.
You and your motherbrare compatible with us.
I've been waiting for this moment.
You and your mom will go down there.
Shut up.
Mom. Mom.
Mom, please don't scare me.
Mom.
-It's Mom.br-Mom.
Open your mouth, quickly.
Mom.
Mommy.
Mommy.
Mommy, where are you?
Please don't leave me.
Somebody, please help my mom.
Somebody, please help my mom.
Mommy.
Mom, please don't leave me.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Mom.
-Nhung!br-Mom!
Nhung.
Don't be scared.
Mom.
-Honey.br-I'm scared.
Nhung.
Mom.
Mom's here.
I'm here, Nhung.
I'm here.
Nhung, are you cold?
I promise I'll stay with you.
Don't cry.
Don't cry, my baby.
I promise I'll live with you.
I'm here.
-I'm here.br-Please don't leave me.
I promise I'll live with you.
Nhung.
Nhung.
I'm here.
I love you.
I promise. I'll never break my promise.
I'll live with you.
I promise I'll live with you.
I love you.
Nhung.
-Le.br-Stay away from my child.
-Nhung.br-Le.
What are you doing? Let's go home.
-What's wrong with Nhung?br-Let's go home.
-Nhung, come with me.br-Let's go home.
-Go home.br-Nhung.
-Let's go home.br-Nhung.
-Go home now.br-Let go of me.
Nhung, Mommy's here. Don't be scared.
Cover her.
Nhung, it's me.
It's Mommy.
Why don't you leave?
Let's go, honey.
Uncle Ba, something's wrong with Nhung.
Let's go.
Gramp Ba will take care of you.
You must get well, OK?
I'm also here.brMommy will be here with Nhung.
Mommy is here with you.brI promise I'll never leave you.
My love, are you cold?
Are you cold?
Are you cold?
Nanny, Nhung
Darling, listen to me.
Calm down.
Nhung,
she's dead.
-What are you saying?br-She's dead.
She's here.
Nhung is right here.
She's dead, honey.
She's here.
Nhung. Nhung.
You were just here.
Nhung.
Nhung.
She was just here with me. Nhung.
Nhung.
-Stop.br-Nhung.
Le.
-It's Mommy.br-Don't be like this.
-Le.br-It's Mommy.
-Le.br-Where are you?
-Come home with me.br-Mommy is here.
-I just held her in my arms.br-Listen to me.
-Come home with me.br-She's here.
-My daughter is there. I can see her.br-Le, please calm down.
Nhung is dead. She is dead.
I told Nhung to sit here.
She had the coinbrin her mouth. She's still alive.
Uncle Ba said that
if she holds the coin in their mouth,
she will be spared,brthat no one can take her.
-Le.br-She's still alive.
The coin is here.
The coin?
Why did you keep it?
What about my daughter?
-Le.br-Le.
Le.
Nhung's gone.
You're lying.
Nhung's there.
Nhung.
There she is. Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Le.
Let me brush your hair.
Girls must be beautiful.
Mom will brush Nhung's hair.
Good girl.
What's wrong?
I'm not yelling.
Are you scared?
Mom's sorry.
Mommy loves you the most.
Don't be scared.
You're not my daughter.
Why aren't you eating?
Nhung must eat.
You're lying to me. It's not steamed rice.
You're lying.
Nhung.
Mom will get you some food.brYou can eat it.
I'll get you some food. You can eat it.
Nhung, please eat.
Please eat. Where are you?
Where are you? Who's there?
Please don't take her away. Please don't.
Let go of her.
Give her back.
Please give her back.
Eat, please. Eat your food.
Nhung.
Mommy's here.
It's Mommy.
Mommy loves you.
Are you cold?
Don't be scared.
According to old sayings,
Ma Da only comes for those
who's spiritually compatible with her.
Not long after, the victim's bodybrwill be found in bushes or tree trunks.
Some days later,
the villagers will also find a fetusbrhidden in the roots of mangroves,
plums alongside the river.
The story of the Ma Da is still around.
And its mystery
still remains unexplainable until today.
Where's my daughter?
My God.
Adults keep sayingbrthere's a ghost around here.
I guess they just dont want mebrto play internet games anymore.
Where?
Where's the ghost?
Peekaboo.
Peekaboo.
Oh God, there's no ghost here.
Oh, by the way,
I'll show you a verybrinteresting challenge.
I'll look through my legs
to see if there's a ghost.
One, two, three.
I'm dizzy.
Oh my God! There's no ghost here.
I'm pretty lucky I got dizzy
if there's a real ghost.
Oh my God!
It's late. Why are you scaring me herebrinstead of sleeping?
Mommy.
Mom, help me.
Mom.
There is a ghost.
What's your name?
My name is Tron.
Tron, sounds like "completeness".brWhat a beautiful name.
How old are you?
I'm 40.
What do you do on this river?
I trade and weigh things.
I'm good at weighing,brso I help them sell seafood.
Traveling many vast riversbrand weighing seafood
means that you've beenbrto many places, right?
Yes.
Have you ever seen Ma Da?
As we're sitting here,brthere can be many of them around us.
-I'm telling the truth.br-Yes.
If a body doesn't get fished up,brthat person will turn into Ma Da.
For example, if someone dies in the river,brpeople will fish them up.
Then they will exorcise the ghost.
In the past, there were many Ma Da.
-Uh-huh.br-Really.
My uncle and my gramp saidbrthat they were everywhere.
What's your name?
My name is Muoi De.
Muoi De.
How long have you beenbrmaking a living on the river?
More than years.
More than years.
Do you believe in Ma Da?
I heard some rumors a few days ago.
Two people drowned.
Did you see any Ma Da?
No.
But I hear many stories about them.
Really scary.
-Are you scared?br-Of course.
More than 20 years on the riverbrand it still cares you?
Because it's our job.
What's your name?
I'm Quang.
How old are you?
I'm more than 60 years old.
What would you do if you meet Ma Da?
Well
If I have any food on the boat,
I will throw it downbrinto the river for them.
Do you believe in Ma Da?
Of course.
There were many of thembrin this mangrove forest.
Can good swimmers survive them?
No.
Good swimmers are also taken.
The important thing is that if you'rebrspiritually compatible with them,
they will take you.
If you're not, combined withbrsome rituals, you can survive.
My gramp used to say that.
When you go fishing at nightbrand you see things being pulled down,
there's surely Ma Da.
How does Ma Da jump? Up and down?
Up and down, like this,brwith a pitch black shadow, like this.
I dont know if my gramp saw onebror not, but he was really there.
Slippery. The place where it grabs youbrwill be very slippery.
-Uh-huh.br-True.
When it takes someone, what will it do?brPull their legs?
Yes. It goes for the legs.
It pulls your legs down, so you won'tbrbe able to swim up and drown.
-Is that so?br-I'm telling the truth.
-Really?br-Yes.
Dont say that it's not true. It is.
You sleep peacefully in my lullaby
All night long
All night long
I stayed up watching you sleep
Dear, my honey
Dear, my beloved
My mind is with you
My soul is with you
Don't cry, my baby
Sleep tight, my baby
We couldn't even land a fish.
My God.
What did you get caught in here for?
Look how small it is.
How come it's so weak?
Mister.
Who the heck just called me at this time?
Mister.
Who's there?
Do you know where my doll is?
Why did you rip off its head?
Did it scare you?
Yes.
Is that girl really the Ma Da, nanny?
Of course she is. She is the Ma Da indeed.
Nanny, does the Ma Da take kids?
Let me tell you. She takes naughty kids.
Those who play alongside the riverbrwill be taken by the Ma Da.
That's why you should neverbrplay alongside the river, got it?
Yes.
But I have one more question.
The Ma Da stays in the water all the time.brDoesn't she get sick?
I can't believe thatbryou really asked that question.
It makes sense, doesn't it?
I can get sick easilybrjust by taking a long shower.
And the Ma Da lives in the river.brIs that right, nanny?
-That's right.br-Right.
That's what I expectedbrfrom the class monitor.
That's not all.
Another question. Does she drink water?
-Does she drink water, nanny?br-Does she?
-Hi, nanny. Jesus.br-Hi.
Do you know what time it is?brGo home. It's very late.
Calm down. Hear me out.brIt's late. You kids should go home.
I'll tell you more tomorrow.
Yes, nanny.
We are leaving. Bye, nanny.
-Happy birthday.br-Happy birthday, Nhung.
-Bye, Nhung.br-Bye-bye.
-Let's go home.br-Let's go.
Thank you, kids.
You're welcome, nanny.
-Oh, you're home.br-Yes.
She's been waiting for you all night.
She just fell asleep after whimpering.
-You must be starving, right?br-Yes, I am.
I saved you a bowl of rice with some fish.
Thanks, nanny.
She celebratesbrher birthday only once a year
and you chose to miss it.
No.
Hoang's wife wouldn't stop crying.brI had to try my best to find him.
-Did you find him?br-Not yet.
I think his body will surface tomorrow.brIt has been three days.
What a hard job, Le.
Maybe you should quit this job.
What?
The job chose me, not the other around.
What is it?
I searched over herebrbut couldn't find him.
Your husband's bodybrprobably washed out to the big river.
Go home and get some rest.
It's not goodbrfor pregnant women to be here.
Honey.
Honey. Honey, why did you leave me?
Honey.
I know that you havebra talent for body fishing,
but if you want to quit, just quit.
You have to think of Nhung.
Hey, listen.
She doesn't have a father.brIt's only the two of you in this house.
You have to take care of Nhung.
I don't have to.
She has you.
She's safe and sound.
She won't starve.
Nonsense. Cut it out.
I'm leaving now.
Eat up and go to bed soon.brSave your energy for tomorrow.
Roger.
We came here to be closebrto your school. Let's go.
Yes.
It's old, but it's still good.
We can fix it up and move in.
As long as there isbra school for her to attend.
I brought you two pineapples, nanny.
What's your name?
My name is Nhung.
OK, sit still.
Let me push.
Yes.
Be careful.
One by one.
Be careful.
Are you mad at me?
The victim's family cried a lot yesterday.
I tried my best to find him, but I failed.
I'm not mad at you.
I'm worried about you.
Please don't leave me again.
OK.
I'll go to Xom Moi marketbrto buy you a cake
and a duck to re-celebratebryour birthday with Nanny.
We're even now, right?
Smile if you're not mad at me anymore.
If you don't smile,brI'll go home and cook the duck.
Hell no.
Do you guys want to get anything else?
Nhung, you're already late for school.
Wait a bit.
Let's head out.
OK.
Who left you here?brCome home and be friends with me, OK?
FIRST, LEARN YOUR MANNERSbrTHEN, YOU CAN LEARN YOUR LETTERS
You can do this.
You can do this.
Nhung, do you want to jump rope?
Do you want to play, Nhung?brCome play with us.
Sorry, I don't want to play.
-Let's go.br-OK.
Nhung.
I told you that?
Come here and play, Nhung.
Come here and play.
Come to me.
Who's there?
Who called me?
Nhung, it's me.
Come here.
Nhung, come and play shuttlecock with us.
OK, I'll be there in a minute.
OK.
Come and play.
It's so much fun, Nhung.
Come and play.
Come to me.
Nhung.
Who's there?
Hey. What are you doing?
There's a lady over there.
-Where?br-There.
Which auntie? There's no one there.
There is.
Cut the crap.
I can't believebrthat you're scared of ghosts.
There's no one there.
There.
-There.br-Where?
Who?
You see? No one's here.
Behind you.
Behind me?
Peekaboo.
See? There's no one here.
My God.
Enough.
You can stay and keep looking.
I'm going to have some fun.
Here, I'll take these.
Put it here.
It will be half a kilo.
Late morning coffee, huh, Mr. Van?
Why are you here so early?
Why so late?
Forget about that.brWhat's happening with Hoang's case?
This case makes no sense.
Hoang's a good swimmer. How did he drown?
We'll know the answerbrwhen we find the body.
Hey.
Did he get lost in the woods?
Are you crazy?
He fishes there every day.brHow could he get lost?
-Here's your tea.br-Okay.
He knows that placebrbetter than his own house.
In that case,
do you think the Ma Da took him?
Rumor saysbrthat there is a Ma Da in the woods.
-How scary.br-You don't say.
You mean the girlbrwho jumped off from the bridge?
That's right.
I think it's just a rumor.
Rumor my ass.brFifty percent of all rumors are truths.
-There's a saying.br-What?
The Ma Da can onlybrtake the lives of people
who are spiritually compatible with them.
That's right.brMy grandma said the same thing.
-That's correct.br-There.
Hoang must have been compatiblebrwith the suicide girl.
But if he was compatible,brwhy did she wait until now?
Let me enlighten you.
If Ma Da chooses someone,
she will wait untilbrthe date and time are correct.
Hey.
If Ma Da chooses someone,
she will wait untilbrthat person gets into the water.
-You did ask.br-Really?
I get goosebumps just from listening.brEven my jaws are numb.
I think I won't shower today.
Anyway, you two keep going.brI have to go home now.
-I'll leave with you.br-Bill, please.
Collect the money.
-How much is it?br-That would be 10,000 VND.
Ten thousand VND?
What's that disgusting thing in its belly?
Hey, fatty.
-What?br-Where did you get the doll?
-Let's go buy some snacks later.br-OK then.
Which doll?
OK, and maybe some moneybrfor internet games.
-Let's go.br-What's wrong with you lately?
-Want to go?br-Nothing.
Hey, wait. My mom showed mebra shortcut the other day.
Let's go this way.
What kind of shortcut is this?
What's wrong with it?
I'm here. You have nothingbrto worry about. Go.
Is this the right way, fatty?
Yes, it is.
Let's head back to the old road.brThis one is so scary.
You talk too much. Pick up your pace.
-Are you sure this road leads home?br-Sure.
My mom took me home this way.
Nhung.
Hey, Nhung.
Why are you going that way?
Miss
-The lady at noon?br-Yes.
There's no one there.brCut it out. Let's hurry up.
Tell her not to show up anymore.
Mommy. I met a lady this morning.
But she was pretty weird.brShe kept staring at me.
Maybe it is because you are cute.
But?
She also called me.
How did she call you?
I could not hear properly.
I think it was, "Nhung, come here."
Don't ever follow a stranger.
But what if I meet her again tomorrow?
You run straight home.
You shouldn't follow anyone.
-Do you hear me?br-Yes.
Mrs. Le, Mr. Hoang's body just surfaced.
That's all. Go to bed.
Yes, Mom.
Go to bed.
-The body is coming up.br-It stinks.
Make way.
Get out of the way. Get out.
What a beautiful doll.brLet me brush your hair just like mine.
One for me.
One for you.
Now you are as beautiful as me.
Go straight forward.
Cover him with a blanket.
It's all written in your fate.
There have been many deaths in our river.
Ma Da?
You're giving me goosebumps.
They pushed him downbrand pretended to retrieve him.
Stop that crap.
What did I say wrong?brYour actions will irritate Ma Da.
Mark my words. She will take more people.
That's right.
How can I live!
Shut up.
Her husband just died.
-How can I continue living?br-Sister.
You must live for your husband's sake,
to take care of the kids.
This brat swam like a fishbrwhen he was alive.
How could he drown?
That's right.brEveryone says the same thing.
People say there isbra Ma Da in our village.
It's the suicided girlbrwho came back to get vengeance.
Look at my goosebumps.
There are two reasonsbrwhy Ma Da takes people.
One is spiritual compatibility.
Second, someone taunted her.
-Is that real?br-That's creepy.
Oh, he just smiled.
-Hey!br-Oh my God, so scary.
It's midnight already.brWhat if she takes you for real?
-Let's go home.br-Let's go.
-I'm leaving, Uncle.br-Stay with me.
I am the only one here.
What if he gets upbrand asks me for a drink?
Go buy him some fish for the party then.
-Let's get out of here. It's too scary.br-You're on your own.
Leave now.
Timid as rabbits.
Not even three days yet.
Drowning.
How is it possible?
Is there anyone elsebrwho wants to cross over?
No one?
-Hieu.br-Yes?
-Can you pick up Nhung this afternoon?br-Roger.
ASSIGNMENT BOARD
Le.
Come here quickly.
What?
Stop body fishing.
Why?
Don't you understand?
You keep fishing up bodies.
People say that there's a Ma Dabrin this river.
Don't listen to them.
Right. Don't underestimate it.
The Ma Da will dragbryou down there someday.
And Nhung Don't you worrybrthat your job is affecting her?
-Brother Hieu.br-Huh?
Why don't we take the main road?
This road is faster.
Huh?
Where did this strange doll come from?
Why is its hair so ugly? Let me fix it.
Why did you rip off my doll's head?
I'll fix it in no time.
There.
Now, let's get going.
Why did you put it on backwards?
Brother Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Hieu.
Nhung.
What are you doing?brWhy are you standing here?
There's a lady over there.
There's no one.brIt's been me and you all the time.
Let's go.
I'm here. You have nothingbrto be afraid of.
Why don't you eat?
Why have you been shaking your head?
Tell her to eat.brShe's been shaking her head for hours.
What's wrong?
What's the matter?
Scared?
Hey.
Remember when you saidbrthat there was a lady staring at you?
-Did she stare at you again today?br-Yes, Mom.
Maybe she was there to pick up her kids,
she found you cute,brand couldn't stop looking.
No, I was heading home when I saw her.
Oh, you saw her on the way home?
I'm sure she's fine.
She
She looks very angry.
She wears a red dress, but she's all wet.
She even tried to take me.
Oh my God, did it really happen?
But brother Hieu showed up.
Hieu was there.
Stop crying. I'm here.
I asked Hieu.brHe said there was no one there.
There really was someone.
Right, baby.
Maybe it was becausebryou played too much and got dizzy.
I really mean it. I'm not lying.
OK, you're telling the truth.brYou're not lying. Nanny believes you.
Don't cry. I believe you.
I'm so scared.
Don't be scared.
I got some things from town,
but when I returned,brhe was nowhere to be found.
He said he wouldbrstay home to fix your tire.
Now look, his tool box is here,brbut he's gone.
-Maybebr-Go to his best friend's house.
I'll search the river.
-Go now.br-OK, I'll go to his friend's house.
What is it, honey?
-Nanny.br-Huh?
Can you sleep with me tonight?
What happened?
I'm so scared.
Scared of what?
There's nothing to be afraid of.
Sleep.
I'll check on the rats.
Just in case they ruin our food,brlet me clean up first.
Go ahead and sleep.
Get in here.
Go to sleep, okay?
Miss, I'm stuck down here.
It's so cold.
Ghost!
-I'm here.br-Nanny, there is a ghost.
What is it? I'm here.
Calm down. What is it? What scared you?
I'm here.
There's a ghost by the window.
Hey.
There's nothing here.brI don't see anything.
Don't be scared. Calm down.
Hieu.
-Hieu.br-Calm down.
My little boy.
Do you want to go inside?
You should go. She'll cry if she sees me.
Why did I have such a strange dream?
-Le, take this home.br-Why do you keep giving me things?
We're neighbors. Don't be shy.
Little sis.
Come and get some vegetablesbrfor your meal.
-Thank you.br-No need to be formal.
Le.
Uncle Ba.
Ma Da took Hieu.
If they're a spiritual match,brMa Da will reincarnate.
If it's vengeance,brHieu's body must be vertical.
But Hieu is just a kid.brWhy did Ma Da kill him?
I have no idea.
I think that Hieu somehow insulted her.
It won't stop with Hieu.
There will be more.
You and your family should be careful.
Mom?
Nhung.
Nanny.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung,
Mom is looking for you.
Let Mom see you.
I asked Hieu. He saidbrthere was no one there.
There really was someone.
Yeah, right.
Maybe it was because you playedbrtoo much and got dizzy.
I mean it. I'm not lying.
-I'm not lying.br-Yeah, right.
-Mom.br-Huh?
Mom, can you stop body fishing?
Ma Da may get to you some day.
Mom, do you find my drawing pretty?
What a masterpiece.
Why do I have long hair?
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH
That's great.
It hurts.
-Thank you, master.br-You're welcome.
Mr. Luong.
What I'm about to do is calledbr"Death eyes switching technique".
This technique needs a bodybras a conductor attached to Ma Da.
Both of us can connect to it.
I'll take it.
I'll take it all. Allow me.
You will be unconsciousbrand feel getting pulled into the water.
Don't allow yourselfbrto stay in that state for too long.
Are you ready?
I'm ready.
You can do this.
Come on. Let's get out of this place.
Go find Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
-Nhung.br-Time to get out.
-Nhung.br-Hurry up.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung is still alive. Mommy's here.
Gramp.
Gramp, Nhung is still alive.
What's wrong with you?
Gramp
Gramp.
Are you awake?
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung, are you OK?
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Come home with Mommy.
Let's go home.
Let's go. Let's go home, honey.
Mommy's here. Don't be afraid.
Okay?
Don't be afraid.
Nanny, change this bowl for me.
Get some sleep.
I asked a shaman to help find Nhung.
It's revenge.
When is Nhung's birthday?
-December full-moon day.br-December full-moon day, right?
It's on the same day she died.
My darling, do you knowbrthat you're so beautiful?
He suddenly left you and me heartlessly.
Will you come with me?
I promise that I'll take him with us.
Take him with us.
Take him with us.
No, I cant let anything happen to Nhung.
Mrs. Le.
Windy nights in the fall
You sleep peacefully in my lullaby
All night long
All night long
I stayed up watching you sleep
Dear, my honey
Dear, my beloved
My mind is with you
My soul is with you
Don't cry, my baby
Sleep tight, my baby
Dear, my love
Dear, my love
Nhung.
-Nanny.br-I'm here.
-What happened to my baby?br-Nanny's here.
-What happened to her? Bring her up.br-Let me go.
Take her home. It's dangerous.
-Take her home, quickly. It's dangerous.br-Nhung.
-Nhung.br-Nhung!
Be careful.
Sit down.
Nhung.
Uncle, what's happening to her?
Wait here.
Nhung, it's Mommy.
Hold her tight.
What's happening?
Nhung.
Hold her tight and open her mouth.
-Put it in her mouth.br-That's it.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
How did you know about this coin?
This is the Ma Da exorcism technique.
With this coin in her mouth,brMa Da cannot do anything.
You know this technique?
Actually
I was also a body fisher.
But
I could not save my wife and kids.
So, I understand your current situation.
Why did she choose Nhung?
Maybe it wasbrbecause of a spiritual compatibility
or karma.
-Karma?br-Correct.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Could it be,
the kids are paying for the karma
because of our body fishing job?
No.
The job is meant to help thembrreunite with their beloved families.
We're doing good things.
We don't know for sure.
What if some of the bodies down there
don't want to go back to their homes?
Windy nights in the fall
You sleep peacefully in my lullaby
All night long
-Mom.br-Let her go.
-Le.br-Mom Uncle help me.
-Mommy,br-Stay away.
Le. Three hun, nine po.
Mom.
Mommy.
Mommy.
Mommy.
Le.
Nanny.
-Nhung, honey.br-Nanny.
Where's your mom? Where's your mom, huh?
-Mom wasbr-Was what?
-Mom.br-Le.
Mom.
Nanny. Mommy.
Nanny.
Nanny.
Mommy. Mommy, what are you doing?
Mom.
Mom.
Mommy.
Shut up. I'm not your mother.
You and your motherbrare compatible with us.
I've been waiting for this moment.
You and your mom will go down there.
Shut up.
Mom. Mom.
Mom, please don't scare me.
Mom.
-It's Mom.br-Mom.
Open your mouth, quickly.
Mom.
Mommy.
Mommy.
Mommy, where are you?
Please don't leave me.
Somebody, please help my mom.
Somebody, please help my mom.
Mommy.
Mom, please don't leave me.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Mom.
-Nhung!br-Mom!
Nhung.
Don't be scared.
Mom.
-Honey.br-I'm scared.
Nhung.
Mom.
Mom's here.
I'm here, Nhung.
I'm here.
Nhung, are you cold?
I promise I'll stay with you.
Don't cry.
Don't cry, my baby.
I promise I'll live with you.
I'm here.
-I'm here.br-Please don't leave me.
I promise I'll live with you.
Nhung.
Nhung.
I'm here.
I love you.
I promise. I'll never break my promise.
I'll live with you.
I promise I'll live with you.
I love you.
Nhung.
-Le.br-Stay away from my child.
-Nhung.br-Le.
What are you doing? Let's go home.
-What's wrong with Nhung?br-Let's go home.
-Nhung, come with me.br-Let's go home.
-Go home.br-Nhung.
-Let's go home.br-Nhung.
-Go home now.br-Let go of me.
Nhung, Mommy's here. Don't be scared.
Cover her.
Nhung, it's me.
It's Mommy.
Why don't you leave?
Let's go, honey.
Uncle Ba, something's wrong with Nhung.
Let's go.
Gramp Ba will take care of you.
You must get well, OK?
I'm also here.brMommy will be here with Nhung.
Mommy is here with you.brI promise I'll never leave you.
My love, are you cold?
Are you cold?
Are you cold?
Nanny, Nhung
Darling, listen to me.
Calm down.
Nhung,
she's dead.
-What are you saying?br-She's dead.
She's here.
Nhung is right here.
She's dead, honey.
She's here.
Nhung. Nhung.
You were just here.
Nhung.
Nhung.
She was just here with me. Nhung.
Nhung.
-Stop.br-Nhung.
Le.
-It's Mommy.br-Don't be like this.
-Le.br-It's Mommy.
-Le.br-Where are you?
-Come home with me.br-Mommy is here.
-I just held her in my arms.br-Listen to me.
-Come home with me.br-She's here.
-My daughter is there. I can see her.br-Le, please calm down.
Nhung is dead. She is dead.
I told Nhung to sit here.
She had the coinbrin her mouth. She's still alive.
Uncle Ba said that
if she holds the coin in their mouth,
she will be spared,brthat no one can take her.
-Le.br-She's still alive.
The coin is here.
The coin?
Why did you keep it?
What about my daughter?
-Le.br-Le.
Le.
Nhung's gone.
You're lying.
Nhung's there.
Nhung.
There she is. Nhung.
Nhung.
Nhung.
Le.
Let me brush your hair.
Girls must be beautiful.
Mom will brush Nhung's hair.
Good girl.
What's wrong?
I'm not yelling.
Are you scared?
Mom's sorry.
Mommy loves you the most.
Don't be scared.
You're not my daughter.
Why aren't you eating?
Nhung must eat.
You're lying to me. It's not steamed rice.
You're lying.
Nhung.
Mom will get you some food.brYou can eat it.
I'll get you some food. You can eat it.
Nhung, please eat.
Please eat. Where are you?
Where are you? Who's there?
Please don't take her away. Please don't.
Let go of her.
Give her back.
Please give her back.
Eat, please. Eat your food.
Nhung.
Mommy's here.
It's Mommy.
Mommy loves you.
Are you cold?
Don't be scared.
According to old sayings,
Ma Da only comes for those
who's spiritually compatible with her.
Not long after, the victim's bodybrwill be found in bushes or tree trunks.
Some days later,
the villagers will also find a fetusbrhidden in the roots of mangroves,
plums alongside the river.
The story of the Ma Da is still around.
And its mystery
still remains unexplainable until today.
Where's my daughter?
My God.
Adults keep sayingbrthere's a ghost around here.
I guess they just dont want mebrto play internet games anymore.
Where?
Where's the ghost?
Peekaboo.
Peekaboo.
Oh God, there's no ghost here.
Oh, by the way,
I'll show you a verybrinteresting challenge.
I'll look through my legs
to see if there's a ghost.
One, two, three.
I'm dizzy.
Oh my God! There's no ghost here.
I'm pretty lucky I got dizzy
if there's a real ghost.
Oh my God!
It's late. Why are you scaring me herebrinstead of sleeping?
Mommy.
Mom, help me.
Mom.
There is a ghost.
What's your name?
My name is Tron.
Tron, sounds like "completeness".brWhat a beautiful name.
How old are you?
I'm 40.
What do you do on this river?
I trade and weigh things.
I'm good at weighing,brso I help them sell seafood.
Traveling many vast riversbrand weighing seafood
means that you've beenbrto many places, right?
Yes.
Have you ever seen Ma Da?
As we're sitting here,brthere can be many of them around us.
-I'm telling the truth.br-Yes.
If a body doesn't get fished up,brthat person will turn into Ma Da.
For example, if someone dies in the river,brpeople will fish them up.
Then they will exorcise the ghost.
In the past, there were many Ma Da.
-Uh-huh.br-Really.
My uncle and my gramp saidbrthat they were everywhere.
What's your name?
My name is Muoi De.
Muoi De.
How long have you beenbrmaking a living on the river?
More than years.
More than years.
Do you believe in Ma Da?
I heard some rumors a few days ago.
Two people drowned.
Did you see any Ma Da?
No.
But I hear many stories about them.
Really scary.
-Are you scared?br-Of course.
More than 20 years on the riverbrand it still cares you?
Because it's our job.
What's your name?
I'm Quang.
How old are you?
I'm more than 60 years old.
What would you do if you meet Ma Da?
Well
If I have any food on the boat,
I will throw it downbrinto the river for them.
Do you believe in Ma Da?
Of course.
There were many of thembrin this mangrove forest.
Can good swimmers survive them?
No.
Good swimmers are also taken.
The important thing is that if you'rebrspiritually compatible with them,
they will take you.
If you're not, combined withbrsome rituals, you can survive.
My gramp used to say that.
When you go fishing at nightbrand you see things being pulled down,
there's surely Ma Da.
How does Ma Da jump? Up and down?
Up and down, like this,brwith a pitch black shadow, like this.
I dont know if my gramp saw onebror not, but he was really there.
Slippery. The place where it grabs youbrwill be very slippery.
-Uh-huh.br-True.
When it takes someone, what will it do?brPull their legs?
Yes. It goes for the legs.
It pulls your legs down, so you won'tbrbe able to swim up and drown.
-Is that so?br-I'm telling the truth.
-Really?br-Yes.
Dont say that it's not true. It is.