oleh Roma Kyo Kae Saniro
Dosen Universitas Andalas
JurnalPost.com – When discussing Vietnam, one might immediately think of rice, as Vietnam is considered one of the largest rice exporters in Asia and the world, ranking third after India and Thailand (Statistics, 2020). However, an interesting aspect to explore in this country is its enduring patriarchal system. Similar to Indonesia, Vietnam remains steeped in various rules that severely restrict women from obtaining their rights. This restriction of women can be observed in the film “The Last Wife” (2023).
“The Last Wife” (2023) portrays a depiction that illustrates the reality of patriarchy in Vietnam, a theme relevant to many Southeast Asian societies. In this context, women’s roles are often limited by inherited norms from the past. Patriarchy in Vietnamese culture is reflected in various aspects of daily life, including family systems, social structures, politics, and economics. Women are often expected to adhere to traditional roles as obedient housewives who serve their husbands and families.
The story of “The Last Wife” focuses on Linh, a woman trapped in the solid patriarchal dynamics during the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam. Linh, coming from a poor farming family, is forced to marry a district governor as a replacement for her father, who was punished for stealing food for his sick mother. This decision is not based on Linh’s own choice but rather as an obligation imposed by social norms and family pressure.
The Governor already has two wives. However, neither of these wives has conceived, and the Governor has no successor. Moreover, this situation tarnishes the Governor’s reputation among his people. In other words, women are seen as commodities that can be exchanged for leniency in her father’s punishment, which the Governor and his Accountant exaggerated. Even during marriage, women are purchased with two chickens and a basket of sweet potatoes. Observing the realities depicted, the film corroborates the phenomenon in Vietnam with the persistent existence of human trafficking. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reported that the greatest threat of human trafficking falls on women from minority groups living in Vietnam (Lestari, 2017).
Furthermore, Vietnamese women are often ensnared in situations of sexual and labor exploitation after marrying Chinese men who typically work as farmers in China. Many of these women are unaware that they will be wedded to Chinese men they have never met. They are often manipulated by labor brokers or even by their close relatives, such as family or acquaintances, lacking morals. Typically, these women are sold for prices ranging from 4000-5000 yen to Chinese men who profit from the deal. Immoral parties view them as commodities for economic exploitation (Lestari, 2017).
Factors such as gender imbalances in some regions, especially in China, also reinforce this trend of human trafficking. Vietnamese women become vulnerable to human trafficking due to the injustice inherent in the patriarchal cultural structure that places them in vulnerable positions and limits their access to better opportunities in life (Lestari, 2017).
In Linh’s marriage to the district governor, she faces significant challenges because she cannot meet the expectation of bearing a male heir. Linh is the third wife and does not enjoy the same comfort as her predecessors. She is tasked with all domestic affairs and is expected to be a “factory” to produce children, especially male heirs, who are perceived as determinants of future power. When Linh finally becomes pregnant and gives birth to a daughter, the Governor’s and his wives’ hopes are shattered. They consider a daughter incompatible with the stereotype of a strong leader, which they believe can only be fulfilled by a son. A daughter is deemed incapable of collecting tribute from the people due to existing stereotypes.
To ensure pregnancy with the hope of a male heir, the Governor and Linh are given a potion during intimate relations. Although Linh disagrees with this practice, she must obey the Governor and his other wives. Additionally, Linh also experiences other forms of physical and mental violence. She is forced to hang her legs after intercourse to prevent the Governor’s sperm from being wasted, an action reflecting excessive control over women’s bodies.
This reflects the violence experienced by women, both physically and mentally, as their bodies are considered unfree and must be subordinated to men’s desires. Linh’s struggles also illustrate how patriarchal culture reinforces the view that women are merely objects or tools to fulfill men’s needs and how gender stereotypes can influence the treatment of women in society. The analogy with Beauvoir’s concept of the “second sex” is also relevant here, where women often become victims of violence and oppression due to their position in the gender hierarchy established by patriarchal society.
In this context, Linh faces internal conflicts between the limitations imposed by patriarchal norms and her desire to assert her rights and resist the injustice she experiences. This reflects women’s struggle to exist amidst social and cultural pressures. The film presents a complex contradiction between women expected to adhere to their traditional roles and their desire for greater autonomy and existence beyond these limitations. It illustrates the complex reality of women’s lives under a robust patriarchal system.
Furthermore, when the Governor faces problems, he always blames Linh, who is innocent, and even physically abuses her in front of his other wives and their children. This action demonstrates women’s vulnerability to physical violence that deprives them of their rights. The Governor’s actions reflect an unquestionable dominance over Linh, illustrating how patriarchal culture provides space for men to oppress and manipulate women without hindrance. Such treatment also portrays deep injustices in the relationship between husbands and wives, where women often become victims of violence and abuse of power by those who should protect and respect them.
From the presented exposition, it can be concluded that the story depicted in “The Last Wife” illustrates the complexity and cruelty of the patriarchal culture that still dominated Vietnamese society during the Nguyen Dynasty. Through the character of Linh, we see how women are often trapped in roles defined by patriarchal social norms, which limit their autonomy and rights. Patriarchy reinforces the view that women are mere objects or tools to fulfill men’s needs, both in the context of marriage and in other social relationships. Linh experiences various forms of oppression, from exploitation in marriage to physical violence perpetrated by her husband, indicating the vulnerability of women to abuse of power by those who should protect them.
Thus, “The Last Wife” demonstrates the importance of continuing to fight for gender equality and against the patriarchal system that still prevails in society, as well as the need for awareness and collective action to create a fairer world for women. However, Vietnamese women have also been active in fighting for their rights. They have been involved in various social and political movements to advocate for gender equality and change societal perceptions of women’s roles. Although many challenges remain, progress is being made as awareness of the importance of gender equality grows.
Moreover, Vietnam is undergoing significant social and economic changes. Modernization and urbanization have changed societal attitudes, including views on gender. However, it must be acknowledged that these changes are not always evenly distributed across the country, and there are still many challenges to be faced in achieving true gender equality.
