by Tracie Cooper
synopsis
Directed by Marlin Darrah, Monsoon Wife is a love story set in the middle of the Cambodian sex industry. Part scathing commentary, part narrative, the film follows Thomas, a young artist who has traveled to Cambodia on a study grant, and his romance with a Cambodian woman. Though Thomas has grown to love the country, another side is revealed to him when one of his college friends happily videotapes his sexual exploits with local prostitutes who are, in most cases, disturbingly young orphans who have been forced or tricked into the industry. Inspiration for the film was rooted in the director's travels throughout Asia, where he discovered the rampant and terrifying nature of prostitution in developing countries.
