Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Romantic drama

Monsoon (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Monsoon (2019) movie poster

Monsoon is a 2019 romantic drama directed by Hong Khaou, starring Henry Golding as Kit, Parker Sawyers and David Tran. It runs 1 hour 25 minutes and earned $83,446 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 59/100.

worldwide gross
$83.4K
Echo Score
59
Loading streaming availability…
Monsoon (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 25m (85 min)
Director
Hong Khaou
Genres
Drama , Romance
Original language
English
Studio
BBC Film
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Monsoon About?

The premise of Monsoon without spoilers.

Kit, a man with fragmented memories of his native Vietnam, returns to the country after more than thirty years. As he observes his surroundings, the environment feels unfamiliar and the language is difficult to understand. His initial purpose – to find a suitable place to scatter his parents' ashes – evolves into a profound journey of self-discovery and a reconnection with his heritage, revealing a complex and ambiguous identity shaped by external events.

Monsoon Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • gay relationship
  • gay character
  • vietnam
  • gay interest
  • lgbt
  • lgbt interest
  • gay male
  • gay club
  • gay couple
  • gay sex
  • queer cinema
  • sex scene
+38 more
  • gay protagonist
  • hanoi
  • saigon
  • train
  • return to native country
  • male male kiss
  • gay kiss
  • brother brother relationship
  • reference to ho chi minh
  • returning to the country of one's birth
  • reference to the vietnam war
  • vietnamese diaspora
  • smooth chest
  • time
  • boat people
  • refugee
  • ashes
  • mother's cremated ashes
  • first date
  • indepedent film
  • one word title
  • interracial relationship
  • clothing designer
  • cousin cousin relationship
  • riding a motorcycle
  • talking about sex
  • talking about love
  • sightseeing
  • international travel
  • reference to communism
  • end of the war
  • displaced person
  • unfamiliar situation
  • unfamiliar
  • two men riding a motorscooter
  • interracial romance
  • import export business
  • lotus leaf
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Monsoon Cast & Characters

Henry Golding leads the cast as Kit, with Parker Sawyers as Lewis and David Tran as Lee. Directed by Hong Khaou; 11 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Monsoon

· 7 more
From the director

More from Hong Khaou

More films directed by Hong Khaou, best-rated first: Monsoon, Lilting and Summer.

Full filmography
Ratings

Monsoon Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 59/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).

59 /100

Monsoon Echo Score Breakdown

Monsoon presents a visually striking meditation on displacement, yet its narrative cohesion and character engagement falter. Critics repeatedly commend the film's cinematography, noting its lingering shots, subtle palette, and atmospheric composition, while many reviewers highlight the story's languid pacing and an underdeveloped plot structure. User feedback emphasizes a disconnect between the film's aesthetic appeal and its ability to sustain interest, citing uninteresting central characters and a lack of narrative glue. Consequently, the film offers strong sensory moments but struggles to deliver a compelling, repeatable experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of visual craft, Monsoon excels with its deliberate framing, slow pans, and a muted color scheme that evoke a contemplative mood. Critics and users alike praise the cinematography for its beauty and atmospheric depth, even when other elements fall short. The direction supports this aesthetic, maintaining a consistent visual tone throughout. Overall, the film's artistry stands out as its most reliable strength.

  • Character & Emotion 52

    When it comes to character depth, the film delivers mixed results. While lead performances receive modest acknowledgment for competence, reviewers note a lack of nuance in the protagonist and uneven acting from supporting roles. Critics describe the central figure as insufficiently engaging, and users echo this sentiment, pointing to minimal dialogue and amateurish moments. The emotional resonance, therefore, remains limited, dampening audience connection.

  • Story & Flow 44

    Regarding narrative structure, Monologue struggles to maintain coherent momentum. Critics highlight a weak plot that leans heavily on atmosphere without sufficient narrative drive, and users criticize the languid pacing and ambiguous direction. The film's thematic ambition is evident, yet the execution feels meandering, leaving viewers uncertain of its core purpose. As a result, the story component is perceived as underdeveloped and often confusing.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    The sensory experience of Monsoon is its most consistently praised aspect. Reviewers commend the film's subtle soundtrack, immersive sound design, and a visual style that balances delicacy with emotional weight. Even critics who find fault elsewhere acknowledge the film's capacity to linger in the mind through its auditory and visual textures. This cohesive sensory palette contributes significantly to the film's overall atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 40

    Monsoon's rewatch value appears limited according to audience feedback. While some critics note its lingering impression, many users advise against repeat viewings, citing repetitive pacing and a story that fails to reward subsequent analysis. The film's aesthetic merits do not translate into sustained engagement, leading to a modest appeal for future screenings.

Box office

Monsoon Box Office

Monsoon grossed $83,446 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$83.4K

International
$83.4K
Videos

Monsoon Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

Film Trailer: Monsoon
  • Trailer MONSOON - Exclusive World Trailer - Henry Golding - Peccadillo Pictures
Details

Monsoon Also Known As

10 alternative titles, including “몬순: 인생여행” and “雨季来临前”.

Also known as
  • 몬순: 인생여행
  • 雨季来临前
  • Encontro ao Acaso
  • Муссон
  • Monzun
  • 나의 인생여행
  • MONSOON/モンスーン
  • Mousson tropicale
  • 雨季來臨前
  • Monszun

Seen Monsoon?

FAQ

Monsoon FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of Monsoon, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Monsoon?

Monsoon runs 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes).

When was Monsoon released?

Monsoon was released on June 29, 2019.

Who directed Monsoon?

Monsoon was directed by Hong Khaou.

More films by Hong Khaou

Who is in the cast of Monsoon?

Monsoon stars Henry Golding as Kit, Parker Sawyers as Lewis and David Tran as Lee, among 11 credited actors.

How much did Monsoon make at the box office?

Monsoon grossed $83,446 worldwide.

Does Monsoon have a post-credit scene?

No. Monsoon has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app