What Is The Tailor About?
The premise of The Tailor in 340 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the golden age of 1960s Saigon, when the graceful lines of the áo dài defined elegance and identity, the tailor house Thanh Nu stands as a revered institution. For nine generations, the family has devoted itself to perfecting this traditional Vietnamese garment, earning the reputation as the city’s most prestigious atelier. Within its walls, the craft is treated almost as a sacred inheritance, passed down through patient hands and quiet dedication. The bustling streets outside pulse with life, but inside, time seems to move at the rhythm of needle and thread.
At the heart of this legacy is Thanh Mai, the proud owner, whose vision for the house has shaped it into a symbol of refined taste. She raises two daughters whose artistic sensibilities could not be more different. Thanh Loan, the adopted daughter, finds deep joy in continuing the family’s tailoring tradition, her fingers drawn instinctively to the delicate work of the áo dài. Nhu Y, Thanh Mai’s biological daughter, dreams of something more modern, yearning for the bold silhouettes and creative freedom of Western fashion. She considers the áo dài outdated, longing instead for a world of contemporary design.
The differences between the sisters ripple outward, stirring quiet emotions that no amount of careful stitching can smooth over. The relationships between mothers and their children grow more complex as each woman clings to her own vision of beauty and purpose. Set against the gentler rhythm of a Saigon still steeped in tradition, the film captures the spirit of women in the 1960s and 70s — resilient, hopeful, and navigating lives shaped by both duty and desire.
Somewhere in the background, the restless energy of a changing world begins to whisper, hinting that the tidy elegance of this era may not last forever. As the city’s pace quickens, so too does the question of what will be preserved and what will be transformed. The stage is set for a delicate story unfolding between two families, where the timeless allure of the áo dài hangs quietly in the balance.
What Happens in The Tailor?
The complete story of The Tailor, from the first scene to the last, in 843 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, a period widely regarded as the golden age of traditional Vietnamese attire, the story serves as a vivid re-enactment of the áo dài era. This narrative weaves together the evolution of style and fashion across different time periods, centered around the life of Miss Ba. Through this lens, the audience is presented with a nostalgic vision of Saigon in the 1960s and 70s, portraying a city filled with honest, gentle women—a stark, serene contrast to the frantic energy of the modern metropolis. This atmospheric journey is intricately tied to the complex dynamics between two families, the bonds between mothers and daughters, and the professional rivalry and passion found within a fabric shop and a tailor house.
In 1969, the Thanh Nu tailor house stood as the most prestigious establishment in all of Saigon. For nine generations, the family had dedicated their entire existence to the art of tailoring the áo dài. The house was managed by Veronica Ngo as Thanh Mai, who had two daughters: her biological daughter, Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc as Như Ý, and her adopted daughter, Oanh Kiều as Young Thanh Loan. While Thanh Loan possessed a deep passion for the traditional craft, Như Ý harbored a disdain for it, viewing the áo dài as old-fashioned and lacking in creative variety. Instead, Như Ý was obsessed with designing Westernized outfits. Despite the constant guidance and advice from Thanh Mai to master the traditional art, Như Ý remained stubborn in her pursuit of Western style.
The turning point occurs when Thanh Mai utilizes a rare, ancestral piece of fabric to craft an exquisite áo dài. Upon discovering that her own name was embroidered into the garment, Như Ý decides to try it on. However, the moment she dons the dress, a magical piece of jade attached to the fabric transports her instantly from 1969 to the year 2017.
Upon arriving in the future, Như Ý literally falls upon Hồng Vân as An Khánh (who is actually the future version of Như Ý), just as An Khánh is attempting to commit suicide. This collision causes the magical jade to detach from the garment. Như Ý is left in a state of shock, discovering that the once-famous Thanh Nu tailor house has been closed and that the Saigon she knew has been transformed into a modernized city. She is devastated to learn the truth about her future self: after the death of Thanh Mai, An Khánh had heartlessly forced Thanh Loan to leave the family home so that she could open a Western-style tailor shop. This venture failed miserably, leading An Khánh into a spiral of alcoholism.
In contrast, Thanh Loan had successfully established her own business focusing on the traditional áo dài and had raised two children: Diễm My 9x as Helen and S.T Sơn Thạch as Tuấn. While Helen became a renowned fashion designer, Tuấn worked within Helen’s company.
Helen agrees to help An Khánh retain the family house, but she imposes a condition: Như Ý must work for her in exchange. Initially, Như Ý is relegated to the role of a cleaner, while Tuấn kindly helps her navigate the complexities of modern life. When the company requires designs inspired by the 1960s—an area where An Khánh possesses expertise—she steps in to assist Helen. Impressed by the inherent talent Như Ý displays, Helen eventually assigns her to the áo dài design department. This presents a massive challenge for Như Ý, as she must now conquer her lifelong hatred of the traditional dress and learn how to create it. Her goal shifts; she desires to tailor the áo dài using the traditional methods of the Thanh Nu house to restore its former reputation.
Seeking redemption, An Khánh reaches out to Diễm My as Old Thanh Loan to apologize and seek guidance on proper tailoring techniques. In a gesture of forgiveness, Thanh Loan provides An Khánh with an envelope containing a letter from the late Thanh Mai, which details the secret methods of áo dài tailoring. Together, An Khánh and Như Ý dedicate themselves to practicing the craft.
The climax arrives at a grand fashion event where a collection designed by Như Ý is showcased on the catwalk, featuring models such as Le Trang. As the show progresses, Helen attempts to secretly change the script to claim Như Ý’s designs as her own. However, Tuấn catches her in the act and confronts her, urging her to reconsider her unethical decision. Ultimately, the show is a resounding success. During her speech, Như Ý expresses her heartfelt thoughts on the collection and publicly thanks Helen. Following this victory, the Thanh Nu tailor house is officially reopened.
In the final moments, Như Ý puts on the traditional áo dài with the magical jade attached. The jewel activates once more, transporting her back to 1969. Reuniting with her mother, she tearfully apologizes and proudly declares that she finally knows how to make the áo dài. The story concludes on a joyful note as mother and daughter dance together in harmony.
The Tailor Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Thanh Nu Tailor House in 1969 Saigon” to “Return to 1969 and Reconciliation”. 15 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Thanh Nu Tailor House in 1969 Saigon
In 1969, the tailor house Thanh Nu is considered the most famous tailor house in Saigon. Nine generations of the family have devoted their entire lives to tailoring ao dai, upholding the traditional Vietnamese craft through the golden era of the 1960s.
When:1969 Where:Thanh Nu tailor house, Saigon
- 2
Two Sisters, Two Different Passions
Thanh Mai, the owner of Thanh Nu, has two daughters: her biological daughter Nhu Y and her adopted daughter Thanh Loan. Thanh Loan loves tailoring ao dai, while Nhu Y prefers designing Westernized outfits, claiming that ao dai is old-fashioned and lacks variety in its designs.
When:1969 Where:Saigon
- 3
A Mother's Advice Ignored
Thanh Mai advises Nhu Y to focus on learning how to make ao dai, but Nhu Y neglects her mother's guidance because she only likes Western style fashion. This creates tension between mother and daughter over the preservation of the family's traditional craft.
When:1969 Where:Thanh Nu tailor house, Saigon
- 4
The Ancestral Ao Dai
Thanh Mai uses a unique piece of fabric passed down from her ancestors to make a beautiful ao dai. Nhu Y sees the dress, noticing that her own name is embroidered on it, and decides to try it on.
When:1969 Where:Thanh Nu tailor house, Saigon
- 5
The Magical Journey to 2017
As soon as Nhu Y tries on the ancestral ao dai, the piece of jade attached to it magically sends her through time. She is suddenly transported nearly five decades forward, arriving in the year 2017.
When:2017 Where:Saigon
- 6
Saving Her Future Self
Nhu Y falls on An Khanh, who is revealed to be Nhu Y's future self, just as An Khanh is about to attempt suicide. The collision causes the piece of jade to detach from the ao dai, leaving Nhu Y stranded in the future with no way back.
When:2017 Where:Saigon
- 7
A Painful Discovery
Nhu Y is shocked to learn that the tailor house Thanh Nu has been closed, and she can barely believe that An Khanh is her future self. She is stunned by how greatly Saigon has become modernized, while her family house stands empty and quiet.
When:2017 Where:Saigon
- 8
The Tragic Years In Between
It is revealed that after Thanh Mai died, An Khanh forced Thanh Loan to leave the house so she could open a Western tailor house, but the business failed shortly afterward. This failure caused An Khanh to become an alcoholic, while Thanh Loan opened her own successful ao dai business and raised two children, Helen and Tuan.
When:1969 - 2017 Where:Saigon
- 9
Working for Helen
Helen, Thanh Loan's daughter who is now a famous fashion designer, agrees to help An Khanh keep the family house, but in exchange Nhu Y must work for her. Nhu Y takes a job as a cleaner at the company while Tuan kindly helps her adapt to modern life.
When:2017 Where:Helen's fashion company, Saigon
- 10
Assigned to Ao Dai Designing
The company needs 1960s inspired designs, which is An Khanh's specialty, so she helps Helen with the project. Being impressed by Nhu Y's talent, Helen assigns her to ao dai designing, a great challenge since Nhu Y has always hated ao dai and never learned to make them.
When:2017 Where:Helen's fashion company, Saigon
Show the other 5 events of The Tailor Hide the last 5 events
- 11
An Apology and a Letter From the Past
An Khanh meets Thanh Loan in order to apologize for her past wrongs and to ask her how to tailor ao dai properly. Thanh Loan responds by giving An Khanh an envelope containing a letter from Thanh Mai along with the traditional ao dai tailoring method.
When:2017 Where:Saigon
- 12
Learning the Family Craft
An Khanh and Nhu Y practice together on how to make ao dai, guided by Thanh Mai's letter and instructions. Nhu Y dedicates herself to tailoring ao dai following Thanh Nu's traditional way, hoping to help the family tailor house regain its reputation.
When:2017 Where:Saigon
- 13
The Fashion Event
At the fashion event, model Trang Ngo and many models wear Nhu Y's collection on the catwalk. During the show, Helen attempts to switch the designer credit from Nhu Y to her own name in the script, but Tuan catches her and confronts her, urging her to carefully reconsider her decision.
When:2017 Where:Fashion event venue, Saigon
- 14
Triumph and the Rebirth of Thanh Nu
The show becomes a great success, with Nhu Y expressing her thoughts on the collection and sending her thanks to Helen. Right after the fashion event, the tailor house Thanh Nu is finally reopened, restoring the family legacy.
When:2017 Where:Saigon
- 15
Return to 1969 and Reconciliation
Nhu Y wears the ao dai with the piece of jade reattached, and the magical jade sends her back to 1969. She meets her mother again and apologizes to her, saying that she now knows how to make ao dai. Overwhelmed with joy, mother and daughter dance together in a heartfelt reconciliation.
When:1969 Where:Thanh Nu tailor house, Saigon
Who Are the Main Characters in The Tailor?
5 characters, among them Thanh Mai, Như Ý and An Khánh: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- TM
Thanh Mai
Played by Veronica Ngo
Thanh Mai is a dedicated matriarch who manages the Thanh Nu tailor house with a deep love for the traditional craft. Her nurturing spirit and knowledge of the áo dài serve as a guiding light for her daughters. She embodies the struggle between adhering to tradition while facing modern challenges.
- 👗 Tailoring
- 🌸 Maternal
- 🌺 Tradition
- NÝ
Như Ý
Played by Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc
Như Ý is a rebellious character who initially rejects the traditional ways of her family in favor of Western fashion. Her journey reflects a transformation from disdain to appreciation of her heritage, culminating in her quest to master the art of the áo dài, making her a pivotal character in bridging the past and the present.
- 👠 Fashion
- 💔 Rebellion
- 🌱 Growth
- AK
An Khánh
Played by Hồng Vân
An Khánh represents the contemporary fallout of familial expectations and the pressures of modern life. Initially engulfed in her struggles with addiction and self-destructive choices, her character seeks redemption through reconnecting with her roots and learning about her family's legacy.
- 🥃 Conflict
- 😔 Regret
- 🌌 Redemption
- OT
Old Thanh Loan
Played by Diễm My
Old Thanh Loan, as a reflection of resilience, represents the legacy of traditional tailoring. Her experiences and knowledge provide crucial guidance to other characters, embodying the wisdom that comes from years of dedication to the craft. She plays a vital role in the reconciliation of family ties.
- 🧙♀️ Wisdom
- 💖 Heritage
- 👩👧👧 Tradition
- H
Helen
Played by Diễm My 9x
Helen is a modern fashion designer torn between ambition and family loyalty. Though initially willing to exploit others' talents, her character develops as she learns to appreciate the roots from which her success stems. She becomes instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary styles.
- 💼 Ambition
- ❗ Ethics
- 🌟 Development
Where and When Is The Tailor Set?
The Tailor is set in Saigon (1960s - 2017). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1960s - 2017
The movie is set against the backdrop of the 1960s, a renowned era for traditional Vietnamese fashion, particularly the áo dài. It then transitions to 2017, highlighting the stark transformation of society and fashion as Western styles begin to dominate, illustrating the impact of modernization on cultural identity.
Where
Saigon
Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, is a bustling metropolis in Vietnam, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. In the 1960s, it was considered the golden age of traditional Vietnamese attire, particularly the áo dài. The city was adorned with fabric shops and tailor houses, embodying the artistry of local tailors, while also presenting a contrast between traditional and modern influences.
- 🏙️ City
- 🧵 Fashion
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam
What Are the Themes of The Tailor?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Tradition vs Modernity, Family Bonds and Redemption.
-
01
Tradition vs Modernity
The film explores the conflict between traditional values and modern influences, particularly through the evolution of the áo dài. Như Ý's journey reflects the struggle to reconcile her heritage with her desires for a contemporary identity. This theme is embodied in the contrasting paths of different characters, showcasing how fashion can encapsulate cultural shifts.
-
02
Family Bonds
Family dynamics, especially the relationships between mothers and daughters, play a central role in the narrative. The emotional journey of Như Ý and her mother, Thanh Mai, encapsulates themes of forgiveness, understanding, and the legacy of craft passed through generations. Their relationship highlights the impact of familial guidance in shaping personal identity.
-
03
Redemption
Redemption is a key theme as characters seek to mend their past mistakes. Như Ý's transformation from disdain for tradition to embracing it signifies personal growth. An Khánh's journey of apologizing to Old Thanh Loan and learning the true art of tailoring portrays redemption through understanding and the commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
What Kind of Film Is The Tailor?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A nostalgic Vietnamese drama that weaves together the golden age of áo dài with a touching tale of family redemption, blending gentle magic and cultural pride into a heartwarming journey across generations.
- nostalgic
- heartwarming
- gentle
- dreamlike
- culturally rich
- reconciliatory
- traditional crafts
- family rivalry
- time travel
- cultural heritage
Content notes: suicide attempt, alcoholism, family estrangement.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Tailor? Test yourself on the story.
