Mat Goc

Mat goc, which literally translates as "lost roots", is a label of negative connotations applied to members of the Vietnamese community who no longer adhere to principles of Vietnamese culture and have thus lost touch with their roots. This can be applied to many Vietnamese people who grew up abroad as well as second-generation immigrants, who often neither have a strong command of the language of their parents, nor identify with their homeland.

The Vietnamese father is totally old school, and the same can be said of Vietnam and its inhabitants. Nevertheless, despite the language barrier, the journey proves itself to be something of a revelation in terms of exposing the brothers' ignorance. Director Dužan Duong, himself playing one of the leading roles, portrays the impetuous behaviour of the brothers via his skillful camera work and editing. Duong's passion for hip hop and break-dance shines through, clearing the way to a previously closed world, that of his roots. DD