While often mistaken by international audiences as the 2004 Hong Kong film of the same name, the 1998 Vietnamese iteration is a distinct, gritty, and emotionally devastating drama that stripped away the romanticized gloss often applied to period pieces. It presented a raw, unflinching look at the institution of polygamy in early 20th-century Vietnam.

Set in the summer of 1957 in the sun-drenched Tuscan countryside, the film follows (played by Maria Grazia Cucinotta), a young Sicilian single mother. Anna marries Fosco , an older, somewhat crass truck driver and widower, and moves to his rural community with her infant daughter.

Since this is an older European film, it may not be on mainstream platforms like Netflix. Here is how to track it down: Specialty Streaming: Look for it on platforms like Film Movement , which specialize in world cinema. Rental/Purchase: Amazon Prime Video (availability varies by region). Physical Media: Look for the DVD under the title La seconda moglie Library Databases: Services like

The Second Wife (Italian title: La seconda moglie ) is a 1998 Italian comedy-drama directed by Ugo Chiti that explores themes of forbidden romance and family tension in post-war Italy.