Vietnamese film Choi voi (Adrift) has scored three nominations at the fourth Asian Film Awards, including best screenplay.

The critically acclaimed movie by Bui Thac Chuyen is considered one of the best Vietnamese films of 2009. The film deals with changes in the attitudes toward love and life in modern Vietnam, a topic left almost untapped by local filmmakers.

The New York Times this week described it as “a subtle, melancholy exploration of erotic angst and uncomfortable awakening.”

The film won an award by the International Film Critics’ Federation at the 66th Venice Film Festival in Italy last year.

The Asian Film Awards will be held on March 22 in Hong Kong. The 14-person jury will be led by Hong Kong actor Tony Leung.

Bodyguards and Assassins, a Hong Kong-China co-production, and South Korea’s Mother are leading the race with six nominations, including best film.

Reported by Cat Khue