The Vertical Ray of the Sun

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The Vertical Ray of the Sun (Vietnamese: Mùa hè chiều thẳng đứng) is the third feature film by the Vietnamese-born French director Trần Anh Hùng. It was released in 2000 and is the third film in what many consider now to be his "Vietnam trilogy." It was filmed in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, as well as in Halong Bay and the village of Luoi Ngoc, Quang Ninh Province. Hùng was inspired to make the film after visiting Hanoi during a break in the filming of Cyclo during the Christmas holidays in 1994.

The film is a family drama centering on three sisters, named (from oldest to youngest) Suong, Khanh, and Lien. The character of Lien is played by Trần's wife, Trần Nữ Yên Khê.

The film's score is by Tôn-Thât Tiêt. Additionally, three songs of the noted Vietnamese songwriter Trịnh Công Sơn are interspersed through the film, as are songs by the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed, Arab Strap, and The Married Monk.