Have You Watched These Vietnamese Modern Classic Movies?

Pao’s Story (Chuyện Của Pao)

Pao’s Story is the moving tale of Pao, a H’mong girl living high in the mountains of Vietnam. The film explores the complexities of her family dynamic, which includes her father and his two wives. Pao, a young girl in love with Chu, often reflects on her life, especially after discovering that Kia, her long-lost mother who left many years ago, has returned. During a visit to the Tet market with Chu, Pao is shocked to see her mother in the arms of her father. This revelation leads Pao to flee and fall, injuring herself as Kia urgently comes to her aid.

Pao’s Story features Hai Yen as Pao and Nhu Quynh as Kia, directed by acclaimed Vietnamese director Bui Thac Chuyen. The film has received multiple awards, including four prestigious “Golden Kite” awards at the Vietnam Movie Contest in 2006, with Hai Yen earning the title of “Best Main Actress.”

Genres: Drama

Pao's Story - Photo: Phimvietsub

Living in Fear (Sống Trong Sợ Hãi)

Living in Fear, a directorial debut from Bui Thac Chuyen, tells the gripping story of Tai, a former soldier from the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Set in the aftermath of Vietnam's liberation, Tai relocates to Ninh Thuan, where he struggles to support his family. To make ends meet, Tai joins Nam Duc, an ex-soldier from the Rebellion Army of South Vietnam, in excavating hidden bombs and mines to extract metals illegally.

Innovating a safer technique, Tai digs from behind the mines rather than from above and even plants crops around the craters. However, governmental authorities soon summon him regarding his illicit activity. Despite this, he earns his freedom after demonstrating his success in deactivating a substantial number of mines and bombs. The film features a collaboration with Japan's NHK and stars Tran Huu Phuc as Tai.

Genres: Action

Sống Trong Sợ Hãi - Photo: Tiền phong

The Rebel (Dòng Máu Anh Hùng)

The Rebel, released in April 2007, delves into the theme of Vietnam's resistance against French colonial rule. The narrative unfolds in 1922, where Sy (Dustin Nguyen), a Vietnamese officer serving the French, is promised a promotion if he captures De Canh, the leader of a Vietnamese rebel faction.

Using his subordinate, Cuong (Johnny Trí Nguyễn), as an informant, Sy aims to locate De Canh's headquarters. In a twist of fate, Cuong assists De Canh's daughter, Thuy (Ngô Thanh Vân), in escaping from captivity. Faced with the harsh truth of his people’s plight, Cuong realizes his loyalty lies with them and tragically kills Sy's lieutenant Danh. The story escalates as Cuong and Thuy join forces to rescue De Canh, leading to a dramatic climax.

Genres: Action, Drama, Romance

Dòng Máu Anh Hùng - Photo: Vietnamnet

The White Silk Dress (Áo Lụa Hà Đông)

The White Silk Dress, directed by Lưu Huỳnh, is a poignant cinematic piece produced in 2006. The film chronicles the life of a couple, Dan (Trương Ngọc Ánh) and Gu (Quốc Khánh), residing in Hoi An. Struggling in poverty, their most cherished possession is a silk Ao Dai made from Ha Dong fabric, a wedding gift from Gu to Dan. As the couple welcomes their fourth daughter, Dan sacrifices her health by selling milk to provide for their family, which leads to mounting tension and conflict between her and Gu.

Desperate times require drastic measures, and Dan tears her wedding dress to fashion Ao Dais for her daughters to attend school. This anguish prompts Hoi An and her sister Ngo to exchange their clothing quickly. Dan's ultimate sacrifice becomes critical in Hoi An’s school assignment; however, tragedy strikes when an airstrike occurs, costing precious lives. Among Vietnam's war-themed films, The White Silk Dress is often regarded as a standout.

Genres: Drama, Tragedy

Áo Lụa Hà Đông - Photo: Báo Mới

The Buffalo Boy (Mùa Len Trâu)

The Buffalo Boy is a compelling 102-minute film that tells the story of Kim (Lê Thế Lu), a young man navigating obstacles in Southern Vietnam. During the rainy season, floods transform the landscape into a watery expanse. Struggling to care for their buffalo who have lost grazing grounds, farmers employ Kim to lead the animals in search of food.

The film artistically captures the stunning southern scenery, featuring visually impactful scenes of hundreds of buffalo swimming through flooded fields. Directed by Nguyễn Võ Nghĩm Minh, who has established a career abroad, this film is a lyrical homage to the nature and people of Southern Vietnam.

Genres: Drama

Mùa Len Trâu - Photo: @ Anhphung_1411