21 Must-Watch Viet (Vietnam) Movies: An Introduction to Vietnamese Cinema
![]() |
Vietnam's film industry has been producing viet (vietnamese) movies for over a century, but it wasn't until the 1990s that it began to gain recognition on the international stage. In recent years, Vietnamese cinema has become increasingly popular and critically acclaimed, with many of its films winning awards at film festivals around the world.
Vietnamese cinema has something for everyone, from uplifting dramas to thought-provoking thrillers. This article will introduce you to 21 must-see Vietnamese films that highlight the country's rich, dark and different backgrounds.
1. Cyclo
Director: Anh Hung Tran
Genre: Drama
Cyclo is a critically acclaimed film that tells the story of a young cyclo driver in Ho Chi Minh City who becomes embroiled in a world of crime and deception. The film explores themes of poverty, violence, and the struggle for survival in modern-day Vietnam. Director Anh Hung Tran expertly weaves together a gripping and emotional narrative that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.
2. The Scent of Green Papaya
Director: Anh Hung Tran
Genre: Drama
The Scent of Green Papaya is a beautiful and lyrical film that transports the viewer to 1950s Saigon. The film tells the story of a young girl named Mui who becomes a servant in a wealthy household. Through Mui's eyes, we see the contrast between the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy and the simple beauty of everyday life in Vietnam. Director Anh Hung Tran masterfully creates a sensory experience that immerses the viewer in the sights, sounds, and smells of Vietnam.
3. The Vertical Ray of the Sun
Director: Anh Hung Tran
Genre: Drama
The Vertical Ray of the Sun is a visually stunning film that explores the complex relationships between siblings in contemporary Hanoi. Director Anh Hung Tran expertly weaves together a tapestry of intricate character relationships and subplots that reveal the subtle nuances of Vietnamese culture.
Related article;
Identifying The Mysterious Godzilla X Kong New Empire New Monster
4. The Quiet American
Director: Phillip Noyce
Genre: Drama, Thriller
The Quiet American, a thought-provoking movie based on Graham Greene's book, examines the complicated history of Vietnam during the French-Indochina War. An American CIA agent, a Vietnamese woman, and a British journalist form a love triangle that is the subject of the viet movie. Against a backdrop of political unrest and betrayal, director Phillip Noyce expertly impacts a balance between romance and intrigue.
5. The Rebel
Director: Charlie Nguyen
Genre: Action, Drama
The Rebel is a thrilling action viet (vietnamese) movie that takes place during the French colonial period in Vietnam. The film tells the story of a resistance fighter named Le Van Cuong who must navigate treacherous political alliances and dangerous missions to fight for Vietnamese independence. Director Charlie Nguyen expertly balances intense action sequences with a compelling story that sheds light on Vietnam's struggle for freedom.
6. The White Silk Dress
Director: Luu Huynh
Genre: Drama, Romance
The White Silk Dress is a poignant and moving film that explores the relationship between a mother and daughter in rural Vietnam. The film spans several decades and explores themes of love, loss, and sacrifice. Director Luu Huynh masterfully captures the beauty and simplicity of life in rural Vietnam while also exploring the harsh realities of war and political upheaval.
7. Three Seasons
Director: Tony Bui
Genre: Drama
Three Seasons is a poetic and visually stunning film that tells the story of four interconnected characters in modern-day Ho Chi Minh City. The film explores themes of love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of Vietnam's rapidly changing landscape. Director Tony Bui expertly blends multiple storylines and characters to create a rich and textured portrait of contemporary Vietnam.
8. Paradise Now
Director: Dang Nhat Minh
Genre: Drama
Paradise Now is a powerful and emotionally charged film that explores the legacy of the Vietnam War on both Americans and Vietnamese. The film tells the story of a group of American soldiers who return to Vietnam years after the war to search for their missing comrades. Director Dang Nhat Minh expertly explores the themes of guilt, redemption, and reconciliation against the backdrop of a country still scarred by war. It is one of the famous movies from the viet (vietnamese) cinema.
9. I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass
Director: Victor Vu
Genre: Drama, Family
I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass is a heartwarming and nostalgic film that takes place in the Vietnamese countryside during the 1980s. The film tells the story of two brothers who embark on a magical adventure to find a lost treasure. Director Victor Vu expertly captures the innocence and wonder of childhood while also exploring the challenges of growing up in a rapidly changing world.
10. The Floating Lives
Director: Nguyen Phan Quang Binh
Genre: Drama
The Floating Lives is a moving and poignant film that explores the lives of a family living on a houseboat in the Mekong Delta. The film explores themes of love, loss, and sacrifice against the backdrop of Vietnam's changing social and economic landscape. Director Nguyen Phan Quang Binh expertly weaves together multiple storylines and characters to create a rich and textured portrait of life on the river.
11. The Owl and the Sparrow
Director: Stephane Gauger
Genre: Drama
The Owl and the Sparrow is a beautifully crafted film that tells the story of a young girl named Thuy who runs away from her rural village to find a new life in Saigon. The film explores the themes of loneliness, friendship, and belonging against the backdrop of Vietnam's bustling city streets. Director Stephane Gauger expertly captures the energy and vitality of Saigon while also exploring the challenges of adapting to a new environment.
Suggestions;
John Wick Chapter 4: Is John Wick Dead or Alive?
12. The Third Wife
Director: Ash Mayfair
Genre: Drama
The Third Wife is a stunningly beautiful film that takes place in 19th-century Vietnam. The film tells the story of a young girl named May who is forced into marriage with a wealthy landowner. Director Ash Mayfair expertly explores the themes of tradition, patriarchy, and female empowerment against the backdrop of Vietnam's feudal society.
13. Bar Girls
Director: Le Hoang
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ
Bar Girls is a groundbreaking film that explores the lives of lesbians in Vietnam. The film follows the relationship between two women who work at a bar in Hanoi and explores the challenges they face in a society that is often hostile to LGBTQ individuals. Director Le Hoang expertly captures the struggles and triumphs of these women and sheds light on an often-overlooked community in Vietnam.
14. Father and Son 'Viet Movie'
Director: Luong Dinh Dung
Genre: Drama
Father and Son is a heart-wrenching drama that explores the relationship between a father and his son. The film tells the story of a young boy who is forced to live with his estranged father in a remote mountain village. Director Luong Dinh Dung expertly captures the beauty and harshness of the natural environment, while also exploring the themes of love, loss, and reconciliation.
15. Saigon Electric
Director: Stephane Gauger
Genre: Drama, Music
Saigon Electric is a vibrant and energetic film that explores the world of hip-hop dance in Vietnam. The film tells the story of two young dancers from different backgrounds who come together to form a dance crew. Director Stephane Gauger expertly captures the energy and passion of Vietnam's youth culture, while also exploring the challenges of pursuing one's dreams in a rapidly changing society.
16. The Scent of Burning Grass
Director: Nguyen Huu Muoi
Genre: Drama, War
The Scent of Burning Grass is a deeply moving film that explores the human cost of war. The film tells the story of a group of soldiers who are sent to fight in the Cambodian jungle and the devastating toll that the war takes on their physical and emotional well-being. Director Nguyen Huu Muoi expertly captures the chaos and brutality of war, while also exploring the themes of camaraderie, sacrifice, and redemption.
17. The Rebel
Director: Charlie Nguyen
Genre: Action, Drama
The Rebel is an action-packed film that takes place during Vietnam's colonial period. The film tells the story of a bandit who joins forces with a French detective to take down a corrupt colonial official. Director Charlie Nguyen expertly blends action and drama to create a thrilling and emotionally resonant film that explores the themes of identity, loyalty, and rebellion. It is a good viet movie.
18. The Moon at the Bottom of the Well
Director: Nguyen Vinh Son
Genre: Drama
The Moon at the Bottom of the Well is a thought-provoking film that explores the themes of identity and memory in contemporary Vietnam. The film tells the story of a group of friends who gather to discuss the legacy of the Vietnam War and how it has shaped their lives. Director Nguyen Vinh Son expertly weaves together multiple storylines and characters to create a nuanced and complex portrait of Vietnam's past and present.
19. Love Man, Love Woman
Director: Mai Thu Huyen
Genre: Drama, Romance
Love Man, Love Woman is a touching and heartfelt film that explores the complexities of modern relationships in Vietnam. The film tells the story of a couple who are struggling to find happiness and fulfilment in their marriage. Director Mai Thu Huyen expertly captures the nuances of love and desire, while also exploring the challenges of balancing tradition and modernity in a rapidly changing society.
20. Furie
Director: Le-Van Kiet 'Viet Movie'
Genre: Action
In the heart-pounding action movie Furie, a former gangster battles to free her daughter from kidnappers. Le-Van Kiet, the director, explores the themes of motherhood and redemption while deftly capturing the intensity and violence of Vietnam's criminal underworld. Most Vietnamese films are dramatic and action-packed.
21. The Housemaid
Director: Derek Nguyen 'Viet Movie'
Genre: Horror, Thriller
The Housemaid is a spine-chilling horror film that tells the story of a young woman who becomes the housemaid for a wealthy family in 1950s Vietnam. As she becomes more and more entangled in the family's dark secrets, she begins to experience terrifying visions and encounters supernatural forces. Director Derek Nguyen expertly builds suspense and tension to create a haunting and unforgettable film that explores the themes of power, class, and oppression.
Conclusion:
Vietnamese cinema is a rich and diverse industry that offers a distinctive perspective on the world, although it may not be as well-known as some of its international competitors. Vietnam has produced some truly remarkable films that explore a wide range of themes and genres, from gripping action films to moving dramas. There is something in Vietnamese cinema for everyone, regardless of your taste in independent or mainstream films.
In this article, we've highlighted 21 Vietnamese (viet) films that are a must-see because they represent the best that nation has to offer. These films, which range from timeless favourites like The Scent of Green Papaya and Cyclo to current blockbusters like Furie and The Housemaid, are sure to captivate and engage viewers with their compelling narratives and breathtaking visuals. Whether you're a longtime fan of Vietnamese cinema or just discovering it for the first time, these films are essential viewing for anyone who loves great movies.
0 Comments