The Evolution of Vietnamese Historical Films: From Controversy to Commercial Success

The Vietnamese film industry has made significant strides in producing historical films that reflect the rich cultural heritage and complex history of the country. While still evolving, these films have seen a considerable rise in popularity and quality over the past few decades.

The Early Success: remely Hi Long Trì (1989)

One of the notable early entries in the genre is remely Hi Long Trì, released in 1989. This film marked a significant milestone in the Vietnamese film industry, both commercially and critically. remely Hi Long Trì not only received critical acclaim for its story and direction but also became a commercial success. It was the first of its kind in post-reform Vietnam, showcasing a new direction for the nation's cultural output.

Interestingly, remely Hi Long Trì itself had a sequel, but unfortunately, it failed to garner the same level of attention and interest among audiences. The sequel, though, could not match the original's success, highlighting the challenges in maintaining the same level of enthusiasm in the film industry.

The Decline and Rise: Khát Vng Thng Long (2010) and Beyond

The quality of Vietnamese historical films saw a notable decline until the release of Khát Vng Thng Long, also known as Aspirations of Thang Long, in 2010. While the film demonstrated great potential and visual quality, it failed to deliver due to poor marketing and limited theatrical release. This failure dampened the initial hopes for the film.

Another notable film from 2010, Long Thành Cm Gi Ca, received a more positive reception. Pitched as a "Vietnamese-looking" film, it was well-received for its professional production values and engaging storyline. Although not a masterpiece, it set a new standard for Vietnamese historical films.

Up until 2012, the film industry released Thiên Mnh Anh Hùng, a visually impressive and action-packed film that generated significant hype. However, much like its predecessors, it too bombed at the box office, primarily due to its high budget. This continued trend of financial failures underscored the challenges faced by the industry in producing high-quality historical films.

New Directions and Controversies: La Pht, M Nhan, and Modern Successes

The 2013 film La Pht attempted to blend fantasy and historical elements, but the initial critical reception and its content led to its underwhelming performance. On the other hand, M nhan (2015), while popular for the appearance of its actresses and lesbian undertones, was yet another example of a marketing misfire, as it was never released online and remained unseen by the public.

However, the late 2010s saw a significant commercial success in Tm Cám: Chuyn cha (2016), a retelling of a popular fairy tale. This film once again brought hope to the industry, but like its predecessors, it faced criticism for its historical inaccuracies and fashion choices. It highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing historical integrity with popular appeal.

Promising Future Projections

Despite the controversies and financial setbacks, there is reason for optimism as more promising films are emerging. The Vietnamese film industry is gradually improving in terms of storytelling, production values, and historical accuracy. The focus now is on providing a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of the nation's history, reflecting both its complexity and diversity.

For those interested in historically accurate films about specific historical figures, there are many options, though not all are considered masterpieces. As for films depicting the Vietnam War and French Imperialism, one highly recommended choice is Dòng Máu Anh Hùng, which offers a captivating portrayal of the struggles during French Imperialism in Vietnam.

Ultimately, the Vietnamese film industry continues to evolve, continually addressing its limitations and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in historical filmmaking. With continued effort and attention to detail, the genre is on the path to greater success and recognition.