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Diverging from contemporary cinema, period dramas transport viewers to ancient Vietnam, portraying historical events, real or fictional characters. Join Mytour as we highlight the top Vietnamese period dramas you shouldn't miss.
1. Phoenix Oath (2020)
Phoenix Oath, an intricately crafted historical drama, blends meticulous visuals, costumes, and music. Set in the Vietnamese imperial court during 1840–1847 under King Thiệu Trị, the series narrates the life of Phạm Hiệu Nguyệt, inspired by the real historical figure Empress Nghi Thiên Chương (also known as Từ Dụ Thái Hậu), a virtuous woman. Through various challenges and plots, she successfully places her son Hồng Nhậm (future King Tự Đức) on the throne, becoming the most powerful woman in the Nguyễn Dynasty.
2. Trạng Quỳnh (2019)
Set in a Vietnamese village, Trạng Quỳnh unfolds humorous tales around the folkloric character of the same name. In the story, Trạng Quỳnh is an intelligent, mischievous young man who delights in playing pranks on others. He harbors feelings for Thầy Đoàn's daughter, but unfortunately, she catches the eye of Trịnh Bá. Employing every scheme and trickery, Trịnh Bá plots to marry the girl. Faced with this predicament, Quỳnh, along with his friend Xẩm, embarks on a journey to rescue his beloved.
3. Tấm Cám: Untold Stories (2016)
Tấm Cám: Untold Stories is constructed based on the famous Vietnamese folk tale of the same name. The film is set in ancient Đại Việt, facing the threat of invasion from the neighboring country Chinh La. The plot delves into conflicts between stepmothers and stepsons, the battle between good and evil, the fight against foreign invaders, and the profound love the King holds for Tấm.
4. Beauty Scheme (2013)
Set in ancient Đại Việt, Beauty Scheme portrays the life of Kiều Thị's gang and the undercover female assassins at Đường Sơn inn. They plunder from the wealthy and corrupt officials, aspiring to accumulate enough wealth for a desired life. Despite being cold-blooded killers, deep within, they are emotionally complex individuals willing to sacrifice themselves for the well-being of their sisters without hesitation.
5. Bình Tây, the Great Commander (2013)
Taking place in the early 19th century during the turmoil of the Nguyễn dynasty and the strong anti-French movement, Bình Tây, the Great Commander successfully portrays the heroic figure Trương Định, who dares to abandon his official position and lead a rebellion. Armed only with a spear, bow, and arrows, his army instills fear in the French forces. Despite the failure of the uprising, Trương Định chooses self-sacrifice to maintain dignity, leaving behind an epic anthem of indomitable spirit for the nation. His revolt becomes the first spark in the broader struggle against French colonialism.
6. Heroic Destiny (2012)
Heroic Destiny – a Vietnamese period drama, invested in every aspect from visuals to storyline, truly deserving of the epic label on the screen. Inspired by the Lệ Chi Viên case, where Nguyễn Trãi faced unjust accusations, and his clan was exterminated during the Late Lê dynasty. Nguyên Vũ, the last descendant of Nguyễn Trãi, miraculously survives the tragedy. Upon reaching maturity, he returns to the capital to unravel the mysteries of the past. Here, Nguyên Vũ is drawn into a war for a mysterious blood letter.
7. Returning to Thang Long (2011)
Set between 1003, when King Lê Đại Hành still ruled in the ancient capital Hoa Lư, and 1010, when King Lý Thái Tổ relocated the capital to Thang Long. During this period, the intense conflict between Lý Công Uẩn (Lý Thái Tổ) and the last king of the Tiền Lê dynasty – Lê Long Đĩnh, reaches its peak. The film successfully highlights the talent, virtue, and historical significance of Lý Thái Tổ in establishing the Lý dynasty – one of the longest-lasting feudal dynasties in Vietnamese history. The decision to move the capital from Hoa Lư to Thang Long lays the foundation for the prosperity of our country to this day.
8. Thang Long's Ambition (2010)
Thang Long's Ambition is a historical drama created to commemorate 1000 years of Thang Long - Hanoi. Set in the late 10th century, the film narrates the lives of Lý Công Uẩn and Lê Long Đĩnh from their childhood until Lý Công Uẩn ascends the throne and relocates the capital to Thang Long. The film partially depicts the love triangle between Lý Công Uẩn, Lê Long Đĩnh, and the talented performer Dạ Hương, illustrating the compassion, forgiveness, and dedication to the people and the country by Lý Thái Tổ.
9. Tay Son Heroic Achievements (2010)
Tay Son Heroic Achievements revolves around the martial arts hero Quang Trung – Nguyễn Huệ in the campaign to eliminate the Trịnh, undertaken by Lý Hùng. Renowned as a martial arts hero, Lý Hùng perfectly embodies the majestic spirit of the hero in fabric attire. Intertwined with intense battle scenes is the romantic love story between the fabric-clad hero of Tay Son, Nguyễn Huệ, and Princess Ngọc Hân of the Lê dynasty.
10. Melodious Echoes of Long Thanh (2010)
Melodious Echoes of Long Thanh is a period drama inspired by the life of Nguyễn Du, set against the backdrop of the ongoing war between Đại Việt and the Qing Dynasty. The film tells the love story of Cầm - a talented musician with a beautiful voice, and Tố Như – a poor but intelligent scholar. Growing up in the same village, they fall in love, but the war of the times separates them. Reuniting in the chaotic capital of Thang Long much later, each with a different fate, they still cannot be together.
11. Night Festival in Long Tri (1989)
Night Festival in Long Tri is set in the historical context of the 18th century when the Trịnh lord's era was declining, depicting the captivating intrigues of the court and partly portraying the societal decay of that time. Relying on the favor of Lord Trịnh Sâm, the proclaimed concubine Đặng Thị Huệ allowed her younger brother to commit wrongdoing and crimes, leading to numerous hardships for the people.
Here is a compilation of the finest Vietnamese historical dramas highly appreciated by film enthusiasts and history lovers. If you're a fan of Vietnamese cinema and wish to explore more facets of history, don't miss out on these films. Wishing you enjoyable moments of watching!
