Top 10 Must-See Vietnamese Gangster Movies

The Judge is a Vietnamese adaptation of an Israeli film script, carefully modified to resonate with local culture and audience preferences. The film provides a multi-layered depiction of the battle against crime and the power struggles within the modern criminal underworld. 'The Judge' reveals a hidden war among criminals, featuring characters who are more than just thugs but are portrayed with intricate personalities. A standout figure is businessman Phan Quan, played by Hoang Dung, whose complex character drives the narrative. Phan Quan is a ruthless crime boss who commands immense power, but his leadership is defined by an old-school, fatherly demeanor, keeping business and personal feelings separate. Alongside Phan Quan, we see the dynamic of the criminal world through his sons, Phan Hai and Le Thanh, whose rivalry is as fierce as fire and water. Meanwhile, Lương “Bổng,” a trusted ally, plays a balancing role, maintaining order in this brutal underworld. The series paints a complex picture of organized crime through a family drama, with unexpected twists and carefully placed clues that eventually unravel the police investigation and expose hidden secrets. Alongside the intricate relationships and hidden truths, the story is filled with daring crimes and risky criminal activities, building suspense and keeping viewers hooked.

DETAILS:

Directors: Nguyễn Mai Hiền, Nguyễn Khải Anh, Nguyễn Danh Dũng

Screenwriters: Nguyễn Trung Dũng, Khánh Bùi

Runtime: 47 episodes

Producer: VTV

The Revolutionary Children of Saigon 2 is an action-packed crime drama directed by Khương Đức Thuận, featuring talented actors like Chánh Tín, Khương Đức Thuận, Bá Cương, Ngọc Hùng, Ngọc Thảo, Bình Minh, Thục Châu, Trúc Mai, Khánh Huyền, and Phúc An. The series centers around the intense battle between law enforcement and powerful criminal gangs. As the series progresses, we witness escalating confrontations between the police and the gangsters, revealing the dangerous lives of undercover agents who risk everything and face death at any moment.

Bình Minh plays a ruthless crime boss leading some of the city's most dangerous gangs, ready to fight to the death if his territory is threatened. Behind this criminal life, however, lie the struggles of those close to these offenders, showing the far-reaching effects of crime on families. 'The Revolutionary Children of Saigon 2' utilizes cutting-edge filming techniques and includes over 100 real police officers, ensuring an authentic and gripping experience. This is a must-watch series for fans of high-stakes action.

DETAILS:

Directors: Đỗ Chí Hướng, NSƯT Khương Đức Thuận

Episodes: 35

White Collar revolves around mysterious cases solved by the Vietnamese Criminal Investigation Police. The series delves into the dark plots and hidden crimes of elusive criminals, uncovering secrets that are buried beneath the surface of everyday life. The criminals, such as Hùng Cá Sấu, a notorious drug trafficker, and his seductive accomplice, have evaded capture for years. But after many years of evasion, the relentless agent Hướng Nam finally brings them to justice. The female detectives in White Collar, led by the head of the criminal investigation unit, possess an uncanny ability to predict the moves of the criminals they chase.

DETAILS:

Director: Trần Hoài Sơn

Episodes: 12

Producer: Vietnam Feature Film Studio

Set in modern times, Dragon's Trap focuses on the brutal showdown between rival criminal gangs. With a distinct 90s Hong Kong gangster film vibe, it tells the story of Phượng Hoàng (played by Ngô Thanh Vân), a skilled and cold-hearted female fighter who follows her strict code of conduct. Due to past grudges, Phượng Hoàng is forced to carry out one final mission for the powerful crime lord Hắc Long.

With a fast-paced and tightly edited rhythm, Dragon's Trap keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with action-packed sequences mixed with moments of romance. The martial arts stunts captivate from the very beginning, drawing the audience into each scene, right through to the final frame.

DETAILS:

Director: Trần Hoài Sơn

Runtime: 94 minutes

Producers: Johnny Trí Nguyễn, Ngô Thanh Vân, Jimmy Phạm Nghiêm

The Perfumed Scent is inspired by the true story of a notorious crime boss in Saigon, as seen through the eyes of Hương Ga. Diệu, a young girl from Hải Phòng, faces failure after attempting to escape with her family. The traumatic experience leaves an indelible scar on her soul. After returning to live with her grandmother, Diệu begins selling incense in the market and eventually becomes involved with local gangs, dealing in stolen goods. She adopts the alias Hương Ga and, seeking a better life, travels south with her underlings, under the protection of Anh Lớn. However, she is unaware that the dazzling city of Saigon is filled with treacherous traps and deadly obstacles.

Amidst intense fight scenes and life-or-death struggles, the film also offers a glimpse into the lives of gangsters, showing that they, too, experience love, hate, joy, and sorrow—just like anyone else. The story poignantly portrays the tragic journey of Hương Ga's life in the criminal world.

DETAILS:

Director: Ngô Quốc Cường

Runtime: 92 minutes

Award: Vietnam Golden Kite Award for Best Feature Film

The film tells the story of Hai Phượng, a woman from a martial arts family who, due to her rebellious nature, left home early and became involved with criminal gangs providing protection for nightclubs and bars. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes pregnant. Once a carefree young woman, Hai Phượng moves to a riverside village, where she raises her child and makes a living as a debt collector. One day, her only daughter is abducted by a human trafficking gang seeking revenge against her.

Throughout her intense journey to rescue her daughter, Hai Phượng reveals her fierce and relentless side, showcasing breathtaking action sequences. With a determined gaze and combat skills like a machine, Hai Phượng epitomizes the sacred bond between a mother and her child. Ngô Thanh Vân's powerful performance in this role, full of blood and tears, has earned widespread praise. The film was even screened internationally, becoming a source of pride for Vietnamese cinema.

In addition to being the highest-grossing Vietnamese film of all time, Hai Phượng also set a new record for the highest opening box office, with 50 billion VND. It was chosen to compete for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.

DETAILS:

Director: Lê Văn Kiệt

Runtime: 98 minutes

Producers: Studio 68, NHV Entertainment

Battle of Wits is a Vietnamese crime drama centered around the struggle against powerful and influential crime syndicates. These individuals, armed with money, power, and social status, operate in the shadows, committing illegal acts while using their wealth and influence to pressure law enforcement and obstruct investigations.

Inspired by real-life events and current affairs, the film portrays the harsh reality of those who abuse their power and break the law. After enduring numerous challenges and dangers, justice prevails, and the brave officers expose the covert operations of these dangerous crime organizations.

DETAILS:

Directors: NSƯT Nguyễn Danh Dũng, Bùi Quốc Việt, Nguyễn Đức Hiếu

Episodes: 74
Production Company: Vietnam Television, Ministry of Public Security

The Golden Triangle Secret delves into the pressing social issue of “drugs,” shedding light on the dark world of cunning drug lords and offering a close look at the notorious Golden Triangle—a war-torn border region plagued by violence and illegal activities. This area is notorious for its widespread drug trafficking, political corruption, and poverty, and it serves as the epicenter of the global fight against narcotics.

The film takes viewers on a journey through the troubled lives of those desperate for wealth, depicting intense mind games between the clever drug lords and brave, resourceful law enforcement officers from Vietnam and Laos. In addition, the story explores the complex, one-sided love affair of Na Tha Von, who secretly loves the officer Hoàn, even though she knows he is the partner of her own sister. Na Tha Von is caught between two opposing worlds: the ruthless drug queen and a woman longing for a simple, happy life.

DETAILS:

Director: Nguyễn Dương

Episodes: 38

Production Company: VTV

Chợ Lớn's Underworld is a Vietnamese action-thriller directed and written by Charlie Nguyễn. The film vividly depicts the brutal, bloody turf wars between criminal gangs in the Chợ Lớn area of Ho Chi Minh City.

The story begins with Lâm, who is fleeing with his girlfriend Hương from the henchmen of the notorious gang leader Tài "Nhớt." Unsure where to turn, Lâm seeks refuge with his brother, Hùng Chợ Lớn, another powerful gang leader in the area. As Tài and his gang enter Chợ Lớn, Hùng and his own crew meet them in a tense standoff. Tài has long planned to take over the drug trade in Chợ Lớn, and he offers to overlook Lâm’s affair with his lover if Hùng allows him to control the territory. The negotiations soon turn violent, leading to a massacre where both sides are wiped out. In the chaos, Lâm attempts to confront Phong but is overpowered. Tài "Nhớt" appears, revealing that he has killed Trang and suddenly stabs Phong to death. He then tries to kill Lâm, but Hương intervenes, taking the fatal blow for him. In a fit of rage, Lâm throws Tài "Nhớt" from a high balcony, killing him. Hùng, severely wounded, dies from his injuries, leaving Lâm to serve ten years in prison. The film ends with Lâm reuniting with Hùng’s family after his release.

DETAILS:

Director: Charlie Nguyễn

Duration: 100 minutes

Producers: Jimmy Phạm, Martin Nguyễn

Fragile Evidence is the debut screenplay of Nguyễn Quý Dũng, based on the novel Button's Knot. The story begins with a group of street children who find a beautiful button while scavenging, mistaking it for gold. This leads them on a search that eventually uncovers a disfigured corpse. The police intervene and initiate an investigation. Early clues suggest the body is connected to the notorious gangster Sơn Cầy.

Ba Dẫu, a cunning, older criminal, pretends to have retired from his life of crime but secretly continues to recruit men and strengthen his underground network. He forms alliances with ruthless gangsters, including Lãnh Xọa Tử from Hai Phong and Chí Cùa, Lãnh's loyal but skilled lieutenant who is actually an undercover cop. Thanks to his expertise, Chí Cùa earns the trust of Ba Dẫu and learns all about his operations.

DETAILS:

Director: Nguyễn Duy Võ Ngọc

Duration: 33 episodes