Top 10 Must-See Vietnamese Historical Films

Inspired by the martial arts novel *Bức huyết thư* by author Bùi Anh Tấn and set in the Late Le Dynasty, *The Fate of the Hero* follows the tragic Lệ Chi Viên massacre that led to Nguyễn Trãi's entire family being executed. In the film, Nguyên Vũ is the only surviving descendant of Nguyễn Trãi, who narrowly escaped the massacre. After being rescued by a servant and taken to the Kỳ Lân Temple, Nguyên Vũ is trained in martial arts. As an adult, he embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries behind the massacre that led to his family’s demise.

*The Fate of the Hero* is not just a historical film, but blends elements of martial arts, action, romance, humor, and mysticism. While previous historical films were often compared to Chinese cinema, this one presents audiences with stunning, purely Vietnamese visuals that showcase the nation’s cultural identity. Directed by Victor Vũ, with a young cast including Huỳnh Đông, Khương Ngọc, Vân Trang, Kim Hiền, and Midu, the film won 5 Golden Kite Awards in 2012 for Best Film, Director, Leading Actor, Sound, and Cinematography. Released during Tết in 2012, alongside blockbusters like *Sherlock Holmes 2* and *Harry Potter 2*, the film earned 16.4 billion VND at the box office. Despite this, *The Fate of the Hero* is considered a true representation of Vietnamese cinema.

DETAILS:

Director: Victor Vũ

Cast: Huỳnh Đông, Midu, Vân Trang, Khương Ngọc, Kim Hiền, Minh Thuận, Lê Văn Anh, Mai Thế Hiệp

Set in the late 10th century in the Đại Cồ Việt kingdom, *The Aspiration of Thăng Long* tells the story of Lý Công Uẩn and Lê Long Đĩnh, from their childhood to Lý Công Uẩn’s ascension to the throne and his famous decree to move the capital. The film portrays Lý Công Uẩn’s time in Hoa Lư supporting Lê Hoàn, later becoming the commander of the imperial guards and a close friend of Lê Long Đĩnh. The film also depicts a love triangle between Lý Công Uẩn, Lê Long Đĩnh, and the courtesan Dạ Hương. *The Aspiration of Thăng Long* won three major awards at the 2010 Golden Kite Awards, including Best Film, Best Director (Lưu Trọng Ninh), and Best Leading Actor (Vũ Đình Toàn).

The film doesn’t dwell too much on the historical event of relocating the capital but focuses on Lý Công Uẩn’s life before he became king. The filmmakers aimed to portray his compassion, selflessness, and devotion to the people, as well as his journey from being abandoned as a child at a temple. If you’re looking for a movie rich in national history, don’t miss *The Aspiration of Thăng Long*.

DETAILS:

Director: Lưu Trọng Ninh

Cast: Quách Ngọc Ngoan, Đình Toàn, Nguyễn Thu Trang, Ngô Mỹ Uyên

Long Thành Cầm Giả Ca is one of the notable films made to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Thăng Long - Hanoi. The film is inspired by the poem *Long Thành Cầm Giả Ca* by the great poet Nguyễn Du. The script by Văn Lê won first place in a competition celebrating the millennium of Thăng Long.

The movie is set during the conflict between the Tây Sơn insurgents and the Qing forces. The beautiful singer Cầm appears during a period of turmoil, where she meets Tố Như, and they fall in love. Their love story is filled with both beauty and tragic storms.

DETAILS:

Director: Đào Bá Sơn

Cast: Quách Ngọc Ngoan, Nhật Kim Anh, Trần Lực, Bùi Bài Bình, Đỗ Kỷ

Lục Vân Tiên is a television series produced by the Ho Chi Minh City Television Film Studio and aired on HTV7. Directed by Đỗ Phú Hải, Lê Bảo Trung, and Nguyễn Phương Điền, the film is based on the famous narrative poem by Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, first broadcast in 2004.

The story follows the journey of Lục Vân Tiên, a talented young man promised to marry Kiều Nguyệt Nga, the daughter of Võ Thể Loan. On his way to the capital for the royal exam, he receives the tragic news of his mother's death, which leads to him losing his sight from crying. His life becomes a struggle as he faces betrayal, the breaking of his engagement, and numerous obstacles. Despite these hardships, Vân Tiên uses his strength and wit to overcome all challenges and reunite with Kiều Nguyệt Nga.

DETAILS:

Directors: Đỗ Phú Hải, Lê Bảo Trung, Nguyễn Phương Điền

Cast: Hồng Ánh, Chi Bảo, Trương Ngọc Ánh, Cao Minh Đạt, Mỹ Uyên, Nguyên Vũ, Quyền Linh, Phước Sang

Mê Thảo, The Golden Era (2002), directed by Việt Linh, is based on Nguyễn Tuân's 1946 short story, *Chùa Đàn*, with several modifications to the original narrative. Set in rural Vietnam during the French colonial period in the 1920s, the story takes place in Mê Thảo, a remote village in the Northern Highlands known for silk farming. The plot revolves around Nguyễn, the head of the village, who is preparing to marry his beloved, only for her to tragically die in a car accident. Overcome by grief, Nguyễn becomes consumed by hatred for the modern world, sinking into delusion and alcohol, while idolizing his deceased lover. Tam, the farm manager who owes Nguyễn his life after a manslaughter charge was overlooked, seeks to help Nguyễn find purpose again through music and a spiritual connection with Tơ, a woman whose voice has the power to heal. However, Tơ's voice can only be heard when she plays a cursed instrument, a violin once owned by her deceased husband, with the curse stating that anyone who plays it will die. Tam bravely accepts the risk to save Nguyễn, but after playing the violin, his fingers bleed and he collapses, eventually dying. In despair, Nguyễn throws himself into a fire, ending his life, as Cam, the silent servant who secretly loves him, watches helplessly.

The film features performances by Đơn Dương, Dũng Nhi, and Minh Trang. *Mê Thảo, The Golden Era* was well-received by audiences and earned several awards, including a Special Encouragement Award at the 2002 Cánh Diều Vàng Festival, and the Best Art Design Award at the 14th Vietnam Film Festival.

DETAILS:

Director: Việt Linh

Cast: Đơn Dương, Dũng Nhi, Minh Trang, Thúy Nga

*The Long Trì Festival* (1989) is a significant work in the history of Vietnamese cinema, representing a successful blend of historical drama and period costume genres during the Doi Moi era. The film gathers some of the most talented actors of the late 20th century and is set against a carefully crafted backdrop, based on a captivating narrative by writer Nguyễn Huy Tưởng about political intrigue in the royal court. The film won accolades for *Best Cinematography* and *Best Set Design* at the 9th Vietnam Film Festival.

Set in the 18th century during the fall of the Trịnh Lords, the film is divided into two major parts: *The Marriage Proposal* and *The Consequences*. The story follows Đặng Thị Huệ, a concubine of Lord Trịnh Sâm, who uses her power to shield her corrupt brother, leading to widespread suffering among the people. Through the film, viewers are exposed to the moral decay and corruption that plagued society at that time.

DETAILS:

Directors: Hải Ninh, Nguyễn Thanh Vân (assistant director), Trần Quốc Huấn (assistant director)

Cast: Lê Vân, Thế Anh, Thu Hà

Adapted by renowned writer Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Phan from the Nôm verse narrative of the same name, which consists of 4,610 verses, *Phạm Công - Cúc Hoa* is set between the mid-18th and early 19th centuries. Directed by Lưu Bạch Đàn, this film features the iconic pairing of Lý Hùng as Phạm Công and Diễm Hương as Cúc Hoa.

The film tells the tragic yet touching story of Phạm Công, a poor young man who works tirelessly to support his parents, and Cúc Hoa, the daughter of a provincial governor who falls in love with him. The narrative unfolds with their enduring hardships, including Cúc Hoa’s death at the age of 30 and the cruelty faced by Phạm Công’s family from his second wife, Tào Thị. Despite the overwhelming challenges, the couple ultimately enjoys a happy ending, reuniting in the afterlife with their children. Although released many years ago, this film still resonates emotionally with audiences. If you enjoy historical dramas with a fairy-tale touch, this is a must-watch.

DETAILS:

Director: Lưu Bạch Đàn

Stars: Lý Hùng, Diễm Hương

Phoenix Court is a historical drama set in ancient Vietnam, directed by Huỳnh Tuấn Anh, and was exclusively released on the POPS app on March 5, 2020. The title, *Phoenix Court*, refers to the iconic "phoenix clasp" worn on royal robes, based on a story surrounding Empress Nhân Tuyên and two concubines, Phạm Thị Hằng and Nguyễn Thị Nhậm, who were once consorts to the prince Trường Khánh. From the very first press conference, the film attracted attention as Vietnam’s first-ever palace intrigue drama, backed by a lavish investment in costumes and production design.

*Phoenix Court* follows the life of Phạm Hiệu Nguyệt, a beloved concubine of Prince Miên Tông. Her deep affection from the prince fuels jealousy and rivalry among the other consorts. After the tragic death of her daughter, Uyên Ý, Hiệu Nguyệt begins to see the ruthless nature of court life. She tries to distance herself from the dark plots and schemes in order to protect her children. Ultimately, she rises to become Empress, holding significant power and influence in the Nguyễn dynasty.

DETAILS:

Director: Huỳnh Tuấn Anh

Cast: Hồng Đào, NSND Hồng Vân, NSƯT Tuyết Thu, NSƯT Ngọc Hiệp, NSƯT Thành Lộc, NSƯT Lê Thiện

Tấm Cám: The Untold Story is a Vietnamese fantasy film released in 2016, directed by Ngô Thanh Vân, marking her directorial debut. The film is a fresh take on the classic folk tale *Tấm Cám*, focusing on the family conflicts, the battle between good and evil, and the enduring hope that good will triumph in the end.

Drawing inspiration from the well-known *Tấm Cám* story, the movie delves into the family feud between the stepmother Cám and her stepdaughter Tấm. This tension expands into an epic struggle between righteousness and malice, symbolizing the Vietnamese longing for justice and virtue.

DETAILS:

Director: Ngô Thanh Vân

Cast: Isaac, Hạ Vi, Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc, Ngô Thanh Vân, NSƯT Hữu Châu, Will, S.T, Jun Phạm, Ngọc Trai

Set in ancient Đại Việt, *The Beauty Trap* is a Vietnamese martial arts historical drama directed and written by Nguyễn Quang Dũng. The film follows the story of a group of female assassins led by Kiều Thị (played by Thanh Hằng), operating from the notorious Đường Sơn Inn. Along with her team—Đào Thị (Ngọc Quyên), Mai Thị (Diễm My 9x), and Liễu Thị (Kim Dung)—they rob corrupt officials and the wealthy to amass enough wealth for a life of luxury.

The film captures the deep bond of sisterhood among the women of Đường Sơn Quán. Though these women are ruthless killers, their hearts are filled with emotion and compassion. They are willing to sacrifice their lives for each other without hesitation. The movie’s ending delivers a powerful message: every woman yearns for love, for the role of a wife, and the fulfillment of being a mother. *The Beauty Trap* made history, earning 12 billion VND within three days of its release, and a total of 52 billion VND in box office revenue. This film became the second highest-grossing film in Vietnamese cinema, only behind *Kungfu Panda 2* (56 billion VND). During the Tết holiday, the film’s highest earnings reached 5.5 billion VND on Valentine's Day, with 50,000 tickets sold.

DETAILS:

Director: Nguyễn Quang Dũng

Cast: Thanh Hằng, Tăng Thanh Hà, Ngọc Quyên, Kim Dung, Diễm My 9x, Phạm Anh Khoa, Lê Thái Hòa