Buzz
In recent years, Vietnamese television has become synonymous with hot hits, consistently delivering impactful content that addresses pressing social issues. The industry has seen a surge in popularity on social media platforms, thanks to a string of productions with thought-provoking narratives touching on societal challenges.
1. The Adjudicator (2017)
The Adjudicator is a game-changer, completely reshaping preconceptions about crime and detective genres. It plunges into the intricacies of the underworld, unraveling criminal conspiracies and showcasing the relentless investigative journey of the police force. Packed with dramatic plot twists, it keeps viewers eagerly anticipating each new episode.
2. Living with Mother-in-law (2017)
The series delves into the relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, an age-old connection that touches the hearts of those who have, are, and will become mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. The plot revolves around the life of the newlywed couple, Vân and Thanh, and their difficult mother-in-law, Mrs. Phương. During the early days as a daughter-in-law, numerous tricky situations arise, where the mother is right, and the wife is also right, putting Thanh in a difficult position. Due to personal vulnerability and following her mother's advice, Thanh destroys her own happiness, leading to the divorce of the newlywed couple. Following her mother's advice, she gets married a second time, only to bring bitterness to the whole family.
3. Coming Home, My Child (2019)
Coming Home, My Child, a television series, explores the theme of family, capturing the audience of all ages, including the most demanding viewers. Through very lifelike and genuine scenes in the lives of Father Sơn and his three daughters, each with completely different personalities, the series brings every emotional experience to the audience. The show is a synthesis of every situation that arises in daily life, from family conflicts to marital discord, conflicts with in-laws, or extramarital affairs, and the temptations from the outside.
4. Quỳnh, The Doll (2018)
Quỳnh, The Doll – a film that shook the small screen in 2018, stands out as an exception that has never before explored the topic of female sex workers. With a script and images that are both provocative, the film was once banned for a while. However, due to its unique value and meaningful impact, Quỳnh, The Doll returns and explodes more than ever. Quỳnh, originally a girl from the countryside, escaped from an evil uncle and was unexpectedly taken in and helped by a woman, only to be sold into the Thiên Thai brothel. Quỳnh's life officially takes a new turn from here.
5. Life and Death (2019)
Life and Death, a film in the main crime genre, depicts the anti-corruption battle of Provincial Party Secretary Văn Thành Nhân and his associates. Through this, the film highlights the desire to clean up the local leadership, uphold the rule of law, and the warmth of human relationships. In addition, the film also contributes significantly to conveying the message of 'you reap what you sow' or how living conditions and education determine the personality and behavior of each individual.
6. Pursuit of Justice (2006-2008)
Before Pursuit of Justice, no film had explored the theme of anti-corruption so excellently. The series is a relentless pursuit involving unyielding factions in society based on real cases, including that of Nguyễn Hồng Sơn and various other prominent cases. Pursuit of Justice successfully exposes the dark sides of society such as corruption, extramarital affairs, embezzlement of funds, and more, with an extremely direct perspective.
7. A Lifetime of Grudges (2017 - 2018)
A Lifetime of Grudges revolves around the complex family story of the Vũ family with intricate relationships. Holding control over a powerful conglomerate is Mr. Quang, a successful and upright father. However, behind this seemingly perfect father is a morally corrupt figure with a secret son from a past love, Mrs. Mai. The storm begins when Mr. Quang officially acknowledges Phong – his illegitimate son – as the heir to his fortune. Yet, Mrs. Mai – Mr. Quang's official wife, and their biological son refuse to accept this truth. From here, a war over rights and emotions unfolds.
8. Rice, Glutinous Rice, Plain Rice (2018)
Rice, Glutinous Rice, Plain Rice, a drama film, exposes the dark sides of our everyday lives that we are aware of but hesitant to condemn. The story revolves around Mrs. Mai's family, a housewife, and Mr. Vương, a teacher at a secondary school. The couple has four children, three daughters, and a son. Hương, the eldest daughter, has faced strict treatment from Mrs. Mai since childhood, as she believes Hương's existence has brought many troubles to her.
9. Love Beyond the Sky (2021)
Love Beyond the Sky narrates the lives and dreams of Hải, Thiên, and Nam – three outstanding cadets studying at the Air Force Academy. Here, the young cadets must endure challenging months before becoming combat pilots to defend their beloved homeland. The film provides rare insights into the training process of our excellent fighter pilots and the efforts of a generation with ambitious dreams. It is also Vietnam's first television series to explore this theme.
10. Sunflowers Against the Sun (2020-2021)
Sunflowers Against the Sun revolves around the family war, shared and individual children, and the vendettas between generations in the Cao Dược family – the largest pharmaceutical conglomerate. At first glance, everyone might think that the marital life of the family heads, Mr. Đạt and Mrs. Cúc, is incredibly happy and fulfilling. However, Mr. Cao announces having a separate child with another woman, sparking family disputes over wealth and love, reaching a climax.
11. Rose on the Left Chest (2019)
Rose on the Left Chest – a television masterpiece exploring family themes. The series delves into family marital life, intertwined with societal issues that many people are concerned about, such as extramarital affairs, third-party involvements, and more. With realistic performances and gripping, emotionally charged situations, Rose on the Left Chest has brought tears to many viewers.
12. Crocodile File (2020)
Crocodile File, a crime drama, focuses on the lives and darker aspects of the upper-middle-class intellectuals. They earn a living but are consumed by money, resorting to various tactics. The pressures of life make their psychology complex, and family relationships crack. Instead of sitting down to listen and solve together, they choose to let ambition take over, leading to frustration. Amid the paths of fame, wealth, and family happiness, is there a way for both or not? Watch and find a satisfying answer for yourself.
13. Unforgettable Days (2020)
Unforgettable Days tells the story of Mr. Sơn's family and the villagers witnessing the changes caused by a pandemic. The series reflects the authentic lives of people living with the pandemic, rushing to buy and stockpile food, spreading fake news, price gouging, and, in turn, highlighting community awareness. This is a highly recommended series, especially in these times when the pandemic is still rampant.
14. Back Amidst Love (2021)
Back Amidst Love revolves around the family life of Mr. Phương and his two children. Mr. Phương used to be a director for a production company but returned to his family after losing his job. His eldest daughter, Thu, is a gentle and patient woman with an unhappy marriage. His second son, Toàn, is the cause of much concern. Despite having a family, Toàn is a well-groomed man with no clear career path. How will Mr. Phương's family overcome these challenges? Watch and feel the story unfold.
15. Flavor of Kinship (2021)
Flavor of Kinship, a series exploring the theme of family bonds, is a remake of the South Korean TV series 'My Only One.' The story revolves around Phương Nam, a strong-willed girl facing many obstacles in her journey to find her family ties. Expecting peaceful days with her parents and younger sister, Nam's world is shattered when her father, Tuấn, is diagnosed with cancer. At the same time, she discovers the truth that she is an adopted child. How will Nam confront these difficulties, and what will she have to sacrifice to experience a bit of the flavor of family bonds?
16. Apple Tree in Bloom (2021)
Continuing to explore the theme of family tragedy, but instead of focusing on the relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, or the differences between two generations, Apple Tree in Bloom takes a unique approach by delving into the relationships between husbands and wives, and siblings. Ngọc, the eldest brother in a family of 4 siblings, had to take on the responsibilities early in life, taking care and providing for his younger siblings. However, his siblings, known for their carefree and lazy attitude, engage in wasteful spending, pushing Hạnh (Ngọc's wife) to her limits. This leads to intense conflicts between husband and wife, and among siblings in their daily lives.
17. Youthful Days (2014-2015)
Youthful Days, the first television collaboration between Vietnam and South Korea, features a cast of famous actors from both countries. The series revolves around the love story of the couple Linh – a dreamy Vietnamese student, and Junsu – a talented Korean singer currently interning at a famous company. It highlights the dreams, aspirations, friendships, and human relationships of young Vietnamese people living and studying in South Korea.
18. Labyrinth (2019)
Labyrinth, part of the crime thriller series, revolves around a controversial serial murder case, the crackdown on underworld bosses, and the highly dangerous drug lords. Following Labyrinth, the audience witnesses thrilling pursuits, seemingly inescapable moments of danger, and romantic interludes amidst the hardships faced by the police force. Watch and experience the difficulties, challenges, and dangers encountered by law enforcement against increasingly cunning and sophisticated criminals.
19. Ripples at the Riverbed (2000)
Ripples at the Riverbed, a popular film of its time, brought Xuân Bắc and many actors closer to the audience. Adapted from the novel of the same name by writer Lê Lựu, the movie tells the poignant story of a local boy named Núi. Núi, initially an honest youth, is pushed into a wayward path by circumstances. However, through his past love, he finds redemption and returns to the right path.
20. Beyond the Horizon (2001)
Beyond the Horizon revolves around the lives of college students in a small boarding house in the 90s. In this small boarding house, some are struggling with their studies, some drowning in debts and scarcity, and others pondering their post-graduation careers. The seemingly tiny boarding house is like a microcosm of society, with diverse individuals, professions, enriching life, and shaping the people within. Highlighted are the friendships, career concerns, and futures of the trio of roommates - Thương, Nhung, and Nguyệt.
Here is the list of the Top 20 best Vietnamese films from past to present, spanning various genres, warmly embraced by audiences. After exploring this film selection, we hope you find some great movies to enjoy on weekends with family and friends.
