Top 5 Most Popular Chinese Films of 2016

'Mystic Nine' is adapted from the novel 'The Mystic Nine' by Saike Dandan, starring the newcomers Hoàng Cảnh Du and Hứa Ngụy Trâu. The film explores sensitive societal issues, depicting the relationship between two high school students, Cố Hải and Bạch Lạc Nhân, as they navigate through challenges to embrace their love amidst family and societal pressures. Its unexpected fame and banning due to its sensitive content took both the filmmakers and audience by surprise. Despite its initial perception as a typical romantic film, it left a lasting impression on viewers with its fresh narrative and compelling storyline. Although banned, 'Mystic Nine' remains a captivating and unforgettable cinematic experience.

'Our Best Moment' is a high school romance film adapted from the novel of the same name by Bat Nguyet Truong An. It depicts the innocent love between high school students at an ordinary school. Upon entering high school, Canh Canh meets Du Hoai and becomes his desk mate at Chan Hoa School. Canh Canh's innocent affection for Du Hoai lasts from their youth until they mature. If 'Serene Chant' appeals to slightly older viewers, 'Our Best Moment' receives attention and love from the younger generation, capturing the purity of first love. The film strikes a chord with many, portraying unrequited love, a sentiment familiar to all, filled with both joy and loneliness. 'Our Best Moment' caused a sensation during the summer of 2016, starring the young actors Liu Haonien and Dam Tung Van, becoming one of China's most successful high school films of 2016.

Featuring familiar faces in the Chinese film industry such as Liu Dao, Tuong Han, Wang Ziwen, Duong Tu, along with charming male actors like Wang Kai and Can Dong, 'Joyful Harmony' can be considered a victory even before its release, without even considering its excellent content and script. 'Joyful Harmony' portrays the lives of five girls living on the 19th floor of an apartment building with the same name. Each of these girls has their own unique personality, carrying their own stories and facing the pressures and challenges of modern society. Through mutual understanding and support, their bonds grow stronger as they navigate through the complexities of love and life. The genuine moments and the close sisterhood among the five girls have become the main attraction for the audience. In a sea of typical romance films, 'Joyful Harmony' stands out as a unique melody that audiences thoroughly enjoy.

In 2016, one cannot overlook the outstanding television series starring Duong Mich and Hoang Hien – 'The Interpreter.' Adapted from the famous novel by Kỷ Viện Viện (Mậu Quyên), this series is one of the few that sheds light on the profession of interpretation. While it's an adaptation, the storyline retains the essence of interpretation, although character dynamics have been altered, intriguing readers of the novel with unexpected twists. Nevertheless, the series continues to captivate audiences with its dialogue, deemed exceptionally engaging. Previously, we predominantly encountered films revolving around professions such as doctors, police officers, businessmen, entertainers, designers... Perhaps this is why a series focusing on interpretation stands out even more in today's society. Here, viewers encounter numerous witty French dialogues, wordplay, pronunciation secrets, and 'behind-the-scenes' insights into the world of interpretation – knowledge inaccessible to outsiders. Additionally, 'The Interpreter' features the acting prowess of Dương Mịch, a beloved actress of today. In this series, her performance surpasses previous works, earning her accolades for notable improvement. Coupled with the charming and genuinely talented actor Hoàng Hiên, the series becomes more enticing than ever. The impressive 2% rating attests to the resounding success of the series, deserving of a spot on the list of top-rated films in 2016.

When it comes to the most famous Chinese film in Vietnam in 2016, it's likely 'Love at First Sight.' The novel of the same name by Cố Mạn had already stirred up the online romance community, and just the announcement of the film project was enough to excite fans. The film follows the love story from online gaming to real life of Bối Vi Vi and Tiêu Nại, both outstanding students in the Technology department at Trung Khanh University. Their romance is incredibly sweet, romantic, gentle, and almost obstacle-free. While lacking in thrilling or challenging situations, the bright and cheerful scenes along with the cast's performance make viewers feel extremely comfortable. The film stars two of China's hottest small screen actors today, Dương Dương (as Tiêu Nại) and Trịnh Sảng (as Bối Vi Vi). After its release, they garnered a massive fan following in Vietnam, further solidifying their position in the hearts of fans.