Top 5 must-see Vietnamese films in cinemas for the last two months of 2017

• Cast: Nhã Phương, Việt Hương, Ngô Kiến Huy, Trấn Thành, Huỳnh Lập
• Director: Võ Thanh Hòa
• Release Date: 12/2017
• Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Comedy

In addition to Lôi Báo, fans will also get to see the talented actress Nhã Phương in a leading role in Body Swap. In this film, Nhã Phương plays Tiên Tiên, a singer who, in despair, attempts to end her life by drowning. However, she is rescued by martial artist Mai Hồng Ngọc (played by Việt Hương). Shortly after, a sudden storm and tornado sweep both women into the sea. Believing they are going to die, they survive and wash ashore, only to find themselves in each other's bodies. While the concept of body-swapping isn't new to world cinema, it is a fresh approach for Vietnamese audiences. Previous attempts in this genre haven't lived up to expectations, but fans are hopeful for a breakthrough with Nhã Phương and Việt Hương. The film doesn't have an official release date yet but is expected to hit theaters in December.

• Cast: Lương Mạnh Hải, Duy Anh, and others
• Director: Vũ Ngọc Đãng
• Release Date: 28/12/2017
• Genre: Romance, Family

This heartwarming family drama is the only gentle love story among the Vietnamese blockbusters this year. Though only a few initial images have been released, When the Child is Home promises to evoke pure and simple emotions, celebrating the sacred bond between father and child, and the beauty of family love. The film follows a father and son, portrayed by Lương Mạnh Hải and young Duy Anh, on their quest for happiness. Despite the presence of many child actors and a young boy as the lead, director Vũ Ngọc Đãng assures that this is not a children's movie. When the Child is Home aims to close out a turbulent year in Vietnamese cinema with a heartfelt and emotional conclusion. It's the perfect film to enjoy with family during the year-end holiday season.

• Cast: Ngô Thanh Vân, Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc, Diễm My, Hồng Vân, Diễm My 9X, Oanh Kiều, S.T, and more
• Directors: Trần Bửu Lộc and Kay Nguyễn
• Producers: Ngô Thanh Vân, Thủy Nguyễn
• Release Date: 10/11/2017
• Duration: 100 minutes
• Genre: Drama, Romance, Family

Set in 1960s Saigon, The Tailor of Saigon is the only Vietnamese film to be released this November, competing against 16 films from various countries in Vietnamese cinemas. The story follows the lives of women working at Thanh Nữ, a traditional tailoring house. Ngô Thanh Vân plays Thanh Mai, the ninth-generation heir to the tailor shop, while Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc portrays Như Ý, her daughter, who is drawn to Western-style fashion and turns her back on the traditional áo dài and her family’s legacy. Before its release in Vietnam, The Tailor of Saigon made a splash internationally, winning Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc the Asia Star Award at the 2017 Asia Star Awards in Busan, South Korea. The film is currently competing at the 20th Vietnamese Film Festival and will officially premiere on November 10th. Don't miss how the traditional Vietnamese áo dài will come to life on the big screen.

• Cast: Thanh Hằng, Diễm My, Midu, Lan Khuê, Lâm Vĩnh Hải, and more
• Director: Lý Minh Thắng
• Release Date: 1/12/2017
• Genre: Drama, Romance

The complicated relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law has been explored thoroughly in recent films, with Living with My Mother-in-Law being one of the most successful examples. Lý Minh Thắng’s film, The Mother-in-Law, will certainly face challenges in offering something new on the same theme. Set in a fictional town called Đại Điền in the Mekong Delta during the early 20th century, the story follows Ba Trân (Thanh Hằng), a daughter-in-law who endures oppressive treatment from her in-laws to the point where she becomes vengeful and eventually murders her mother-in-law. What follows is a tragic cycle where Ba Trân, despite the hardships she faced, becomes the next in line to cause misery within the family. Despite dealing with a well-trodden subject, The Mother-in-Law is praised for its compelling script and the portrayal of traditional costumes, especially the áo bà ba, which not only serves as wardrobe but also symbolizes the characters’ inner struggles.

• Cast: Cường Seven, Nhã Phương, Hoàng Sơn, NSƯT Chánh Tín, bé A Pù, Vũ Ngọc Anh, and others
• Director: Victor Vũ
• Producer: Chánh Phương
• Release Date: 22/12/2017
• Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Drama, Romance

From its first teaser, The Storm grabbed attention for its unique theme. It is Vietnam’s second superhero film, following Superman X by director Nguyễn Quang Dũng. This film takes on the subject of head transplantation, coinciding with the world’s first-ever head transplant surgery. The story revolves around Tâm (Cường Seven), a talented artist who is happily married but is diagnosed with terminal cancer. With little time left, his wife (played by Nhã Phương) agrees to a groundbreaking surgery that allows Tâm to live again with a new body. After the procedure, Tâm takes on the new name of Lôi Báo and discovers he has developed superhuman abilities, gaining the admiration of those around him. However, Tâm begins to experience strange memories and sees another person in the mirror. As family tensions rise and evil forces threaten his happiness, Tâm must decide how to protect what he holds dear. Don’t miss the release of The Storm on December 22nd!