Top 5 Must-Watch Movies in Theaters This Christmas 2019

When announced, The Eyes of the Sea quickly captured the attention of audiences, who eagerly anticipated the emotional depth it promised. Adapted from the beloved novel by Nguyễn Nhật Ánh, this film was brought to life by the talented director Victor Vũ, known for his successful adaptation of another Nguyễn Nhật Ánh novel, I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass. After just a few days of releasing its trailer, The Eyes of the Sea generated excitement with its 60s-70s era setting, authentic costumes, simple dialogue, and clear storyline, showcasing the immense anticipation from the audience.

The Eyes of the Sea tells the story of Ngạn (Trần Nghĩa), who harbors an unrequited love for Hà Lan (Trúc Anh), a girl with beautiful eyes filled with sorrow. When both leave their rural village for the city to study, Hà Lan falls for Dũng, a wealthy, carefree playboy. Soon, Hà Lan finds herself pregnant but is abandoned by Dũng. She sends the baby, Trà Long, to live with her grandmother.

Ngạn, devoted to Hà Lan, takes care of Trà Long as if she were his own. As Trà Long grows up to become a schoolteacher, she develops a deep affection for Ngạn. While many believe that Trà Long will be the continuation of Hà Lan's life with Ngạn, he realizes that Trà Long is merely a reflection of Hà Lan, and he decides to leave.

Victor Vũ’s adaptation of The Eyes of the Sea takes place in the 70s, aligning perfectly with the novel's setting. The film's casting process was extensive, with over 1,400 applicants considered for the lead roles of Ngạn and Hà Lan. Director Vũ promises an emotional, heartfelt experience for viewers, similar to the success of I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass. Fans are eagerly awaiting this finely crafted film, which is expected to be a major hit at Vietnamese theaters during the holiday season.

Release Details:
International Title: The Eyes of the Sea
Genre: Romantic Drama, Human Interest
Director: Victor Vũ
Stars: Nguyễn Trúc Anh, Trần Nghĩa
Release Date: December 20, 2019

Another Vietnamese film making it to the Top 10 list of the hottest December 2019 movie releases is Sisters in Love. Promoted as one of the most highly anticipated Vietnamese entertainment films of the year, it stars well-known celebrities from Vietnam's showbiz scene, such as Thanh Hằng and Chi Pu. The film revolves around the intense rivalry between two women, tapping into the popular genre of dramatic, life-struggle stories that resonate with young audiences.

Sisters in Love is a psychological thriller exploring a complex web of love, hate, and betrayal. The story follows two beautiful women, Thiên Kim and Bảo Nhi, who find themselves in a fierce competition, where only one can emerge victorious. As their personal lives are thrown into turmoil, the question remains: who will fight tooth and nail for what they desire, and who will settle for peace? Just when everything seems resolved, an unexpected twist occurs... revealing that "everything was just a lie, my dear..."

Release Details:
International Title: Sisters in Love
Genre: Psychological, Drama
Director: Kathy Uyên
Stars: Thanh Hằng, Chi Pu, Lãnh Thanh
Release Date: December 20, 2019

In her return to the screen with “Oppa, You're Too Much,” a romantic comedy with humorous elements, Hari Won plays Ca Dao, a clumsy, unlucky office worker who is disheartened by her life. She harbors a strong desire to become a singer, a dream she is determined to pursue. One day, Ca Dao gets fired, but her boss offers her a chance to redeem herself by getting a famous K-pop star, Chan Young (Park Jung-min), to collaborate with her company while he's touring in Vietnam. Fate takes a twist as Ca Dao finds herself in a quirky encounter with Chan Young, realizing that he’s the one responsible for her firing. Soon, they experience a life-changing turn of events, as they wake up one day to find they have swapped bodies. Their journey to rediscover their true desires begins from there.

The film also features veteran actors such as NSND Hồng Vân, Hoàng Sơn, and NSND Ngọc Giàu, and showcases a collaboration between Vietnamese and Korean production teams, making it one of the most anticipated films of the year.

Release Details:
Director: Hwang Kyung Sung
Stars: Park Jung Min, Hari Won, Nam Thư, Anh Đức, Lãnh Thanh
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Release Date: December 6, 2019

Last Christmas is a romantic drama about the love story between Kate (Emilia Clarke) and Tom (Henry Golding). Kate is on the brink of death when she’s suddenly revived. After the ordeal, Kate undergoes a drastic transformation, but in a negative direction. She becomes disillusioned, lives recklessly, and isolates herself from others. Her once-passionate love for singing becomes a dull, unfulfilling pursuit. She wanders around London, encountering bizarre misfortunes, which disappoints both her mother and her boss. Kate feels hopeless until one day, she meets Tom, a perfect man who completely changes her life. They keep running into each other in amusing and unexpected situations. As they get closer, both begin to sense that something is off. The Christmas season brings them closer, and they share magical walks through the sparkling streets of London. However, Kate begins to question her own romantic feelings.

Last Christmas

Release Details:
International Title: Last Christmas
Genre: Comedy, Romantic Drama
Director: Paul Feig
Stars: Emilia Clarke, Madison Ingoldsby, Emma Thompson
Release Date: December 6, 2019

Little Women is a heartwarming romantic drama centered around the theme of family love, making it a perfect movie to watch during the Christmas season. The film is based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, telling the story of four sisters: the beautiful Meg, the awkward Jo with dreams of becoming a writer, the musically talented Beth, and the youngest, blonde Amy. The film follows their lives from childhood to adulthood, as they navigate the challenges and growth that come with age.

Once carefree and innocent, the March sisters’ lives change dramatically when their father goes off to war and their mother works tirelessly to support the family. Despite the hardships, the sisters go their separate ways, only to realize that the family bond remains the most beautiful and peaceful part of their lives. The film beautifully explores how family love, though simple and unpretentious, brings warmth and comfort through the small, pure moments of care and support as they mature and learn to care for one another.

Release Details:

Director: Greta Gerwig

Country: USA

Release Date: December 24, 2019

Genre: Romantic Drama, Family Drama