Top 6 Best Hoài Linh Movies in Theaters in 2017

After the successful collaboration in the film “The Unwanted Son” which was a hit during last year's Tết season, this year, the father-son duo Hoài Linh and Hoài Lâm continue their winning streak with the Tết film “My Dad is a Master” directed by Trần Ngọc Giàu, who also directed other popular Tết films such as “The House of Five Fairies” and “Next Year, I'll Return.” With a star-studded cast and a loyal fanbase, “My Dad is a Master” has already garnered significant attention even before its release. The film’s plot centers around the Nho family (Hoài Linh as Mr. Nho and Việt Hương as Mrs. Nhã), who run a traditional Eastern medicine practice in a peaceful rural area, living harmoniously with their four children. One day, a landowner (Tấn Beo) comes to buy their land. After receiving money, Mrs. Nhã suggests the children move to Saigon for a better life, but Mr. Nho refuses. Believing Mr. Nho is still attached to an old love (Cát Tường), Mrs. Nhã angrily takes three children to Saigon, leaving Mr. Nho and their youngest son (Hoài Lâm) to continue their business. Soon, the family encounters their former rivals in Saigon... However, due to the limited production time and budget, the movie's script is a bit disjointed and lacks logical flow. Nevertheless, the movie’s charm lies in its simple, heartfelt story and the comedic interplay between famous stars like Hoài Linh, Việt Hương, and Ngô Kiến Huy. The film resonates with the tastes of modern Vietnamese Tết films, making it a popular choice for audiences.

After receiving significant criticism for his debut horror film “Losing Identity,” director Đỗ Thành An sought redemption with his second work, “Blood Mask”, which he aimed to present as a way to win back the audience’s favor. In this film, Hoài Linh’s portrayal of a villainous character became the standout performance, drawing significant attention to the film. “Blood Mask” is inspired by the autobiography “Mask - Hanging the Mirror in the Bedroom” by overseas Vietnamese singer Tina Tình. The story revolves around Khiết Đan (played by Dương Cẩm Lynh), a mistress to a wealthy man named Nguyễn from Đà Lạt, and their son. One day, Khiết Đan receives news from Thu (Tina Tình), the legal wife, that Nguyễn has passed away suddenly. Khiết Đan rushes to Đà Lạt to pay her respects. While staying in Nguyễn’s mansion awaiting dawn, Khiết Đan and her group encounter a series of strange events. Ultimately, the truth unfolds as the character Vọng – Thiêng (played by Hoài Linh) orchestrates a vengeful plot to lure Khiết Đan to the mansion. The scenes that were presented as romantic moments between Hoài Linh’s character and Tina Tình’s character are, in fact, non-existent. Tina Tình’s character is simply portrayed as a wife torn by her husband’s infidelity, seeking revenge and eventually leading herself into tragedy.

This film is praised for its touching and emotional storyline, featuring an outstanding ensemble cast including Hoài Linh, Thu Trang, NSƯT Kim Xuân, Trấn Thành, and more. It steers clear of the usual clichés found in slapstick comedies, avoids the intense crime dramas, and doesn't rely on disturbing horror scenes. “Sunshine” paints a simple, yet profound portrait of a mother-daughter bond, focusing on the unconditional love between the mentally challenged mother, Mưa (Thu Trang), and her daughter, Nắng (Kim Thư). The film seamlessly blends deep, emotional moments with lighthearted humor from Trấn Thành’s character. Notably, Hoài Linh's portrayal of ông Ba is subtle and heartwarming, leaving a lasting impression despite his limited screen time.

The Fairy with Five Houses is a hilarious and heartwarming story, packed with laughs but also delivering meaningful messages for the Lunar New Year of 2017. Renowned comedian Hoài Linh plays four different fathers with contrasting personalities, all attempting to deceive wealthy and cunning tycoons in the film The Fairy with Five Houses. This film marks the latest collaboration between director NSND Trần Ngọc Giàu and Hoài Linh, following several box office successes. The plot follows a poor village girl named Giáng Tiên (Khả Ngân), who sets her sights on winning the affection of four wealthy tycoons (played by Chí Tài, Huy Khánh, Hiều Hiền, and Tấn Beo) along with their power and influence. With the help of the experienced “madam” Diễm Bà Bà (played by Phi Nhung) and “superstar” extra Lý Bình (played by Hoài Linh), she works to carry out her plan. However, things take a turn when the four tycoons, not only rich and fond of women, turn out to be devious and tricky, forcing Giáng Tiên into a battle of wits. It is at this point that the mysterious fifth tycoon (played by Minh Luân) appears, bringing unexpected twists to the entire situation. The film “The Fairy with Five Houses” is expected to premiere on January 27, 2017.

Hoài Linh and Trường Giang team up once again in the latest comedy film “Old Man, Beautiful Lady, and the Gangster”, promising endless laughs. The story is set during Christmas, weaving between past and present timelines. Mr. Tỏi, an elderly man with nothing but money and loneliness, has spent his life dwelling on memories of a lost wife. One day, he decides to embark on a journey, only to find himself caught up in a whirlwind of unexpected, thrilling, and humorous events. Where is he going? Who will he meet? What will happen next? A standout feature of the film is its supporting characters. Thương Tín plays the ruthless yet comically amusing villain, Mr. Chanh, bringing his sharp gaze and skillful, restrained acting to the role. Meanwhile, the duo of Ngô and Nghê, played by Kiều Minh Tuấn and Đức Thịnh, add charm and warmth, bringing a refreshing dose of humor without being over the top.

Ma Dai, directed by Hoàng Duy and Đức Thịnh, follows a romantic comedy with a touch of fantasy. The film is light, easy to watch, and full of entertainment. With a runtime of about 100 minutes, the story revolves around two characters, Thố (played by Đức Thịnh) and Lam (played by Ngân Khánh). These two come from completely different backgrounds, and fate brings them together, leading to a series of humorous and touching situations. Thố is a quirky character with an unusual appearance and playful, mischievous personality. Đức Thịnh sheds his usual serious, director role to embrace the comedic side of his acting, using his knack for humor to steal the show. Thố’s funny antics, like his obsession with nose-picking and his relentless pursuit of the girl he loves, bring plenty of laughs. Despite the comedic nature of the role, the film gives Thố some heartfelt moments, showing his longing for love. Alongside Thố, Ngân Khánh plays Lam, a proud young woman constantly haunted by a ghost. Lam, a rich and beautiful girl, is a character Ngân Khánh is familiar with, and her youthful energy and charm bring the role to life effortlessly. Her vibrant presence and youthful beauty are a perfect fit for the part.