Top 6 Most Anticipated Vietnamese Movies of 2017

"The Arbitrator" is a 46-episode television drama currently airing on VTV3 at 9:30 PM every Wednesday and Thursday. This series is adapted from an Israeli script, modified to align with Vietnamese culture and audience preferences. Right from the trailer release, "The Arbitrator" captivated viewers with its thrilling, suspenseful moments, and the intense conflicts that escalate to their peak. The show also impresses with its philosophical dialogues and the powerful performances of the actors. It provides a multifaceted portrayal of the fight against crime and the power struggles in the underworld, following in the footsteps of the popular "Criminal Police" series that has long resonated with VTV audiences. The central character is Phan Quân, portrayed by Hoàng Dũng, a ruthless crime lord who holds immense power and makes severe decisions, yet lives by a strict code, never allowing emotions to influence his judgments. "The Arbitrator" has been praised for its skillful depiction of the complex world of organized crime, framed around a family drama that keeps viewers on edge until the very end. The series has aired 6 episodes so far, becoming an essential part of many Vietnamese households' prime-time viewing schedule.

• Director: Mai Hiền
• Cast: Hồng Đăng, Việt Anh, Quốc Dân, Quốc Đam, NSƯT Trung Anh
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Psychological
• Premiere: March 23, 2017

"Living with the Mother-in-Law" has become one of the hottest buzzwords in Vietnam recently, airing at 9 PM every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday on VTV1. Directed by People's Artist Vũ Trường Khoa, this series made a strong impact from its first trailer and has quickly turned into a phenomenon in Vietnamese cinema this year. Every line of dialogue, every look, and every expression of the characters has sparked intense discussions online. The show revolves around the psychological battle between a domineering mother-in-law, Mrs. Phương, and her modern, headstrong daughter-in-law, Minh Vân. Although the topic isn’t new, the 32 episodes delve deeply into the complex conflicts between these two women, leaving the audience torn between who is right and who is wrong.

• Director: Vũ Trường Khoa
• Cast: People's Artist Lan Hương, People's Artist Công Lý, Anh Dũng, Bảo Thanh, Thu Quỳnh, Danh Tùng
• Genre: Family Drama, Psychological TV Series
• Premiere: March 5, 2017

Following the massive success of "I Am the Grandmother of His", the talented director Phan Gia Nhật Linh collaborates again with the beautiful actress-singer Miu Lê for his second film adaptation of Nguyễn Nhật Ánh's novel, titled "The Girl from Yesterday". The film is carefully crafted in every aspect, from visuals and casting to settings and soundtrack, and is expected to make a huge impact at the box office this summer. Miu Lê stars as Việt An, a 17-year-old schoolgirl dressed in a pristine white áo dài. This time, the audience will reconnect with the charming duo of Miu Lê and Ngô Kiến Huy, evoking the pure emotions of schoolyard love. Việt An, a new student at school, quickly catches the eye of many boys, including Thơ Thẩn (Ngô Kiến Huy), with her gentle beauty, long black hair, and radiant smile. Thơ Thẩn decides to do whatever it takes to win her heart, with help from his best friend, the scheming Hải Gầy (Jun Phạm).

• Director: Phan Gia Nhật Linh (Phan Xine)
• Cast: Miu Lê, Ngô Kiến Huy, Jun Phạm, Hoàng Yến Chibi, Lê Hạ Anh, Hà Mi, Minh Khang, Bảo An, Ngọc Linh, Thủy Tiên, ...
• Genre: Romantic Drama, Teen Film
• Release Date: July 21, 2017

"Father and Son" is one of the most carefully invested and meticulously made films of the year, in both content and presentation. Currently showing in theaters nationwide, the film has already won several prestigious awards. Even before its release, the film's team had won major international accolades, including Best Feature Film at the Canadian Diversity Film Festival in November 2016, and Best Cinematography at the Barcelona Planet Film Festival. Recently, director Lương Đình Dũng also received the Golden Kite Award for this film. "Father and Son" is Lương Đình Dũng's directorial debut, a project he had been nurturing for many years. The story is inspired by a traumatic event he witnessed at the age of six, in which a son harmed his father—an experience that haunted him throughout his childhood. The film was shot in Hà Giang, showcasing its majestic and scenic landscapes. The story of "Father and Son" delves into the noble, sacred bond of fatherhood, which is increasingly forgotten in today's fast-paced, temptation-filled society.

• Director: Lương Đình Dũng
• Cast: Ngô Thế Quân, Hà Văn Hiếu
• Genre: Family Drama, Feature Film
• Release Date: April 5, 2017

Alongside "Father and Son", "Lô Tô" is currently showing in theaters across the country and has received significant support. The film has been highly praised by critics for its meaningful narrative, artistic qualities, and a perfect blend of humor. Based on the documentary "Phụng’s Last Journey", it tells the story of the lives of marginalized people—those who wander, lost in the world. This is the directorial debut of Huỳnh Tuấn Anh, who has brought a refreshing breeze to Vietnamese cinema. The film follows Lệ Liễu Liễu (played by Hữu Châu), the lead performer of the Phù Hoa lô tô troupe, and her companions. Each member of the troupe has their own unique story, hailing from different backgrounds, yet they share an unshakable passion for the stage. Lệ Liễu Liễu was once a man named Đực, who, from a young age, recognized his true self. He had a family and a daughter but chose to leave them behind to follow his passion for performance, joining the Phù Hoa troupe. Here, stories of dreams, joy, pain, and tragic events unfold.

• Director: Huỳnh Tuấn Anh
• Cast: Hữu Châu, Huỳnh Lập, Hải Triều, Phương Thanh, Nam Em, ...
• Genre: Feature Film, Romance, Comedy
• Release Date: March 31, 2017

Along with "Lô Tô" and "Father and Son", "Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang" is one of the standout films released to audiences in late March and early April this year. All three films have been highly praised and are expected to mark a new chapter in Vietnamese cinema, showcasing meticulous production, strong humanistic themes, and high artistic value. The trailer for "Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang" left many viewers emotional, with its powerful message. Adapted from the stage play of the same name, the film tells the story of Mr. Tư (played by Hoài Linh) and Mr. Năm (played by Chí Tài), two childhood friends who grew up together, studied together, and even loved the same woman. Now, they are neighbors in the cold, distant land of the United States. Their unexpected reunion brings back memories of their youth, when they were rivals in love, and stirs up deep feelings of homesickness. The contrast between the rural Vietnamese landscape—fields, ponds, and the poignant sounds of traditional music—and the cold, indifferent American landscape powerfully reflects the struggles of expatriates. The generational clash reaches its peak when the granddaughter threatens to call the police on Mr. Tư for escaping the nursing home.

• Director: Nguyễn Quang Dũng
• Cast: NSƯT Hoài Linh, Chí Tài, NSƯT Ngọc Hiệp, NSƯT Thanh Hoàng, Will, Đình Hiếu, ...
• Genre: Feature Film, Family Drama
• Release Date: March 24, 2017