Top 7 Vietnamese Films to Watch in Theaters in 2019

• Release Date: 22/02/2019
• Genres: Comedy, Family, Romance
• Director: Lê Thiện Viễn
• Main Cast: Ngọc Trinh, Diệu Nhi, La Thành, Hồ Vĩnh Anh, Việt Hương, Chí Tài, Phi Phụng, Lê Giang, Tiết Cương, Huỳnh Lập, Quang Trung...

Vu Quy Đại Náo centers on a wedding theme set in the Mekong Delta. Trang (Ngọc Trinh), Hiền (Diệu Nhi), and Hoàng (La Thành) are childhood friends who feel pressured by their families to get married. They plan to escape together and start a wedding planning business with two new friends, Aunt Hai (Việt Hương) and Tài (Hồ Vĩnh Anh). This light-hearted comedy features humorous moments and emotional scenes that connect with audiences. The directorial debut of Lê Thiện Viễn, the film follows Hiền's secret crush on a wedding singer and MC, whose awkward but endearing attempts to win his heart provide plenty of funny moments. A memorable line in the film is: "It’s already raining, so why hasn’t Tài confessed his feelings yet?" and other amusing dialogue exchanges.

Watch the trailer for Vu Quy Đại Náo here:

• Release Date: 29/03/2019
• Genres: Action
• Director: Galaxy M&E
• Main Cast: Thu Trang, Tiến Luật, Diệu Nhi, Khương Ngọc

The web-drama series Thập Tam Muội gained massive success, and the teaser for the final chapter, Chị Mười Ba – The Conclusion of Thập Tam Muội, created a lot of buzz among fans eager to know the fate of its characters. Chị Mười Ba appears in her familiar tomboy style, but with a more badass look—sporting a short haircut and executing lightning-fast moves that leave her enemies no chance.

After the success of the YouTube version, comedy duo Thu Trang and Tiến Luật decided to bring the conclusion of Thập Tam Muội to the big screen as Chị Mười Ba. This movie will follow Chị Mười Ba and her Chợ Cũ gang on a new adventure, revealing the unresolved fates of key characters from the third episode of the web series.

As an action-comedy film, Chị Mười Ba continues to center around the titular tough, loyal leader of the Chợ Cũ gang, played by Thu Trang, and features the same beloved characters from the web series, including Bi Long (Khương Ngọc), Đường Băng (Tiến Luật), Hồng Phất Nữ (Diệu Nhi), and other familiar faces.

Watch the Chị Mười Ba trailer here:

• Release Date: 01/06/2019
• Genres: Action
• Director: Việt Linh
• Main Cast: To Be Announced

Thiên Thần Nhỏ Của Tôi is one of the beloved works by author Nguyễn Nhật Ánh, adored by millions of young readers. The story focuses on two childhood friends, Kha and Hồng Hoa, who bond over countless conversations in a charming garden filled with the sounds of birds. With its tender portrayal of first love and the pure joy of childhood, Thiên Thần Nhỏ Của Tôi is set to captivate moviegoers when it is adapted for the big screen.

Director and screenwriter Việt Linh, artistic director at Hồng Hạc Media, has been working on bringing this story to life for over a decade. After ten years, she is finally set to adapt one of her favorite Nguyễn Nhật Ánh works into a film. Fans of his novels will remember that Việt Linh also worked as the screenwriter for the critically acclaimed film, Tôi Thấy Hoa Vàng Trên Cỏ Xanh, the first movie adaptation of Nguyễn Nhật Ánh's work, directed by Victor Vũ.

With a shared love for childhood and respect for the human values in his stories, director Việt Linh promises to deliver a film that will touch the hearts of viewers. Casting for the film will begin in July 2018, with production set for September 2018, and the movie is expected to be released on International Children's Day, June 1, 2019.

• Release Date: 11/2019
• Genres: Romance
• Director: Huỳnh Tuấn Anh
• Main Cast: Vân Trang, Trịnh Tú Trung, Hồng Vân, Huy Khánh

Gạo Chợ Nước Sông – 90 Ngày Hạ tells the dramatic story of the rise and fall of a renowned artist in the 1970s Saigon. Once a top performer in the world of cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera), Hồng falls in love with a younger man, which sets the stage for a tragic repeat of her past. The film offers a vivid portrayal of the glamour and lifestyle of old Saigon in 1979, showcasing the fashion, customs, and culture of the time.

Despite the challenges of limited budget and historical resources, this film is a bold and ambitious project by a young crew, one that promises to bring something fresh to Vietnamese cinema. It aims to highlight the beauty and cultural significance of old Saigon while offering a poignant story that resonates with viewers.

The film is scheduled to begin shooting in April, following the release of director Huỳnh Tuấn Anh's previous film, Ngôi Nhà Bươm Bướm. The cast will include notable veterans like NSND Hồng Vân, NSƯT Thành Lộc, NSƯT Hữu Châu, NSƯT Kim Xuân, as well as newer talents like Vân Trang, Huy Khánh, and others. Additionally, the film will introduce emerging stars such as taekwondo athlete Hồ Thanh Phong, actors Mạc Trung Kiên, Nhâm Phương Nam, and more.

• Release Date: 05/02/2019
• Genres: Comedy, Romance, Period Drama
• Director: Đức Thịnh
• Main Cast: Quốc Anh, Nhã Phương, Trấn Thành, Công Dương

In 2018, director Đức Thịnh struck gold with his film Siêu Sao Siêu Ngố, earning nearly 109 billion VND at the box office. Building on this success, he released Trạng Quỳnh for the 2019 Lunar New Year, a film inspired by Vietnamese folklore and tales. The movie is infused with a distinctly Vietnamese essence, making it an entertaining piece perfect for the festive season.

Trạng Quỳnh follows the journey of Quỳnh (Quốc Anh), Xẩm (Trấn Thành), and Điềm (Nhã Phương) as they work to rescue their teacher Đoàn (Tùng Yuki). Trịnh Bá (Công Dương), a privileged young man, uses his power to harm Đoàn after failing to win Điềm's affections, with the help of the cunning and treacherous Ả Liễu (Khả Như). Alongside this, the film explores the romance between Quỳnh and Điềm, and Quỳnh’s path to becoming a scholar and official to seek justice.

The character of Trạng Quỳnh has long been adored by the Vietnamese for his witty, entertaining folk tales. The movie adaptation stays true to these beloved stories, making it relatable and enjoyable. While the script may have some moments that could have been clearer, the film succeeds in delivering fun and accessible entertainment. Audiences will enjoy familiar Trạng Quỳnh anecdotes, humorous couplets, and comic moments drawn from classic folklore.

Watch the Trạng Quỳnh trailer here: