Top 8 Best Movies Set in the Old South of Vietnam

The Curse is a film set in the Old South of Vietnam, adapted from the novel of the same name by author Văn Mỹ Lan. The story depicts the tragic and painful fate of a woman who is treated as a mere object, a plaything for society’s amusement. In parallel, the film reflects societal prejudices regarding status and human dignity, where social standing is prioritized over the love and respect between individuals.

With its deep, meaningful plot and realistic portrayal of human emotions and destinies, The Curse moves viewers to tears and establishes itself as one of the most impactful television dramas set in the Old South of Vietnam.

Director: Nguyễn Xuân Hiệp
Cast: Quỳnh Lam, Thủy Cúc, Mã Trung, Hoài An, Lê Vinh,...

Based on the works of author Hồ Biểu Chánh, The Heart of a Woman stands out as one of the most remarkable films set in the Old South of Vietnam. The plot revolves around three main women: Kim Diệp, Ba Huyền, and Thanh Thủy. Each has a different fate and personality, yet they all share the hardships and societal prejudices faced by women. The story explores the complex nature of women, often described as devious and cunning, but in the end, they all share the same tragic fate. It’s a tale of women cursed by fate, driven by the harsh realities of society.

“Alas, the sorrow of a woman’s fate
The saying goes, misfortune is the common plight”
(Nguyễn Du)

Director: Hồ Ngọc Xum
Cast: Cao Minh Đạt, Vân Trang, Ngọc Lan, Nam Cường,...

Adapted from the novel "The Southern Forest and Land" by author Đoàn Giỏi, the film The Southern Land is one of the most beloved and acclaimed works set in the Old South of Vietnam. What makes this film even more remarkable is that it was screened in the United States and received high praise from critics.

The Southern Land tells the story of the people’s fate during the French resistance, focusing on the protagonist, An. Living under the oppressive rule of landlords and wealthy elites, the people’s lives were full of suffering and hardship. The only hope they had was to rise up, rebel, and join the revolutionary cause.

With its rich themes and significant contributions to the portrayal of Vietnam’s history, The Southern Land rightfully deserves its place as one of the finest films set in the Old South of Vietnam.

Director: Nguyễn Vinh Sơn
Cast: Hùng Thuận, Phùng Ngọc, Lê Quang, Thanh Điền,...

The Grass Blowing in the Wind is a popular television series based on the novel of the same name by author Hồ Biểu Chánh. With its deep realism and profound human values, reflected through the storyline and characters, the film moved viewers to tears and gained widespread admiration and support from the audience.

Set in the Old South of Vietnam, the series paints a vivid picture of the society of the time, where people lived under the oppression and exploitation of the ruling class. Innocent individuals could be imprisoned for ten years and exiled just for a pot of pig soup. The wealthy used their money and power to harm and oppress the common folk, pushing them into desperate circumstances. However, the laws of karma always prevail, and those who commit evil will eventually face the consequences of their actions.

Director: Hồ Ngọc Xum
Cast: Ngọc Hưng, Mai Phương, Hà Trí Quang, Lê Quốc Nam,...

The Beauty Trap is one of the finest films set in the Old South of Vietnam. Its plot construction and portrayal of characters deeply reflect the social context of the time. The story explores themes of wealth inequality, human selfishness, and the torment people inflicted upon each other due to their ambitions and greed.

The film is set in the early 20th century, revolving around the wealthy family of Mr. Thanh, a renowned landowner in Cù Lao. Mr. Thanh has four wives: the First Wife (Thiên Hương), the Second Wife (Đan Thy), the Third Wife (Trương Hải Vân), and the Fourth Wife (Dương Cẩm Lynh). The film depicts their complex relationships filled with love, hatred, jealousy, and deep emotional turmoil. It not only addresses the family conflicts arising from polygamy but also highlights the class divide between the wealthy landowners and the common people, showing the vast gap between the powerful and the oppressed. The story of a man with four wives, intertwined with themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and revenge, is a poignant portrayal of human nature.

With its deep humanistic value and the profound message it conveys, The Beauty Trap rightfully deserves its place as one of the best films set in the Old South of Vietnam.

Director: Xuân Phước

Cast: NSƯT Thanh Điền, NSƯT Công Ninh, Dương Cẩm Luynh, Lương Thế Thành, Thúy Diễm, Thiên Hương, Diệp Bảo Ngọc...

When discussing the best films set in the Old South of Vietnam, we cannot overlook "The Repentance." Broadcast on Vĩnh Long 1, this film garnered widespread affection from audiences and has made its mark, proving its value and success among other films depicting the Old South.

"The Repentance" tells the story of a fierce battle among the five wives of a wealthy and prestigious family in Cần Thơ. Mr. Hội đồng Vĩnh, a wealthy and influential man, is also a cunning and unfaithful figure. Using devious schemes, he takes his brother's fiancée as his own wife. This sets off a tragic series of events within the family, filled with revenge, hatred, and relentless conflict. The twists and turns will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Amidst this tragedy, we witness the fates of the innocent and the misfortune that arises from hatred. Hatred can turn even the gentlest soul into a ruthless and devious person, but only compassion and love can heal and soothe the wounds caused by such bitterness.

Director: Bùi Ngọc Nam Phương

Cast: Nhật Kim Anh, Lý Hùng, Hà Trí Quang, Thủy Cúc, Kiều Trinh...

The Mortal Trial is considered one of the best films set in the Old South of Vietnam to date. The storytelling and character development in the film provide a deep reflection of the social context of the 1930s. The film vividly portrays class divisions, greed, and the selfishness of individuals who torment and scheme against each other for wealth and material gain.

The Mortal Trial follows the story of the wealthy Hội đồng Bùi family in Kiến Hòa (now Bến Tre). In a family where wealth and status should provide happiness, there is, instead, intense rivalry and jealousy between the wives of Mr. Hội đồng Bùi and his son. Driven by their desires and ambitions, they are willing to harm and even kill one another to achieve their goals. Yet, in the end, the law of cause and effect cannot be avoided, and those who commit evil will face the consequences. With its strong humanistic message, The Mortal Trial deserves its place as one of the best films set in the Old South of Vietnam today.

Director: Bùi Ngọc Phương Nam
Cast: Quỳnh Lam, Ngọc Lan, Hà Trí Quang, Kim Xuân, Huy Cường, Thùy Dương, Hoàng Anh,...
Film Link: https://xemphimso.com/phim-ai-tran-gian/9228.html

Two Wives is a television film adapted from the novel "Chữ trinh" by author Hạ Thu. Considered one of the best films set in the Old South of Vietnam, "Two Wives" centers on the lives of two women, Trinh Trinh and Dạ Thảo, who share the same husband despite their vastly different social backgrounds and status. Tensions and jealousy soon arise as neither woman is happy to share the man she loves with another. This marks the beginning of a tragic saga.

The film poignantly explores the painful fate of women, the bitterness and humiliation of living as a co-wife, as well as the manipulative schemes and devious behaviors that drive the characters. The exceptional performances of the lead actresses, Quỳnh Lam (as Trinh Trinh) and Ngọc Lan (as Dạ Thảo), offer a deeply engaging and unique viewing experience for audiences.

Director: Võ Việt Hùng
Cast: Quỳnh Lam, Ngọc Lan, Thanh Duy,...