Top 8 Memorable Vietnamese Films Linked to Childhood

A film directed by Nguyen Vinh Son that created a sensation and left a powerful imprint on viewers, including both adults and children, is Southern Land (produced in 1997), adapted from the work Phuong Nam Land by writer Doan Gioi.

The story revolves around the tumultuous life of a boy named An (Hung Thuan), who, due to unfortunate circumstances, loses his mother at a young age and embarks on a journey to find his biological father. Heading south, An encounters the harsh realities, difficulties, and hardships of farmers under the oppressive rule of the French colonialists.

Despite the constant hardships, An is fortunate to meet people with compassionate and harmonious hearts. This becomes a great source of motivation for An to overcome challenges and difficulties. In addition to An, the image of the mischievous boy Co (Phung Ngoc) also leaves a profound mark on the audience with his curiosity and kindness toward his peers.

Unlike modern TV series today, Southern Land realistically portrays every detail of the harsh life of Vietnamese farmers during the period of French colonization. The film touched the hearts of viewers with the stories witnessed by An, the tears shed, and the loving hearts that resonated together.

Even to this day, the image of little An, innocent and pure, still leaves a deep impression in the minds of the audience. The film continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans. That's why, even though Hung Thuan has grown up, people still refer to him as little An.

Special Team at C21 House is a 5-episode TV series directed by Vu Hong Son, first premiered in the Sunday Art program in 1998, leaving a lasting impact on the young generation of Vietnam at that time.

The series takes the audience on adventurous journeys with a group of friends in the C21 neighborhood, humorous, intelligent, yet naive and foolish, fitting the age of our school days. The young audience laughed freely at the hilarious situations of the group: Minh 'tổ cú' (the boss), Tùng 'khểnh' (cross-eyed), Quang 'sọt' (basket), Sáng 'béo' (chubby), Sơn 'sọ' (skull), Tuyết 'mèo con' (kitten), Hạnh 'tăm tre' (bamboo stick), Sinh 'mặt già' (old face). Those were the times when Quang 'sọt' got so scared that he wet his pants; when Tuyết was extremely embarrassed as her little brother stripped naked to pick lotus; or the scene of Hạnh 'tăm tre' jumping rope in a dress captured by Sáng 'béo' and preserved in the group's album.

The series consists of 5 episodes, each featuring different cases:

• Episode 1: The initial incident
• Episode 2: Bite mark on a cigarette butt
• Episode 3: Strange handwriting in the love letter box
• Episode 4: Kitten detective
• Episode 5: The search for the little tiger

Thousand Blossoms Glass is another product of TFS and is adapted from the novel of the same name by writer Nguyen Nhat Anh. Each episode tells a different story about the coming-of-age, study, activities, and fun. After Thousand Blossoms Glass aired, characters with distinctive personalities became memorable to the audience, such as Quý ròm, Tiểu Long, little Hạnh, and more.

The main character is Quý “ròm” – a mischievous, excessively funny boy, a master of lies, but very kind and enthusiastic in helping friends; “little” Hạnh – smart but dreams of growing up to sell beef ball noodle soup because of her love for it; Tiểu Long – gentle, patient, calm, and somewhat naive, often commanded by Quý “ròm”. Each episode brings viewers different emotions, both happy and sad, due to the familiar and mischievous situations portrayed in the most authentic way.

The daily lives of the three boys and girls are just like the lives of other boys and girls in real life, with joy and sorrow, ups and downs. Despite any misunderstandings or fleeting anger, there is always love, care, and mutual support.

'Right-Side Heart Campaign' is a Vietnamese film in the genres of comedy/drama/romance directed by Dao Duy Phuc, produced by Vietnam Film Company in 2005. The film revolves around a group of 10th-grade students called the 'Eight Quirky' with a playful yet intelligent nature. Teacher Hoai An (Ho Ngoc Ha), a young teacher who takes on the class, quickly captures the affection of her students and becomes an idol for the youngsters.

The film provides a humorous explanation of the natural need for idols among the young. Rising to idol status is not through grand gestures, but through unique characteristics that impress the youngsters. An entire fan club is formed called the 'Fan Club of Teacher Hoai An,' always closely following and escorting the teacher, with a special campaign outlined to... find a boyfriend for her. In this adorable and mischievous idolization, the learning atmosphere becomes lively and more positive. The film is light-hearted, cheerful, yet profound, depicting the psychology of adolescence.

The film received praise for being one of the rare movies that well explores the student theme. Hoai Nam, a critic from Tuoi Tre newspaper, listed '5 reasons to watch Right-Side Heart Campaign.' This is also one of the rare roles in the acting career of singer Ho Ngoc Ha. The film has been rerun multiple times on television after its release.

Flowers and Grass of Fortune is the first television series by director Luu Trong Ninh, produced by the Vietnam Television Film Production Center (VFC), premiering in the Saturday Cinema program in 2001. Following the success of parts 1 and 2, part 3 of the series was produced in 2013 but only aired in 2017. Part 3 continues the story of the characters after 10 years.

The series depicts the lives of young people growing up during the subsidy period, including seven close friends forming a group called 'Hanoi Alliance.' Reuniting after 10 years apart, each of them continues the journey to find their own love and happiness:

• Part 1: Teenage Years (4 episodes)
• Part 2: Peaceful Days (7 episodes)
• Part 3: Stormy Days (39 episodes)

Flowers and Grass of Fortune is set against the backdrop of the country during the subsidy period, portraying the lives of Na, Huong (played by Ho Ngoc Ha as an adult), Thai, Tien, Thuy, and Hung. Although each has different living circumstances, they are still connected and love each other. I remember when Na's father had a labor accident, the whole group came together to help her father. Thuy didn't hesitate to sell her antique vase to contribute. This is truly a meaningful and profound series revolving around relationships in life, portrayed realistically and intimately.

Also produced by TFS, Fragrance of Alluvium was broadcast on THVL channel in 2005. As one of the films about the theme of rivers and boats in rural Vietnam, specifically boat building, Fragrance of Alluvium stands out with names like Tang Thanh Ha, Truong Minh Quoc Thai, Kim Hien, Thanh Dat,...

Mr. Ba Ran, Tu Hon are two famous names in the region for the profession of boat building. Later, when Mr. Ba Ran fell seriously ill, Ut Nho (Tang Thanh Ha), his eldest daughter, had to strive to revive her uncle's traditional profession. From a carefree Ut Nho living in the loving embrace of her uncle, now she has to grow up, become more assertive to fight against the tricks and schemes from Tu Hon's family.

Fragrance of Alluvium depicted the beauty of the vast rivers and waterways of the Mekong Delta, where nature is the mother, embracing and sheltering us whenever we need. Appreciate the simple, humble things of the homeland so that, in the future, you can grow into a better person.

The screen goddess Tang Thanh Ha, in the role of the female lead Ut Nho, was only 18 years old at that time, youthful, dynamic, and vibrant like a bright flower. Her natural and flexible acting style was highly praised and received positive feedback from the television audience.

One of the successful Vietnamese TV series remade from the popular Korean version. Featuring a star-studded cast including Kim Xuan, Viet Anh, Thanh Loc, Hong Anh, Ngoc Trinh, Kim Hien, Cao Minh Dat,.. Coriander Fragrance is considered the first long-running TV series exploring the theme of Vietnamese cuisine, specifically the famous Pho dish.

The story revolves around the main character Vy, a pitiful girl whose biological mother passed away early, and her stepfather sent her to another family for adoption. Vy grew up in the loving arms of her foster mother, but her stepfather mistreated her. As Vy grows up, her biological father wants to live close to his estranged daughter, so he moves his entire family from Saigon to the countryside. However, Vy faces challenges when dealing with Phuong, the stepdaughter of Mr. Cuong and his official wife. Phuong is jealous as friends and even Truong show special affection for Vy. Phuong tries every way to make Vy look like a bad girl in everyone's eyes. To prevent things from going too far, Mr. Hoang arranges for the family to move back to Saigon but still keeps an eye on and takes care of Vy.

The turning point comes when Vy learns the truth that she is an adopted child and is living with her foster parents. Vy escapes to Saigon to avoid being abused by her stepfather. She is taken in and warmly assisted by Uncle Hoang (Thanh Loc). Vy also passes the entrance exam to the high school where Truong (Cao Minh Dat), Phuong (Kim Hien), Khanh (Hoa Hiep) are studying.

The complicated relationships among all three begin, with difficulties, challenges, threats, and terrible truths gradually unveiled. Can Vy choose a truly happy destination for herself?

Coriander Fragrance has left a deep imprint on the hearts of fans due to its compelling storyline and the successful performances of the cast from adults to children. The suffering of actress Kim Xuan in the role of Vy's foster mother or the greedy, domineering personality of the stepfather played by veteran actor Viet Anh. The young cast is also outstanding, with the childhood character of Vy portrayed by actress Angela Phuong Trinh with innocence and gentleness. When grown up, Vy becomes a charming and gentle Ngoc Trinh. A wealthy, assertive young lady who always seeks happiness for herself is vividly depicted by actress Kim Hien.

Comprising 4 parts following the course of history and depicting the lives of people in the pottery village, Land of Prosperity is a drama directed by Dinh Duc Liem. Many actors, both seasoned and newcomers, contribute to the series, including Meritorious Artist Minh Sang, Meritorious Artist Hoa Ha, Luong The Thanh, Nguyet Anh,...

Centered around Mr. Diep's family (Meritorious Artist Minh Sang), the owner of a well-known pottery kiln in the region since ancient times. He has two sons, Phuc and Loi, both clever and quick-witted. While Phuc is calm and wise, Loi is hot-tempered and often causes trouble. The life of Mr. Diep's family continues until the arrival of Mr. Tu Ngu's family (Quang Minh) who moves in due to their house being burned down.

From here, waves of turmoil and misunderstandings unfold as Mrs. Tu Ngu is not only ill-tempered but also fond of gossip and instigating issues. Time flies as Phuc (Luong The Thanh), Loi (Thanh Phuong) grow up together. Both have a peer, Thuy Truc (Nguyet Anh), intelligent, beautiful, gentle, and refined. Witnessing the ups and downs of the traditional pottery profession handed down by their father, it's challenging to compete with modern products in the future. Phuc makes every effort to learn and explore the good aspects to sustain their family pottery workshop. To achieve these goals, both Phuc and his family have to endure many difficulties and hardships.

As the debut roles for both Luong The Thanh and Nguyet Anh, they successfully create unforgettable characters in the audience's hearts through authentic and natural performances.