Who said that Vietnam doesn’t have a cinema history? Vietnamese Cinema history is as great as any other cinema. It started in the pre-independence era in 1923, and evolved over time, giving movies that were recognized by both national and international audiences.
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History and Evolution of Vietnamese Cinema
The Beginning: The First Movie on Vietnam
Vietnam stepped into cinema in the year 1923 with a movie—Kim Van Kieu. It was the first movie in Vietnamese cinema.
This silent film was based on the epic poem “The Tale of Kieu.” It was not that big a hit if we compare it to today’s hit movies, but it was groundbreaking for its time.
From this movie, Vietnam took its first step into cinema and cinematography.
The movie was a cultural event that marked the birth of Vietnamese cinema. People liked it, and the love it received was a motivation for filmmakers to make more such films.
Early Cinema: Before the 1980s
After a few more movies, the years leading up to the 1980s were the black-and-white era of Vietnamese cinema.
During this time, most of the films made were influenced by the political climate and social issues of that time.
Most of the movies before the 1980s focused on themes like wars, patriotism, and social change.
These films often depicted the struggles of the Vietnamese people, serving as both entertainment and propaganda.
Eventually, the historical and political situation of Vietnam shaped the movies, making the films a powerful tool for conveying messages.
Audiences used to like this theme because till now they hadn’t discovered different genres and themes.
Despite serious themes like war and struggles, these early 1980s films had their own charm and are considered the Golden Classic Cinema.
Transformation: After the 1980s
After the 1980s, Vietnamese cinema went through a transformation that was needed when the audience became more diverse and choosy in terms of themes.
After the independence of Vietnam, the nation’s economy was opening up, and with it, so were new possibilities.
This was the time when filmmakers experimented with different stories and genres.
Suddenly, it was like the film industry discovered color TV and the whole picture changed here.
For example, “Bao Gio Cho Den Thang Muoi” (When the Tenth Month Comes) by Dang Nhat Minh is often called one of the greatest Vietnamese films of all time. It explored themes of love and loss, in a visually stunning manner.
Technological advancements also played a big role in this transformation. Special effects became more sophisticated (goodbye, cardboard props!), and the quality of film production improved.
Audiences were introduced to a variety of genres like Rom-Com, psychological thrillers, action, adventure, and motivational movies.
This era also saw the rise of international co-productions, bringing Vietnamese cinema to a global audience. Films like “Cyclo” won awards at prestigious film festivals, putting Vietnam on the cinematic map.
Current Trends in Vietnamese Cinema
The current trends in Vietnamese movies are a result of traditional storytelling and modern influences.
One of the most notable trends is the rise of genre films. Horror movies, in particular, have become incredibly popular.
These films have not only scared the audiences but also received praise from critics.
Rom-com movies also became a big hit, delivering films that make audiences laugh, cry, and believe in love again.
There’s also been a significant increase in the production quality of Vietnamese films. Thanks to better funding and advanced technology, today’s movies are visually more stunning.
Milestones and International Recognition
Let’s look into the highlights and milestones that have made Vietnamese cinema what it is today. Over the years, several films and filmmakers have achieved significant recognition, both nationally and internationally.
“The Scent of Green Papaya” is one such milestone. It won the Prestigious Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1993 and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Then there’s “Journey from the Fall” which won numerous awards at film festivals worldwide. It’s a gripping tale of a family’s escape from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon.
In recent years, one famous film “The Third Wife” has continued the international respect, including the NETPAC Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Conclusion:
Like every cinema history worldwide, Vietnamese cinema also has a great history. It has evolved through the decades, reflecting the country’s history, culture, and talent of Vietnamese filmmakers. As we look to the future, one thing is certain: Vietnamese cinema will continue to captivate audiences with its unique stories and perspectives.
