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I smelled burning grass in the night.
His flesh was sprinkled with wildflowers on the doorstep.
The Thach Han River is stained with a swirling, mottled color.
Eighty-one legendary days of defending the nation...
"The smell of burning grass (July 26, 2016)."
Vietnamese cinema, over the decades, has shown special reverence for the theme of war, where films not only recreate a tragic period of national history but also vividly portray the indomitable spirit of our ancestors. Through emotionally rich artistic language, each work is like an epic that touches the hearts of viewers, reminding them of the value of peace and noble sacrifice.
The Epic of the 17th Parallel Day and Night (1972)
Born amidst the escalating US military conflict in Vietnam, director Hai Ninh's film "The 17th Parallel Day and Night" is an epic tale of the Vietnamese people's resistance struggle for national liberation. Based on a true event in the sand village of Gio Linh, the film recreates the fierce confrontation between the villagers, led by Dịu (played by actress Trà Giang), and the South Vietnamese army. At nearly three hours long, the film makes a strong impression thanks to its elaborate staging, grand scenes, and the meticulous effort to "cinematize" the heroism of the national liberation fighters.
Hanoi Baby (1974)
Following the success of "The 17th Parallel Day and Night," director Hai Ninh and screenwriter Hoang Tich Chi continue their collaboration with another film on the same war theme, "The Little Girl from Hanoi." The film follows Ngoc Ha, a 12-year-old girl, on her journey back to Hanoi to find her father after hearing that her mother and younger sister were buried under American bombs in Kham Thien Street. Throughout the film, Ngoc Ha's memories intertwine with her present, recalling small moments of happiness when her family was still together, her yearning to go to school, and her dream of a peaceful day. The image of the desolate, ruined Kham Thien Street contrasts sharply with the sweet memories of the little girl, highlighting the cruelty and loss caused by war, leaving a poignant impression on viewers.
Saigon Commandos (1984 – 1986)
Nearly a decade later, the Saigon Commando series was released and quickly created an unprecedented box office sensation. Inspired by the stories of commando soldiers during the war against the US, the four films were titled...The Meeting Point, Silence, The Storm, and Giving Her Back Her NameThe film highlights the bravery, resourcefulness, and silent sacrifice of the commando soldiers operating behind enemy lines. Interspersed between tense action scenes are complex psychological moments of the characters, resulting in a highly compelling film. With meticulous staging, adherence to real-life prototypes, and the guidance of Major General Tran Phung and hero Nguyen Cu, the work avoids the limitations of fiction or exaggeration, becoming one of the classic war films of Vietnamese cinema.
Don't Burn (2009) and The Smell of Burning Grass (2012)
Don't burnThe film, directed by People's Artist Dang Nhat Minh, evokes haunting and poignant reflections on the insignificance of human existence in the face of war. Based on the diary of female doctor Dang Thuy Tram, the work portrays the complexities of loss and tragedy. The diary, returned to her family by a former American soldier after 35 years, has become a wartime fairy tale, stirring intense emotions in viewers.
Continuing the trend of war films, this movieThe smell of burnt grassDirected by Huu Muoi and released in 2012, this film offers a nostalgic perspective. Set against the backdrop of the devastating battle at Quang Tri Citadel in the summer of 1972, the film tells the story of four college friends: Hoang, Thanh, Thang, and Long. After leaving school to join the army, they fought together at the citadel. Through the recollections of Hoang, the surviving character, the film recreates the poignant memories of youth and the unfulfilled aspirations of these friends who "lived forever at 20" and were buried beneath the earth.
Contemporary works of art bear a strong historical imprint.
In 2024, the filmPeaches, pho, and a piano.It became an unexpected box office phenomenon. Commissioned by the State with a budget of over 20 billion VND, the film is set in late 1946 to early 1947. It transports viewers back to the turbulent days of Hanoi, portraying the resilient soldiers and civilians of the capital, along with the deep love story between Văn Dân, a self-defense soldier, and a young lady from Hanoi. The film not only recreates a historical period but also touches the hearts of viewers with its humane story about the resilient and indomitable spirit of the people of Hanoi.
Continuing the journey of exploring historical stories, in 2025, two films will be released.Underground tunnels: The sun in the darknessandRed RainIt is expected to deliver a fresh cinematic experience.Underground tunnels: The sun in the darknessThe film transports viewers back to 1967, the most brutal period of the war, where the Binh An Dong guerrilla unit fought in the cramped and dark spaces of the Cu Chi tunnels. With its unique setting and storytelling, the film recreates the harshness of the war, making viewers feel as if they are living and breathing alongside the characters.
Meanwhile,Red RainThis film recreates the journey of fighting and sacrificing of young soldiers in the Battle of Quang Tri Citadel in 1972. This 81-day and 81-night battle is a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. Through glimpses into the lives of soldiers,Red RainIt leads the audience into a space where death is always imminent, but above all, the light of faith, camaraderie, and courage still shines brightly, affirming the indomitable will of the Vietnamese people.
