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The 2026 Lunar New Year film season is witnessing a rare scenario in Vietnamese cinematic history, with no fewer than four domestic films simultaneously launching, creating a dramatic and direct confrontation. With a diverse range of genres from comedy and family dramas to cultural explorations, the entertainment market at the beginning of the year is heating up by the hour, in sync with the pace of online ticket booking systems.
The film "Rabbit, Oh!!" - A strong contender from director Tran Thanh.
Directed by "box office king" Tran Thanh, "Tho Oi!!" (Oh, Little Rabbit!) has garnered significant attention since its announcement. The film follows a familiar comedic and family-oriented style but incorporates profound psychological elements, targeting a mainstream audience. According to the latest figures from Box Office Vietnam, as of the morning of February 14th, the film is currently leading the race with advance ticket sales reaching 2.9 billion VND.
Although the project initially caused a stir when the system displayed figures of only a few million VND, the producers quickly clarified that it was due to a data update error. Immediately afterward, the popularity of Tran Thanh's brand helped these figures grow rapidly. With a versatile cast from various fields such as Phao, Lyly, Phap Kieu, BB Tran, Cris Phan, etc., the film not only promises laughter but also conveys messages about understanding in modern social relationships.
Director Tran Thanh uses Dolly Zoom and first-person perspective techniques to create a dense cinematic atmosphere, reflecting the psychological distortions of the characters in "Rabbit, Oh!!"
In his latest work, Tran Thanh no longer plays it safe within the realm of comedy-drama, but boldly experiments with thrillers, even borrowing scare tactics from horror films. The use of Dolly Zoom, first-person perspective, and the dilapidated apartment setting creates a dense cinematic atmosphere, reflecting the twisted psychology of the characters. This move shows the director's willingness to explore darker and more raw aspects in his artistic message.
Tran Thanh's "Little Rabbit!!": Does it deserve its top box office revenue for the 2026 Lunar New Year film season and its string of positive reviews?
Unlike previous Lunar New Year seasons that prioritized family audiences, "Thỏ ơi!!" (Oh, Little Rabbit!) took a risk by labeling the film 18+ to maintain the film's forceful message. The film directly dissects the extreme aspects of toxic relationships: from power imbalances and psychological abuse to controlling tendencies and infidelity. Notably, through the lens of a male director, Tran Thanh skillfully dissects the "inferiority complex" of men – a rare and powerful theme compared to the general landscape of Vietnamese cinema today.
The film is considered a major step forward in Tran Thanh's filmmaking career.
Nevertheless, the film still reveals limitations in its script. The overuse of "twist within a twist" (constant reversal of situations) sometimes leads the film to dwell on justifying the characters' mistakes instead of finding satisfactory solutions. Compared to the maturity and consistency of Mai (2024), the final message of Thỏ ơi!! is controversial as it unintentionally takes on a "blaming the victim" tone and still suffers from the "trademark" of excessive dialogue and dense sound effects, which are characteristic yet dramatic styles of Tran Thanh.
The film "My Dad's House Has One Room" - A family story by Truong Giang.
Airing on the same day, February 17, 2026, "My Dad's One Room" marks the first time Truong Giang has simultaneously taken on the roles of producer, director, and lead actor. The film explores family themes in a realistic setting, focusing on the generational conflict between a hardworking father from Central Vietnam who makes fish sauce and his fashion-loving daughter.
As of the morning of February 14th, the film had grossed 1.3 billion VND in advance ticket sales. Despite discrepancies in figures across different platforms in the preceding days, the current numbers confirm the enduring appeal of "Muoi Kho" (Ten Difficulties). With its realistic storytelling and avoidance of dramatizing conflicts, the film is a top choice for middle-aged audiences and families seeking relatable moments during the Lunar New Year reunion.
Set in a cramped, single-room apartment, "My Dad's One-Room House" is a thought-provoking dialogue between two generations in a suffocating living space. Truong Giang sheds his usual comedic image to portray a hardworking father, representing outdated principles and perfectionism. Opposite him is An (played by Doan Minh Anh), a Gen Z girl with a modern spirit, daring to pursue her personal ambitions. The contrast between her father's traditional fish sauce making profession and her modern fashion dreams is the central theme creating profound psychological clashes.
Truong Giang sheds his usual comedic image to transform into a hardworking father, representing outdated principles in the context of a cramped apartment.
The film's appeal also stems from Doan Minh Anh's transformation. Breaking away from the mysterious image in her previous projects, she brings a playful, age-appropriate personality, promising a father-daughter "chemistry" that is both witty and tear-jerking for the audience. Through metaphorical imagery of a plate of pickled vegetables and cramped living spaces, the film is not just an entertaining Lunar New Year movie, but also a distillation of Truong Giang's real-life experiences as a father, honoring the values of roots amidst the hustle and bustle of modern society.
The film "The Scent of Pho" - Cultural Identity and the Return of Meritorious Artist Xuan Hinh
Unlike its competitors that focus on lively entertainment, director Minh Beta's "The Scent of Pho" chooses to delve deeper into Vietnamese cultural and culinary values. The film revolves around the journey of a family with generations of experience in making pho in Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh. This also marks the first time comedian Xuan Hinh appears on the big screen, alongside Thu Trang and Thanh Thanh Hien.
More than just an entertainment film, "The Scent of Pho," directed by Minh Beta, is a culmination of culinary excellence and traditional art. The film immerses viewers in the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi's Old Quarter, where the two pho stalls of Mr. Dan (Quoc Tuan) and Mr. Mui (actor Xuan Hinh) vividly portray the spirit of "successful business" at the beginning of the year. A special highlight lies in the meticulously crafted "audio" aspect, featuring variations of the pentatonic scale along with the sounds of the moon lute and flute, blended into the lively Pho Festival scene and the narrative-rich Chầu Văn singing sequences.
The film's plot revolves around the journey of a family with generations of experience in making pho in Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh provinces.
Throughout the film, vibrant red and yellow hues, characteristic of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), celebrate the value of family bonds and intergenerational connection. From images of Mr. Mui meticulously tending to the fire to moments of reunion between husband, wife, and children, everything evokes a sense of reconciliation and forgiveness. With its unique promotional campaign "Eating Pho in the Screening Room" and clear, coherent content, "The Scent of Pho" not only captivates the visual senses but also wins the hearts of viewers, becoming the warmest spiritual "dish" of the 2026 Tet film season.
International animated films and other diverse options
Besides the aforementioned big names, the 2026 Lunar New Year film race is also filled with high-quality international works. "Goat Player - The Taste of Victory" tells an inspiring story about a little goat's struggle to rise in a harsh competitive environment, released on February 17th. Or "Pet Squad: Battle on the Rails" from Viva Pictures offers thrilling chases while maintaining family fun, released on February 20th.
It's clear that the "cinematic feast" for the Lunar New Year of 2026 is not only abundant in quantity but also meticulously invested in quality. The fact that audiences are willing to spend money to book tickets early shows an optimistic sign for the strong recovery and development of the Vietnamese film market in the new year.
