An emotional journey back in time through black and white footage.
In a cozy little corner, Tran Thu Ngan and her friends (Faculty of Business Administration, Greenwich University Vietnam) gathered together, not to watch a Hollywood blockbuster, but to immerse themselves in black-and-white revolutionary films. Having met by chance at film discussions and experimental film screenings, these young people discovered a shared passion: a love for cinema. On the occasion of Vietnam's National Day on September 2nd, Thu Ngan came up with the idea of organizing film screenings centered around the theme of revolution. She painstakingly researched and arranged the films in chronological order to give everyone the most comprehensive view of the glorious historical periods of the nation.
Films like "Until We Meet Again" or "August Star," though made long ago and lacking the image quality of modern special effects, still evoke a powerful emotional response. Young people feel as if they are reliving the fervent atmosphere of Hanoi in the autumn of 1945, experiencing the pain and unwavering love of the impoverished yet resilient people. In particular, when precious documentary footage of September 2nd, 1945, was shown, the image of President Ho Chi Minh reading the Declaration of Independence in the historic Ba Dinh Square silenced the entire group. His warm voice resonated, and the red flag with a yellow star proudly fluttered, stirring a sacred sense of pride in the hearts of these young people. For Gen Z (1997-2012), this is a more authentic and emotionally rich way to experience history than any book.
A similar story comes from Phung Thi Thao Van (Bilingual Auditing Department B, National Economics University). Coincidentally rewatching the film "The Scent of Burning Grass" at the "80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness" National Achievements Exhibition, Thao Van had completely different feelings compared to when she saw it as a child. Now, as an adult, the story of the four Hanoi students who put aside their studies to go to war deeply moved her. Especially, watching the film amidst the exhibition of war artifacts, history was no longer a distant story, but felt "present right before her eyes." This experience further strengthened Thao Van's patriotism and profound gratitude towards her ancestors.
It's wonderful to see that today's younger generation hasn't turned their backs on the past. They are actively seeking out their roots through their own unique lens, a blend of modernity and national pride. Warm, intimate film screenings like this are a fantastic bridge between generations, proving that stories of patriotism and national spirit will never become outdated...
When patriotism becomes a box office hit.
The wave of love for Vietnamese historical films is not limited to classics, but is also booming in modern cinemas. The most vivid proof is "Red Rain," a revolutionary film that, upon its release, quickly broke many records, becoming the highest-grossing film in Vietnamese box office history. Observations at cinemas in Hanoi show a screening every 15 minutes, and almost always the theaters are packed with audiences, mostly young people.
Leaving the cinema after watching "Red Rain" for the third time, Hoang Quoc Thai (Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, University of Commerce) was still overwhelmed with emotion. Quoc Thai shared that before, reading books only told him that war was fierce, but he couldn't imagine the brutality and hardships that our soldiers and people went through. But after watching the film, all the heroic memories of the war against the US to save the country appeared before his eyes in detail, realistically, full of sorrow, yet tragic and heroic. In the historical setting recreated through the film, not only Quoc Thai, but many other young viewers were silent, bursting into tears as they left the theater...
The appeal of revolutionary films extends beyond the emotional moments in the cinema; it also sparks vibrant and meaningful cultural activities. The wave of love for Vietnamese historical films has quickly spread to creative spaces, where numerous film discussions and analyses are organized, attracting a large number of young people. This provides an opportunity for young people to delve deeper into the works and listen to heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from those directly involved.
A vivid example of the spread of patriotism among young people was the discussion about the film "Red Rain," organized by the film-loving community "Cine a Little Bit?" at the Montauk by LP Club creative cultural space. The discussion was made even more special with the participation of guest speaker, actor Hua Vi Van, who played the role of Dr. Le. The friendly atmosphere allowed young people to freely exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn more about the silent efforts behind a work considered a "brilliant milestone" of Vietnamese cinema in peacetime.
Patriotism is not a trend, but a powerful current flowing in the veins of every Vietnamese person, as President Ho Chi Minh taught, "Love your country, love your compatriots." The renewed interest in classic works, as well as the success of "Red Rain," proves that young Vietnamese people are not indifferent to history. They just need fresh, creative approaches that touch their emotions. Films centered around historical themes, with both heart and vision, can completely win the hearts of audiences, especially Generation Z.
Minh Ngoc/News and Ethnic Groups Newspaper
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/van-hoa/dong-phim-cach-mang-chinh-phuc-trai-tim-gen-z-20250909102817802.htm
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