From a certain perspective, we can see some interesting things. For example, film is actually quite palatable to the masses, not as sophisticated as critics imagine. PR tactics might attract some people to theaters, but there must be something more substantial to keep a film going week after week, just as the craze for film reviews on social media never ends.
Personally, I don't like blockbuster movies like Tran Thanh's "Mai." But that's just my personal opinion; it doesn't represent the views and preferences of many people. Therefore, the fact that it reaches a wide audience, draws many people to the theaters, moves them to tears, and enthusiastically writes their reviews on social media, must be acknowledged as a talent of the filmmakers.
When I first read reviews of the film "Mai" on social media, I thought it was just a Lunar New Year movie trend that would quickly pass. But now I can't think that anymore, because so many more articles continue to be written by people I know for sure are writing based on their personal needs, feelings, and thoughts, without adhering to any theory or artistic criteria.
What does it matter? Ultimately, art serves the public. As long as the audience finds it enjoyable and it doesn't corrupt or degrade moral and aesthetic values, that's all that matters.
It's noteworthy that a filmmaking phenomenon similar to Tran Thanh's is bringing a resurgence to "made in Vietnam" theatrical films. Clearly, between the fact that crowds flock to theaters to watch and then enthusiastically discuss his films, and the fact that some state-funded films only have a few screenings before being shelved, Tran Thanh deserves to be called the "king" of the box office.
From this perspective, it must be acknowledged that the film "Mai" was a phenomenon of the 2024 Lunar New Year film season and played a major role in attracting audiences to theaters and drawing their attention to Vietnamese films.
However, as mentioned, we are not discussing whether the film "Mai" is good or bad, but a film industry that wants to develop and truly flourish cannot rely on isolated incidents like this.
"Mai" might draw audiences to theaters during the Lunar New Year season, but "Mai" doesn't inspire more optimism about the state of Vietnamese cinema. "Mai" doesn't usher in a new artistic trend or reveal a new generation of filmmakers…
A film industry cannot expect to make films like "Mai," but this story presents opportunities that the industry should seize to flourish.
Clearly, between the fact that people flock to theaters and excitedly discuss films, and the fact that some state-funded films only have a few screenings before being shelved, Tran Thanh deserves to be called the "king" of the box office. From this perspective, the film "Mai" must be acknowledged as a phenomenon of the 2024 Tet holiday film season and played a major role in attracting audiences to theaters and drawing attention to Vietnamese films.
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