'Kaleidoscope' is disappointing.

Việt Nam•29/12/2024

"Kaleidoscope: Revenge on the Ghost" failed to impress due to its limited script and unconvincing performances from the young cast. The film did not create a sensation upon its release, being surpassed by many other films at the box office.

Kaleidoscope : Demanding revenge from the ghost To be Vietnamese films Concluding in 2024, the project is adapted from one of the important works that established the reputation of writer Nguyen Nhat Anh.

Film adaptations of Nguyen Nhat Anh's stories have always been huge box office successes. Therefore, Kaleidoscope It has also been highly anticipated since its announcement, promising similar success. I see yellow flowers on green grass (2015) Blue Eyes (2019) Once upon a time there was a love story. (2024)…

Unfortunately, the film didn't create a huge sensation upon its release. It was criticized for its limited script, the director's creativity, and the unconvincing acting.

Still the same movie formula Nguyen Nhat Anh

Like the original story, the film revolves around the tale of three close friends, Tieu Long (Nhat Linh), Quy Rom (Hung Anh), and Hanh (Phuong Duyen). The film begins when they are adults, each facing their own uncertainties in life.

One day, the trio return to their old school and relive their childhood memories. From here, the film follows their journey as they were students.

The film tells the story of three close friends: Hanh (Phuong Duyen), Tieu Long (Nhat Linh), and Quy Rom (Hung Anh).

Kaleidoscope The novel by author Nguyen Nhat Anh is a long series consisting of 54 volumes. Therefore, the film adaptation could hardly encapsulate all the original content within its 127-minute runtime.

Instead, the film's script is adapted from two volumes of the novel. Demand compensation for the frangipani flowers. and The Ghost on the Hill . The story centers on Xiao Long's trip back to his hometown. Throughout the journey, the three main characters experience rural life, resolve various conflicts, and unravel the mystery of the "ghost on the grass-cutting hill" that has been passed down through word of mouth.

The project leader is Vo Thanh Hoa - A renowned director known for many high-grossing projects such as Sister Thirteen: Three Days of Life and Death (2020) The hundred-billion-dollar key , Super easy job (2022) The master swindler meets the master trickster. (2023)…

The filmmakers maintained the formula for the success of adaptations of Nguyen Nhat Anh's stories: beautiful visuals and emotionally rich music , making the story relatable and easily accessible to viewers.

The film features many impressive shots with bright colors, capturing the peaceful feeling of the Vietnamese countryside.

The music is also rich in rhythm, establishing the necessary atmosphere for a children's film, giving the work a youthful and energetic feel.

The creativity is not convincing.

It must be said that director Vo Thanh Hoa made a great effort in bringing the story of the trio Long, Quy, and Hanh to the big screen. He added and adjusted many details to make the story more coherent and suitable for cinema. The filmmaker also skillfully incorporated messages about friendship, humanity, and maturity, contributing to the film's depth.

However, Vo Thanh Hoa has not yet been truly successful in this endeavor. build A tight and coherent storyline.

The relationship between the three main characters, Long, Quy, and Hanh, lacks logical development. They don't have many meaningful moments of interaction, making their friendship unconvincing.

Furthermore, the conflicts between the characters feel forced. Their arguments are awkwardly integrated, detracting from the natural flow and coherence of the story.

Many of the lines have a theatrical quality. For example, Xiao Long's grandfather (played by Zhong Min) often speaks philosophical, bookish lines. The supporting actors also tend to speak very long, clearly articulated sentences, sounding more like they're reciting lines than embodying their characters.

The characters deliver their lines as if they were reading from a textbook.

Acting is also a weak point of the film. The television version of Kaleidoscope It caused a sensation when it was released in 2004, helping the main cast members Ngoc Trai, Vu Long, and Anh Dao become more familiar to the audience.

Meanwhile, the trio of Nhật Linh, Hùng Anh, and Phương Uyên failed to deliver a convincing performance. Due to a lack of experience and acting skills, all three were unable to portray the cute and lovable characters from the story.

Even the two male actors, Nhật Linh and Hùng Anh, performed weaker than the female lead, Phương Uyên. This is truly a shame, as the three main characters are the key element that will bring the show to life. Kaleidoscope Popular, with a large fan base.

Released during the Christmas season, Kaleidoscope It was expected to shake up the box office and create a new sensation for Vietnamese cinema. However, the film "fell flat" at the box office, being overshadowed by other films. Sister-in-law, 404, run away immediately! Outperform in terms of revenue.

To date, the project has only generated just over three billion VND, according to statistics. Box Office Vietnam (Independent box office observer). This figure is very low compared to the reputation of director Vo Thanh Hoa and the brand of Nguyen Nhat Anh's stories. At the current pace, it is highly likely that the film will struggle to reach the 50 billion VND mark.

Overall, Kaleidoscope : Demanding revenge from the ghost It remains an entertaining and meaningful children's film. However, it fails to excel because its message is preachy and its characters lack depth.

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