Vietnamese cinema makes strong breakthrough

The movie Detective Kien: The Headless Case is having good revenue after 10 days of release. Photo: TL

Impressive numbers

According to Box Office Vietnam - an independent box office revenue analysis unit, since the beginning of 2025, there have been 9 Vietnamese films that have surpassed the 100 billion VND revenue mark, a record number compared to the same period in previous years. Leading the way is The Four Guardians by director Tran Thanh with more than 330 billion VND, followed by The Ancestors' House (242 billion VND), Billionaire Kiss (211 billion VND), Tunnel: Sun in the Dark (171 billion VND), Ghost in the Palace (149 billion VND), Sister-in-law (113 billion VND), and Soul Lamp (106 billion VND).

Notably, the hundred billion revenue race between the two films Detective Kien: Headless Case and Flip Side 8: Sunny Bracelet has not come to an end. The two films, which were both released during the April 30 and May 1 holidays, are still closely following each other, Flip Side 8: Sunny Bracelet has earned about 180 billion VND and Detective Kien: Headless Case about 160 billion VND. The two films are still being shown in all cinemas nationwide and it is predicted that the revenue figure could exceed 200 billion VND per film.

Diverse in themes, styles and with the participation of many new filmmakers, the domestic film market is entering a phase that promises more breakthroughs and successes in the future.

Breaking the monopoly, opening up a diverse playing field

In the past, when talking about movies with revenue of hundreds of billions, many people only thought of movies by Tran Thanh, Ly Hai or Victor Vu, but now, that monopoly has been broken. More and more directors and producers are seriously investing to produce quality works with diverse genres, bringing many interesting choices to the audience.

Since the beginning of 2025, many new directors and producers have emerged. Huynh Lap has made his mark with Nha gia tien, while Khuong Ngoc has scored points with Chi dau thanks to a tight script and a talented cast. Director Hoang Nam, although new to filmmaking, has warmly received Den am hon (Devil's Light), despite many compliments and criticisms about the script.

In addition, the return of famous directors such as Victor Vu with Detective Kien: Headless Case received much praise from audiences and experts. Victor's horror film has a tight script, carefully invested in costumes, settings... Or the "explosive" appearance of Tunnel: Sun in the Dark by director Bui Thac Chuyen broke the prejudice that historical war films are only made for "worship" and then... stored away.

Audiences can also choose director Ly Hai's film Lat mat 8: Vong tay nang, which is about family. This director won big at the box office last year during the holiday season when the film Lat mat 7: Mot giau uoc earned nearly 483 billion VND.

The diversity of styles and themes has contributed to enriching the picture of Vietnamese cinema. More importantly, this creates a healthy competitive environment for filmmakers to strive to produce quality works. Audiences will therefore have more choices, not limited to a few films by familiar directors.

Minh Ngoc

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202505/phim-dien-anh-viet-but-pha-manh-me-0ff45cf/