The timeless appeal of "The 17th Parallel Day and Night"

Within the framework of the film screening program celebrating the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam held at Ngoc Khanh Cinema, the classic film "The 17th Parallel Day and Night" received special attention from the public, with all online ticket reservations filling up in just two days. After more than half a century since its creation, this work about the unwavering spirit of people in the border region still retains its moving impact on audiences of many generations.

The film screening program, taking place from January 14th to January 17th, 2026, has been identified by the Vietnam Film Institute as a key cultural activity with profound political significance. Among the works screened, "The 17th Parallel Day and Night" is one of the highlights attracting the audience's attention.

In fact, immediately after the online registration opened, the number of interested people exceeded expectations. The fact that all 250 online tickets for this film were registered within 48 hours shows that the value of revolutionary cinema still holds an important place in the cultural life of the people. This interest is not just a statistic but also proof of the enduring vitality of a historical work of art, even though it was created more than half a century ago.

"The 17th Parallel Day and Night," first released in 1972, was the result of a persistent and courageous artistic endeavor by previous generations of artists. To achieve authentic footage, director Hai Ninh and screenwriter Hoang Tich Chi spent over five years immersed in the reality of the Vinh Linh border region in Quang Tri during the most intense years of the war.

The film crew at the front line in 1972. (Archival photo)

The film's value lies not only in its reception by domestic audiences but also in its international recognition. It was honored with the World Peace Council Award at the 8th Moscow International Film Festival (1973) and won the Silver Lotus Award at the 2nd Vietnam Film Festival. Notably, for her role as Dịu, People's Artist Trà Giang won the Best Actress award at the Moscow International Film Festival in the same year. These awards have made the film an artistic icon, fully conveying the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people and their absolute faith in the leadership of the Party.

Although many viewers have seen "The 17th Parallel Day and Night" on television or online streaming platforms, experiencing it at the Ngoc Khanh cinema offers a completely different experience. On the big screen, the black-and-white footage becomes more profound and sharper, allowing viewers to clearly feel the magnitude of the historical context.

Ms. Do Thi Dung was deeply moved and emotional when she watched the film "The 17th Parallel Day and Night".

For audiences who lived through the war, this experience evokes unforgettable memories. Ms. Do Thi Dung (Hanoi) fondly recalled: "Back then, it was very difficult for us to go to the cinema. We often watched movies through mobile film screening teams in fields, on hills, or in places where we were evacuated. The film remains etched in my memory. Even now, I still enjoy watching films like this because I guess I'm the type of person who is nostalgic."

As one of the early audience members to watch this classic film, Ms. Thanh Loan (Hanoi) expressed: "I watched this film before, but it was a long time ago, so I don't remember the details. But this time, I watched it very attentively, and I found it truly excellent and meaningful. It shows how talented the artists of the past were, and how meticulously our cinema is produced. Watching these films before the Party Congress makes me very excited and hopeful for positive results for society in the future. I am truly moved by the artistic and historical significance that the film conveys."

Khánh Linh has a passion for historical films, so this is a valuable opportunity for her to experience them firsthand.

Besides older audiences reminiscing, the program also attracted young people. Khanh Linh (a student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) shared: "I watched this film when I was very young with my family, but back then I didn't quite understand the images and messages it conveyed. I paid attention to this event partly because I wanted to experience historical footage on a large screen, like in a real movie theater."

Besides national archival works such as "Until We Meet Again" and "August Star," the program also features the film "Underground Tunnels: The Sun in the Darkness." This is the only film in the program not funded by the State, and director Bui Thac Chuyen and Galaxy Studio are providing the film free of charge to the public.

• Relive the glorious memories through a series of films celebrating the 14th Party Congress.

The audience's reception of "The 17th Parallel Day and Night" is a driving force for the Vietnam Film Institute to continue promoting the dissemination of revolutionary films. These films are not only archival documents, but also a flame that ignites the indomitable beauty of the Vietnamese people, strengthening faith in the Party's leadership as the country enters an era of progress.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/suc-hut-vuot-thoi-gian-cua-vi-tuyen-17-ngay-va-dem-20260117165333338.htm