Some representative works of Vietnamese revolutionary cinema set in Military Region 4 include: "The 17th Parallel - Day and Night" (1972, script by Hoang Tich Chi, director Hai Ninh), depicting the life and struggles of the people of Vinh Linh, Quang Tri during the period of national division; "Dong Loc Crossroads" (1997, script by Nguyen Quang Vinh, director Luu Trong Ninh), recreating the heroic sacrifice of 10 young female volunteers; and "Life in the Sand" (1999, script by Nguyen Quang Lap, director Nguyen Thanh Van), offering a humane perspective on the consequences of war on people. "The Scent of Burning Grass" (2011, script by Hoang Nhuan Cam, directed by Nguyen Huu Muoi) recreates the heroic battle of young soldiers, who were Hanoi students, at Quang Tri Citadel in 1972... These films are not only classic cinematic works but also valuable historical documents, helping future generations better understand the sacrifices and losses of their ancestors during the war on the heroic land of Military Region 4.

Tái hiện miền

Images from the set of the film "The Scent of Burning Grass". Photo: PHAM THANH HA

Although once a major genre, films about the armed forces and revolutionary war, especially those set in Military Region 4, are becoming increasingly scarce. The first reason is the changing market trend, with commercial and entertainment films now dominating. High production costs are also a significant barrier, as films on this subject require substantial investment. Private producers are hesitant to invest in films about the armed forces and revolutionary war because of the difficulty in recouping their investment. Meanwhile, the state budget allocated to filmmaking is not strong enough to create large-scale productions. Changes in audience tastes are also a crucial factor, as younger audiences have less exposure to history and tend to be more interested in topics closer to contemporary life. Furthermore, state-commissioned films on the armed forces and revolutionary war still lack sufficient promotion and media coverage, making them even harder to reach a wider audience. Talented directors and screenwriters specializing in this subject are becoming increasingly rare.

To produce more high-quality films set in Military Region 4 during the war against the US, a comprehensive approach involving multiple sources is needed. First and foremost is state support through stronger investment policies for films on the theme of the armed forces and revolutionary war, especially projects with high historical and artistic value. In addition, it is necessary to attract socialized capital by combining state budget funds with the participation of businesses and private organizations to secure sufficient production funding. Innovating storytelling is also crucial; films on the theme of the armed forces and revolutionary war do not necessarily need to be heavily focused on propaganda, but rather require a new approach that deeply explores the human element and the psychology of characters during and after the war. Furthermore, modern filmmaking technologies such as CGI and special effects can now be applied to realistically recreate battles without requiring excessive investment in real-life locations. One viable solution is to encourage the younger generation of filmmakers by organizing script competitions and supporting the training of young directors and screenwriters so they can access and create based on historical stories. Bringing films about the Armed Forces and the Revolutionary War onto online platforms like Netflix, Galaxy Play, and VieON... would also help them reach younger audiences more conveniently.

Currently, a film project about the Armed Forces and the Revolutionary War, set in Military Region 4, is being finalized for release to commemorate major holidays. The film, "Red Rain" (directed by Dang Thai Huyen) and produced by the People's Army Film Studio, promises to be a successful, well-invested, and elaborate production, worthy of continuing the tradition of Vietnamese revolutionary cinema on the theme of Military Region 4.

Military Region 4 during the resistance war against the US, for national liberation, is an important part of Vietnamese national history and revolutionary cinema. Although the number of films on the theme of the armed forces and revolutionary war is still modest, with systematic investment, a new approach, and the combination of art and technology, Vietnamese cinema can certainly continue to produce valuable works about this region, contributing to preserving and spreading the spirit of patriotism to future generations.

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