Vietnamese historical films and the reception of Lao Cai audiences

Beta Lao Cai Cinema attracts Vietnamese moviegoers.

The film “Tunnels: Sun in the Dark” which was released nationwide on April 4 is an example. The war-themed film set in the Cu Chi Tunnels by director Bui Thac Chuyen has attracted the attention of a large audience.

Upon learning about the film's release date, many viewers immediately booked tickets, trying to catch the film about national history as soon as possible. Many viewers were extremely moved after watching the film, expressing on social networks such as: "It would be a pity if we didn't watch this film", "The footage was so vivid, we felt like we were suffocating during the entire process of watching the film", "Watching the film made me feel more patriotic and proud of my fathers' generation"... There were even viewers who watched the film 2 or 3 times but still felt the thrill of every detail in the film.

Arriving at Beta Cinema, Go! Lao Cai Shopping Center at around 8pm, it was easy to see that most of the seats for the evening screenings of the film were full. Moviegoers of all ages were excited to watch, some even brought red flags with yellow stars to check-in with the film poster, showing pride in the historical values of the nation.

The film “Tunnel: Sun in the Dark” is given priority for many screenings. (Photo source: Producer)

Ms. Vu Thuy Quynh, Supervisor of the Beta Cinema lobby, Go! Lao Cai Commercial Center, said: At this time, the cinema is prioritizing screenings of the movie "Tunnel: Sun in the Dark". Each day, the cinema shows about 10 shows at many times. The audience accounts for about 60% of the seats, especially the evening and weekend screenings are full. Most of the audience has very positive feedback after watching the movie.

Audience learn about Vietnamese historical films.

Students are excited to go to the cinema to watch Vietnamese movies.

"Tunnels: Sun in the Dark" is set after the Cedar Falls raid in 1967 - a US military campaign to destroy the Southern Liberation Army base. The characters appearing in the film such as Bay Theo, Ba Huong, Ut Kho, Sau Lap..., they are just ordinary Cu Chi people who step into the tunnels deep underground with the hope that one day peace will return to their homeland and they are not afraid to stand up and take up guns or other primitive weapons to confront the world's best fighting enemy.

During more than 2 hours of screening, the film brought the audience a feeling of “breathless” suspense because of each development. At the end of the film, each audience member had many emotions, but most of them expressed national pride and deep gratitude for the sacrifices of the previous generation to bring independence to the nation.

Mr. Nguyen Van Bach in Duyen Hai Ward (Lao Cai City) shared: The film brings a feeling of suspense and excitement. The actors act very vividly and realistically. Watching the film, I feel more admiration for the will and gratitude for the sacrifices of the previous generation.

The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism organized political activities and watched historical films at Lao Cai Cinema.

In addition to Beta Cinema, historical film screenings at Lao Cai Cinema are also enthusiastically welcomed by audiences. Mr. Bui Duc Duy (Kim Tan Ward, Lao Cai City) shared: "I have watched many movies before, but I especially love historical movies. I think there should be more movies that exploit historical themes so that the younger generation can love their country and be more proud of their nation."

In April, Lao Cai Cinema has increased the screening of historical films. Currently, the film "Tunnel: Sun in the Dark" has one main screening at 8pm every day, lasting until the end of April. In addition, the cinema has added a screening at 9am on weekends. In addition, the cinema also cooperates with schools to screen a number of other historical films such as "The Scent of Burning Grass", "Wild Fields"... to help students understand more about national history.