Films and TV series are an important part of the Vietnamese lifestyle. Many Vietnamese people watch movies and dramas as a way to destress. There are countless dramas that come out every year, but over time, there are a few that remain as audience favorites.
Here are five dramas that are a must-watch for anyone interested in Vietnamese television dramas this summer.
Bong Dung Muon Khoc (2008)
Though released over a decade ago, the themes in this TV series are still relevant today. Leads Tang Thanh Ha and Luong Manh Hai have amazing chemistry in this widely loved drama. Bong Dung Muon Khoc (Suddenly Feel Like Crying) is a captivating drama with an easy-to-follow storyline.
The drama follows a poor girl who sells books in order to provide for herself while also going to school and a spoiled rich boy who doesn’t take education seriously, spending all of his time going out with his friends. The charm in this drama lies in the dialogue; there are many lessons to learn not only from the character’s actions but also in what they say.
Live with these characters and learn what it means to be a self sustaining Vietnamese student. You’ll see how beautiful Vietnam and its people are in this drama that places emphasis on the inner self. What does it really mean to love someone? And how does a person find happiness even when they are struggling with life?
Gao Nep Gao Te (2018)
A family drama that takes inspiration from a Korean drama, the TV series Gao Nep Gao Te is highly realistic and painfully truthful in its portrayal of a family dynamic. With each person having their own internal and external struggles, this is a drama that will bring your entire family together for the viewing of each episode. Although it has over 100 episodes, each one is well worth the time.
The TV series mainly revolves around three sisters (Han, Huong, Minh) and their parents. The mother (played by Hong Van) is unfair in her treatment of her daughters, the obvious favorite being her oldest daughter Han (actress Thuy Ngan). Watch as the three siblings solve their conflicts and grow closer as they experience hardships together. In the end, familial bond is the strongest and can last through anything.
This experienced cast will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions. The characters are imperfect but that is the charm of the drama; these characters make mistakes just as we do.
Mui Ngo Gai (2006)
This is a three part collaboration film between Korea and Vietnam. This drama is well written and catapulted the cast to fame. It is a heartbreaking story about a girl named Vy whose early childhood and even adulthood are filled with misfortunes. This is a drama that gained a lot of attention from Vietnamese audiences.
Unfortunately, the main actress Ngoc Trinh, was only able to act in the first two parts due to her health conditions. She’s said to have fallen into depression upon not being able to act in the third part alongside her co-stars. Nonetheless, the drama made her a household name and, to this day, Mui Ngo Gai still remains a must-watch.
This is a classic TV series that marks the height of Vietnamese television. With a solid script and even stronger cast, this breakthrough series should be on your must-watch list.
Nguoi Chong Dien (2014)
This is the ultimate melodrama with many plot twists revolving around a web of lies. The main characters each have their own dark secrets and in the end, someone will have to pay the price for the truth.
The story follows a girl determined to become wealthy and marries into a wealthy family. Her greed doesn’t end there, and she begins to plot more antics. Meanwhile, her husband fakes being mentally ill in order to catch her in the act. This TV series wonderfully acted out by Huynh Dong, who plays the part of the husband.
Dramatic and tragic, this drama will have audiences riddled with anxiety. Perhaps greed is the darkest human trait of all.
Cong Mat Troi (2010)
A story about Vietnamese college students who live together, this is a light hearted and nostalgic drama. It’s a great watch for college students as well as people who would like to relive their college days.
This drama is interesting in that its cast is a culmination of actors who in the years that follow the drama, all prove themselves to be extremely talented. This is a drama that fans of the American TV Show “Friends” will love. You’ll be able to grow with the cast and you’ll learn as they learn. Even though the show is nearly ten years old, the cast still gets together from time to time.
Perhaps the greatest years of a person’s life are their years as a young adult, the prime college years. Watch this drama and reminisce those days with the characters.
Written by Lauren Nguyen
Related Content:
[Article] Vietnamese Film: A Journey Through Cinema With Journalist Le Hong Lam
[Article] Lien Binh Phat: The Breakout Vietnamese Actor Of 2018 In Five Films