VietNamNet Bridge – Two Vietnamese comedies produced by private HCM City filmmakers will be released during the Christmas and New Year holidays. 

Famous actress Nha Phuong in the comedy Trạng Quỳnh (Dr. Quỳnh), a production based on Vietnamese folk tales from Thien Phuc Studio. The film is expected to attract a big audience in the Christmas and New Year season. — Photo courtesy of the producer

The 90-minute comedy Hồn Papa Da Con Gái (Daddy Issues) is expected to be a hit and a step forward for the season. 

Its producer, Vietnamese-American Charlie Nguyen, hired Japanese director Ken Ochiai to helm the film.

To ensure that nothing went wrong, Charlie invited talented comedian Thai Hoa and young star Kaity Nguyen, winner of the Golden Lotus prize for best actress at the 20th Vietnamese Film Festival in Da Nang last year.

Veteran comic artists Hong Van and Thanh Loc are also featured in the film.     

The movie is about Hai (played by Hoa) and Chau (played by Kaity) as father and daughter whose bodies are switched because of a mysterious and magical curse.

Hoa impressed audiences in his previous films, including Long Ruồi (Mr Long) and Tèo Em (Little Tèo), both of which had record box-office runs in 2011 and 2013. 

While Long Ruồi earned more than VND42 billion (US$2 million) in ticket sales, Tèo Em helped its producer bring home nearly VND60 billion (nearly US$3 million).  

For his latest, Hoa worked hard to renew his image on screen.

“I don’t want my fans to feel bored after watching me. I worked with the film’s director to bring something new to my role,” said Hoa, who is called the king of box office by more than 24,700 fans on his fan page.     

The other comedy, Trạng Quỳnh (Dr. Quỳnh), a production by Thien Phuc Studio, stars famous comedian Tran Thanh.

Actress Nha Phuong, winner of Best Actress at the Cánh Diều Vàng (Golden Kite) Awards by the Viet Nam Cinematography Association this year, is also featured.

The film is based on Vietnamese folk tales about the cunning tricks of Nguyen Quynh, a scholar of Thanh Hoa Province living under the Le-Trinh reign between 1696 and 1718. 

Quynh was famous for his representation of poor people. He is loved by many Vietnamese generations.

The film is about a journey of Quynh to rescue his teacher and two friends, who are part of the lower class in the old feudal society.

“Not only does it bring laughter, but my film also recreates the context of feudalism, oppression and struggle. It brings to light the optimism and desire for justice in society,” said the film’s director Duc Thinh.

Thinh’s latest film, Siêu Sao Siêu Ngố (Super Star - Super Silly), a comedy starring Truong Giang, earned more than VND107 billion ($4.58 million) in ticket sales last holiday season.

Both Hồn Papa Da Con Gái and Trạng Quỳnh will be in cinemas in early December to welcome the Christmas and New Year. 

Source: VNS