The Vietnamese box office in 2024 witnessed the remarkable dominance of Tran Thanh’s Mai and Ly Hai’s Lat Mat 7: Mot Dieu Uoc, both exceeding VND 1 trillion ($39.5 million) in combined revenue.
Tran Thanh’s "Mai" emerged as the highest-grossing Vietnamese film of all time, raking in VND 551.2 billion ($21.67 million). This landmark achievement solidifies Tran Thanh’s status as the nation’s first “thousands of billions of VND director”. The film, starring Tuan Tran and Phuong Anh Dao, delves into the poignant and often tragic life of a young massage therapist. With its profound script and stellar performances, Mai resonated deeply with audiences.The film’s unprecedented success has raised expectations for Tran Thanh’s upcoming projects, including Bo Tu Bao Thu (The 4 Rascals), as fans eagerly await his next move following hits like Bo Gia (Dad, I'm Sorry) and Nha Ba Nu ((The House of No Man).Ly Hai’s Lat Mat 7: Mot Dieu Uoc (Face Off 7: One Wish) claimed the second spot, earning an impressive VND 482 billion ($19 million) - the highest revenue in the Lat Mat series to date. The film’s emotional narrative centers on a single mother, played by Thanh Hien, and her journey to reconnect with her five children who have grown distant.
Known as the “box office king” of the April 30–May 1 holiday, Ly Hai has proven his uncanny ability to understand audience preferences. Building on this momentum, he and his wife Minh Ha are gearing up for Lat Mat 8, which promises to feature the largest ensemble cast in the franchise’s history.
Hoai Linh’s comeback in Lam Giau Voi Ma (Betting with Ghost) surprised critics and audiences alike. The comedy-drama, which explores family dynamics and supernatural elements, earned VND 128 billion (over $5 million), securing third place.
Hoai Linh’s chemistry with co-star Tuan Tran brought both laughter and tears, proving his range beyond comedic roles.Vietnamese horror film Ma Da (The Drowning Spirit), starring Viet Huong, claimed the fourth spot with a revenue of VND 127 billion. Based on folklore about a ghostly figure dragging people underwater in the Mekong Delta, the movie defied initial expectations to become one of the year’s most successful horror films.Despite mixed reviews and behind-the-scenes controversies, Ma Da captivated audiences, crossing the VND 100 billion ($4 million) mark within 10 days.Closing the top five is Cam, directed by Tran Huu Tan, which earned VND 96.3 billion ($3.78 million). This horror drama reimagines the story of Cam, the stepsister of the iconic fairy-tale character Tam. While praised for its cultural roots and stunning visuals, the film’s disjointed pacing left some viewers wanting more. However, its success suggests a potential sequel to further explore the Tam Cam lore. The standout performances of these films underscore the growing potential of Vietnam’s film industry. With projects that explore diverse genres - from heartfelt dramas to supernatural thrillers - Vietnamese cinema is not only capturing local audiences but also setting benchmarks for future productions. Photo credit: archives
Vietnamnet.vn
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