Vietnamese director Nguyen Quang Dung is planning to do a film to remake the 2004 Hollywood romantic comedy 50 First Dates.

Thang Nam Ruc Ro (Splendid Years), a remake of a Korean hit called Sunny directed by Nguyen Quang Dung was a big hit in Viet Nam. Photo courtesy of producer

The film, which was directed by Peter Segal and written by George Wing, is about the love story between the veterinarian Henry and Lucy, a young woman who developed anterograde amnesia after a car accident. It starred American actors Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

Dung said: “50 First Dates is one of my favourite films. Remaking the film will be a highlight of my career.”

The Vietnamese version was a co-production of Sony Pictures and private Vietnamese film studio Thien Ngan (Galaxy).

Dung, 50, was one of the first directing graduates from the HCM City College of Theatre and Cinematography, which became the University of Theatre and Cinematography in 1999.

He is known for the comedies Nu Hon Than Chet (A Kiss of Death), Nhung Nu Hon Ruc Ro (Vivid Kisses) and My Nhan Ke (Beauty Trap), favourites among young audiences that earned high ticket sales.

Last year, Dung released a film about traditional Vietnamese culture titled Da Co Hoai Lang (Night Drumbeats Cause Longing for Absent Husband) which took three years to complete.

The production was the only Vietnamese film screened at the ASEAN Film Awards, which was part of the 20th Viet Nam Film Festival held in the central city of Da Nang from November 24-28.

His latest film Thang Nam Ruc Ro  (Splendid Years), a remake of a Korean hit called Sunny, has become a big success in Viet Nam, earning more than VNĐ65 billion (US$2.85 million) in ticket sales 10 years after release. The film is about urban women and their loves and work.

It features movie stars Hong Anh and My Duyen, winners of the Golden Kite for Best Actress presented by the Viet Nam Cinematography Association, along with young actresses Hoang Anh and Hoang Yen Chibi.

“I expect my remake of 50 First Dates will achieve the same level of success as Thang Nam Ruc Ro,” said Dung.

The Vietnamese version of 50 First Dates is in pre-production and is expected to be released later this year. — VNS