Picture this: you’re itching to learn Vietnamese, but hiring a language pro seems as likely as finding a four-leaf clover in a haystack. Fear not; while language apps are all the rage, there’s a delightful alternative – watching Vietnamese movies.
In this post, I’m dishing out the best Vietnamese films that not only turbocharge your Vietnamese skills but also turn learning into a cinematic joyride.
The Power Of Immersion
Ah, the sweet, sweet magic of immersion! If you’ve dipped your toes into the language learning pool, you know how crucial it is. Imagine being plopped into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, soaking in the sounds and rhythms of Vietnamese. That’s immersion, baby!
Now, let’s dial it up a notch. The best feature film in your target language? That’s like diving headfirst into the culture of this beautiful country. You’re not just hearing words or singing songs; you’re experiencing them in context. It’s like your love-hate relationship with your swimming lessons – you might flail a bit at first, but you’ll get the hang of it, and it’s way more exciting!
Vietnamese Cinema: A Hidden Gem
You might not know this, but the Vietnamese film industry is like that restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley that serves the best pho in town. Over the years, it has slowly grown and gained influence, earning its place on the world stage.
You’ve got filmmakers like Tran Anh Hung and thespians like Veronica Ngo and Dustin Nguyen making waves. These names might not ring a bell yet, but trust me, they’re worth knowing. Vietnamese cinema isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about delving into a unique culture. It’s about pho-steaming street scenes, bustling markets, and the subtle nuances of everyday life in Vietnam.
Top Vietnamese Movies For Language Learners
Now, let’s get to the exciting part – our list of the best Vietnamese films that can be your golden tickets to learning and having a blast while you’re at it.
The White Silk Dress (Áo Lụa Hà Đông)
Set in the 1950s during French colonial rule, the “White Silk Dress,” which bagged the Busan International Film Festival and Vietnamese Golden Kite in 2006, provides a glimpse into Vietnam’s historical and cultural backdrop. It shows how an heirloom gown inspires hope. It also narrates the significance of the iconic Vietnamese silk costume, or “ao dai,” and its symbolism.
Dreamy Eyes (Mắt Biếc)
This heartwarming tale is like a Vietnamese version of “Fault in Our Stars.” The plot revolves around Ngan, a 6-year-old boy who falls in love with his childhood best friend Ha Lan. It is told in an innocent and childlike narrative, making each camera pan poignant. The cinematography of this tearjerker will make you think of sentimental love scenes with perfectly Vietnam-picture-worthy views in the background.
The Scent Of Burning Grass (Mùi Cỏ Cháy)
This heartwarming story carries ample political significance. This war film about four patriotic Vietnamese soldiers provides a deep dive into the experience of Vietnamese people, specifically in Northern Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. They are Long, who comes from a dysfunctional family; Thanh, who loves to fool around; Thang, the writer; and the child-faced poet Hoang.
Saigon, I Love You (Sài Gòn, Anh Yêu Em)
It’s a 2016 anthology of love stories produced by Ly Minh Thang set against the vibrant backdrop of Saigon. It’s a feel-good movie about a soulmate’s rendezvous, a mother-and-son love-hate relationship, and more. Aside from the engaging narratives, it serves as a crash course in contemporary Vietnamese culture and distinct cultural nuances. The film received the Golden Kite Prize (Vietnam’s Academy Award) from the Vietnam Cinematography Association, the Best Supporting Actor Award, Best Music, Design, and Production in 2017.
Fool For Love (Để Mai Tính)
This rom-com is a lighthearted way to pick up conversational Vietnamese. It’s the story of Dung, a hotel clerk, who falls for Mai, a lounge singer who gets romantically entangled with a wealthy real-estate mogul. The film is hilarious, which resulted in box office success – what’s not to love?
The Girl from Yesterday (Cô gái đến từ hôm qua)
This Vietnamese film is considered by many as one of the best Vietnamese films on Netflix. It explores themes of nostalgia and longing, with the main characters falling in love only to realize that they live in different periods.
Hollow (Đoạt Hồn)
If you’re into jump scares, this horror film is for you. Get ready for some spine-tingling Vietnamese dialogues as you watch this supernatural thriller. The film effectively combines societal problems and Vietnamese folklore.
Other Notable Vietnamese Films
Here are the other titles you must check, watch, and learn the local language from:
- Good Bye Mother (Thưa Mẹ Con Đi)
- Good Morning And Good Night (Trời sáng rồi ta đi ngủ thôi)
- Furie (Hai Phượng)
- The Scent Of Green Papaya (Mùi đu đủ xanh)
Vietnamese Words And Phrases For Movie Buffs
Before you dive into your Vietnamese movie marathon, let me tell you why having a few words and phrases up your sleeve can make the experience even more enjoyable. Think of it like having a secret decoder ring in a treasure hunt; it adds a whole new level of excitement.
Here are 10 Vietnamese words and phrases that every movie buff should know:
| English | Vietnamese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Movie | Phim | |
| Actor/Actress | Diễn viên | |
| Script | Kịch bản | |
| Comedy | Hài kịch | |
| Drama | Kịch tính | |
| Scene | Cảnh quay | |
| Music | Âm nhạc | |
| Director | Đạo diễn | |
| Behind the Scenes | Hậu trường | |
| Subtitles | Phụ đề |
Use Ling to Learn Vietnamese
Ready to embark on your Vietnamese language adventure with the help of movies and the Ling language-learning app? It’s time to kickstart your learning voyage! You can do this by downloading Ling on the Play Store or App Store. Install it on your phone, and voila, you have a pocket-sized language tutor!
Use Ling to complement your movie-watching experience. Learn vocabulary and practice pronunciation with Ling before or after your cinematic adventures. Learning Vietnamese through movies isn’t just about language; it’s a gateway to a rich and vibrant culture. So, seize this opportunity, watch movies, and use the app. Your language journey starts now!
