Vietnamese cinemas are buzzing this August with a diverse lineup of comedies, action films, and animations. Two Vietnamese productions, "Taking Mom to Abandon" and "Ghost Bride", are set to premiere. International offerings include "Freakier Friday", "The Naked Gun", "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint", and the anime blockbuster "Demon Slayer".
Taking Mom to Abandon
Release date: 1/8
Genre: Family, Drama
Directed by Mo Hong Jin (Prisoner 7037), the film revolves around Hanh (Hong Dao), a mother suffering from Alzheimer's, and her son, Hoan (Tuan Tran). As her condition worsens, Hoan plans to take her to South Korea – where she lived in her youth – to reunite with her first son, Ji Hwan (Go Kyung Pyo).
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Tuan Tran and Hong Dao in "Taking Mom to Abandon". Photo: CJ ENM |
The Naked Gun
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Poster "The Naked Gun", starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson. The film is rated 16+. Photo: Paramount Pictures Vietnam |
Release date: 1/8
Genre: Comedy, Action
Directed by Akiva Schaffer, the film follows Lieutenant Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson), who follows in his father's footsteps in the police force. Drebin Jr. has an unconventional approach to crime-solving, often resorting to violence. Initially investigating a bank robbery, he is then assigned to a seemingly unrelated accident. His investigation leads him to believe that both incidents are connected to tech mogul Richard Cane (Danny Huston).
Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint
Release date: 1/8
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Directed by Kim Byung Woo, the film portrays a fictional world from a novel that suddenly becomes reality. Office worker Kim Dokja (Ahn Hyo Seop), the only one who knows the story's plot, must navigate a survival game leading to the novel's ending. He teams up with other players, including Yu Jeong Hyeok (Lee Min Ho), the novel's protagonist, to overcome challenges and survive in this new world.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
Release date: 15/8
Genre: Animation, Action
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki, the film begins with Muzan Kibutsuji attacking the Ubuyashiki mansion, drawing Tanjiro and the Hashira into Infinity Castle for a deadly battle against demons. Tanjiro, along with Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and the Pillars – the strongest swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps – confront the villain.
Freakier Friday
Release date: 15/8
Genre: Family, Comedy
Directed by Nisha Ganatra, the film revisits the body-swap theme of the 2003 original. A mother and daughter swap bodies, leading to humorous situations and ultimately, greater understanding. Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons star.
Ghost Bride
Release date: 29/8
Genre: Horror
This Vietnamese-Thai collaboration, directed by Lee Thongkham, stars Rima Thanh Vy as Yen, who travels to Thailand to meet her wealthy fiance Bank's (JJ Krissanapoom) family. She encounters a ghostly bride and uncovers dark secrets within the family, revealing a hidden side to their upper-class lifestyle.
Nobody 2
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Poster "Nobody 2". Photo: Universal Pictures Vietnam |
Release date: 15/8
Genre: Action
Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, Bob Odenkirk returns as Hutch Mansell, the suburban dad with a secret life as an assassin. Set four years after the events of the first film, Hutch attempts to repay debts through his assassin work, straining his family relationships. He takes his family on a trip to reconnect, but the vacation turns into a confrontation with the most dangerous force Hutch has ever encountered.
Shin-chan: Me and the Professor of Summer Vacation - The Endless Seven-Day Journey
Release date: 22/8
Genre: Animation
Shin and his friends participate in the Kasukabe Children's Entertainment Festival, a dance competition with a trip to India as the grand prize. Unexpected events unfold when Shin and Bo acquire a mysterious backpack that transforms Bo into a hyperactive and dangerous "Tyrant Bo." The group must work together to stop him before he causes global chaos.
Jumbo and the Magical Friend
Release date: 8/8
Genre: Animation
Directed by Ryan Adriandhy, the film tells the story of Don, a large, orphaned boy determined to prove himself in a talent show. With a comic book left by his parents and his friendship with Meri, Don discovers the value of courage. They face challenges to recover the stolen comic and reunite Meri with her family.
My Father's Unusual Zombie
Release date: 8/8
Genre: Family, Comedy
Directed by Pil Gam Sung, the film marks Cho Jung Seok's return to the big screen as Lee Jung Hwan, an animal trainer protecting his zombie-infected daughter. He takes her to a coastal village to avoid authorities, discovering she retains consciousness and a passion for dance. Jung Hwan uses his professional skills to "train" his daughter, resulting in humorous and touching moments.
Hello Jadoo: Lost in the Magical Kingdom
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Poster "Hello Jadoo: Lost in the Magical Kingdom". Photo: CGV |
Release date: 29/8
Genre: Animation
Directed by Son Seok Woo, the film follows Jadoo's journey to a village. Initially rejected by the villagers due to a misunderstanding, she finds refuge in a martial arts school and discovers her abilities. When the village faces a monster threat, Jadoo hesitates but ultimately chooses to protect the villagers, inspired by the memory of her friends.
The Bad Guys 2
Release date: 29/8
Genre: Animation
Directed by Pierre Perifel and JP Sans, the film continues the story of the Bad Guys. After their release from prison, they struggle to reintegrate into society. While assisting the police in pursuing the Phantom Bandit, they are mistaken for the culprits and confront a criminal gang led by Kitty. The Bad Guys must work together to destroy a giant magnet and recover the stolen gold.
Que Chi
