Director Duong Bao Anh of the box office hit "Human Trafficking Camp" announced plans to release a 13+ version of the film, trimming violent and "sensitive" scenes. This decision comes as the film nears the 300 billion VND mark after more than 10 days in theaters, according to Box Office Vietnam, on 5/10.

Victims resisting in "Human Trafficking Camp". *Photo: Film crew provided*

The director expressed gratitude for the feedback received from audiences and media. He stated that the film was originally rated 18+ to ensure authenticity and depict the brutality of criminal dens. "However, we realized that middle and high school students are a vulnerable group, easily falling prey to online scams. The team will strive to ensure compliance with the Cinema Department's classification criteria while still retaining the film's warning message," Duong Bao Anh said.

The 135-minute original version of "Human Trafficking Camp" includes 18+-rated segments, such as protagonist Ny (Steven Nguyen) being tortured on a rooftop by scam "boss" henchmen, and antagonist Tai (Quach Ngoc Ngoan) sexually assaulting young women. Duong Bao Anh clarified that the team integrated these details to build climax and reflect the victims' desperate fates, not to abuse violence.

A representative for the team stated that a release date for the new version has not been set, but they will complete the submission procedures as soon as possible.

The film's box office performance has been exceptional. Over the past three days of the weekend, it earned an additional 105 billion VND, a more than 30% increase compared to its opening week. Box Office Vietnam described this as a rare achievement for a Vietnamese film, with its revenue accounting for 90% of the total weekend box office. The agency predicts that if it maintains its appeal, the film could surpass Tran Thanh's "Bo Gia" (Godfather) (420 billion VND) and become the highest-grossing non-holiday film ever.

"Human Trafficking Camp" explores the world of online scams. The main character is Ny (played by Steven Nguyen), a young man from a poor village in the Mekong Delta. The central conflict arises when Ny's younger sister, Ut Det (Huynh Minh Kien), and her friend seek work and fall into the trap of a cross-border scam organization. To rescue his sister, Ny allows himself to be captured into the camp, where he uncovers an underground cross-border crime network.

Actor Steven Nguyen (right) and runner-up Minh Kien. *Photo: Film crew provided*

Experts attribute the film's success to its high entertainment value and timely subject matter. It resonated with audiences by addressing human trafficking and scams, complemented by action, martial arts, and stories of love and family. Critics noted the large number of characters, including both protagonists and antagonists, and an overly complex plot, which limited deep character psychological development.

Mai Nhat