According to Box Office Vietnam, as of the afternoon of 28/8, "Red Rain" has overtaken "The Tunnel: The Sun in the Shadows" (173 billion VND) to become the highest-grossing Vietnamese war film.

Director Dang Thai Huyen's film has captivated audiences since its release on 21/8. The project surpassed 100 billion VND in its first three days, matching the pace of Ly Hai's "Flip Face 7: A Wish" and Tran Thanh's "The Protectors".

According to Google Trends, the film has consistently trended on social media, becoming a top search term and receiving thousands of positive reviews and comments. On Google User Rating, many viewers gave the film 5 stars, praising its moving portrayal of wartime experiences.

With an average of over 4,600 screenings nationwide daily, "Red Rain" significantly outpaces other films currently in theaters. It is the 10th domestic film to surpass the 100 billion VND mark this year. The Vietnamese film industry has seen a surge in box office successes, including "The Protectors" (322 billion VND), "Detective Kien: The Headless Case" (249 billion VND), "The Ancestral Home" (243 billion VND), "Flip Face 8: Circle of Sunshine" (232 billion VND), "The Billion Dollar Kiss" (212 billion VND), "The Tunnel: The Sun in the Shadows" (173 billion VND), "Taking Mom Out" (169 billion VND), and "The Haunted Inn" (150 billion VND).

Written by author Chu Lai, the film is set in 1972 during the Vietnam War, when the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) had liberated Quang Tri province—the dividing line between North and South Vietnam. Facing the strategic loss of this territory and the potential loss of Thua Thien province, the US reinforced the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) to recapture Quang Tri, particularly the ancient citadel, as leverage for a favorable peace agreement.

The storyline follows the 81-day battle to defend the citadel. The central character, Cuong (played by Do Nhat Hoang), is a charismatic and skilled martial artist studying at the Conservatory of Music. He abandons his opportunity to study abroad to enlist. During the fighting in Quang Tri, Cuong fights alongside his squad: Ta, the squad leader; Binh; Tu; Hai; and Sen. Hailing from diverse backgrounds with different personalities, they are united by their common goal of fighting for peace.

Actress Dinh Thuy Ha portrays the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, mother of soldier Cuong (played by Do Nhat Hoang). Photo: Provided by the film crew

The film captures the essence of military life, highlighting the rare moments of peace amidst the war. Soldiers tease each other about family, love, and even joke about death. Using contrasting techniques, the director emphasizes the battle between the PAVN and the US-backed ARVN. Flycam shots depict the enemy's advanced weaponry against the PAVN's rudimentary equipment and cut supply lines.

The film's meticulous 50-hectare set is another highlight. However, the love triangle between Cuong, Quang, and Hong feels underdeveloped, and some dialogue is overly propagandistic.

Que Chi