According to Box Office Vietnam – an independent box office observer, the film had no competition during its three-day theatrical run. On 3/8, the film's daily revenue reached over 20 billion VND, tripling the earnings of the new Conan animated film (7 billion VND). Distributor CJ stated the film attracted over 800,000 viewers during the weekend, making it one of the best-performing Vietnamese film openings this year.

The film crew expressed their happiness at the public reception. Phan Gia Nhat Linh, one of the producers, said he accompanied the cast during recent cinetours and listened to the audience's feedback. Many young people brought their mothers to the screenings, sharing feelings they had never expressed before. "I hope the film's healing spirit spreads widely," he said.

From right: the film crew on a cinetour in TP HCM on 30/7, including director Mo Hong Jin, Vinh Rau, Hai Trieu, Juliet Bao Ngoc, Jung Il Woo, Hong Dao, Tuan Tran, and producer Phan Gia Nhat Linh. Photo: Quynh Nhu

The film revolves around Hoan (Tuan Tran), a mobile barber who single-handedly raises his mother, Hanh (Hong Dao). Suffering from Alzheimer's disease, she frequently gets lost and cannot care for herself, requiring a name tag with her address and phone number. Hoan also has epilepsy, with occasional seizures during work.

As Hanh's condition worsens, Hoan feels his mother hinders his freedom and dreams. He plans to take her to South Korea, where she once lived, entrusting her care to her first child. However, this decision torments him with the question: "When love becomes a burden, what will you decide?"

The film's appeal stems from the performances of Hong Dao and Tuan Tran. The veteran actress portrays the demeanor of an Alzheimer's patient in her 60s, sometimes distraught, sometimes innocent like a child. In Hanh's rare lucid moments, Hong Dao poignantly recalls the events that shattered their family.

The film marks the second time Hong Dao and Tuan Tran have played mother and son, following Tran Thanh's "Mai" (2024). Photo: Provided by the film crew

Tuan Tran delivers a convincing portrayal of a devoted son. Hoan loves his mother and wants to spend his life with her, but their difficult circumstances leave him powerless to keep her by his side. Korean actor Jung Il Woo (as Hanh's young husband) and Juliet Bao Ngoc (as young Hanh) primarily contribute romantic elements through dating scenes. Go Kyung Pyo, the star of "6/45," makes a cameo appearance in two short scenes at the end of the film.

‘Taking mom away’ is a Vietnamese-Korean collaboration directed by Mo Hong Jin (director of "A Prisoner's Last Wish 2037"). To write the script, Mo Hong Jin traveled to Vietnam to study the local lifestyle and culture. The team chose the theme of family, believing it resonates across all languages and nations.

Mai Nhat