War films play an important role in Vietnam's revolutionary cinema heritage.

Experts discuss at the workshop

On July 2, within the framework of the 3rd Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF 3), the workshop "Imprints of Vietnamese war films after the country's reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025)" took place.

War movies must have depth

Sharing at the workshop, director Bui Tuan Dung said that a good war film needs to faithfully recreate the context, events and characters; reflect historical truth, without distorting or over-glorifying. It must show viewers the two sides of a war, both the glory and tragedy of war.

According to director Bui Tuan Dung, the film not only tells the story of fighting and killing, but also delves into the lives, sacrifices, bravery, cowardice and personal choices of each person - which creates strong convictions about the political views of each character in each situation, each event in the war that the character has to go through. From there, the ego and fate of each character are depicted in the context that the film's story approaches.

Director Bui Tuan Dung shares at the workshop

War films have more depth when they delve into the psychology, tragedy and emotions of each person in a fierce cycle, in which soldiers are not only fighting tools but also fathers, brothers, sons, and people of love for the family they belong to...

“Ultimately, the value of a film does not lie in the reputation of the director, actors, or the huge investment, but in the emotional and aesthetic impact that all of the above values bring.

And the most valuable war film is one that leaves viewers silent, not because of shock, but because of absorption. Absorbing pain, loss, patriotism, and the desire to live in a world without gunfire,” director Bui Tuan Dung emphasized.

Similarly, director Nguyen Huu Muoi also expressed many opinions in the discussion "The topic of war is always attractive to filmmakers"; because of its rich, attractive material, full of fierceness with sacrifice and loss.

"Each film has tried to shift to exploiting more humanistic perspectives, delving into the characters' psychology and hidden corners of life with a deeply sympathetic view. Focusing on exploiting psychological depth has created a vivid, multi-dimensional character. This change reflects a natural trend in art, when society becomes open, allowing filmmakers to explore complex aspects of life, thereby creating works of artistic value, touching the emotions of the audience and attracting viewers to the cinema," said director Nguyen Huu Muoi.

Spread patriotism

Speaking at the workshop, Ms. Le Thi Ha, Director of the Vietnam Film Institute, said that the institute is currently preserving a large volume of war films produced before and after 1975. The institute has been carrying out many activities to introduce and popularize these revolutionary cinematographic works to millions of domestic and international audiences.

According to Ms. Ha, at DANAFF 3 this time, 18/22 outstanding war films produced from 1977 to present, archived at the Vietnam Film Institute, were selected to be screened at many cinema systems in Da Nang City.

“War-themed films produced after the country’s reunification, both feature films and documentaries, have always been warmly welcomed and received positive reviews for their artistic quality from audiences, especially young audiences. These films are not only entertaining but also educational, spreading patriotism, indomitable will, and the desire to build the country,” Ms. Ha shared.

Conference scene

During the war, the team of filmmakers grew up through the reality of the nation's struggle. The theme of war was expressed excellently and truthfully through each work and was considered by cinema artists as a spiritual reward and gratitude to the country and those who fell for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

Not only that, war-themed films are a very important part of Vietnam's revolutionary cinema heritage, having proven their historical, cultural and artistic value over time, as well as their contributions to enhancing mutual understanding between the two sides of the front lines, thereby healing the wounds of war and strengthening friendly cooperation.

PHAM NGA

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/phim-chien-tranh-dong-vai-tro-quan-trong-trong-di-san-dien-anh-cach-mang-viet-nam-post802197.html