The Lunar New Year is not only a time for family reunions but also a golden opportunity for Vietnamese filmmakers. In 2025, three prominent figures in the film industry—Trấn Thành, Kaity Nguyễn, and Thu Trang—will compete with meticulously crafted films. Will Trấn Thành retain his box office crown as he has in previous years?
Prominent Faces and Unique Strategies
The three main films set to premiere during the 2025 Lunar New Year each bring their own distinct marks, from content to star-studded casts:
- Love at First Friendship: With Kaity Nguyễn starring as the female lead and directed by Nguyễn Quang Dũng and Diệp Thế Vinh, this film promises a humorous and relatable love story.
- The Billion Dollar Kiss: Thu Trang takes on the dual role of director and supporting actress, introducing new face Đoàn Thiên Ân as the lead. This is a significant challenge for the young beauty queen.
- The Four Guardians: Trấn Thành continues his journey to captivate audiences with a diverse cast including Lê Giang, Uyển Ân, Lê Dương Bảo Lâm, and Quốc Anh. The film focuses on the romantic storyline between the three main characters played by Quốc Anh, Tiểu Vy, and Kỳ Duyên.
Can Trấn Thành Continue His Dominance?
Over the years, Trấn Thành has solidified his position in the Lunar New Year movie race with three films each earning over 400 billion VND. However, The Four Guardians marks a different direction as he places his trust in three newcomers: Quốc Anh, Tiểu Vy, and Kỳ Duyên.
Quốc Anh, born in 1998, has participated in some TV projects but hasn’t left a lasting impression. Meanwhile, the two Miss Vietnam winners, Tiểu Vy and Kỳ Duyên, have piqued audience curiosity about their acting abilities. Despite this, the film has received positive feedback from both critics and audiences after two preview screenings.
NSND Lê Khanh commented: “The film becomes more engaging and intense as it progresses, yet remains convincing in a subtle way. I particularly commend the young actors under Trấn Thành’s guidance.”
Tough Competitors: Love at First Friendship & The Billion Dollar Kiss
Love at First Friendship: A Perfect Combination
Directors Nguyễn Quang Dũng and Diệp Thế Vinh, who previously succeeded with Blood Moon Party and Bright May, reunite for Love at First Friendship. The film is a remake of the popular Thai hit Friendzone, which made waves internationally.
Kaity Nguyễn, a standout Gen-Z actress, will star alongside Trần Ngọc Vàng. With her potential, she is expected to perform well and rival the original Thai actress Baifern Pimchanok.
The Billion Dollar Kiss: Thu Trang’s Bold Move
Thu Trang, known for her humorous and heartfelt performances, makes her directorial debut with The Billion Dollar Kiss. She invites beauty queen Đoàn Thiên Ân to star—a risky but promising decision.
At showcase events, the crew continuously reveals unexpected plot twists, from a love triangle to sibling conflicts. This has generated curiosity and anticipation among the audience.
Market Outlook for Lunar New Year Movies 2025
Film critic Nguyễn Phong Việt predicts: “The market is evenly split among the three films. With an increase in the number of films from renowned directors and large crews, all three films have the potential to surpass 100 billion VND. However, predicting which one will dominate the box office remains an unknown.”
In addition to these three Vietnamese films, the 2025 Lunar New Year market will feature three foreign animated films catering to younger audiences, adding diversity and richness to this year’s film festival.
Conclusion
The 2025 Lunar New Year movie race promises excitement and surprises. While Trấn Thành remains a strong contender, the emergence of Love at First Friendship and The Billion Dollar Kiss certainly presents significant challenges. Stay tuned to see who comes out on top in this year’s film festival!
Source: Dân Trí
