Vietnamese Film Underperforms at Box Office During National Holiday

The historical film 'Hộ linh tráng sĩ' (The Guardian Knights), released during Vietnam's National Day holiday, has fallen short of box office expectations. After nearly a week in theaters, the film has attracted approximately 200,000 viewers, grossing around 25 billion VND (approximately $1 million USD). This performance places it behind other domestic releases such as 'Nghỉ hè sợ nghỉ hưu' (Summer Vacation Scared to Retire) and 'Quý tử vượt giàu' (Rich Son Surpasses Wealth). Directed by Nguyễn Phan Quang Bình, the film was anticipated by many to be a blockbuster this year. However, its ticket sales pace has been slower than its Vietnamese counterparts. 'Hộ linh tráng sĩ' is currently shown in about 1,500 screenings daily nationwide, which is 60% of the number of screenings for 'Nghỉ hè sợ nghỉ hưu'. In an effort to boost revenue, the production team introduced a new cut of the film on August 31st, reducing its runtime by 20 minutes to 135 minutes. This revised version was re-edited by Hàm Trần, known for 'Tử chiến trên không' (Sky High Battle), focusing on action sequences and accelerating the narrative pace. A new trailer for the shortened version has also been released, addressing feedback that the original trailer was unengaging and lacked sufficient drama. 'Hộ linh tráng sĩ' is a historical fantasy genre film set against the backdrop of King Đinh Tiên Hoàng's death. The plot involves loyal guards tasked with discreetly transporting the king's coffins in different directions to deceive enemies plotting to desecrate his tomb. The film has received praise for its scenic landscapes of Ninh Bình province, its detailed costumes, and props. The action sequences, choreographed by Johnny Trí Nguyễn, have also been noted for their speed and impact, with some scenes featuring up to 40 horses. Despite these strengths, critics point to significant script flaws, with the narrative attempting to juggle too many elements, including the mystery of 99 coffins, political intrigue, adventure, martial arts, romance, loyalty, and the fate of the nation. The romance between the main characters, Nguyên Phong (Tuấn Trần) and An Nhiên (Thiên Tú), is described as lacking depth due to time constraints, failing to evoke strong emotional resonance when dramatic events unfold. Meanwhile, 'Nghỉ hè sợ nghỉ hưu,' a comedy centered on entrepreneurship and intergenerational conflict, leads the holiday box office with 170 billion VND (approximately $7 million USD). Its early release two weeks prior to the holiday allowed it to build word-of-mouth and achieve steady growth. Box Office Vietnam, an independent box office tracking unit, estimates the film could reach 200 billion VND, becoming Huỳnh Lập's second project to achieve this milestone. 'Quý tử vượt giàu,' a remake of a foreign script by director Quang Dũng, ranks second with 35 billion VND (approximately $1.4 million USD). This family comedy follows wealthy parents who pretend to be poor to teach their child a lesson. The re-release of 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' also performed well, earning 24 billion VND (approximately $1 million USD) thanks to its large fan base.