The romantic genre is proving to be a commercial and critical powerhouse. In 2025 alone, six Vietnamese films broke the VND100 billion (approx. US$4 million) mark at the box office, with several in the romance category. Within this vibrant market, several distinct trends have emerged.
[Traditional Cinema] ──> Focus on Fate & External Obstacles (Class, War) [Modern Rom-Coms] ──> Focus on Urban Luxury & Escapism [The Trấn Thành Era] ──> Focus on Intergenerational Trauma & Domestic Realism The romantic genre is proving to be a
Vietnamese culture is deeply rooted in Confucianism, which emphasizes the importance of family, social hierarchy, and traditional values. These cultural influences have historically shaped the way relationships and romantic storylines are portrayed in Vietnamese cinema. In the past, films often depicted romantic relationships as secondary to family obligations and societal expectations. However, as the country has modernized and urbanized, filmmakers have begun to push boundaries, exploring more complex and realistic portrayals of love and relationships. Within this vibrant market, several distinct trends have
Films like Em Là Bà Nội Của Anh (The Lady) and the recent holiday hit Mai demonstrate a shift in power dynamics. The female leads in these stories are no longer passive recipients of affection. They are business owners, single mothers, and career-driven individuals. In the past, films often depicted romantic relationships