According to statistics from market monitoring platforms, in the first 6 months of 2025 alone, at least 8 Vietnamese horror films were released, double the second half of 2024. Of which, the three films, Den Am Hon, Quy Nhap Trang and Nha Gia Tien, all achieved a revenue of over 100 billion VND - an unprecedented achievement for a film genre that depends on emotional factors, not easily please the audience.
Most recently, the films Under Day Ho, Nam Muoi, Ut Lan: Oan Linh Giua Cua,... have also been released, creating a vibrant picture.
The limited release of films of the same genre is leading to a storm of harmony and reduced appeal, especially for audiences who are not fans of horror films.
In that context, the film " Waiting for something, dreaming!" appeared as a light spiritual dish. Not too nervous to the point of heart. There are no ghosts or supernatural forces. Instead, the film chose to tell a normal story and everyone saw themselves in it, but still made viewers laugh - then felt heartbroken - then smiled and walked out of the theater.
The film revolves around Mr. Hai, a former retired ward chairman. He decided to pursue his youthful dream of opening a tattoo shop. Coincidentally, he met Au, a talented Gen Z guy but lacking direction, who had both failed in his personal life. Two people - one old, one young - become reluctant colleagues, starting from an unfinished tattoo shop, then a strange truck tattoo. Together, they learn to keep their dreams - even though they have been hindered by their families, even though they have wanted to give up, even though they are afraid of being judged.
The most notable point in Doi Gi, Mo Di! is that the film does not try to become an inspiring work in the style of cheering and calling. Instead, the film simply tells the story of two people - each representing a generation - going through the ups and downs of life and trying to... dream again.
No one stood in the middle of the meeting room declaiming "I will live for myself!". There are only very real lines, as in the trailer: "Mom gave me 50 million. I pay in installments, 500". Or "Giving me a salary a year in advance to go to Ma?"... is both funny, spicy, and makes viewers dizzy because it is too similar to... me.
In recent years, the feel-good film genre - gentle, kind, bringing healing energy is being loved by international audiences. From Little Forest (Korea), Our Little Sister (Japan), to Yumi's Cells, A Traveler's Needs... films that do not dramatize life, but accept life as it is, are gradually becoming a breath of fresh air.
With the film Doi Gi, Mo Di!, director Lam Minh Khoi seems to be trying to open that door for Vietnamese cinema - with a work with light language, moderate film pace, and close images. Not teaching. No imposition.
The film features People's Artist Thanh Nam as Mr. Hai - a role with a completely new color, combined with VSPLIFFF as Au - a young, shrewd, but potential choice. In addition, the supporting cast such as NS Bich Hang, Tran Kim Hai, Huynh Mai Cat Tien, Pham Nhat Linh, Nguyen Sy Hau, Tran Phong, ... all together created a vibrant character world.
The film has a duration of 116 minutes, and will be released nationwide from July 11.
