Vietnam's history is a tapestry of resilience, conflict, and cultural richness, often portrayed through the lens of biopic films. These cinematic masterpieces not only entertain but also educate, offering insights into the lives of remarkable individuals and pivotal moments in Vietnam's past. This curated collection of 10 biopic films provides a window into the soul of Vietnam, showcasing stories that resonate with universal themes of struggle, triumph, and human spirit.

Indochine (1992)
Description: This epic drama spans several decades, telling the story of a French plantation owner and her adopted Vietnamese daughter, set against the backdrop of Vietnam's struggle for independence.
Fact: The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was also one of the most expensive French films ever made at the time.


The Scent of Green Papaya (1993)
Description: This film, set in 1950s Vietnam, follows the life of Mui, a young servant girl, as she grows up in a wealthy household, capturing the subtle changes in Vietnamese society. It's a poetic exploration of innocence, beauty, and the passage of time.
Fact: The film won the Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for best first feature film. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.


The Vertical Ray of the Sun (2000)
Description: This film captures the lives of three sisters in Hanoi, exploring themes of love, infidelity, and the passage of time, offering a gentle look at contemporary Vietnamese life.
Fact: The film was part of a trilogy by director Tran Anh Hung, known for his poetic and visually stunning films about Vietnam.


The Quiet American (2002)
Description: Based on Graham Greene's novel, this film delves into the early days of American involvement in Vietnam, focusing on a British journalist and an American aid worker, whose actions foreshadow the Vietnam War.
Fact: Michael Caine won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role in this film. The film's title refers to the American character's understated but significant influence on the unfolding events.


The Rebel (2007)
Description: This film portrays the life of Vo Nguyen Giap, a key military leader in Vietnam's fight for independence, offering a dramatic insight into his strategies and personal life.
Fact: The film was one of the first Vietnamese biopics to gain international attention, focusing on a national hero.


The Third Wife (2018)
Description: Set in 19th century Vietnam, this film examines the life of a young girl who becomes the third wife in a wealthy household, exploring themes of power, tradition, and female agency.
Fact: The film was controversial for its depiction of polygamy and was banned in Vietnam for a period due to its content.


The Last Days in Vietnam (2014)
Description: A documentary that recounts the chaotic final days of the Vietnam War, focusing on the efforts to evacuate Vietnamese allies as the North Vietnamese Army closed in on Saigon.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, providing a firsthand look at the end of the war.


The Lover (1992)
Description: Set in French Indochina, this film explores a passionate, forbidden love affair between a young French girl and a wealthy Chinese man, reflecting the cultural and political tensions of the time.
Fact: The film was based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Marguerite Duras. It was nominated for the Palme d'Or at Cannes.


Cyclo (1995)
Description: A young cyclo driver in Ho Chi Minh City gets entangled with a local gang, leading to a descent into the city's underworld, reflecting the harsh realities of urban Vietnam.
Fact: The film was directed by Tran Anh Hung, who also directed "The Scent of Green Papaya." It was selected for the Cannes Film Festival.


The Scent of Burning Grass (2012)
Description: Set during the Vietnam War, this film follows a group of young soldiers and their journey through the war, capturing the essence of camaraderie and the harsh realities of conflict.
Fact: The film was a major box office success in Vietnam, highlighting the war from a personal perspective.
