A new movie adapted from a famous Vietnamese novel has drawn public attention to its storyline and, particularly, cinematography that showcases the beauty of the Mekong Delta.

'Dat Rung Phuong Nam,' or 'Song of the South' in English, is based on the 1957 namesake book by Vietnamese author Doan Gioi which centers on the adventures of a 12-year-old boy named An during the French colonial period post-1945 in the south.

In the story, An’s mother dies during an attack, forcing the young boy to wander the Mekong Delta and depend on the kindness of locals as he searches for his estranged father.  

The 2023 film adaptation by director Nguyen Quang Dung comes 26 years after the premier of Dat Phuong Nam, a hit television adaptation of the novel. 

Nguyen Vinh Son, director of the 1997 TV series, was invited as the new movie advisor.

At an event for local media on Wednesday last week, the film crew shared their hopes that the movie’s engaging storyline and stunning depiction of the Mekong Delta landscape, people, and culture would enamor audiences.

According to Dung, who said his movie was “inspired by the novel," the film adaptation takes some creative liberties; however, the main characters and plot mimic the original novel.

“This movie is extremely appropriate for families because it contains both funny and emotional scenes,” said Tran Thanh, an actor and co-producer, adding that “after watching it, you will love Vietnam and its people even more.”

According to Thanh, Dat Rung Phuong Nam would also fit in well with Vietnam’s tourism promotion campaigns thanks to its depiction of the country’s beautiful scenery. 

Filming for Dat Rung Phuong Nam began in December 2022 and took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, An Giang, Dong Thap, Soc Trang, and Tra Vinh Provinces.

The most challenging takes were a floating market scene shot at Tra Su Cajuput Forest in An Giang which took about 60 days to prepare and features over 400 extras.

In a promo video for the film, producer Nguyen Tri Vien said that “settings were the biggest challenge for making the movie and the hardest among them was the floating market scene.”

“Now Mekong Delta people mainly use composite boats, so we had to build 50 wooden boats in Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province and transported them to the Tra Su forest using an even bigger vessel,” Vien said.

According to Tran Minh Tri, former general director of An Giang Tourism JSC, the entity charged with managing Tra Su cajuput forest eco-tourism resort, the venue will try to retain valuable filming settings in order to help promote the movie as well as Tra Su tourism to international tourists.

Dat Rung Phuong Nam has captured attention from the public, with many excited to see one of their favorite childhood stories on the big screen. 

Some, however, worry that the new movie will be overshadowed by the previous successful TV series.

Dat Rung Phuong Nam is expected to hit local cinemas with English subtitles on October 20.

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