Vietnam Submits War Epic "Red Rain" to Oscars Amid Ongoing Legacy of Bravery and Sacrifice

War Epic 'Red Rain' Named Vietnam's Oscar Entry: A Story of Bravery and Sacrifice In the sweltering heat of a Vietnamese summer, a group of North Vietnamese soldiers huddled together in the Quảng Trị Citadel, their eyes fixed on the horizon as they prepared to face one of the most decisive battles of the Vietnam War. It was 1972, and the fate of their country hung precariously in the balance. This is the backdrop against which Đặng Thái Huyền's war epic "Red Rain" (Mưa Đỏ) unfolds, a cinematic masterpiece that has left audiences around the world in awe. As news broke last week that "Red Rain" had been selected as Vietnam's submission for the best international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards, the global film community took notice. The movie's impressive box office numbers – over VND714 billion (28 million) and sold over 8.1 million tickets – solidified its position as the highest-grossing Vietnamese movie of all time. But what makes "Red Rain" more than just a commercial success? What drives this film to transcend borders and resonate with audiences worldwide? To understand the significance of "Red Rain," one must delve into the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. The country's history is marked by periods of turmoil, from the French colonial era to the devastating effects of the Vietnam War. The battle for the Quảng Trị Citadel in 1972 was a pivotal moment in this narrative, with North Vietnamese soldiers fighting against overwhelming odds to defend their homeland. "We wanted to tell a story that would make people feel proud of our history," says Đặng Thái Huyền, director and co-writer of "Red Rain." "We aimed to capture the essence of those who fought for their country, and the sacrifices they made." The film's production was no small feat. A 50-hectare battlefield set was constructed in multiple provinces across Vietnam, with months of preparation going into every detail. The result is a visually stunning epic that immerses viewers in the chaos and brutality of war. But "Red Rain" is more than just an action-packed war movie; it's also a deeply human story about friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of war. Through its characters, the film explores the psychological toll of conflict on those who fight it. "We wanted to show that even in the midst of chaos, there are moments of tenderness and compassion," says Chu Lai, novelist and co-writer of "Red Rain." "Our soldiers were not just fighting for their country; they were also fighting for each other." The international community has taken notice of Vietnam's Oscar bid. Industry insiders point to "Red Rain" as a prime example of the country's growing film industry, which has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years. "The selection of 'Red Rain' as Vietnam's Oscar entry is a testament to the country's rich cinematic heritage," says Jean-Christophe Simon, director of Sundance Institute Europe. "We're thrilled to see Vietnamese filmmakers making waves on the global stage." As the Academy Awards approach, "Red Rain" stands out as a powerful contender in the best international feature film category. But its impact extends far beyond the red carpet. For Đặng Thái Huyền and his team, "Red Rain" is more than just a movie – it's a tribute to those who fought for their country, and a reminder of the enduring power of human spirit. "We hope that 'Red Rain' will inspire audiences around the world to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers everywhere," says Đặng Thái Huyền. "We're honored to be part of this global conversation." As the curtains close on another year in Hollywood, one thing is clear: "Red Rain" has left an indelible mark on the international film community. Its story of bravery and sacrifice will continue to resonate with audiences long after the Oscars are over. *Based on reporting by Variety.*