From Hollywood to Hanoi: Famous Movies Filmed in Vietnam

Vietnam has long inspired filmmakers from around the globe, with the country's beautiful landscapes, busy cities and cultures. More than its historical and political significance, Vietnam offers a variety of scenes that deliver stunning possibilities for filmmakers. From Vietnam war dramas to action-adventures, many well-known films filmed in Vietnam have successfully showcased Vietnam's distinct beauty to audiences around the world. This post focuses on some of the most famous films that used some of the incredible locations in Vietnam and why it will continue to be a national and international filming location.

Why Filmmakers Love To Film in Vietnam

Filmmakers love filming in Vietnam for many reasons:

• Scenic Variety: The stunning limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay; the lush rice paddies of the Mekong Delta; the vibrant streetscapes of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; the countryside hospitality of Ninh Binh; the bustling rural landscapes of Da Lat; as well as the tiny remote coastal villages along the expansive coastline.

• Authentic Culture: Vietnam is an incredible tapestry of history with a unique culture. It has narratives to tell, culturally authentic backdrops and stunning scenic variety that filmmakers crave.

• Growing Infrastructure: Developing infrastructure and local film crews are now more accessible which means the film industry opportunity is becoming more possible.

Famous Films and Where in Vietnam They Were Filmed

Apocalypse Now (1979)

• Summary: Francis Ford Coppola's epic, stylistic war film based on Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness, tells the story of Captain Benjamin L. Willard's reckless odyssey into Cambodia to terminate a dangerous renegade Colonel named Kurtz.

• Filming Vietnam: The film was filmed primarily in and around the Philippines. The film has powerful imagery and narrative based entirely on the Vietnam War. The tropical jungles and flowing rivers conjure up the same imagery of Vietnam, they will forever be synonymous, with that conflict.

• Impact: Apocalypse Now is still considered one of the most associated films within Vietnam, despite not having shot a huge volume there. It is still culturally impactful with is a rich depiction of the psychological toll of the war.

The Quiet American (2002)

• Synopsis: Based on the original novel by Graham Greene, this film presents a complex story of love, intrigue and political idealism set in Saigon during the 1950s, while the First Indochina War unfolded.

• Vietnam Locations Used: Most of the film's outdoor footage was shot on locations throughout Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi, showcasing colonial architecture and the unique atmosphere of street life in the area.

• Impact: The film features Vietnam's historical beauty contrasted to many films that only considered the war. The film presents a developed view of Vietnam.

Indochine (1992)

• Synopsis: A sprawling historical drama set in French Indochina from the 1930's to the 1950's. The film follows a French plantation owner and her adopted Vietnamese daughter navigating political change.

• Vietnam Locations Used: The film was shot at multiple sites throughout some of the most beautiful places in Vietnam, including Ha Long Bay, Hue, and parts of the northern countryside. The film dramatizes the grandeur of the colonial past.

• Impact: Indochine won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and introduced the international community to the stunning landscape and depth of history related to Vietnam.

Kong: Skull Island (2017)

• Summary: An adventure monster blockbuster, re-telling the tale of King Kong, this film follows explorers on a mysterious, and uncharted island.

• Filming Locations in Vietnam: Much of the film was shot in the stunning scenery of Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Ninh Binh province. The stunning karst scenery and jungles provided an ideal prehistoric setting.

• Impact: Kong: Skull Island featured the stunning landscapes of Vietnam to a vast global audience which would result in increasing tourist interest and demonstrating Vietnam's ability to undertake large budget, international productions.

Pan (2015)

• Summary: A fantasy adventure film re-imagining the origin of Peter Pan, set during World War 2.

• Filming Locations in Vietnam: The film was shot in the amazing setting of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh province, which showcased the stunning and unique geological landscape of the region as the fantastical Neverland.

• Impact: Similar to Kong: Skull Island, but unlike many other Hollywood productions filmed in Vietnam, Pan helped continue boosting Vietnam's desirability as a stunning visual and diverse production location.

The Production Experience in Vietnam

In addition to amazing locations, Vietnam can also offer international productions with a supportive environment for managing their project. With great production services Vietnam and experienced Vietnam fixer teams and more and more skilled film crew hire Vietnam, the country has hundreds of available services for different project needs. Local teams are also best suited to help with film permits and logistical needs.

Summary

Vietnam's long cinematic history of being used as a backdrop for historical narrative films to now host blockbuster fantasy films is proof-of-concept of its natural beauty, and its evolving film industry. These films not only entertained audiences, but also firmly put Vietnam on the map for an amazing filmmaking experience. As the country continues to grow, we will inevitably see many more stories and films unfold in Vietnam. So, look into the possibilities of working in Vietnam for your next film project!