Tunnel

The concept is terrific-a war movie crafted with a setting and perspective that, at times, evoke the atmosphere of a horror film.

To bring this vision to life, Bui Thac Chuyen shows remarkable restraint, opting for a minimalist yet impactful approach-from the acting and sparse dialogue to the subtle use of patriotic symbolism. It's rare to see a Vietnamese director place such trust in the audience's ability to interpret and feel.

Unfortunately, the editing undermines much of that intention. Some scenes are difficult to follow, while others verge on unintentionally comedic due to awkward cut timing. Most frustrating of all, the dialogue is often hard to hear. As a native Vietnamese speaker, I found it absurd that I had to rely on English subtitles just to understand what the characters were saying.

That said, it's still refreshing to see a Vietnamese film with a clear, confident identity-one that doesn't depend on rapid-fire dialogues and petty arguments to move the plot forward.

The movie follows a scrappy 21-person Vietnamese guerrilla squad that ends up in the crosshairs of a US forces search and destroy mission. Their task is to protect a newly arrived strategic intelligence team hiding at their base, no matter what it takes. The plot isn't overly complex, so the film hooks you more with the characters' inner struggles than with battlefield tactics.

I really liked how the story kicks off with a lost soldier stumbling into the guerrilla team's tunnel network. It sparks some funny and engaging moments that flesh out the bonds between the Vietnamese soldiers. But as the film hits its midpoint, the escalating tension of the war with the US army starts to drown out those emotional connections. I get why it shifts that way, but it's a pity the soldiers' sacrifices didn't land with more weight. It would've hit harder if the director had ramped up the emotional stakes, especially when the guerrilla leader, a key figure, meets his end. That moment deserved a bigger payoff.

There's a touch of sex in the film too nothing overdone, and it feels grounded. I think it's a realistic nod to something rarely explored in stories about Vietnam War soldiers. After all, these are young guys in their prime, still human despite the chaos.

The sound design really stands out. The director nails the raw punch of bombs and gunfire. Visually, it's strong too smart camera angles and solid framing. That's a huge plus in making the film feel real as it brings history to life.

Tunnel: Sun in the Dark is a Vietnamese historical war drama that plunges audiences into the heart of the Vietnam War's most turbulent years. Directed by Bui Thac Chuyen, this film is both a personal and national tribute-a vivid re-creation of the life and sacrifice of the guerrilla fighters who once hid in the labyrinthine tunnels of Cu Chi during 1967.

A Glimpse Into History Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War's deadliest phase, the film follows a small but resolute guerrilla unit of 21 fighters. Under the steady command of Bay Theo (portrayed by Thai Hoa), the group is tasked with protecting a covert strategic intelligence team from the relentless assault of American forces. The narrative, drawn from real historical events, captures the stark realities of combat and the unsung heroism of soldiers fighting not for glory but for survival and the future of their nation.

Storytelling and Direction Bui Thac Chuyen's directorial approach is both innovative and rooted in authenticity. Instead of opting for a linear, conventional war story, he employs interwoven narratives that mirror the chaotic and fragmented nature of wartime existence. This technique not only maintains a constant sense of tension and mystery but also forces viewers to actively engage with the unfolding events-much like the soldiers themselves, who had to piece together survival strategies under dire circumstances.

The film deliberately eschews overt, bombastic heroism. Instead, it emphasizes the day-to-day struggles, the bittersweet moments of camaraderie, and the subtle, raw expressions of human vulnerability. In doing so, the director transforms the tunnel itself into a character-a silent witness to the myriad sacrifices and quiet acts of defiance that defined this chapter in Vietnam's history.

Production Design and Cinematography One of the film's standout achievements is its meticulous production design. To accurately recreate the claustrophobic and dangerous environment of the Cu Chi tunnels, the production team built a 250-meter-long tunnel model, capturing the oppressive darkness and narrow passageways that the real-life guerrilla fighters navigated daily. The cinematography further amplifies this sense of entrapment and urgency. With skillful use of light and shadow, the camera work draws viewers into the subterranean world where every footstep carries the weight of uncertainty and impending danger.

Stellar Performances The film's cast delivers remarkably authentic performances that elevate the entire production. Thai Hoa, reprising his role as Bay Theo, imbues the character with a palpable sense of duty and internal conflict. His portrayal is both commanding and deeply human, reflecting the heavy burdens of leadership amidst chaos.

Quang Tuan's dedication to his role as Tu Dap is evident-his physical transformation, achieved through rigorous weight loss and intense physical training, underscores the extremes to which the actors went to mirror the hardships of the era. Meanwhile, Ho Thu Anh and Diem Hang Lamoon bring emotional depth and nuance to their respective characters, capturing the delicate balance between fierce determination and personal vulnerability. Their performances add layers to the narrative, making the film's portrayal of war not just about physical battles, but about the internal battles of hope, love, and loss.

Themes and Emotional Impact At its core, Tunnel: Sun in the Dark is more than a war film-it's a meditation on sacrifice, resilience, and the price of freedom. The film's stark realism forces audiences to confront the brutality of war: the constant fear, the physical and emotional toll, and the profound sense of isolation experienced by those who fight from the shadows. Yet, amidst this darkness, the film also reveals moments of tender humanity-brief flashes of laughter, quiet gestures of solidarity, and even the fragile stirrings of romance. These interludes serve as poignant reminders that even in the bleakest of times, the human spirit continues to seek connection and meaning.

Conclusion Tunnel: Sun in the Dark stands out as a significant achievement in Vietnamese cinema. With its painstaking attention to historical detail, innovative narrative structure, and deeply affecting performances, the film offers a window into a past marked by sacrifice and unwavering resolve. It challenges the audience to reflect on the true cost of freedom and the enduring legacy of those who fought-not for fame or fortune, but for the very soul of their nation.

For anyone interested in a film that is as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally stirring, Tunnel: Sun in the Dark is a must-watch. It is a cinematic journey that not only redefines the war genre but also reaffirms the indomitable spirit of Vietnam's people.

Tunnel 2025 is an emotional and realistic portrayal of the struggles and sacrifices made during a pivotal time in Vietnam's history. The film does a great job capturing the raw emotions and the human side of war, making it more than just a historical retelling-it's a story that touches the heart.

While some scenes were a bit difficult to follow, especially for viewers unfamiliar with certain historical contexts, the overall message remains powerful. The film serves as a reminder of the determination and unity that helped shape our nation.

Vietnamese youngsters should definitely watch Tunnel 2025. It's not just a film-it's an opportunity to better understand the sacrifices our ancestors made and the lengths they went to in order to reunite our country.

I held my breath watching the film. To me, it was deeply moving. I trembled at times as I watched it. Anyone who has been to Cu Chi has likely heard stories about the terror of both the guerrilla fighters and the sweeping raids. But seeing it all brought to life in the film filled me with both fear and admiration. The story and the way it was told were very different from typical state-produced films - deeply human, incredibly raw, and full of real life. The characters and details were developed with consultation from real heroes of the past war. Although I was on the verge of tears many times while watching the film, Dia Dao is certainly not a tearjerker. Instead, it lets us experience the restrained emotions of the soldiers, who had to suppress their feelings because danger was always present - there was no room for soft emotions to take over. At the same time, the personal stories, the bonds, and the genuine affection among humble people truly help us believe in and better understand the many reasons behind the victories of Cu Chi in particular, and Vietnam as a whole.