Vietnamese war-themed blockbuster Red Rain eligible for Oscars: AMPAS

The movie, based on an eponymous novel by Chu Lai, a Vietnamese war veteran and writer, portrays a significant chapter in Vietnam’s history.

It is set in 1972 and has the 81-day battle of Quang Tri, also known as the second battle of Quang Tri, in the American war in Vietnam as its foundation story.

The film quickly became a sensation upon release in August and ended its theatrical run with more than VND700 billion (US$26.5 million) in revenue and over eight million admissions after one month.

In September, Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism selected 'Red Rain' as the country’s submission to the Academy Awards, following strong backing from the National Council for Film Selection.

The Vietnam Cinema Department stated that 'Red Rain' is set during the revolutionary war and delivers a realistic and moving portrayal of the nation’s heroic history, honoring the courage and sacrifices of soldiers.

The film stands out for its humanistic storytelling, meticulous cinematography, emotional score, and convincing performances.

The shortlist of 15 films in the International Feature Film category will be announced on December 16.