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.

Watching The Underground Passage by director Bui Thac Chuyen stirs a deep and powerful wave of emotions-intense, haunting, and profoundly moving. The film is not merely a cinematic experience; it's an emotional journey that draws the viewer into a hidden current beneath the surface, guiding them through shadowy frames filled with tension and quiet despair.

Emotions rise as we witness the resilience and unyielding spirit of people pushed to the very edge. There are moments that tighten the chest-acts of sacrifice, loneliness, and fleeting glimpses of love and hope glimmering in the darkness. Every sound, every ray of light piercing through the cracks in the earth feels like it touches something raw within, evoking deep reflections on war, humanity, and memory.

The Underground Passage doesn't scream-it whispers, but its echoes linger long after the credits roll. The feelings it stirs remain: a quiet ache, a mixture of pride and sorrow, and a profound reminder of what must not be forgotten.

As an American viewer, I walked into Tunnels: Sun in the Dark expecting a compelling war film. I walked out transformed. This is not just a war movie. It is poetry carved into the darkness of history, a cinematic requiem for those who fought battles unseen, underground, and in the shadows of superpowers. The director delivers a harrowing, intimate, and profoundly human story set during one of the most divisive conflicts in modern history: the Vietnam War. Set in 1967, Tunnels follows a Vietnamese revolutionary guerrilla team entrusted with protecting a hidden group of intelligence agents-the heartbeat of their resistance. What unfolds is not only a tense and thrilling survival narrative but an exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the slow-burning light of hope that flickers even in the blackest tunnels. The film's cinematography is nothing short of stunning. The contrast between the oppressive, suffocating underground passages and the rare, golden moments of daylight evokes both fear and longing. You can feel the earth pressing in. You can hear the silence between each heartbeat. And in those moments, you understand what it meant to live like a shadow. The performances-raw, restrained, and utterly magnetic-do not seek applause. They seek truth. Particularly standout is the lead guerrilla commander, whose eyes alone speak volumes of sorrow, determination, and unyielding resolve. The writing never panders. It respects the intelligence of its audience while remaining unflinchingly honest about the toll of war on both body and soul. As an American, I was humbled. Tunnels: Sun in the Dark does not preach, vilify, or romanticize. It illuminates. It reminds us that history is not owned by the victors alone. It belongs to the buried voices, the hidden fighters, the forgotten dreams that once burned bright in the dark. This film is a gift-a mirror held to the past, but also a light for our collective future. Watch it. Feel it. Remember it. 10/10 - A masterpiece that should echo through every corridor of film history.

A short and succinct summary of one of many battles conducted during the VN war. Dark and realistic, director Chuyen takes artistic liberties yet still fully immerse audience in VN in the 1900s. The cast was a fresh and enthusiastic ensemble which brought a much needed breath of fresh air to the acting quality. The story, although rough around the edges, paints a lovely picture of the patriotism and humanity of the characters (more like children) involved in the preservation of indepence. The ending was artisticly beautiful, albeit I believe it leaves audience with more emotions than actual answers, conclusive endings to the stories told.

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.