‘Bẫy Ngọt Ngào’ (‘Naked Truth’) reaches 50 theaters, widest release ever of any Vietnamese film in the US

Vietnam’s biggest film of the year, which tells the story of four friends “determined to escape singledom,” made its U.S. premiere in over 50 theaters on Friday.

“Naked Truth” (“Bẫy Ngọt Ngào”), the feature film debut of renowned music video director Đinh Hà Uyên Thư, was first released in Vietnam in February and surpassed the $3.6 million mark a month later.

The film is a spin-off of the popular Vietnamese sitcom “Chiến Dịch Chồng Ế.” Its cast features Vietnamese actors Thuận Nguyễn, Minh Hằng, Bảo Anh, Quốc Trường and Diệu Nhi. The plot explores the dark side of relationships, including domestic abuse, and how the four friends attempt to free themselves of that.

By having the widest theatrical release for any Vietnamese film in the U.S., “Naked Truth” is seeking to replicate its success in the nation.

“We were extremely happy with the results ‘Naked Truth’ achieved in the Vietnam market,” Đinh tells NextShark. “Happy not necessarily because of the box office numbers, but because it demonstrated the audience had chosen us and supported us. Similar to the U.S. market, we hope to bring a good experience to the audience and for the audience to understand our message, which would be the best!”

Đinh, who has been called a “million-view director” for helming viral videos featuring Vietnam’s biggest music acts, says she made significant adjustments while developing her first feature film.

“For me, music videos and film are two different genres,” the 35-year-old filmmaker explains. “Music videos tell stories through music while film tells stories through detailed scenes. Because I’m used to telling stories that are dependent on music, when making the film, I had to overcome my habit. However, at times, I feel my experience with music videos was also quite effective in helping me form the film’s internal emotions and craft the film more soulfully.”

Đinh shares that the support from her loved ones helped her overcome challenges as she made her debut film.

“Life is always challenging, there are always barriers that force us to persevere through,” she says. “But don’t forget we always have loved ones and friends who are always by our side, whom we can confide with, allowing us to be most vulnerable.”

Đinh also revealed that screening “Naked Truth” in the U.S. is just the start.

“Prior to the U.S., the film was released in Australia and received a lot of support from the Vietnamese community,” she shares. “We’re working to bring the film to more countries.”

Image: 3388 Films

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