Watch Once Upon a Time in Vietnam

Once Upon a Time in Vietnam is a 2013 Vietnamese action film directed by Dustin Nguyen, who also stars in the film along with Veronica Ngo and Roger Yuan. The story is set in ancient Vietnam and follows the journey of a lone warrior, who embarks on a dangerous mission to rid his land of an evil sorcerer and his army of undead minions.

The film begins with the introduction of the protagonist, a skilled warrior named Dao. Dao is tasked with protecting a village from an army of undead warriors who have been raised by a powerful sorcerer. Dao is quickly overwhelmed by the undead army and is forced to flee from the village with the help of a young girl named Lan, who possesses special powers that may be the key to defeating the sorcerer.

As the story progresses, Dao and Lan venture through the countryside, encountering a variety of obstacles and challenges along the way. They are joined by a motley crew of warriors, including a band of female assassins and a group of rebels fighting against the cruel government.

The film's action scenes are its standout feature, with choreographed fight sequences and stunning visuals that capture the beauty of Vietnam's countryside. The martial arts sequences are well-executed, with each character showcasing their unique fighting style.

One of the film's strengths is its attention to detail when it comes to depicting ancient Vietnamese culture. The costumes and scenery are authentic and visually striking, and the film also incorporates elements of traditional folklore and mythology into the story.

The performances of the lead actors are another highlight of the film. Dustin Nguyen brings a quiet intensity to his role as Dao, conveying the character's determination and inner turmoil with subtle gestures and expressions. Veronica Ngo shines as Lan, bringing a vulnerability and strength to the character that makes her a compelling presence on screen. Roger Yuan gives a larger-than-life performance as the villainous sorcerer, infusing the character with just the right amount of menace and charm.

Despite its strengths, the film also has its flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. The film also relies on some familiar action movie tropes that may feel predictable to viewers familiar with the genre.

Overall, Once Upon a Time in Vietnam is an entertaining action movie that showcases the beauty of Vietnam's culture and landscape. Its strong performances and well-choreographed fight scenes make it a must-watch for fans of martial arts films, while the film's attention to detail and incorporation of traditional folklore make it a fascinating glimpse into ancient Vietnamese history.

Once Upon a Time in Vietnam is a 2013 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.