While the original script was already excellent, "Sweet 20" successfully preserves the plot and dialogue, creating a touching and reflective experience for the audience. Adapting a foreign film can be challenging, especially in capturing the spirit and culture of Vietnam. Fortunately, director Phan Gia Nhật Linh has carefully attended to every detail, from explaining the shift in accents from northern to southern Vietnam by Bà Đại/Thanh Nga to the creative use of a sentimental hat that contributes to the film's cohesion.
"Sweet 20" is a charming and emotional adaptation that has successfully recreated the essence of the original Korean blockbuster, Miss Granny. Despite initial skepticism from those familiar with Miss Granny, the Vietnamese version has garnered positive feedback, both from industry professionals and audiences, after its premieres in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
The main character, Bà Đại (played by NSƯT Minh Đức), is an elderly woman living a dull and lonely life due to generational differences within her family. One day, she magically transforms into her 20-year-old self, named Thanh Nga, with aspirations of becoming a singer. Coincidentally, her grandson Tùng (Ngô Kiến Huy) needs a lead singer for his band, and Thanh Nga's exceptional voice propels the band to fame. The film unfolds with a mix of humorous and poignant moments, captivating the hearts of three men: the naive grandson Tùng, the elderly neighbor ông Bé (NSƯT Thanh Nam), and the handsome music producer Mạnh Đức (Hứa Vỹ Văn).
The Vietnamese version skillfully maintains the emotional depth of the original while infusing it with a distinct Vietnamese touch. The experienced and diverse cast, coupled with the translation of the original dialogue into a "Vietnamese" context, contributes to a well-executed drama that tugs at the heartstrings of the audience. The film's dialogue, particularly the son's expression of gratitude and encouragement for his mother to seek her own happiness, is delivered succinctly yet emotionally, resonating with viewers. These moments of emotional connection reflect the universal sentiments that every grown-up child wishes to express to their parents.
The film's standout feature is its music, which deserves praise for seamlessly blending classic, Trịnh's, and contemporary Vietnamese songs to enhance each scene. Whether it's Mạnh Đức being entranced by Thanh Nga's rendition of Diễm Xưa in the rain or the audience being moved by her performance of Còn Tuổi Nào Cho Em, the film's soundtrack complements and elevates the storytelling. Director Phan Gia Nhật Linh not only narrates a compelling story through visuals but also utilizes sound to convey a more comprehensive experience.
Despite any contrasting opinions and comparisons, "Sweet 20" undoubtedly succeeds in leaving a positive impression. The film is joyous yet gently delves into family and love stories, articulating the emotions of the elderly and offering subtle advice to the younger generation on empathy and understanding towards their predecessors.
