Gái Hư - Call Me Bad Girl (2014)

Nguyễn Việt Anh's 2014 film, "Call Me Bad Girl," while perhaps not a cinematic tour de force, offers an intriguing glimpse into urban Vietnamese youth culture of the early 2010s. Eschewing didactic plotting, the film delves into the rebellious psychology and self-discovery journeys of young women. Its cinematic techniques are rather direct, employing dynamic frames and a rapid editing pace that aptly reflects the vibrant yet occasionally chaotic spirit of adolescence.

Regarding performances, the young ensemble, including Khả Ngân, delivered generally competent portrayals, particularly in capturing youthful impulsiveness, strong friendships, and internal conflicts. However, the psychological depth of the characters sometimes felt limited, preventing these "bad girls" from resonating deeply with the audience. The message of redefining self-worth and overcoming societal prejudices remains somewhat nascent, failing to leave a truly powerful mark on Vietnamese cinema.

Nevertheless, "Call Me Bad Girl" holds a specific place within the Vietnamese coming-of-age genre, representing an earnest attempt to explore the nuances of Vietnam's Gen Z, even if it didn't achieve classic status. It certainly contributed to broadening the scope of social drama at the time.