'Mesdames Thanh Sac' wins visual praise ahead of North American release

Acquired by distributor Reel Citrus, the film is scheduled to premiere in the US and Canada in late August under the English title Madame in Saigon. While Variety focused on the distribution deal without offering a formal review, early international viewer reactions on Letterboxd have provided a nuanced first look at the work.

Visual craftsmanship emerged as the film's most widely praised element. International viewers commended the set design, costumes, and overall art direction, which meticulously recreated 1960s Saigon with strong aesthetic appeal. The film's opening sequence was also praised for building intrigue through a well-restrained melodramatic atmosphere.

In contrast, the screenplay drew mixed reviews. Some viewers noted that after a compelling start, the narrative introduced too many subplots, leading to uneven pacing and an over-extended ending.

Special effects also received mixed comments, with some noting that CGI backgrounds appeared unnatural despite the crew's clear effort in historic reconstruction. Regarding the cast, lead actress Thanh Hang drew varied reactions, while co-star Hong Anh was widely cited as the film's standout highlight.

Although formal reviews from international film critics remain pending, coverage in Variety and early feedback on Letterboxd signal a promising first step into the global market, spotlighting strong visual production while reflecting diverse perspectives on its storytelling.

Vietnamese short film savours global spotlight

A short film titled A Taste Like Nothing by young Vietnamese director Phan Bao Tuan is set to whet international appetites after being selected to screen at the Fascinasian Film Festival 2026 in Edmonton, Canada from May 12 to 16.