“De Men: The Adventure to Muddy Hamlet” – a 3D animated feature inspired by the classic tale by renowned author To Hoai – marks a significant breakthrough in visual artistry.
Released on June 1st, the film entered the box office in direct competition with several international blockbusters. According to Box Office, an independent box office analytics unit, Dế Mèn sold over 68,000 tickets during its opening weekend, grossing 6.28 billion VND. It ranked just behind Doraemon, Nhiệm vụ bất khả thi 8, Lilo & Stitch. Previously, the producers expressed confidence and stated they felt no pressure in facing off against globally established franchises.
Image of De Men in the film
Vietnamese 3D animation began emerging around the early 2000s, mostly in the form of short online promotional films. In 2010, Người con của rồng (directed by Pham Minh Tri) was among the rare works to be released commercially, marking the millennial celebration of Thang Long. The Vietnam Animation Studio later produced Nữ tướng Mê Linh (2023), Anh hùng Núi Tản (2024). These works presented visually appealing natural landscapes and spatial compositions; however, their human characters often appeared stiff in both movement and expression. Moreover, with an average runtime of 30 minutes, these films were mainly distributed freely on select occasions, falling short of the requirements for commercial theatrical release.
Êkíp Dế Mèn spent three years on production, bringing together a workforce of 200 skilled professionals. They developed a digital studio project and collaborated with students from the University of Information and Communication Technology in Thai Nguyen. Many of the film’s characters underwent dozens of design revisions before making their on-screen debut.
One of the film’s highlights lies in its stunning visuals and impressive visual effects. The production successfully overcomes many of the weaknesses found in previous Vietnamese 3D animated films. The characters exhibit fairly natural facial expressions and movements. The various animal species are designed with vivid, distinctive traits, incorporating creative variations reflecting age and gender.
The filmmakers skillfully integrated cultural elements throughout the story. For instance, the Water Spider troupe wears stylized costumes inspired by the traditional áo tứ thân; General Toad dons a the tunic and a turban fashioned from a half-used roll of tape. The character Nhái Mõ plays instruments made from repurposed “Sao Vàng” balm lids. The setting of Muddy Hamlet—lush with water scenes and tea-covered hills—is vibrantly rendered. The combat scenes successfully evoke tension and drama.
Music enhances the emotional depth and atmosphere of the film. In the opening scene, a melancholic song underscores the loneliness of Cricket as he navigates life in a big city. Later on, humorous rap segments by characters like Râu Que and Praying Mantis add a playful touch. General Toad’s rap draws from a Vietnamese folk verse: "The toad is Uncle Heaven's kin / Harm it and thunder will begin." Another song, performed by the Water Spider troupe, is inspired by the poetry of Hàn Mặc Tử.All the songs were arranged by Masew, known for his work on Bắc Blingand À lôi.
Dream of a Distant Guest
The storyline is predictable, with few dramatic twists or turns, making it well-suited for a young audience. The film is a creative adaptation of the classic tale Diary of a Cricket by celebrated Vietnamese author Tô Hoài. In their journey to explore new lands, Cricket and his companion Trũi face numerous challenges, particularly the lack of access to clean water. They hear tales of a joyful place called Muddy Hamlet, ruled by King Frog “Ếch Cốm,” where all insects are generously provided with food, drink, and shelter. Upon arrival, they are warmly welcomed. Both are fascinated by the city’s unique recycled architecture.
However, the evening takes a dark turn. After attending a lavish dinner party, the two are locked in a sealed chamber, intended to become a meal for the king’s subjects. Rescued just in time by Râu Que, Cricket uncovers the disturbing truth about Muddy Hamlet. King Ếch Cốm maintains a friendly, hospitable façade to lure unsuspecting insects, only to eliminate them thereafter. Determined to fight back, Cricket and Trũi devise a plan to rescue the trapped creatures and lead a daring escape.
Source: ‘Dế Mèn’ – bước tiến của phim hoạt hình Việt – Báo VnExpress Giải trí