Heartwarming Movies About Parental Love for the Vu Lan Season: 6 Must-Watch Films. These films deliver profound and touching messages, offering a perfect opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and love of parents.
Heartwarming Movies About Parental Love for the Vu Lan Season are an excellent choice to immerse yourself in emotions and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by parents. Here are 6 touching films that convey messages of love and should be on your watchlist during this season of filial piety.
Take Care of Mom
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Release Date: 2023
Genre: Drama, Family
Duration: 110 minutes
Country: South Korea
Director: Kyung-mok Park
Starring: Kim Young-ok, Kim Young-min, Park Sung-yeon
Notable Awards: Pending
Streaming Link: FPT Play
“Take Care of Mom” is considered one of the most touching South Korean films ever released in Vietnamese theaters. The story revolves around Jeong Mal Im, an 85-year-old woman living in the countryside of Daegu, who stubbornly refuses to move to Seoul to live with her son. The conflict between mother and son intensifies as both let their egos overshadow understanding.
Without overly dramatic or tragic elements, the film touches hearts through its authentic and relatable storytelling. Veteran actress Kim Young Ok’s profound performance as the elderly mother leaves a lasting impression. Notably, the haunting line, “I only wish to die in my sleep, so as not to burden my children,” resonates deeply.
The film serves as a gentle yet profound reminder, especially for those living away from home, to cherish family values. Let’s treasure every moment with our parents this Vu Lan season!
A Mother’s Dream
Release Date: 2022
Genre: Drama, Family
Duration: 87 episodes
Country: Vietnam
Director: Nguyễn Minh Chung
Starring: Hồng Vân, Hữu Châu, Nhan Phúc Vinh, Diễm My 9X
Notable Awards: Mai Vàng Award, DAN Movie & TV Picks
Streaming Link: VieON
“A Mother’s Dream” is an 87-episode series centered around Mrs. Thanh (played by NSND Hồng Vân), a mother who has dedicated her life to her family, hoping her children will fulfill her unachieved dreams. However, she fails to realize that each child has their own aspirations, different from hers.
Amidst love and sacrifice, the film vividly portrays generational conflicts and emotional gaps within families. It’s a journey of children growing up, learning to step out of their mother’s shadow to live their own lives. A mother’s love, though immense, can sometimes cause unintended pain—only time can heal such wounds.
The series left a strong impression on audiences and won the 2022 Mai Vàng Award for “Most Beloved TV Series.” Actor Nhan Phúc Vinh also received the “Best Actor in Film and Television” award. To this day, “A Mother’s Dream” remains a favorite among families during reunions like Vu Lan or Tet.
Bring My Son Back
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Release Date: November 27, 2019
Genre: Drama, Family
Duration: 108 minutes
Country: South Korea
Director: Seung-woo Kim
Starring: Lee Yeong-ae, Yoo Jae-myung, Park Hae-joon, Lee Won-geun
Streaming Link: Netflix
“Bring My Son Back” is a gripping yet emotional South Korean film about the sacred bond between mother and child. It follows Jung Yeon, a resilient mother who spends six years searching for her missing son. After her husband’s death, she receives a tip about a boy in a remote fishing village who resembles her son.
Despite slim hopes, Jung Yeon clings to this lead, determined to bring her son home. Lee Young Ae’s powerful performance authentically captures a mother’s pain, resilience, and unconditional love. This film is an ideal choice for those seeking a heartfelt movie about parental love this Vu Lan season.
Pawn: The Debt Collector’s Unexpected Joy
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Release Date: September 29, 2020
Genre: Drama, Family
Duration: 113 minutes
Country: South Korea
Director: Dae-gyu Kang
Starring: Sung Dong-il, Ha Ji-won, Kim Hee-won, Park So-yi
Notable Awards: Golden Cinematography Awards
Streaming Link: Netflix
“Pawn” is a South Korean film that offers a range of emotions through the unexpected story of two tough debt collectors, Du Seok and Jong Bae. After reluctantly taking care of a 10-year-old girl named Seung Yi, they unexpectedly become loving father figures, despite being unprepared for the role.
The 113-minute film is both humorous and touching, as a little “debt” becomes the thread that weaves love and heals two lonely souls. Though not groundbreaking in its plot, “Pawn” is gentle and profound enough to touch hearts.
Cheer Up, Mr. Lee
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Release Date: September 11, 2019
Genre: Drama, Family
Duration: 111 minutes
Country: South Korea
Director: Lee Gae-byok
Starring: Cha Seung-won, Um Chae-young, Park Hae-joon, Kim Hye-ok
Streaming Link: Netflix
“Cheer Up, Mr. Lee” is a South Korean film that blends humor with emotion, focusing on the father-daughter relationship. It centers on Lee Cheol Soo (Cha Seung Won), a gym-obsessed father, and his daughter Saet Byul (Um Chae Young), who suffers from a terminal illness.
Beneath its rom-com exterior, the film delivers touching messages, making viewers laugh and cry. The natural performances of the cast, especially Cha Seung Won and Um Chae Young, add authenticity and depth to the story.
Dad, I’m Sorry
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Release Date: March 12, 2021
Genre: Drama, Family
Duration: 128 minutes
Country: Vietnam
Director: Trấn Thành – Vũ Ngọc Đãng
Starring: Trấn Thành, Tuấn Trần, Ngân Chi, Ngọc Giàu, Lê Giang
Notable Awards: Golden Kite Award, Silver Lotus Award, Green Star Award, Hanoi International Film Festival Award
Streaming Link: FPT Play
“Dad, I’m Sorry” tells the story of Ba Sang, a single father who tirelessly raises his two children. His meddlesome nature often lands him in trouble, while his son Quắn remains withdrawn, avoiding complications. Small conflicts gradually create a generational gap, until an unexpected event forces them to reevaluate everything.
Without relying on dramatic plots, the film shines through its everyday slices of life and relatable dialogue. Every word reflects the realities of conflict, family bonds, and values in a genuine way. “Dad, I’m Sorry” is a gentle yet profound film that leaves viewers both laughing and contemplative.
You don’t need to wait for Vu Lan to express love, but these films about parental love provide an opportunity to reflect. Remember, parents don’t expect grand gestures—they simply want us to listen, understand, and cherish their presence.
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