Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bloody battles, lost loved ones in Vietnamese epic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Song of the South
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SONG OF THE SOUTH (Dat Rung Phuong Nam), set in 1940s Vietnam, young boy An (Huynh Hao Khang) is whisked away from school by his mother (Hong-Anh), who is fleeing her village. An doesn't know why he's being taken away, but it appears he will finally be reunited with his father, whom he hasn't seen in years. When the bus An and his mom are traveling on is stopped by guards, who are then attacked by rebels, pandemonium breaks out and An's mother gets shot and killed. An is saved by a petty thief named Ut (Tuan Tran), who becomes his caretaker. From there, An's journey to discover the identity and location of his father will lead him on many adventures and into the heart of a rebel movement for Vietnamese independence.
Is It Any Good?
The cinematography and stunning locations stand out in this epic tale of an orphaned boy searching for his father in times of great conflict. Song of the South features elaborate production designs, involving hundreds of extras, and imaginative filming to infuse the story with mythical tones. The camera flies high above battle scenes to give a bird's eye view, or gets right into the middle of the action. It soars down muddy rivers and dips underwater. The Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, with its maze of swampy waterways, palm-filled jungles, and wooden villages, provides a striking backdrop for this melodrama featuring multiple choreographed fight scenes. End credits promise this is only part 1.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the rebels are fighting for in Song of the South. Where could you go for more information about this time period in Vietnam?
An is often in jeopardy or suffering loss. Was the overall tone of the film sad? If not, how is the drama balanced out?
What images and which characters did you find most memorable from this film? Why?
How do characters show courage and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 20, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : January 26, 2024
- Cast : Huynh Hao Khang , Tuan Tran , Hong-Anh
- Director : Quang Dung Nguyen
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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