Sweet 20

Sweet 20 is a 2015 Vietnamese faux pas comedy film directed by Phan Gia Nhat Linh. The film is a local adaptation of the South Korean movie "Miss Granny", originally directed by Hwang Dong Hyuk in 2014. The talented cast includes Hong-Anh, Vi Van Hua, and Ngo Kien Huy in the lead roles. The film will engage you with its vivacious screenplay, buoyant performances, and a delightful tinge of supernatural elements.

Sweet 20 follows the eccentric character of Mrs. Ba, a dedicated grandmother in her seventies, portrayed by Vi Van Hua. Mrs. Ba’s world revolves around her family, especially her grandson. Despite having a feisty streak and an unfiltered tongue, her love for her grandson runs deep. This beautiful grandmother-grandson relationship shares an expression of warmth, vulnerability, and authenticity.

The plot becomes interesting when Mrs. Ba stumbles across an old, cryptic photo studio in her neighborhood. Mesmerized by nostalgia and mystery, she decides to get her portrait captured. Eager to indulge in her youth's memories, she enters the photo studio visibly aged and comes out as a woman who is just about to eliminate the tag of teenage. This reversal of age kick-starts a journey where she begins to live a life she often reminisced and desired.

Hong-Anh then steps into the shoes of Mrs. Ba, who must navigate the world as her 20-year-old self while keeping her true identity hidden. On this journey of rediscovering herself, she encounters various hilarious and emotional instances, which become the crux of this laugh-riot film. One of the film’s significant scenes where she auditions for her grandson's band and surpasses all the youngsters with her immense talent is iconic.

Moreover, the comedic scenes of her adjusting to the modern world are stitched perfectly with threads of emotional undertones. When the enthusiasm of youth meets the wisdom of an old age, it creates a wave of laughter, tears, and wisdom for viewers to ride along.

Renowned actor Ngo Kien Huy plays the role of Mrs. Ba's charming and ambitious grandson – the rockstar in the making. Despite his aspiration, he is deeply connected with his grandmother and cherished the sweet bonding they shared. His world turns upside down when he realizes that the vivacious new girl in his band is none other than his beloved grandmother. The depiction of his confusion and struggle adds more depth to the comic plot.

The film is an amalgamation of genres. At its heart, it is a comedy film, but it also has elements of drama, fantasy, and music fitting in beautifully without making the narrative complicated. Additionally, there is a dash of romance inserted aptly without affecting the actual premise of the story.

The music of the film, inclusive of rock and soothing melodies, mirrors the upbeat ambiance of the movie, significantly contributing to the entire story. The comic timing and performances of the lead actors are exceptional, thereby creating an infectious energy that pulls viewers into the convoluted and heartening universe of Sweet 20.

Besides the humor and compelling storyline, Sweet 20 also digs deeper into themes such as family dynamics, generation gap, youthful aspirations, and the innate desire to relive the golden days of one's life. It also underlines the significance of cherishing one's life at every age rather than just reminiscing about the past.

The film's strength lies in its humor, heartening family dynamics, and a unique storyline that brilliantly combines the mundane with the supernatural. Sweet 20 takes you on an enthralling journey of laughter, emotions, music, love, and uncovers endearing life's lessons along the way. Whether you're a fan of comedy, family dramas, or magical realism, this film is sure to spin its charm around you.