Cast
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Director
- Trấn Thành
Writer
- Trấn Thành
Reviews
CinemaSerf
“Quoc Anh” (yep, they didn’t change his name) hooks up with “Quynh Ann” (Tran Tiey Vy) and they have an happy enough relationship. He is an aspiring banker and she likes that; he wants a nice house, car and the all the other trappings and so does she. Thing is though, this is all an increasingly shallow existence and when he travels to meet her eccentric family that just makes matters worse. He feels like a fish out of water as they all get more and more drunk, rude and frankly pretty obnoxious. Imagine his chagrin when they return home only to find that a few of them have followed them on an uninvited holiday. He’s at the end of his tether when he meets client “Karen” (Ky Duyen Cal Nguyen). She’s a very wealthy and well connected woman who offers him expensive gifts and influential friends and it’s clear she wants a bit of the perfectly manscaped Quoc Anh in return. He is still loyal to “Quynh Anh” though, so it falls on his new femme fatale to find new ways to tempt him out of his increasingly unstable relationship. The concept is all old hat, but it’s the frenetic family behaviour of uncle and auntie that irritates way more than it entertains. The slapstick is all over the place, the story sort of lurches along without much cohesion towards an ending that is all too predictable - and all of this happens without even an hair on his coiffured head coming out of place! It’s obviously just a vehicle for the star, designed to make his character look good and decent but the rest of this looks like the filming schedule and script were made up as they went along. If you want some perfectly skin-faded eye candy then this might do, otherwise it’s one to avoid, sorry.
Mar 19, 2025
Thematic Analysis
The 4 Rascals represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance/Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Trấn Thành brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2025, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The 4 Rascals took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 133 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 157 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 36 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2025, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: January 29, 2025
- Runtime: 2h 13m