Log in
Vietnam

Dreamworks film containing illegal nine-dash line withdrawn from Vietnam movie theaters

The fiction movie is produced by US Dreamworks Animation and China-invested Pearl Studio.

“Abominable” – a fiction movie debuted in theaters in Vietnam in October 4 – has been withdrawn from cinemas nationwide due to containing China’s groundless nine-dash line which covers Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagoes.

A scene from the movie
A scene that contains the U-shape line. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The movie was found to have scene showing the line or U-shape line which is Beijing’s self-claimed area that encircles up to 90% of the South China Sea. 

CJ CGV Vietnam Co., Ltd – a subsidiary of South Korea’s CGV Group – silently withdrew the movie after a number of audience recognized the scene. 

The case has sparked criticism among Vietnamese people who accused the Cinematography Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports of Tourism for its main responsibility for issuing permission for the movie. 


Prof. Vu Minh Giang, deputy head of Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences (VAHS), said overlooking a scene that harms the national sovereignty is definitely serious and relevant individuals and organizations should be strictly punished for their irresponsibility.
 
“Abominable” – a joint work by US Dreamworks Animation and China-invested Pearl Studio. Photo: Dreamworks
“Abominable” – a joint work by US Dreamworks Animation and China-invested Pearl Studio. Photo: Dreamworks
Prof. Tran Ngoc Vuong said China is foxy in inserting their sovereignty claim in cultural products and Vietnam must be vigilant enough to realize their intention, the Tuoi Tre newspaper reported. 

Related individuals must be strictly punished as this is a national sovereignty issue, writer Trinh Thanh Nha suggested. 
Researcher Hoang Viet from the Vietnam Lawyers Association suggested that this is a serious issue that should be in vigilance of authorized agencies and those in charge of cultural management must keep an eye on it. 

Meanwhile, a large number of locals criticized CJ CGV Vietnam for showcasing the movie to the public as this is the second time the company released a movie harming Vietnam’s sovereignty and disseminating Chinese illegal sovereignty claim. 

Vietnamese netizens have called for a heavy fine and an apology from CJ CGV Vietnam. 

“Abominable” – a joint work by US Dreamworks Animation and China-invested Pearl Studio – has come in theaters globally since September 27, 2019. 
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Vietnam Airlines launches direct Hanoi–Cebu flights to strengthen regional tourism links

Vietnam Airlines launches direct Hanoi–Cebu flights to strengthen regional tourism links

Vietnam Airlines has opened a new direct route from Hanoi to Cebu, expanding its Southeast Asian network and creating a faster travel connection between Vietnam and the Philippines.

Brunei urged to share information on maritime law enforcement

Brunei urged to share information on maritime law enforcement

During the visit, the two sides inked three cooperation documents covering maritime cooperation, fisheries and efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Vietnam opens select casinos to eligible citizens under new rules

Vietnam opens select casinos to eligible citizens under new rules

A recent government resolution reportedly allows eligible Vietnamese citizens to enter certain casino projects. What does Resolution No. 8/2025/NQ-CP provide, how will the pilot scheme operatea and what regulatory obligations must casinos follow?

Vietnam cements great friendship with Laos in Party chief’s state visit

Vietnam cements great friendship with Laos in Party chief’s state visit

The visit is one of Vietnam’s most important external activities in 2025 with the participation of nine Politburo members, including the prime minister and permanent members of the Party Secretariat.

Who is transforming the lives of millions of children in Vietnam?

Who is transforming the lives of millions of children in Vietnam?

The National Assembly's decisions show a strong and growing commitment to ensuring every child in Vietnam can grow up safe, healthy and ready to thrive, demonstrating how policy can shape a better future.

New models of care matter to prevent domestic violence in Vietnam

New models of care matter to prevent domestic violence in Vietnam

While Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, rising online abuse stresses the need for stronger prevention, timely reporting and survivor-centered support systems.

Red Star Awards 2025 honors 100 young entrepreneurs and innovation spirit

Red Star Awards 2025 honors 100 young entrepreneurs and innovation spirit

Hanoi welcomed one of Vietnam’s largest gatherings of young business leaders as the Red Star Awards 2025 recognized 100 outstanding entrepreneurs whose companies are shaping the country’s economic future.

Vietnam receives global support worth $16 million to boost aid for flood recovery

Vietnam receives global support worth $16 million to boost aid for flood recovery

Vietnam has secured nearly US$16 million in international assistance to help communities recover from recent storms and floods, while Hanoi has intensified its own support efforts with major financial aid and large-scale fundraising.