Past meets present: How Vietnamese youth close to history?

THE HANOI TIMES — In an age of rapid modernization and ever-changing trends, there has been growing concern that younger generations are becoming detached from their nation's history. Recent developments, however, suggest the opposite: today's youth are not only interested in history, they are actively engaged with it in dynamic and creative ways.

Contrary to fears of cultural amnesia, part of Vietnam's younger population is showing a renewed and genuine interest in national history. Far from being passive observers, they are actively seeking out stories from the past, finding new approaches to history, and contributing to its preservation and dissemination.

A cinematic tribute to resilience

The historical movie Dia dao: Mat troi trong bong toi (The Tunnels: Sunlight in the Shadows) has amazed its makers with its resonance among the youth. Released just in time for the 50th anniversary of Reunification Day (April 30, 1975-April 30, 2025) and set during the brutal 1967 Cedar Falls operation - a massive US military campaign targeting the Iron Triangle (Ben Suc, Cu Chi, Ben Cat) - the film doesn't glorify epic battles, but instead zeroes in on the suffocating yet heroic daily lives of the Vietnamese commandos and villagers who survived and fought in the underground tunnels.

And what is particularly noteworthy? It is the demographic makeup of the audience. A majority of those filling cinema seats are young people, many of whom were born long after the war ended and have only encountered its realities through textbooks and documentaries. For these viewers, the film offered not just entertainment but an immersive, emotional education on the human cost of war, the endurance of the Vietnamese people, and the value of peace.

Dia Dao's director Bui Thac Chuyen expressed his deep impression when seeing many young viewers, mostly aged 16 to 20, connecting with his historical blockbuster— a rare occurrence for films of this genre. "When meeting the film crew, those audiences’ eyes shone with emotion and pride," he shared with VnExpress. "They spoke passionately about their feelings, expressing immense pride in their ancestors’ sacrifices and Vietnam’s enduring tradition of resistance against invaders. In such a special moment, seeing the younger generation engage with their nation’s history is truly heartening."

On social media, a wave of enthusiasm has surged. Phrases like “Let’s go watch The Tunnels!” have gone viral, turning the film into a cultural moment. Rather than shying away from its historical subject matter, young audiences are embracing it — some even advocating for a version suitable for audiences under 16 so that younger students can also experience the film’s powerful message. The response has been overwhelmingly emotional, with many viewers sharing reflections on how the film has helped them appreciate the sacrifices made by previous generations. Some have even taken their engagement a step further, organizing trips to visit real-life tunnel systems and wartime historical sites — efforts that bridge the gap between cinematic storytelling and tangible, lived history.

I genuinely believe this empathy is a powerful foundation for nurturing responsibility and patriotism in the next generation, just like Tran Thu Ha, 22, a student at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, expressed: “I’ve always been passionate about historical films, and as soon as The Tunnels premiered, I made sure to see it right away. Watching the film, I felt a surge of pride for the resilience and unwavering spirit of our people.”

“The sacrifices made, the strategic brilliance displayed within those very tunnels – it all resonated deeply within me, reinforcing my profound love and respect for our nation's history and the courageous individuals who shaped it,” she continued.

Modern patriotism in action

Beyond the realm of film, Vietnamese youth are taking a hands-on approach to history. Visiting the historical relic of Hoa Lo Prison is all the rage. Young people are inviting each other to visit the historic site. "Let's go to prison" has become a popular phrase among many of them. Hoa Lo Prison - one of Hanoi's most famous landmarks - bears witness to the hardships endured by thousands of Vietnamese revolutionaries during the struggle against French colonial rule. Through clever and humorous wordplay, the young people succeeded in sparking curiosity and drawing attention to a place that might otherwise be seen as dry or intimidating, making history more accessible and appealing.

Statistics from the Hoa Lo Relic Management Board underscore this trend: in 2023, nearly 70% of attendees of the nighttime historical tour “Sacred Night – Shining Vietnamese Spirit” were aged between 18 and 30. The tour frequently sells out, with young visitors posting about their experiences on social media platforms and generating tens of thousands of likes, shares, and comments. These digital testimonials have inspired others to engage with Vietnam’s historical legacy.

Thanh Hang, 20, who participated in the Hoa Lo night tour, described the visit as a transformative experience: “It wasn’t just a tour, it felt like a lesson and deeply emotional reminder of the resilience of our people. I hope more young people take part in these experiences to understand that history is not something distant. It’s alive, speaking to us, and shaping who we are.”

Additionally, many students are joining volunteer initiatives and cultural clubs that serve as informal ambassadors of Vietnam’s past. Some take on the role of tour guides at historical sites, offering foreign tourists insights into Vietnam’s tumultuous 20th-century history in English. These initiatives are doubly beneficial: deepening the young volunteers’ understanding of national history and improving their communication and language skills in real-world, multicultural settings.

We may no longer be a generation that goes to war, but the patriotism of today's youth still burns bright, channeled into learning, working, creating, preserving culture, and defending the country's image on the global stage. Patriotism hasn't faded; it's just changed shape. It now wears the face of modernity, flexibility, and relevance.

So instead of worrying about our youth forgetting the past, perhaps we should support and celebrate how they're rediscovering it on their own terms. As someone who values cultural identity and history, I see this as a hopeful sign. The fire of patriotism still lives in the hearts of young people; we just have to give it the right space to glow.