The movie “Cảnh Báo Lừa Đảo” (Payment, 2020) is a Vietnamese crime drama film that has garnered a significant amount of attention and accolades in recent years. As a fan of Asian cinema, I was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to watch this flick and evaluate its merits.
The film tells the story of a young detective named Linh, played by Pham Binh Minh, who is tasked with solving a high-profile case that has left the entire city in a state of panic. As she delves deeper into the investigation, Linh uncovers a complex web of corruption, deceit, and manipulation that threatens to destroy her own life and the lives of those around her.
One of the standout aspects of “Cảnh Báo Lừa Đảo” is its taut, suspenseful direction by Nguyen Quoc Viet. The pacing is expertly handled, with a slow-burning build-up of tension that culminates in a thrilling and intense climax. The cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the gritty, rain-soaked streets of Hanoi in a way that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
The cast, too, turns in strong performances across the board. Pham Binh Minh is particularly impressive as Linh, conveying a sense of determination and vulnerability that makes her character’s struggles all the more compelling. The supporting cast, including a standout turn by Truong Ngoc Anh as Linh’s bumbling partner, brings a much-needed sense of humor and levity to an otherwise dark and intense story.
But what truly sets “Cảnh Báo Lừa Đảo” apart is its thought-provoking exploration of themes that are all too relevant in modern Vietnamese society. The film tackles issues of corruption, police brutality, and the exploitation of the vulnerable, and does so in a way that is both visceral and incendiary.
If I have one criticism of the film, it is that the characters can sometimes feel a bit one-dimensional. Linh, in particular, is a brilliant detective, but we don’t get to see much of her backstory or personal life beyond her work. Similarly, the villains are cartoonishly one-dimensional, with motivations that feel suspiciously over-the-top. These are minor quibbles, however, and do little to detract from what is otherwise a gripping and engrossing thriller.
Overall, “Cảnh Báo Lừa Đảo” is a tense, thought-provoking, and often unflinching look at the darker side
