HCM CITY – Vietnamese director Nguyễn Quang Dũng is planning to do a film to remake the 2004 Hollywood romantic comedy 50 First Dates.

The film, which was directed by Peter Segal and written by George Wing, is about the love story between the veterinarian Henry and Lucy, a young woman who developed anterograde amnesia after a car accident. It starred American actors Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

Dũng said: “50 First Dates is one of my favourite films. Remaking the film will be a highlight of my career.”

The Vietnamese version was a co-production of Sony Pictures and private Vietnamese film studio Thiên Ngân (Galaxy).

Dũng, 50, was one of the first directing graduates from the HCM City College of Theatre and Cinematography, which became the University of Theatre and Cinematography in 1999.

He is known for the comedies Nụ Hôn Thần Chết (A Kiss of Death), Những Nụ Hôn Rực Rỡ (Vivid Kisses) and Mỹ Nhân Kế (Beauty Trap), favourites among young audiences that earned high ticket sales.

Last year, Dũng released a film about traditional Vietnamese culture titled Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang (Night Drumbeats Cause Longing for Absent Husband) which took three years to complete.

The production was the only Vietnamese film screened at the ASEAN Film Awards, which was part of the 20th Việt Nam Film Festival held in the central city of Đà Nẵng from November 24-28.

His latest film Tháng Năm Rực Rỡ  (Splendid Years), a remake of a Korean hit called Sunny, has become a big success in Việt Nam, earning more than VNĐ65 billion (US$2.85 million) in ticket sales 10 years after release. The film is about urban women and their loves and work.

It features movie stars Hồng Ánh and Mỹ Duyên, winners of the Golden Kite for Best Actress presented by the Việt Nam Cinematography Association, along with young actresses Hoàng Anh and Hoàng Yến Chibi.

“I expect my remake of 50 First Dates will achieve the same level of success as Tháng Năm Rực Rỡ,” said Dũng.

The Vietnamese version of 50 First Dates is in pre-production and is expected to be released later this year. — VNS