Explore 7 Vietnamese Cultural Gems in The Ancestral Home (Nhà Gia Tiên) Movie

Written, directed, and starring Huỳnh Lập, The Ancestral Home (Nhà Gia Tiên) hit theaters on February 21, 2025, sparking an instant box office frenzy. With impressive ticket sales and theaters nearly full every night, the film quickly topped the revenue charts. By Sunday afternoon on February 23, earnings had reached nearly 84 billion VND—a clear sign of its magnetic appeal.

What makes this film truly stand out isn’t just its moving storyline—it’s the seamless integration of traditional Vietnamese cultural elements. Questions like “What is Cửu huyền thất tổ?”, “What does Đám giỗ mean?”, and “What is the purpose behind burning incense?” are naturally interwoven into the narrative. If you’re an expat living in Vietnam, this film is a must-watch for gaining an authentic glimpse into the local culture, all presented with English subtitles for a smooth viewing experience.

Join Chus as we explore 7 unique aspects of Vietnamese culture featured in The Ancestral Home, offering deeper insight into these sacred traditions.

Quick Review of The Ancestral Home – Huỳnh Lập

The Ancestral Home by Huỳnh Lập is a vibrant portrayal of family bonds, painted with a colorful spectrum of emotions. With the soulful folk voice of Phương Mỹ Chi and Huỳnh Lập himself taking the lead, the film creates a warm, heartfelt space imbued with profound human values.

The stellar cast contributes significantly to the film’s emotional impact. Every meticulously crafted scene, paired with an evocative musical score, has moved audiences to tears as they witness touching moments, deep-seated memories, and the unbreakable ties among family members.

The film’s pace is gentle yet full of surprises, interspersed with moments of light humor. Just when the overall mood appears serene, a powerful climax near the end delivers heart-wrenching moments that leave viewers reluctant to look away.

This harmonious blend of heartfelt emotion and logical narrative structure has made The Ancestral Home a truly valuable family film that touches the hearts of many.

7 Outstanding Vietnamese Cultural Elements in The Ancestral Home

1. Worshiping Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ (Nine Generations, Seven Ancestors)

Cúng Cửu huyền Thất tổ (rough translation: Nine Generations, Seven Ancestors) is a traditional Vietnamese ritual that shows deep respect and gratitude to one’s ancestors.

The Ancestral Home authentically recreates the ancestral altar used in this ceremony, giving viewers a profound look into the practice of honoring forebears. Through this ritual, people not only pray for the peaceful passage of departed souls into the afterlife but also wish for serenity and good fortune for future generations.

The ancestral altar for Cửu huyền Thất tổ (scene from The Ancestral Home).

2. Bánh Xèo – The Crispy Vietnamese Pancake

Bánh xèo—a classic Vietnamese dish—serves as a unique connector of family ties in The Ancestral Home.

In the film, the bánh xèo is prepared in the Western style, using finely milled rice flour, coconut milk, turmecric powder and fresh ingredients like meat, bean sprouts, and leafy greens. Its large, thin, and crispy exterior, coupled with a richly flavored filling, adds a comforting touch to family meals and symbolizes unity.

3. Đám Giỗ – The Vietnamese Ancestral Death Anniversary

Đám giỗ is a pivotal family event in Vietnamese culture, marking both a reunion and a ritual of gratitude for departed loved ones.

Held annually according to the lunar calendar, this gathering is more than just a feast—it’s a time for families to come together, share everyday stories, and preserve the memory of their ancestors.

The Ancestral Home vividly portrays a traditional Đám giỗ in Western Vietnam, featuring a solemn ancestral altar, scenes of family gatherings, and genuine conversations inspired by everyday life.

Ancestors visiting during the Đám giỗ (scene from The Ancestral Home).

4. Tảo Mộ – Visiting and Cleaning Ancestors’ Graves

Tảo mộ is an age-old tradition observed before or after the Lunar New Year—often during the Thanh Minh Festival or in the days leading up to Đám giỗ. It’s a time for descendants to show respect by cleaning and decorating ancestral graves, and to pray for the peaceful rest of those who have passed.

Through its depiction of the tảo mộ ritual, The Ancestral Home brings to life a practice deeply rooted in the spiritual fabric of Vietnamese society, emphasizing the importance of respect and remembrance.

5. Butterflies as a Sign of Visiting Ancestors

Vietnamese folklore is rich with tales of departed loved ones returning in the form of butterflies. The Ancestral Home cleverly incorporates this enchanting detail, creating an atmosphere that is both dreamlike and slightly mystical. The image of delicate butterflies fluttering symbolizes the loving presence of those who have passed, adding an extra layer of spiritual depth and emotion to the film.

Butterflies symbolizing the return of loved ones (illustrative image).

6. Burning Incense – A Spiritual Connection to Ancestors

Burning incense is a familiar ritual across many Asian cultures, including Vietnamese tradition. Beyond its religious significance, incense is burned to honor and remember one’s ancestors. It’s a common sight in Vietnamese homes, especially during Đám giỗ, tảo mộ, and Tet celebrations.

In 2025 The Ancestral Home movie, the rising incense smoke is portrayed as the lifeblood of departed souls, “recharging” them with energy. More deeply, burning incense serves as a poignant reminder that as long as the incense burns, our ancestors are never forgotten—they continue to watch over and protect their descendants.

7. "Ông Bà Gánh Còng Lưng" – When Ancestors "Carry the Weight"

A popular modern Vietnamese saying, “ông bà gánh còng lưng” (literally: "Grandparents bending their backs to carry the burden") humorously suggests that ancestors are working extra hard to protect and guide their descendants. Similarly, “tổ tiên độ” (literally: “ancestors bless”) is often used when someone experiences unexpected luck or success.

The Ancestral Home brilliantly brings these expressions to life in a touching, relatable manner. One particular scene even brought many viewers to tears, reinforcing the film’s core message: Do good, and your ancestors will always have your back.

“Ông bà gánh còng lưng” has never looked so endearing! (Artwork by Facebook Não Cá Vàng)

Conclusion

The Ancestral Home by Huỳnh Lập beautifully captures the profound essence of family love while highlighting the traditional values of Vietnamese culture. More than just a piece of entertainment, the film serves as a bridge connecting the past with the present, inviting both locals and expats in Vietnam to appreciate and understand authentic Vietnamese traditions—now easily accessible with English subtitles. With its deep humanistic values and distinctive cultural charm, The Ancestral Home is undoubtedly a must-watch this February. Have you seen the film yet?

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