The Immortal Ma (2025) is a bold and visually captivating martial arts epic that blends folklore, fantasy, and fierce emotion into a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Directed by acclaimed Vietnamese filmmaker Tran Duy Thanh, the film offers a stunning reinterpretation of a legendary warrior's journey through immortality, loyalty, and the brutal cost of revenge.
Set during the chaotic feudal wars of ancient Vietnam, The Immortal Ma follows the story of Ma Liem, a once-loyal general who is betrayed and left for dead by the very kingdom he swore to protect. Revived by a mysterious forest spirit and granted immortality, Ma wanders through centuries, seeking justice for the massacre of his family and the destruction of his village. As empires rise and fall around him, Ma grapples with the emotional toll of living forever, until he finally confronts a powerful descendant of his ancient enemy—forcing him to choose between vengeance and peace.
Veteran actor Le Trung excels in the titular role, delivering a powerful performance that captures both the stoicism and inner torment of a man who cannot die. His portrayal is nuanced, balancing raw physicality with moments of heartbreaking vulnerability. Supporting performances, particularly from Nguyen Bao Chau as the spirit guide and Vo Minh Triet as the ruthless antagonist, add layers of complexity and emotional depth to the narrative.
Tran Duy Thanh’s direction is both poetic and intense. He paints a hauntingly beautiful portrait of time and mortality, using natural landscapes and shifting seasons to reflect Ma’s inner journey. Cinematographer Hoang Tuan’s work is exceptional—each frame looks like a painting, with misty mountain backdrops, blood-soaked battlefields, and tranquil bamboo forests contrasting the chaos of Ma’s eternal battle.
The action choreography is a standout element of the film. Seamlessly blending traditional martial arts with supernatural elements, the fight scenes are brutal, graceful, and symbolic. The use of slow motion and elemental powers (such as Ma summoning wind or controlling flames) elevates the combat into mythic territory without feeling overdone. CGI is used sparingly but effectively, enhancing rather than overwhelming the storytelling.
At its core, The Immortal Ma is more than a revenge tale—it’s a philosophical meditation on time, grief, and the human cost of war. The film challenges the idea of immortality as a gift, presenting it instead as a burden when unaccompanied by love, closure, or purpose. Ma’s internal conflict—whether to let go of the past or be consumed by it—gives the film emotional weight and universal resonance.
The Immortal Ma is a cinematic triumph for Vietnamese fantasy cinema. With its compelling narrative, mesmerizing visuals, and emotionally resonant themes, it stands tall among modern epics. It’s a film that not only entertains but provokes thought about life, loss, and what it means to be truly free.
