Hitting the road: Teo Em was released nation-wide yesterday.

HA NOI  (VNS) — The most-anticipated movie before the end of the year, Teo Em, hit the big screen nationwide yesterday.

The road comedy, not recommended for viewers under 16, tells the story of Ti Anh (played by Johnny Tri Nguyen) and Teo Em (played by Thai Hoa) – half-brothers with contrasting personalities. The movie follows their adventures when they travel to Sa Dec township to salvage Ti Anh's love affair.

Their differences and conflicts create contradictory situations throughout their journey. Road comedies, a genre popular in Hollywood, is new to filmmakers in Viet Nam.

The motion picture also marks the "reunion" of director Charlie Nguyen and the famous comedian Thai Hoa. They had earlier teamed up for a series of comedic box-office hits such as De Mai Tinh (Fool for Love), Long Ruoi and Cuoi Ngay Keo Lo (Love Puzzle).

Usually, Vietnamese movies are released during the Tet holidays (Lunar New Year), which are usually celebrated towards the end of January and in early February to get better returns at the box-office. This routine has changed as Vietnamese movies are now screened all year round, competing with Hollywood blockbusters.

Besides Teo Em, Than Tuong (Idol), featuring Vietnamese movie stars, will also be released during the Christmas season. — VNS