1987

The year 1987 was a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s history and culture as the country entered the Renovation period, marked by significant economic and social changes. The historical and cultural context had a profound impact on the arts, creating a new space for creativity and opening up more diverse artistic trends. The literary, musical, visual, and cinematic works produced in 1987 not only reflected the social realities of the time but also marked the transformation of Vietnamese art during the Renovation era.

1. Historical Context of Vietnam in 1987

1987 marked a major turning point in Vietnam’s history, as the country was entering the Renovation era—a broad economic and political reform that had been initiated in 1986 at the Sixth National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Before 1987, Vietnam faced numerous economic difficulties due to the inefficiencies of the centrally planned economy. The country suffered from food shortages, and the people experienced severe hardship. The Renovation policy was implemented to reform the economy, transitioning from a centrally planned system to a socialist-oriented market economy. These policies encouraged production, opened up markets, and strengthened diplomatic relations with capitalist countries, particularly the United States and Western nations.

Politically, the Communist Party of Vietnam retained its leadership role, but important adjustments were made to build a political system and manage society in line with the new context. In 1987, the Vietnamese government continued to implement social policies to stabilize people’s lives, support agriculture, and accelerate infrastructure development.

Vietnam maintained close relations with socialist countries such as the Soviet Union in 1987, but it also began to expand its ties with Western nations, emphasizing the strategy of international economic integration. The open-door policy helped Vietnam gradually emerge from economic sanctions and isolation.

2. Cultural Context of Vietnam in 1987

The early stages of the Renovation policy brought about significant changes in cultural life. Prior to 1987, Vietnamese art and culture were tightly controlled and directed by the state, with a focus on promoting revolutionary ideals and building socialism. However, by 1987, artistic creativity began to open up, and artists were encouraged to explore new themes, reflecting a broader perspective on society, life, and humanity.

The process of opening up led to greater cultural exchange with the West, particularly in music, cinema, and literature. Vietnamese artists gained access to new artistic trends and began combining them with traditional values to create innovative works. Many pieces of art started to provide a more multidimensional view of social life, including issues related to the emerging market economy and its impact on individuals and society.

3. The Impact of Vietnam’s Historical and Cultural Context on Art in 1987

3.1. Immediate Impact (1987)

In 1987, art began to reflect the transition from a state-subsidized economy to a market-oriented one. The spirit of Renovation, with its desire to break free from the constraints of the past and build a new society, directly influenced artistic works. Literature, music, and cinema produced during this time began to focus more on individual life stories, exploring the human experience in a rapidly changing society.

Many works closely followed the realities of life in the Renovation period, capturing the profound changes in people’s psychology as they faced new opportunities and challenges. Artists were encouraged to provide deeper insights into society and the individual within the context of this newfound openness.

3.2. Long-term Impact (Future)

The year 1987 marked the beginning of a freer artistic period, opening up a new creative space for Vietnamese artists. This openness and the development of artistic thought had a profound impact on future works, allowing for the growth of diverse trends and artistic styles.

The process of opening up and international integration during this period helped Vietnamese art gain exposure to global artistic trends. Vietnamese artists had the opportunity to interact with modern art movements, leading to innovations in various fields such as painting, music, cinema, and literature.

4. Notable Artistic Works of 1987

4.1. Literature

“Nỗi buồn chiến tranh” (The Sorrow of War) by Bảo Ninh, first published in 1987, is one of the most important and influential works in post-Renovation Vietnamese literature. The novel deeply explores the consequences of war, from the perspective of a soldier returning from the resistance against the U.S. The Sorrow of War is regarded as a milestone in Vietnamese literature for its bold examination of personal and social pain following the war.

“Mùa lá rụng trong vườn” (The Falling Leaves in the Garden) by Ma Văn Kháng portrays the changes in Vietnamese society after the war and the effects of the Renovation process on families and individual lives. The novel vividly depicts the complexities and conflicts in social life during Vietnam’s transitional period.

4.2. Music

“Chiếc lá cuối cùng” (The Last Leaf) by Tuấn Khanh was composed during the Renovation period, carrying a spirit of optimism and calling for change and progress in the country. The song became one of the iconic pieces of Vietnamese music during this time, blending modern melodies with positive messages.

“Hát về cây lúa hôm nay” (Singing About Today’s Rice) by Hoàng Vân is a famous song from the Renovation period, praising the transformation in agriculture and the lives of farmers. The song reflects the changing perceptions of labor and society during this new era.

4.3. Painting

Although nearing the end of his career, Nguyễn Tư Nghiêm continued to create works in 1987. His art during this period combined traditional and modern elements, reflecting the societal transformations taking place in Vietnam. He was one of the artists who established his reputation throughout the Renovation period with bold artistic innovations.

Another prominent artist in 1987, Dương Bích Liên, continued to produce paintings focusing on people and social life. His works demonstrate a refined perspective on the social changes and human psychology during the Renovation era.

4.4. Cinema

The film “Bao giờ cho đến tháng Mười” (When Will October Come) directed by Đặng Nhật Minh, released in 1987, is one of the most iconic cinematic works of the Renovation period. The film tells the story of a Northern woman’s life after the war, depicting pain and loss while also conveying optimism and hope for the future. It was highly praised both domestically and internationally, showcasing the sensitive exploration of human emotions.