Director Tran Nhan Kien: Keeping the audience's trust with good works

Director Tran Nhan Kien has just released his 4th film, receiving many positive reviews for its uniqueness, personality and progress in the profession. From a director whose work was labeled as a “disaster”, he consciously trained himself to be worthy of the love of the audience.

Tran Nhan Kien belongs to the 9X generation of directors of Vietnamese cinema. He has released 3 films: Vampire Master, Innocent First Love and Husband Swap Plan but none of them have been successful.

After a long period of silence, at the end of 2024, he announced that he had graduated from the Busan Asian Film School and became a member of the New Asian Producers Network. In 2025, he returned to the big screen with the horror-mystery film Thai Chieu Tai . The film received many positive comments and reviews.

Director Tran Nhan Kien had a conversation with Saigon Giai Phong about the film and his career path.

Want the film to be "naturally word of mouth"

* Reporter: Where did the idea and inspiration for making this film come from?

- Director Tran Nhan Kien : Maybe people will laugh, but one afternoon, when I went to eat balut for the first time in my life, I saw an egg with two eggs. That image made a strong impression, creating a series of images running through my head.

Combining personal experience and the process of staging and shaping the film script idea was born from there. However, it took nearly 3 years to complete the script.

Director Tran Nhan Kien (second from right) at the premiere of the film "Thai chieu tai". Photo: DPCC

* Do you feel pressured when the film is released at a time when audiences seem to be fed up with the horror genre? With Thai Chieu Tai , what makes the difference?

- From the visuals, audio, structure, story, character types to countless other settings, I am confident that Thai Chieu Tai has a big difference in the market. The only thing is, with this huge test, I myself do not know how much the audience will accept it.

But above all, I believe that the spirit of a creative person must be commitment, experimentation, devotion and improvement to bring the audience the best possible experience.

* Why did you choose two new faces, Hong Thanh and Ta Lam, to play important roles, alongside the veteran artist couple Minh Ngoc - Minh Phuong?

- Being suitable for the character and being able to convey the story best is the first and most important thing when I invite actors. Hong Thanh and Ta Lam, to me, are the acting seeds of the next generation of actors.

As for Ms. Minh Ngoc and Minh Phuong, I can only say it is a blessing because they are so lucky to have the companionship of the golden generation of acting in Vietnam. I am very grateful and appreciate this luck.

The film brings together two veteran actors Minh Ngoc - Minh Phuong. Photo: Producer

* The film was highly rated when it was released, but its revenue was not as expected. Some people say that the media aspect was a big minus point, causing the film to be released quietly?

- As a Vietnamese film with a moderate investment level, the project has put almost all its efforts into the production stage. I always believe that the first thing to keep the audience's trust must be a good work. I also want the natural word of mouth about a good work to be the main direction to create the premise for the trust of the audience who love the project.

“A film imbued with Southern culture. Thai Chieu Tai is not an appetizer, not a dessert, but will be a heavy main course in the universe of Vietnamese psychological horror films.”

Director Tran Nhan Kien

Go all in on every project

* Is there anything you regret in this 4th film and wonder what if?

- I don't regret anything. In any project, I always put all my effort and heart into it. People often tease me for always going all in. But I think I definitely have to be like that to be somewhat worthy of the audience's love.

Besides, I believe that what I have is the best thing arranged in the chain of fate. I always appreciate the saying "Tận nhân lực, Trí thiên mệnh" (must try your best, strive to the best of your ability first, then know the will of heaven - PV).

Actress Hong Thanh plays the main role well in "Thai Chieu Tai". Photo: Producer

* Some audiences and experts suggest that films like Thai Chieu Tai are suitable for competing in film festivals. What are your next plans for the film?

- The invitations as well as plans to participate in film festivals have been prepared and planned by the crew from the beginning. I want to bring Vietnamese cinema to the world , to contribute a very small part in bringing the image of Vietnam further.

I think it's almost like a burning desire in me for works, bringing Vietnamese cinema far and wide, resounding and full of pride with the two words: Vietnam.

* According to the revelation, Thai Chieu Tai is the opening work of the horror universe, Asian horror stories . What can you reveal about this new cinematic universe?

- Distinctive, bold and impressive, imbued with folk culture will be the guiding principle for the Asian Horror Stories series. Creativity will always be the most important factor in developing projects.

Furthermore, I will search and combine filmmakers in Asia to expand and create more colors to introduce to audiences near and far.

Director Tran Nhan Kien attends the 2024 Busan International Film Festival. Photo: DPCC

* In the past, especially your first film was considered a "disaster". What are you aware of that and how do you improve yourself?

- Someone asked me if I should change my stage name to start over in my career because Thai Chieu Tai is more talented than the previous 3 films. But, I want to keep the name my parents gave me. I am proud of my name. I want the audience to see my efforts and my journey.

And I am fully aware of my own weaknesses after the arrogance and ambition of youth, spending more than half a decade training and studying non-stop. I want to be truly worthy of the love of the audience.

* Thanks for the chat!

Thai Chieu Tai tells the story of Nhon, a businessman who rose from poverty and reached the pinnacle of success in his career. However, behind the glamorous appearance are terrible secrets and cruel tricks.

Nhon not only used tricks to get rich, but also sought a type of dark magic to protect and increase his "wealth" - that is "Thai chieu tai".

The film features the participation of the cast: artists Minh Ngoc, Minh Phuong, Hong Thanh, Ta Lam, Ngoc Tuong, Thuy Duong... premiering from November 7. The work was also selected to be screened in the 2025 Vietnam Film Festival Panorama, taking place from November 21 to 25 in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Thai Chieu Tai" made a strong impression on the audience because of its uniqueness and difference. Photo: Producer

VAN TUAN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dao-dien-tran-nhan-kien-giu-long-tin-khan-gia-bang-tac-pham-tot-post822406.html