Laugh and cry with this Lunar New Year trailer about a traditional Vietnamese opera troupe.

Báo Sài Gòn Giải phóng•25/01/2024

In the trailer recently released by the producers, there are many scenes that will make viewers laugh, but at the same time, there are also many touching moments as the traditional opera troupe faces a series of misfortunes, even standing on the brink of having to disband.

The call to arms, "Greetings to all our esteemed audience and benefactors," sung by Meritorious Artist Huu Chau, resonated, accompanied by the unique sight of the troupe members riding on ox-drawn carts along the country roads . This lively atmosphere added joy and color to the peaceful scenery of the Mekong Delta.

Impressive images of the Vien Phuong theatrical troupe have just been revealed in the film trailer.

The trailer for the film "Lights Up" clearly shows the stark contrast in the journey of the Vien Phuong theatrical troupe as they travel across the countryside.

When the stage was packed with audience members, joy erupted on the faces of the artists in the troupe because, in addition to selling many tickets, that encouragement was an invaluable gift. The songs, the music, and everyone's mood were more eager and joyful, happiness shining in their eyes.

When misfortunes struck one after another—a lack of customers, only a few people sitting alone on the sandy ground, or when the group was attacked by thugs resulting in serious injuries to its members—there were tears of helplessness from the tour manager.

In particular, the climax of the story is the contrasting images: the troupe is happily traveling in their tour bus, but they suddenly crash into a roadside wedding, leaving the fate of the troupe uncertain.

Two contrasting scenarios: crowded shows and quiet nights with few customers.

But, after all, the biggest takeaway from the trailer is the unwavering loyalty. In their everyday conversation, when Tuan Dung's character asks, "Following the traveling theater troupe is so hard, have you ever thought about leaving?" , Bach Cong Khanh's character replies, "You consider this the troupe, but I consider it my home, how could I leave ?"

It was because of this affection and dedication that they were surrounded by relatives and friends, sharing joys and sorrows on New Year's Eve. Within the shared affection among the troupe members and the audience, there were also individual feelings. The image of Bach Cong Khanh's character reluctantly bidding farewell to his "father"—the musician Canh Son, played by artist Chi Tam—in the fading golden afternoon evokes many emotions. Similarly, the scenes of caring and attentiveness between Bach Cong Khanh and Truc May's characters further highlight the multifaceted life of the troupe.

According to director Hoang Tuan Cuong, the idea for the film "Lighting Up" was his, and the script was written by screenwriter To Thien Kieu. Having a father who was a show promoter and having followed a theater troupe from a young age, screenwriter To Thien Kieu has many true stories to convey in the film.

“There are many details about how the troupe operated, the hardships and joys they experienced, which the scriptwriter accurately captured. Therefore, I am confident that this script does not glorify or discredit cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera), but simply wants to tell a pure story about the troupe and the people in it, with all their emotions, both happy and sad,” director Hoàng Tuấn Cường shared.

*There were many smiles and also tears of helplessness.*

He also hoped that the film would portray the charm and camaraderie within the theatrical troupe, aspects that audiences had previously overlooked. However, because there were so many stories, he only selected representative details and tried to give each character their own unique place and highlight.

The film features: Meritorious Artist Huu Chau, artist Chi Tam, Bach Cong Khanh, Truc May, Le Phuong, Cao Minh Dat, People's Artist Hong Van, Meritorious Artist Le Thien, Tuan Dung, Bach Long, Kim Huyen, Tieu Minh Phung, Le Trang, Meritorious Artist Kim Tu Long...

The film was released in theaters on the first day of the Lunar New Year, February 10th.

HAI DUY

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