The male director affirmed that he always welcomes and thanks all comments and contributions to the film. Photo: TUAN LE

The male director affirmed that he always welcomes and thanks all comments and contributions to the film. Photo: TUAN LE

- Hello Ly Hai, why did you choose a very difficult realistic topic for parts 7 and 8 of the "Flip Side" series this time: family, mother-child love, and father-child love?

Director Ly Hai: I have witnessed many stories of relatives, friends, partners... around me, the hustle and bustle of daily life along with work pressure has made the generation gap in the family even bigger. At that time, understanding is reduced and loving moments in the family also gradually fade away. With "Lat mat 8: Vong tay nang", I want to "warm up" family affection for many audiences who have unintentionally lost it. I hope that when the audience watches the film, they will realize that, perhaps, they have not felt the warmth of love, protection and sympathy from their relatives for a long time. From there, they will regain the warm sunshine and connection with each other.

- For you, how do you perceive the meaning of the two words "family"?

Director Ly Hai: For me and many people in my generation, family is always an eternal support. I believe that the audience who came to the cinema to support the film will see themselves and their loved ones at some stage or slice in the plot. Family conflicts always make us feel pain, but we feel relieved if we find sympathy, understanding and mutual acceptance among the members.

For example, in the film, the character Mr. Phuoc represents the older generation, the father who goes from being stubborn and worried, not wanting his son to pursue a singing career because he is afraid that the uncertainty and temptation will tire his son. Mr. Phuoc clearly shows the heart of a parent who wants to spread roses, wants his son to suffer less, to have a prosperous and happy life according to the definition and ability of the father. However, Mr. Phuoc has to gradually open his heart to accept Tam's passion, because that is respect for his son. Or the story of the character Thanh's family. His parents are busy worrying about food, clothing, rice, and money, so they no longer have the mind to care about the efforts and achievements that Thanh has tried so hard to achieve. In the end, Thanh is recognized by his parents for his efforts and dreams, and then proudly exclaims: "That's our child".

Each story is an affirmation that family, even when we are distant or have disagreements, is still a place for us to return to, rest and "heal" unconditionally.

Ly Hai's

Ly Hai's "Flip Side 8: Vong Tay Nang" is a touching family story. In which, the conflict between generations is the highlight of the film. Photo: TUAN LE

- In the film, the musical element is also a highlight, especially the grand concert scene of the young people, which is so grand, gathering many extras to participate but no information or images are leaked. How did you do it?

Director Ly Hai: The big concert scene in "Lat mat 8" has a total of 1,000 actors and you are like my big family. When you participated in filming the first scenes at Phu Tho Stadium, I asked you to wait until the movie was released to ensure the element of surprise for the audience. I did not see any photos spread for 3 months, which made me burst into tears. You kept your promise and fulfilled your promise to me, protecting the rights of the movie and the crew. Only those who see each other as family can have such a sense of responsibility. When you became a part of "Lat mat", I also saw you as family and family always loves and protects each other. I invited you to watch a special screening of the movie that the big family made together. Once again, I would like to thank you with all my respect.

- What is the message of "Flip Side 8: Vong Tay Nang" that you want to send to the audience this time?

Director Ly Hai: Normally, parents tend to impose. Parents have previous thoughts and experiences to tell their children: "We have gone through it, you shouldn't do that", or "You can't do that, you have to do it this way". Unintentionally, we have prevented new dreams from glimmering in the souls of children. Many times, children are afraid that their parents will be angry, scold them... so they don't dare to speak up. But in fact, children also have secret dreams from within that they cannot fulfill. One day, our children will realize that if they had had the courage to do what they wanted, it wouldn't be like this now. The proof is that when asked what major to take the university entrance exam, many young people don't know, and can't decide for themselves. Some of them take the exam, if they are lucky they get into one school, if they are unlucky they get into another school. There are young people who don't understand who gave them advice, study one profession but after graduating they do another. As adults, we must understand and share the same perspective with children, see what they want, what they do, and importantly guide them on the right path they have chosen, so they don't regret anything.

- This movie received many negative comments, are you sad?

Director Ly Hai: With comments, whether positive or negative, first of all, I have to thank the audience for their comments, because the audience went to see the movie, followed every detail to contribute to me. After that, I would like to be allowed to screen them again. Which are the sincere comments that want to be good for the movie, which are the comments that are offensive. From there, I will learn from my experience to make appropriate adjustments in future projects, if those contributions are indeed true to the bad points of the movie.

I am very lucky to have been in the art industry for over 30 years and still receive love and trust from the audience. Therefore, I appreciate everyone's comments. That is the motivation for me and my team to improve in the journey ahead.

For me, filmmaking is a long journey of continuous learning, change and acceptance. Therefore, I accept and appreciate all comments from newspapers, radio stations, audiences... whether gentle or direct. Every day that passes, my crew and I try to learn, so that our future brainchildren will be better and better, more worthy of everyone's love.

Thank you!

Ly Hai is one of the successful producers, opening the trend of making branded films on Vietnamese screens with the series "Lat mat". He graduated from the drama course of the School of Stage Arts 2 (now the University of Stage and Cinema , Ho Chi Minh City). In 2010, Ly Hai left the stage, turning to directing.

The first four parts of "Flip Side" were commercially successful, earning more than 350 billion VND. In 2021, the fifth part "Flip Side: 48h" earned 150 billion VND, becoming the second highest-grossing Vietnamese film of the year. In 2023, he also achieved success with the sixth part earning 300 billion VND, making it on the list of highest-grossing Vietnamese films of all time.

Performed by Lam Khanh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/ly-hai-gia-dinh-luon-la-diem-tua-vinh-cuu-a39154.html