Ly Hai: "Family is always an eternal support system."

Having witnessed many family stories in modern life, with its fast pace and pressures, director Ly Hai hopes that his films will be a mirror reflecting the conflicts between generations, so that people can understand each other better and work together to resolve them.

Báo Cà Mau•24/05/2025

The director affirmed that he always welcomes and appreciates all feedback for the film. Photo: TUAN LE

- Hello Ly Hai, why did you choose such a difficult and realistic topic as family, motherhood, and fatherhood for parts 7 and 8 of the "Flip Face" series?

Director Ly Hai: I've witnessed many stories from relatives, friends, and business partners around me. The hectic pace of daily life and work pressure have widened the generation gap within families. This leads to a decrease in understanding and a decline in loving family moments. With "Flip Face 8: The Embrace of Sunshine," I want to "rekindle" family affection for many viewers who have unintentionally lost it. I hope that when viewers watch the film, they will realize that perhaps they haven't felt the warmth of love, protection, and empathy from their loved ones for a long time. From there, they can rediscover the warm sunshine and connection with each other.

- How do you perceive the meaning of the word "family"?

Director Ly Hai: For me, and many people of my generation, family is always an eternal anchor. I believe that the audience who came to the theaters to support the film will see themselves and their loved ones in some stage or moment of the plot. Family conflicts always cause us heartache, but we feel relieved if we can find empathy, understanding, and acceptance among family members.

For example, in the film, the character Mr. Phuoc represents the older generation, a father who, initially stubborn and worried, didn't want his son to pursue a singing career, fearing the instability and temptations would exhaust him. Mr. Phuoc clearly embodies the feelings of a parent who wants a smooth path, a life of ease and happiness for his son, according to his own definition and capabilities. However, Mr. Phuoc must gradually open his heart to accept Tam's passion, out of respect for his son. Or consider the story of Thanh's family. His parents are preoccupied with providing for the family, neglecting Thanh's hard work and achievements. Finally, Thanh's efforts and dreams are recognized by his parents, who proudly exclaim, "That's our son!"

Each story is an affirmation that family, even amidst distance and disagreements, remains a place for us to return to, find rest, and unconditionally "heal."

"Face Off 8: The Embrace of Sunshine" by Ly Hai is a deeply moving family story. The conflict between generations is a key highlight of the film. Photo: Tuan Le

- In the film, the musical element is also a highlight, especially the grand concert scene featuring young people, which was so spectacular and involved many extras, yet no information or images leaked out. How did you manage that?

Director Ly Hai: The grand concert scene in "Lat Mat 8" has a total of 1,000 actors and actresses, and you are like my big family. When you participated in filming the first scenes at Phu Tho Stadium, I asked you not to post these photos until the film was released, to ensure an element of surprise for the audience. I didn't see a single photo leaked for three months, which made me incredibly happy. You kept your promise and fulfilled your commitment to me, protecting the rights of the film and the crew. Only someone who considers each other family could have such a sense of responsibility. When you became a part of "Lat Mat," I also considered you family, and family always loves and protects each other. I invited you to a special screening of the film that our big family created together. Once again, I thank you with all my respect.

- What message do you want to convey to the audience in "Face Off 8: The Embrace of Sunshine"?

Director Ly Hai: Typically, parents tend to be overbearing. Parents, with their pre-existing experiences, tell their children: "We've been through it, you shouldn't do that," or "You can't do that, you should do it this way." Unintentionally, we stifle the budding dreams in children's hearts. Sometimes, children are afraid of their parents' anger or scolding, so they don't dare speak up. But in reality, children also have secret dreams that they haven't been able to fulfill. One day, our children realize that if they had been brave enough to pursue their dreams back then, things wouldn't be this way now. Proof of this is that when asked what major they want to study in university, many young people don't know and can't decide for themselves. Some students get into one university if they're lucky, and another if they're not. Some young people, without knowing who advised them, study one profession but end up working in a completely different field after graduation. As adults, we must understand and share the same perspective as children, seeing what they want, what they do, and most importantly, guiding them on the right path they have chosen, so that they have no regrets.

- This part of the film received a lot of negative reviews; were you upset about that?

Director Ly Hai: Regarding comments, whether positive or negative, first of all, I must thank the audience for their feedback, because it's only through watching the film and following every detail that they contribute. After that, I would like to filter them. Which are sincere opinions intended to improve the film, and which are critical? From there, I will learn from the experience and make adjustments accordingly for future projects, if those contributions truly address the film's shortcomings.

I am very fortunate to have been involved in the arts for over 30 years and to have always received love and trust from the audience. Therefore, I appreciate everyone's feedback. It is the motivation for me and my team to improve further in the journey ahead.

For me, filmmaking is a long journey of continuous learning, change, and acceptance. Therefore, I welcome and appreciate all feedback from the press, media, and audience, whether gentle or frank. Every day, my team and I strive to learn so that our future creations will be even better and more worthy of everyone's love and support.

Thank you!

Ly Hai is one of the successful producers who pioneered the trend of branded films on Vietnamese screens with the "Lat Mat" series. He graduated from the drama course at the School of Stage Arts 2 (now the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Film). In 2010, Ly Hai left the stage and shifted his focus to directing.

The first four installments of "Lật Mặt" (Face Off) were commercially successful, grossing over 350 billion VND. In 2021, the fifth installment, "Lật Mặt: 48h," achieved 150 billion VND in revenue, becoming the second highest-grossing Vietnamese film of the year. By 2023, he also reaped success with the sixth installment, which grossed 300 billion VND, placing it on the list of the highest-grossing Vietnamese films of all time.

Lam Khanh performed

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