Red Rain - an epic of blood and tears

The National Film Center auditorium was enveloped in silence after more than 120 minutes of screening "Red Rain." When the lights came on, hundreds of eyes were still red and swollen. These were tears for the brutality of war, tears of pride and gratitude for the older generation who sacrificed their youth for the Fatherland.

Reviving memories

"Operation Red Rain," director and Meritorious Artist Dang Thai Huyen calls her film by that name. Because, to bring the memories of those 81 days and nights of bloodshed to the screen, the crew went through exactly 81 days of intense and arduous filming. "There were times I thought I would collapse because of the harsh weather and the pressure of the large-scale war scenes," she recalls.

Veterans who directly participated in the Battle of Quang Tri Citadel in 1972 attended the premiere of the film "Red Rain" in Hanoi.

"Red Rain" is considered the most elaborate and large-scale war film in over 20 years, truly reviving the tragic spirit of the 81 days and nights our army and people fought to defend the Quang Tri Citadel in 1972. Colonel Nguyen Van Hoi, Head of the Liaison Committee of Battalion K3 - Tam Dao, the unit that directly participated in the battle, choked up: "We were there, but we couldn't hold back our tears. My comrades lying in the Citadel are probably smiling contentedly now…"

Not only veterans but also many young people present at the premiere were deeply moved. “The scenes in 'Red Rain' made viewers feel as if they were touching the pain and ultimate sacrifice of their fathers and grandfathers. Each image is not only a historical memory but also a reminder that we must live worthy lives today,” shared young Pham Truc Anh. This empathy bridged the generational gap, making the story from over 50 years ago still resonate in the hearts of viewers.

Some viewers have called the film a portrayal of the price of peace . “I watched it silently from beginning to end, and silently wept. The bloody scenes followed me even into my sleep. The image of the vibrant young man lying motionless, or the two mothers releasing flowers on the Thach Han River… haunts me forever. I watched it to see how expensive peace is, to remind myself not to waste a single drop of blood that stained the ancient citadel red that year…”, shared writer Nguyen Thuc Linh.

Impact and influence

War themes are always considered difficult to portray, but those behind "Red Rain" have turned that challenge into an opportunity to contribute. "With the responsibility of soldiers and artists, we have put all our faith, passion, and energy into this dedication," shared Colonel Kieu Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of the People's Army Film Studio, who served as the production director.

To achieve authenticity, the crew did not hesitate to recreate the Quang Tri Citadel almost exactly as it was, with each brick and wall section being demolished according to the script's plot. Each scene was initially sketched on location by the director, reviewed, and then immediately adjusted. This meticulous attention to detail created a work that is both tragic and deeply moving. The strength of "Red Rain" lies in its combination of brutality and humanity. Beyond just the sounds of bombs and bullets, the director also included moments of silence so that the audience could see that soldiers also experienced love, fear, and hope. "I think tragedy is very important in war films, but moments of silence are also necessary. That's when soldiers confront themselves, confront loss, and the longing for family," director Dang Thai Huyen shared.

Although officially released on August 22nd, "Red Rain" has already created a real-life sensation. From the moment the trailer was released, the film was among the hottest keywords on social media, and within a week, discussions about "Red Rain" reached the number one spot on social trends. Film critics have also showered it with praise. Director Bui Thac Chuyen commented: "War films always demand the highest level of production. With 'Red Rain,' the strength that female director Dang Thai Huyen demonstrates is second to none." These assessments both affirm the film's professionalism and reinforce the belief that Vietnamese cinema is fully capable of producing great works about history and revolutionary warfare.

Red Rain, a film adaptation from a novel, is seen as an epic written in the blood, tears, and unwavering spirit of the nation. "Blood and bones shed to leave a lasting legacy" resonates through every frame, reminding us to live worthily in the peace we enjoy today.

MAI AN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/mua-do-ban-hung-ca-tu-mau-va-nuoc-mat-post809378.html