* You've talked a lot about your filmmaking journey already. So, does this somewhat "unexpected and overwhelming" success put pressure on you when taking on subsequent projects?
- The success of "Red Rain" is a great joy for me, but it's also a significant pressure. After this film, I feel I need to work even harder and strive more with each upcoming project to live up to the audience's trust.
* How did you feel when the film was submitted for the Oscars?
- The fact that "Red Rain" was submitted for an Oscar is an honor and a source of pride not only for me and the crew, but also for the entire Military Film Studio. My feelings are those of emotion and gratitude. Because initially, "Red Rain" was a major war film project, but the superiors gave that opportunity to me - a female director - with limited experience in war films. I am happy that at least "Red Rain" has fulfilled the wishes of the entire crew to let a segment of the world 's audience know about the history and revolutionary war of Vietnam, to know the story of 81 days and nights of blood and fire.
* After "Red Rain," will you continue pursuing the theme of soldiers? Can the director reveal any upcoming film projects?
- My projects, or those of the Army Film Studio, will only be announced with the permission of higher authorities. But I can say that the themes of soldiers, history, and revolutionary war will always be our mission and passion, and we will pursue and carry them out.
"Red Rain" achieved a box office miracle in Vietnam after more than a month of release, grossing 713 billion VND, equivalent to approximately 8.1 million tickets sold. At the 24th Vietnam Film Festival, overcoming many strong contenders, "Red Rain" officially won the Golden Lotus Award in the Best Feature Film category. The film is considered a tragic epic, not only realistically depicting the brutality of war but also telling a story of love, courage, sacrifice, and the yearning for peace of the Vietnamese people.
* The film was a huge success and left a deep impression on the public. Some people have watched it over and over again because they loved "Red Rain" so much. Did that surprise you?
- My team and I all believed the film would be a success because it was made with utmost seriousness and dedication, but we didn't expect it to be so overwhelmingly well-received. People say the film was lucky: because it was released during the A80 period, because audiences were interested in revolutionary films at the time, because…
I take all those opinions into account, and I think: Luck only comes when you have overcome enough challenges, been steadfast enough, and dedicated yourself completely to what you believe in. Perhaps the audience felt that – the sincerity, the pain, the humanity, the camaraderie in "Red Rain" – and they loved the film because they saw the image of their fathers and brothers in it.
* In the film, the soldiers' strong regional accents create a fascinating impression, making the audience love the characters and the film even more. Can you reveal anything about this artistic technique?
- By having the characters speak in their authentic local accents, each tone becomes a cultural hallmark, allowing the audience to both listen and see their homeland in every word. "Red Rain" employed this technique to create a troupe with diverse accents, ranging from Quang Nam and Thanh Hoa to Hanoi and Southern Vietnam.
* The post-production process for the film crew after shooting the battle scenes must have been just as "intense" as the on-location filming, right? Could you share more about the post-production process of the film crew?
- The months I spent working tirelessly in the soundproof room left an unforgettable impression on me. Every two hours or so, I had to rush outside to get some fresh air, because the soundproof room was stifling, lacking oxygen, and my ears were ringing from the sound of bombs and gunfire.
As the final days approached, and the last stages of packaging the film drew to a close, the pressure and exhaustion increased. My colleague and I stood gazing at the gloomy sky, lost in thought.
The weather reminds me of Quang Tri during the filming of "Red Rain"—a continuous, incessant rain, with no sunshine for a whole month. One day, while filming in a bunker, a ray of sunlight suddenly appeared, and the entire crew rushed out, tilting their heads back to bask in that precious moment. I will never forget that moment.
The crew weathered Super Typhoon Yagi – a storm that swept away the set and brought relentless, continuous rain… Yet, the crew persevered, sticking to the schedule.
Director Bui Thac Chuyen: “‘Red Rain’ has recreated very moving scenes, recreating an extremely tragic period in the nation’s history.”
* And when their "brainchild" is almost taking shape, is that when the director feels the most excited, nervous, and emotional?
- The post-production process is a second creative journey. We were truly surprised and moved to see the work gradually take shape and shine from angles we hadn't even fully envisioned during filming. Close your eyes and feel it. I felt the film flowing through my heart.
I remember the press conference introducing and launching "Red Rain"—the brainchild of the entire team; ironically, a storm came, and the rain poured down. I thought, "Is it fate?" Perhaps so. "Red Rain" was born from rain, wind, and storms. But I believe that anything born in a storm will live fiercely and intensely.
Yes. I believe that and I encourage myself to do so!
Thank you and I wish you success in your new works!
Actor Hua Wei Wen: "I and the cast of the film see ourselves not just as actors, but as soldiers on a mission. 'Red Rain' is not just a film, but also a tribute from the film crew to the spirits of the soldiers who perished at the ancient citadel and along the Thach Han River."
Source: https://baophapluat.vn/toi-thay-mua-do-troi-trong-tim.html
Comment (0)