VietNamNet Bridge – Tet (Lunar New Year) is usually the busiest season for the Vietnamese film industry, with a clutch of new movies releasing to entertain audiences during the long holiday.

Vietnamese-German action actor Andy Long (left) in action-comedy film Luc Van Tien: Tuyet Dinh (Luc Van Tien: Kungfu Hustle), which will be released during Tet (Lunar New Year). Photo courtesy of the filmmaker

Action movie star and producer Hoang Phuc has taken on a new role as director and has wrapped up filming of an action-comedy flick called Luc Van Tien: Tuyet Dinh Kungfu (Luc Van Tien: Kungfu Hustle).

Phuc and his crew are now working on post-production for a Tet release.

The movie is based on Luc Van Tien, the 19th century epic of the same name by Nguyen Dinh Chieu.

It tells the story of the love between the poor but talented Luc Van Tien and wealthy girl Kieu Nguyet Nga.

Though they live in feudal times, they face down hardships to consummate their love.

“I added some details to the film to make it contemporary, but the story’s significance about the power of true love, bravery and justice is eternal,” Phuc, who also wrote the script, said.

“I spent VND12 billion (US$538,000) on the film to ensure production quality.”

He cast Vietnamese-German action actor Andy Long, who has played minor roles in Jackie Chan films, as Luc Van Tien.

He signed up local martial artists to co-ordinate the movie’s fight scenes to make them authentic.

“I believe my film will bring truly fight scenes and beautiful images of Vietnamese landscapes to audiences,” Phuc said, adding it was shot on beautiful locations in Binh Phuoc, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Long An provinces.

Private studio Song Vang (Golden Waves) will release its comic fantasy Rung Xanh Ky La Truyen (Magical Forest) for the New Year.

It tells the story of a man who lives in a forest with mysterious creatures.

From its trailer, it appears to be a Vietnamese version of Tarzan.

It has been written and directed by actor Khuong Ngoc, popular for movies and TV series like Thien Menh Anh Hung (Blood Letter) and Scandal.

Ngoc said, “Though I have a lot of experience in making films, it was the first time I challenged myself as a scriptwriter and director.”

The film stars Meritorious Artist Hoai Linh and famous comedians like Thu Trang and Tien Luat.

“To interpret our ideas on screen, we uses new filming technologies,” Ngoc added.

A Song Vang spokesperson said a lot of money has been spent on 3D effects for the film.

Four other films will also be ready for a Tet release.

One of them is horror film Loi Nguyen Gia Toc (Family Curse), a co-production by private channel Style TV and filmmaker Dang Thai Huyen.

The rest are comedies: Chay Di Roi Tinh (Run First) by Namcito and Bao Nhan, Nang Tien Co Nam Nha (A Pretty Woman) by veteran Tran Ngoc Giau, and Vali Tinh Yeu (Love Suitcase) by Bui Minh Hoang.

VNS

Phuong Mai