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Ho Linh Trang Si" makes a grand debut in Ninh Binh, featuring boat rowers and farmers on the red carpet for the first time
Báo Tuổi Trẻ
20:20
The film "Hộ linh tráng sĩ" (The Guardian Warriors) recently held a grand premiere in Ninh Binh, the primary filming location. Most heartwarming were the boat rowers and local farmers, who, seeing themselves on the big screen for the first time, smiled shyly at how beautiful their homeland looked and how captivating the action sequences were.
The cast and crew of 'Hộ linh tráng sĩ' interact with the audience after the screening - Photo: ĐẬU DUNG
The blockbuster "Hộ linh tráng sĩ: Bí ẩn mộ vua Đinh" (The Guardian Warriors: Mystery of King Dinh's Tomb), directed by Nguyen Phan Quang Binh, premiered to its first audience of nearly 3,000 in Ninh Binh on the evening of August 22. Among them were many boat rowers, farmers, and extras who contributed to the film's success.
"Hộ linh tráng sĩ" is released in IMAX format, with early screenings from August 25 through August 27, before its nationwide release on August 28.
Producer Ngo Thi Bich Hanh stated that this was not merely a film screening, but an opportunity for the production team to express their gratitude to the leaders of Ninh Binh province, the local residents, and every boat rower and extra—those who joined hands to support the dream of bringing historical legends to the big screen.
To host this special premiere in Ninh Binh, director Nguyen Phan Quang Binh and a professional technical team transported projection and sound equipment from two cinemas in Ho Chi Minh City to Ninh Binh, working through the night to install and calibrate them to commercial cinema standards at the Bai Dinh International Convention Center.
Ninh Binh locals, including boat rowers and farmers, walked the red carpet for the first time; they found their hometown of Ninh Binh incredibly beautiful on screen and were captivated by the spectacular action scenes - Photo: Producer
"There may be minor aspects of the cinematic experience that were not perfect, but returning to Ninh Binh for the premiere was the team's heartfelt wish to pay tribute to this land," Ms. Hanh told Tuoi Tre.
Speaking at the premiere, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association, noted that "Hộ linh tráng sĩ" is set in Ninh Binh, a land with over 1,000 years of history, where King Dinh Tien Hoang unified the country and established the national title of Dai Co Viet. Retelling the historical stories of the ancient capital through cinema is a "beautiful encounter" between traditional values and artistic creativity.
"Making a historical fantasy film is not easy; the challenge lies in making a story from a thousand years ago resonate with today's audiences. I thank the director, the crew, and the actors. I believe 'Hộ linh tráng sĩ' will spark a trend of historical filmmaking that Vietnamese audiences have been eagerly awaiting," Ms. Lan shared.
Johnny Tri Nguyen and Thien Tu - Photo: ĐẬU DUNG
Initially, Nguyen Phan Quang Binh thought Johnny Tri Nguyen would be the hardest to cast, as he had not accepted any new film projects for a long time, so he had to take a roundabout approach by asking producer Charlie Nguyen—Johnny's brother. However, casting Tri turned out to be unexpectedly smooth.
Consequently, in this Vietnamese blockbuster (with an estimated production budget of around 100 billion VND), he showcased all his expertise. The martial arts action is a major highlight, captivating and holding the audience's attention from start to finish. The combat scenes were so visually stunning that the audience applauded repeatedly.
Johnny Tri Nguyen shared that while a typical action film has 6-7 action sequences, this film has 12, doubling the usual amount.
"Action scenes are always complex, difficult, and expensive to prepare and execute. They must be 'meaningful action,' not just filler. The seven warriors—tasked with transporting the 99 coffins of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang along seven different routes to distract the enemy—constantly face obstacles, and every action scene serves a purpose," Johnny Tri Nguyen shared.
He jokingly remarked that he had never spent as much time on post-production for action scenes as he did for "Hộ linh tráng sĩ." "I thought it would take over a month like other films, but it ended up taking over 7 months."
Also present at the premiere was Director of the Cinema Department Dang Tran Cuong (second from left). He offered praise and encouragement to the production team - Photo: ĐẬU DUNG
Regarding the cast, Johnny Tri Nguyen felt quite satisfied as each actor possessed the necessary aptitude for martial arts. The hardest part was transforming them from people with no martial arts background into on-screen masters.
The biggest surprise was Tran Thien Tu (playing An Nhien), who showed up for training every day despite the pain, never giving up. Women face more challenges in martial arts training than men, yet Tu delivered breathtaking action performances that rivaled those of the male fighters.
"The most naturally gifted was Le Minh Thuan (playing the eunuch). Thuan has the speed and agility to execute action scenes like a true martial artist. Tuan Tran is the most commendable; during filming, he tore a ligament but did not quit," Johnny Tri Nguyen said.
Tran Thien Tu shared that before joining "Hộ linh tráng sĩ," she knew nothing about martial arts and was even somewhat "girly." To perform intense combat scenes using both hands and facing off directly against powerful men, Tu had to train for 7 consecutive months, 5 days a week, for 5 hours each session.
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