Hua Vi Van explains controversial detail in "Ho linh trang si

From left: Designer Mai Lam; Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Huong - Head of Culture at the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, Vietnam; Ms. Ngo Thi Bich Hanh - Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development and Promotion Association; and actress Do Thi Hai Yen at the seminar held on the morning of September 9. Photo: Mai Anh

At the seminar "Developing Cultural Industries and Cinema in Connection with Tourism and Heritage Conservation," held on the morning of September 9 at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, the cast of the film "Ho linh trang si - Bi an mo vua Dinh" (The Guardian Warriors - Mystery of King Dinh's Tomb) shared their unique experiences while embodying historical figures.

During the event, Hai Yen delivered an emotional sharing. The actress stated that she did not want to approach the role of Empress Duong solely through historical facts, but rather sought to find "the woman behind the throne." She was a mother, a woman with love, who endured pressure and trauma, and had to make critical choices.

According to the actress, research and written documents alone could not help her fully visualize the character. It was only when she donned the Empress's costume, wore the traditional accessories, and lived for many days on location in Ninh Binh that the atmosphere of the historical era began to truly "soak in."

Through the film, Hai Yen does not expect the audience to memorize every historical milestone. What she hopes is that the work can spark curiosity, encouraging viewers, especially the younger generation, to continue learning about the era and the people portrayed on screen.

Also choosing to immerse himself in the historical space to understand his character, Hua Vi Van—who plays the Civil Official—recalled the scene where he stood looking out over the river in Ninh Binh after King Dinh was assassinated. To him, the setting felt sacred, helping the actor better understand the emotions, thoughts, and decisions of people from 1,000 years ago.

Regarding the controversial details of the warriors' martyrdom in the film, the actor explained the spirit of their sacrifice through the worldview of the ancients: sacrifice for a righteous cause is not an end. Upon falling, they merged with the "sacred soul of the mountains and rivers," continuing to watch over, bless, and protect their homeland and country.

The seminar and meet-and-greet with the "Ho linh trang si" film crew attracted many young people with a passion for cinema and history from universities in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Mai Anh

Meanwhile, Danis Nguyen took on the role of Nguyen Bac—a real historical figure. Before filming began, Danis Nguyen traveled to Ninh Binh to visit the Nguyen Bac Temple. While asking for directions at a pho shop, he was surprised to learn that the shop owner was a descendant of the historical figure he was about to portray. The stories about how the family still holds annual death anniversary commemorations made him feel as if he were listening to a living witness recount history.

When putting on the armor, applying the beard, and standing amidst the landscape of Ninh Binh, Danis Nguyen said his demeanor changed completely. He felt he had become a general, forgetting his present self to live fully in the world of the character.

The experiences of the actors show that for "Ho linh trang si," the process of character immersion did not just take place on set. Seeking out the spaces, people, and historical memories became an essential part of bringing characters from the past closer to today's audience.