The film takes the script from 81 days and nights of protecting Quang Tri ancient citadel in 2012. Reporter of Lao Dong Newspaper met with Lieutenant Colonel, Meritorious Artist Dang Thai Huyen to talk about the emotional journey to complete the film "Red Rain".
The film "Red Rain" has been released in theaters, and is predicted to have historical revenue for a historical film project. How does the revenue of "Red Rain" affect you personally?
- Revenue is an important factor. But the film "Red Rain" has a more important political task, which is to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2. We want the audience to come to the cinema and learn more about the resistance war of our ancestors.
It can be said that "Red Rain" is a rare State film about war and history released commercially. This is considered a major shift for war film projects produced by state-owned film studios, combined with the private sector in the distribution and promotion stages. How do you evaluate and feel about this turning point?
- As for "Red Rain", the film received a lot of support from leaders of the army and the People's Army Cinema. If the film can attract audiences to the cinema, especially young audiences, its mission will be spread more widely. When they learned the film's release date, the entire crew was happy and felt that their efforts were worth it.
I really want to thank writer Chu Lai. He had a great "Red Rain" script. His script is fierce and tragic but not tragic, with wonderful materials for the film crew. To put the script on screen, we also made changes but still kept the core elements. When the audience watches the film, I somewhat feel that the film's exploitation direction has touched the emotions of the audience.
Is there anything else that makes you regret not being able to do it in the film?
- I can honestly share that the crew and I have never felt regretful, that we have nothing unfinished and have never reached a thoalization with any filming scenes. The footage that the audience saw was the effort and dedication that the whole crew tried to bring. Those are the best things we can give to the Red River.
"Red Rain" caused strong emotions with iconic and simple scenes such as the image of a young soldier lying at the bottom of the Thach Han River, or the image of a kindergarten still sprouting in the smoke of bombs and red blood. What do you want to convey most to the audience in this work?
- My style of filmmaking up to now has always been to look for an iconic, symbolic image. I want each audience to draw their own inspirations when watching the film, not to be guided by any message. As for what I want most, I hope that when entering the space of "Red Rain", the audience will wonder if the price of peace is expensive, and have their own answers. From there, the audience will find their lives more beautiful, the difficulties they are facing will also become lighter.
For you, if you had to choose the details and scenes that moved you the most in "Red Rain", which details would you choose? Which story haunted and missed you the most when making the film?
- Every day filming, making a scene, I have many emotions. There is one thing I have always been haunted by and thought about, that how can people with skin and meat be resilient to overcome 81 days and nights in the context of bombs and bullets at the head and enemy on the ground. Until now, I still wonder and hope the audience will also ask me similar questions.
The "Red Rain" cast does not have million-dollar stars, or box office stars. Actor Hua Vi Van said, "Red Rain" does not need actors, the film needs people who understand, are proactive, and feel the war in Quang Tri. From the director's perspective, can you share about "Red Rain" not having a star actor but could create a breakthrough at the box office?
- Not only "Red Rain", I always choose actors who are suitable for the character, who can convince me that they have the spirit and charisma to take on the role. "Red Rain" is even more special because the actors have a long time of military training, using weapons, learning combat, and practicing physical strength. The careful preparation helped them live the life of a soldier when entering the set. They even forget their real names to portray the character. The actors all gave their all for the role, and the results were well worth their efforts.
The biggest feeling when you sit and watch the first version of "Red Rain"?
- When I saw the first rap - the images being stacked for the first time, I felt happy. I wondered how my crew and I could make a film with such complex scenes. I am proud to have overcome my own pressures to complete the film, complete the tasks assigned by my superiors, the film has "reached the finish line" safely.
"Red Rain" was filmed for 81 days - coinciding with 81 days and nights of defending the ancient citadel of Quang Tri in 1972, It is known that those are days of heavy rain and cold weather. Watching the film can also feel the hardship of the film crew and the actors. Have you ever felt heartbroken when an actor filmed in extremely difficult conditions while sitting at the monitor?
- It can be revealed that "Red Rain" is a film in which I hardly sit on the monitor. I held the wireless device and stood directly at the studio. I was present with the actors, experiencing their joys, sorrows and sufferings. I see the rol and efforts of the actors to complete my role. Because, to play the "quality" of soldiers going through fierce battle, having to remember the lines in unfavorable weather conditions... is a big challenge.
Among the cast, who are you most impressed with and have the biggest emotions for, can you share from a personal perspective? What is your favorite character in the "Red Rain" script?
- "Red Rain" filmed in extremely harsh weather. The fierce battle scenes require both the psychology and physical strength of the actors. However, I have never seen a decline in spirit or complain about actors. I am very grateful for the actor's dedication.
I am impressed with actress Ha Anh in the role of Hong. You are a small-scale but very professional and dedicated person. When there is no filming schedule, you are still on set to watch, feel, and immerse yourself in that space to get emotions for the character. In the scene where Hong stood crying next to the Thach Han River, it was raining heavily. After filming, Ha Anh fainted. However, when I visited a friend in the care center, the first thing Ha Anh asked me when I woke up was whether I was satisfied with that scene. I am very touched by the actors' dedication, giving their all for the role.
In addition, I was surprised by Phuong Nam's change. Man has a personality that matches character, but his appearance is modern. The crew discussed a lot because Nam's figure and appearance still made us consider. However, in the final rounds, we were surprised because Nam had lost 10kg in just over 10 days. You appeared with an appearance that made me exclaim that this was Ta.
"Red Rain" also has very interesting cameo roles, such as director Thanh Van, singer Hoa Minzy, even Schannel channel CEO Nguyen Lac Huy... How did you invite them to play guest roles, is this a way to get more appeal for the film?
- Some of their appearances will bring attraction to the film, but on the other hand, they also create interesting and surprising details. Those are all very happy memories of "Red Rain".
"Red Rain" realistically recreates the site scenes, highly appreciated the iconic scenes, praised for being rich in emotions... But, there are still scenes that are forced, with a heavy propaganda value, like the scene about peace at the end of the film. What is your opinion on this?
- When the film is widely released, we have to accept compliments and constructive comments. Those contributions are good for me, the crew and the actors to overcome in the next projects. But I believe that each film has its own mission and mission, we need to understand which task is the most important.
I think that "Red Rain" has fulfilled its mission well, being censored by leaders at all levels before bringing it to the audience. We seriously listen to the compliments and criticisms of the audience.
