In a conversation with Lao Dong, he shared about the process of cooperation with Korean cinema, language barriers, weather pressure and the most profound thing that remained after a special career journey.
The movie "The Last Bullet" was cast for the first time in 2020, filming ended in February 2026 and is expected to be released in 2026.
Why should "The Last Bullet" be filmed in parallel in Vietnam and Korea?
- This is a movie about shooter Hoang Xuan Vinh - who is still the only Vietnamese athlete to win an Olympic gold medal and own two medals in Rio 2016. To achieve that feat, he went through many years of hard training and was guided by two important teachers: Coach Nguyen Thi Nhung and Coach Park Chung Gun.
Vietnamese shooting has long had a tradition of training in Korea - a superpower of this sport. Those training trips help shooters improve their competitive spirit. Therefore, if there is no Korean element, Hoang Xuan Vinh's journey will not be complete. The combination of two countries helps the film fully recreate the context, spirit and depth of the story.
Does working with the Korean team create any "cultural shock"?
- Right from the preparation stage, I was impressed with the extremely detailed working process. We exchanged through 3D drawings, storyboards, costume and prop designs, and even carefully studied the rules of the shooting competition to ensure authenticity.
When I went to Korea, what surprised me was the language barrier - most of the crew did not use English, so all exchanges had to go through interpreters. However, the way they operated the studio was very coherent and professional. Throughout the working time, I hardly saw anyone raising their voice. Each member actively observed and completed the smallest detail. That spirit helped me convey the idea smoothly.
How to keep the "Vietnamese soul" when collaborating with an international team?
- There is no such thing as anyone "swallowing" anyone. The Korean crew respects the director's storytelling style. They carefully study the scenes in Vietnam and agree with me on technical solutions right from the storyboard. When they understand the spirit of the story, everyone can easily accompany to maintain the full Vietnamese identity in each segment.
How does language barrier affect working with Korean actors?
- The most important thing is understanding. Actor Lee Kyung Young and I have known each other for many years, so the exchange is quite convenient. He built the image of coach Park Chung Gun with calmness and a very special dedication spirit. We complement each other's ideas so that the characters are both realistic and close to the audience of both countries.
Actors Lee Jung Eun and Jung Il-woo also left many impressions with their professional attitude and respect for the director. Besides, Vietnamese actors such as Nhan Phuc Vinh, Nguyen Thanh Huong, Luong Gia Huy are close associates, helping the coordination on set to go smoothly. Just a few glances or gestures, everyone understood each other.
What is the biggest challenge of this cooperation project?
- The weather in Korea during filming is record cold, with days dropping to -15 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, actors have to wear thin costumes to recreate the Summer Olympics. This is a very big physical challenge.
But the most difficult thing was maintaining the will after the project was interrupted for many years due to the epidemic. There were times when I doubted whether the film could be completed. It was the love for the work that helped us continue.
How to balance international factors while still preserving Vietnamese identity?
- I don't see this as a balancing problem. When the director clearly understands what story he wants to tell, a professional crew in any country will support to realize that idea. Vietnamese colleagues help recreate familiar living scenes, while the Korean crew supports large-scale competition scenes. The ultimate goal is still to tell a touching story about people and family.
After a project that has lasted for many years, what is the most profound thing that lingers with you?
- This is the longest project in my career. The most precious thing is not only the completed film, but the feelings between people from two countries. The days of working in the cold, the hug at the end of the final scene - that is the memory I will carry with me for life.
Thank you for sharing!
