Following the success of his TV series ‘Thuong Nho O Ai’ (Who Stole My Heart), veteran film director Luu Trong Ninh is now preparing for the production of ‘Kieu’, a cinematic adaption of Vietnam’s literary masterpiece ‘Truyen Kieu’ (The Tale of Kieu) by great poet Nguyen Du.

 



Film director Luu Trong Ninh


In an interview with Nhan Dan Weekly, director Luu Trong Ninh talked more about the project, which he described as the biggest project of his career and a good opportunity to convey his reflections on Vietnamese culture and the national spirit.

 

Question: It is said by making ‘Kieu’ you aimed to fulfil the wish of your father, poet Luu Trong Lu, to adapt ‘Truyen Kieu’ into a cinematic work. Is it true?

Director Luu Trong Ninh:My father once said to me that whatever I do, I had to work on ‘Kieu’ because it was widely known as a masterpiece imbued with the national spirit. It is a pity that he was unable to watch any of my films. He passed away in 1991 when my debut film ‘Canh Bac’(The Gamble’) was released.

The conversation might have a significant meaning to you. Why do you wait until now to work on the project?

I wrote a draft for Kieu before but the project had to be closed because of disagreements between me and my partners, who didn’t want a totally new approach to Kieu. I had to seek new investors for the film. I am finalising the film’s script. There are still a lot of challenges ahead.

At your current age, why are you still full of energy and willing to challenge yourself with a literary masterpiece like ‘Kieu’?

I have never been bothered by age, I always feel that I am full of energy. During the making of the TV series ‘Thuong Nho O Ai’, I questioned myself about "to be or not to be.” where will my life lead if I was so sick this way? And I decided to bring it on and do something! ‘Thuong Nho O Ai’ was made at a time when my health was in the worst situation. But I overcame it and I won over myself. As for Kieu, it will be another challenge for me to fight off, even though I know for sure that it is really tough.

How do you develop the character ‘Kieu’ in your project?

Kieu in the original version was portrayed with a lamentable and sorrowful fate. But I want to develop my own Kieu as a woman with relentless determination, like Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind” who never surrenders to fate.

Characters in ‘The tale of Kieu’ by Nguyen Du were a general outline, which provides a space for creativity. I will fill the space with Vietnamese culture and the daily lives Vietnamese people. What I am concerned about most in the production of the film is how to ensure that it will be imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity.

Are you worried that your fresh adaption will face arguments from those who are familiar with the established and time-honoured value of ‘The Tale of Kieu’?

I think that we should think outside of the box. I don’t want to create an illustration of ‘The Tale of Kieu’. I don’t understand why there hasn’t yet been a cinematic adaptation of such a literary masterpiece which is rich in Vietnamese national identity. I am willing to be the one to take the first step, whether it will be a failure or success, I hope that my production will provide lessons for any successors.

My ‘Kieu’ film is scripted as a story of humanity. I want to provide viewers with an overview of Vietnamese history, culture, and daily practices of ordinary people.

Do you feel any pressure of being the son of a well-known poet, Luu Trong Lu?

Since I was a child, I was taught that fame or money isn’t a big deal. I grew up with the books and poem recitals of my father and his friends. Although my father was a great poet, my family wasn’t richer than others. My parents loved each other; they never argued or fought. They told me that the most important thing in life is to do things to better your community. If you always keep those words in mind, you will never feel tired or discouraged.

Thank you so much for the interview.

                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                    Source: NDO

 

Related Topics


Promoting Hoa Binh cultural heritage values: Part 3 - Reviving traditional values

Hoa Binh province has carried out multiple programmes and initiatives to revive its cultural heritage which has gradually fallen into oblivion through the ebbs and flows of history.

Exploring Hoa Binh Culture

The most prominent and defining feature in the prehistoric era of Hoa Binh is the Hoa Binh Culture. The Culture was first discovered in Hoa Binh. The significant prehistoric culture represents not only Vietnam but also Southeast Asia and southern China. Through excavations of cave sites in the limestone regions of Hoa Binh, French archaeologist M. Colani introduced the world to a "Stone Age in Hoa Binh province – Northern Vietnam" in 1927. On January 30, 1932, the First Congress of Far Eastern Prehistorians, held in Hanoi, officially recognised the Hoa Binh Culture.

Promoting Hoa Binh cultural heritage values: Part 2 - Rich cultural heritage in Vietnam’s northwest gateway

Known as the "Land of Epic History”, Hoa Binh province, the gateway to Vietnam’s northwest, boasts a strategic location and a unique cultural tapestry woven by its ethnic minority communities.

Receiving the certificate of the historical and cultural site at the provincial level for Sau Communal House, Thanh Cao Commune

The People's Committee of Luong Son District recently held a ceremony to receive the certificate recognizing Sau Communal House in Thanh Cao Commune as a provincial-level historical and cultural site.

Motivation for community to enhance cultural heritage preservation

Recognising the importance of cultural heritage preservation in protecting and promoting the value system of Vietnamese culture, and serving socio-economic development in the new period, Party committees and local administrations in Hoa Binh province have identified it as a key task in the cultural development strategy. The province has been making efforts in mobilising resources, creating consensus among people and engaging ethnic communities in preserving and promoting cultural identity.

A journey through time: Exploring rich history, formation of Hoa Binh province: Article 1: Major features of Hoa Binh province formation

Hoa Binh province has captured growing attention both domestically and internationally for its distinctive cultural heritage and rich history. Most notably, it has been renowned for its famous Hoa Binh culture, considered the cradle of ancient Vietnamese civilisation. Looking ahead to significant milestones in 2025 and the 140th anniversary of province establishment in 2026, Hoa Binh Newspaper presents a comprehensive overview of the province's development across economic, social, cultural, tourism, and security domains.