Ly Hai returns with the film Lat Mat 8: Vong Tay Nang to commemorate the April 30th – May 1st film festival. Following the film’s release, the director delivered a heartfelt message to the audience, highlighting the importance of preserving the national spirit and honoring the sacrifices made by the entire nation as they approach the 50th anniversary of the reunification day (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).
The director recently unveiled a teaser for Lat Mat 8, showcasing a scene depicting civilians fleeing amidst bombings in a vast field. This marks the first time Ly Hai has recreated the intense battles experienced by the Vietnamese people during the war. The director personally acknowledges that it is a significant challenge, as he strives to authentically represent the historical context for the film.
The intense bombing scene portrays a family of three and local residents caught in the crossfire. Ly Hai aims to vividly recreate the harsh realities of war, showcasing the destruction of houses, the continuous raining of bombs, and the overall chaotic atmosphere. The director emphasizes that the film’s narrative revolves around the smoke of war, illustrating how fragile life can be while also reflecting the resilience and hope of the people amidst such turmoil.
Finding suitable filming locations proved to be quite challenging. The director aimed for scenes that were realistic and closely aligned with historical significance. The film crew searched extensively for a region in Central Vietnam that could accurately depict the intended setting, but faced restrictions on filming sites that were not historically relevant.
They eventually found a fitting location in Thien Nghiep commune, Ham Tien ward, Binh Thuan province. This area has witnessed numerous battles and remains significant due to its historical context. The lush greenery is contrasted with the scars of war, reminding us of the sacrifices made during the resistance against American forces.
“Here, we have recreated scenes reminiscent of bombings just like those depicted in Lat Mat 8: Vong Tay Nang. Many of the trees in this area still bear remnants from the bombings,” shared the film’s production team.
In the intense bombing scenes shot on location, the crew avoided relying heavily on CGI technology for special effects. Instead, they focused on ensuring a safe filming environment, maintaining authenticity during the shoot.
The crew reported that they utilized large cameras and drones to capture the bombing scenes. Actors and crew members were carefully positioned to avoid close proximity to the explosions. Ly Hai felt intense pressure while executing the bombing scenes in the vast field, aiming to convey the profound impact of war. The team noted that one camera was nearly damaged during a particularly intense explosion.
Ly Hai expressed that he is deeply committed in Lat Mat 8: Vong Tay Nang to honor the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Vietnam’s independence and freedom.
Lat Mat 8 marks a significant return for Vietnamese cinema during this festival season. Last year, Ly Hai’s film grossed 482.7 billion VND during the April 30 – May 1 holiday, ranking as the second highest-grossing film of all time.
