Crafting historical films to honor Vietnamese cultural splendor
From his early years to his time in film school, director Victor Vũ’s understanding of Vietnam came from his family, books, and war movies. Yet, he couldn’t help but notice the skewed portrayal of Vietnamese people in American cinema—a portrayal colored by Western perspectives. Driven by his deep love for Vietnamese culture, he felt a strong urge to change this narrative.
Reflecting on the cinematic landscape, he found himself questioning why Vietnamese characters were often silenced and their narratives rarely developed. He pondered the prevalence of a Western lens dominating their stories. This realization spurred his determination to make films that reflected his homeland.
The first short film he made in school was based entirely on a story his mother had shared with him. Reflecting on this work during a conversation on Have A Sip, Victor recalled the profound emotions it evoked and his resolve to expand it into a movie. He remarked that if the film could have been produced in Vietnam, it would have been even better.
Making films about Vietnam with Vietnamese actors in the US posed significant challenges and limitations. However, the most important thing was that he stayed true to his vision and his connection to his homeland.
This motivation drives him to create historical films, including his latest project, The Last Wife, set to premiere on November 3, 2023. For him, historical films serve as a powerful medium to showcase the beauty of Vietnamese culture.
The Last Wife was adapted from the novel Hồ Oán Hận, which captivated Victor with its medieval story, rich in familiar elements that resonate with modern audiences and explore timeless themes of love and happiness within a feudal context.
He acknowledges the challenges of making a historical film, including meticulous research into costumes, sets, characters, and dialogue. For Victor, the key in this genre is ensuring a delicate balance between historical accuracy and cinematic creativity.
Despite his clear artistic mission rooted in his love for cinema and Vietnamese culture, Victor also appreciates films about Vietnam tailored for foreign audiences—what he refers to as “travel films.”
He firmly believes in the importance of catering to both Vietnamese and international viewers, nurturing a silent dream within him for a film that transcends cultural boundaries.
Translated by Thúy An
Watch the full episode here:
