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Director Bùi Thạc Chuyên Returns with War Film 'Close to Death' on Prison Break Theme

Director Bùi Thạc Chuyên Returns with War Film 'Close to Death' on Prison Break Theme

From Tuổi Trẻ · (7m ago) Vietnamese

Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Director Bùi Thạc Chuyên returns to war films with 'Cận kề cái chết' (Close to Death), focusing on a prison break during the Vietnam War.
  • The film, set during the intense anti-American resistance, centers on a special agent tasked with smuggling a large sum of money, imprisoned in the notorious Phú Quốc prison.
  • Expected for Tet 2027 release, the movie aims to explore the harsh realities of war and the psychological struggles of revolutionaries, following Chuyên's successful historical film 'Địa đạo: Mặt trời trong bóng tối'.

Director Bùi Thạc Chuyên is set to captivate audiences once again with his upcoming war film, 'Cận kề cái chết' (Close to Death). This marks his return to the genre that previously brought him acclaim with 'Địa đạo: Mặt trời trong bóng tối' (The Underground: Sun in the Darkness).

'Cận kề cái chết' delves into the brutal realities of the anti-American resistance, specifically focusing on a daring prison break from the infamous Phú Quốc prison, often described as a "hell on earth." The narrative centers on a pivotal character, a special agent carrying vital secrets and a significant sum of money for the revolution, who must navigate near-impossible odds for survival.

not simply a film about a prison break, but a journey of survival where the line between life and death is narrowed to the extreme.

— ProducerDescribing the film's core theme beyond a simple escape narrative.

Beyond the thrilling escape, Chuyên intends to explore the profound psychological landscape of his characters. The film promises to shed light on the inner turmoil and unwavering spirit of revolutionaries facing extreme adversity. This approach aligns with the Vietnamese perspective that historical films should not only recount events but also illuminate the resilience and determination that defined the nation's struggle for independence.

Following the commercial success of 'Địa đạo,' which shattered previous box office records for Vietnamese historical films, 'Cận kề cái chết' carries significant expectations. Chuyên's work consistently resonates with local audiences by honoring national history and the sacrifices made, offering a powerful counterpoint to international narratives that may not fully capture the depth of the Vietnamese experience.

will help us understand history more, and know where we come from, why we are where we are today.

— Bùi Thạc ChuyênExpressing his hope that historical films foster a deeper understanding of Vietnam's past.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tuổi Trẻ in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.