The film premiered in Ho Chi Minh City on 4/8, after a two-month delay. Thuy Tien's leading role had garnered significant attention following her arrest on 19/5 for alleged consumer fraud, under Article 198, Clause 2 of the penal code.
Directors Bao Nhan and Nam Cito confirmed the use of various AI techniques, including digital human technology, to create a new character from face to physique. Nam Cito explained that after Thuy Tien's arrest, the team explored several options. Initially, they hesitated to use AI due to concerns about realism. However, after reviewing test footage from the visual effects team, the producers deemed the method viable.
On the big screen, Hoang Linh, the CEO of a livestreaming company, appears with a new look. However, in several scenes, the character still bears a resemblance to Thuy Tien. Due to technological limitations, the AI actress's face appears somewhat stiff and lacks expressiveness in close-ups. Her expressions are also less fluid, especially in fast-paced scenes.
According to the production team, the actor replacement did not affect the storyline, and the film retains its original 113-minute runtime. The film's legal representative stated that since the character was completely replaced, removing Thuy Tien's name from the poster does not violate any personal rights laws.
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"Chot Don" is Thuy Tien's second film. Photo: Thuy Tien's Facebook |
Ms. Dinh Thi Thanh Huong, CEO of Galaxy Studio, the production company, revealed that they initially considered canceling the project. However, she believed the film represented the "blood, sweat, and tears" of the crew over 200 days of production, leading to the decision to proceed with its release. The studio representative acknowledged the limited marketing efforts due to the unexpected AI replacement, which also increased production costs.
Directed by Bao Nhan and Nam Cito, the film gained attention late last year as the first Vietnamese film to explore the world of online livestreaming sales. The story revolves around the busy life of Hoang Linh (originally played by Thuy Tien), the CEO of an online business, and Mr. An (Quyen Linh), a ride-hailing driver. The film also stars Hong Dao, Hong Van, Khuong Le, Le Loc, Mai Bao Vinh, Do Nhat Ha, and Moc Tra.
On 19/5, Thuy Tien was arrested by the Ministry of Public Security's Investigation Police Agency (C01) for alleged violations related to Kera candy in a case involving Hang Du Muc and Quang Linh Vlogs. According to C01, Thuy Tien invested 30% in Chi Em Rot Company and was entitled to profits at this rate. By the time the violation was discovered, the company had sold over 135,000 boxes of Kera candy to over 30,000 customers. Previously, she was also fined for failing to disclose sponsorships when promoting products on social media.
The incident affected several related parties. French fashion house Dior removed Thuy Tien's images from its fanpage, despite previously announcing her as a Friend of the House. The "Chot Don" film team postponed the release and temporarily deactivated their fanpage.
Miss Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, 27, from Ho Chi Minh City, studied International Hotel and Restaurant Management at Hoa Sen University. She was crowned Miss Grand International in December 2021 in Thailand. The title led to numerous endorsement deals, making her the face of various fashion brands and a prominent figure in the fashion industry and on television game shows.
In 2024, she starred in the film "Linh Mieu" (directed by Luu Thanh Luan), alongside artist Hong Dao. The film garnered attention and earned over 87 billion VND, according to Box Office Vietnam, but received criticism for its script.
Mai Nhat
