On the morning of 14/10, the film crew announced the cast, with Tran Thien Tu being one of the five main faces. Set in a fictional ancient era, her character possesses a mysterious background and is skilled in swordsmanship. Following a tragedy within her sect, she becomes cold and distrustful.
First look introducing the cast of "Loan The: Nghia Khi Anh Hung" - expected to hit theaters during Tet Dinh Mui. *Video: Film crew provided*
This role marks Tran Thien Tu's second lead performance, following "Ho Linh Trang Si", a historical fantasy film about Dinh Tien Hoang, which premiered in August. The actress stated she has been consistently training to pursue action films. She received direct instruction from Johnny Tri Nguyen, undergoing many months of rigorous training at the martial arts academy Lien Phong, owned by the actor.
The actress learned basic martial arts stances, sword dancing techniques, and punching. She also received guidance on building a strong physical foundation and increasing her ability to withstand blows, thereby enhancing the authenticity of her action scenes.
Tran Thien Tu trains in a sparring session with MMA fighters at Johnny Tri Nguyen's martial arts academy. *Video: Character provided*
Tran Thien Tu, 35, developed a passion for cinema at a young age, having studied acting in a drama class at the Hanoi Children's Palace. She rose to prominence playing young Ngo, the second daughter of Co Dan (Truong Ngoc Anh) in director Luu Huynh's film "Ao Lua Ha Dong". After the film's success, she received numerous acting offers.
The actress was again cast by Luu Huynh in "Huyen Thoai Bat Tu" (2009), a film that won the Silver Kite Award for Best Feature Film. In the early 2010s, she studied acting at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, Trung Quoc, to further hone her skills. In 2025, she participated in "Tu Chien Tren Khong", Vietnam's first film about hijackers, directed by Ham Tran. She played Meo, the younger girlfriend of Chuot (Tieu Bao Quoc), featuring many comedic scenes.
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Actress Tran Thien Tu in her promotional image for the new film. *Photo: Film crew provided*
In addition to Tran Thien Tu, the film features other prominent male leads. Tran Quoc Anh gained attention through Tran Thanh's film series, such as "Bo Tu Bao Thu" and "Tho Oi". Ma Ran Do is known to audiences for "Nu Hon Bac Ty", "Tu Chien Tren Khong", and "Tiem An Cua Quy". Tram Minh Hoang, originally a stuntman, recently gained fame with the film "Trai Buon Nguoi".
The film is the latest project from Duong Minh Chien, director of "Truy Tim Long Dien Huong", a blockbuster in 2025 that grossed over 200 billion dong. He is the founder of Action C, a filmmaking group specializing in action short films. He has contributed to many projects in various roles: stunt double for Truong Giang in "Lat Mat 1", action coordinator for "Lat Mat 2, 3, 4", and martial arts director for the series "Hung Long Phong Ba".
The race for Tet 2027 cinema releases is shaping up with several potential projects. Victor Vu announced "Tham Tu Kien Part 2", competing against Tran Thanh's "Em" project. Director Bui Thac Chuyen is making "Can Ke Cai Chet", inspired by legendary prison breaks, marking his return after "Dia Dao" (2025).
Mai Nhat
