Director Phuong Dien recently unveiled a series of behind-the-scenes photos he took around 2002, when the film began production. Hong Anh starred as Kieu Nguyet Nga, a young lady who faced trouble on the road and was rescued by Luc Van Tien (Chi Bao).

At the time, director Do Phu Hai invited her to replace Miss Ha Kieu Anh in the role. Hong Anh faced pressure upon accepting the part, having never acted in a period drama before and fearing her appearance might not suit the character. She sought guidance from a historical consultant to learn about the manners and speaking styles of people from ancient times.

Hong Anh, known for her signature dimpled smile, was previously chosen by director Le Cung Bac to play Bach Van in "Nguoi Dep Tay Do" due to her innocent and natural beauty. She gained increasing recognition through films like "Nhung Neo Duong Phu Sa", "Cau Thang Toi", and "Doi Cat", often portraying characters who faced hardship but strived to overcome life's challenges.

Artist My Uyen took on the supporting role of Kim Lien, the maid. Beyond her work in theater, she became a familiar face on television with dramas such as "No Doi", "Nguoi Dan Ba Yeu Duoi", "Ai Xuoi Van Ly", "Manh Dat Tinh Doi", and "Nhung Dua Con Thanh Pho".

Making her film debut, Kim Thu played the martial arts heroine Hoai Nhu. The actress shared that she participated in 22 segments of the production, receiving a payment of 4,4 million dong. Driven by her passion for acting, she covered her own travel expenses to distant filming locations such as Phu Quoc and Hue.

The film marked the first meeting between Kim Thu and Phuoc Sang, who played Bui Kiem (left). The two later became romantically involved, and she starred in several films produced by Phuoc Sang, including "De Muon" and "Khi Dan Ong Co Bau". After their separation, Kim Thu stepped away from the screen and limited her participation in entertainment events.

Truong Ngoc Anh was also one of the film's beauties, portraying Vo The Loan, a young woman betrothed to Luc Van Tien. She shared many scenes with Chi Bao, who later became a close friend. At the time of the project, the actress was at the peak of her career with classic television dramas like "Gia Tu Di Vang" and "Dong Tien Xuong Mau".

Truong Ngoc Anh once considered the role of Vo The Loan more interesting and offered more "acting ground" than the female lead, Kieu Nguyet Nga. Following "Luc Van Tien", she gained further acclaim with "Ao Lua Ha Dong" (directed by Luu Huynh), before venturing into film production. In late october 2025, the Economic Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City Police provisionally detained the actress for alleged abuse of trust to appropriate assets.

Quyen Linh (right) played Hon Minh, who fought alongside the male lead. After "Luc Van Tien", he acted in a few more films before transitioning to a career as a master of ceremonies. In 2024, he returned to the screen with the film "Hai Muoi" (directed by Vu Thanh Vinh).

"Luc Van Tien" is a renowned Nom verse epic by the great poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu, written in luc bat verse and first published in 1889. The story revolves around Luc Van Tien, a righteous scholar. While on his way to take an examination, he defeats a group of bandits and rescues Kieu Nguyet Nga, a young lady of noble birth. Grateful for his heroic act, she vows to commit herself to him to repay his kindness. Many films have drawn inspiration from the story, including "Luc Van Tien: Kungfu Masterpiece", released in 2016.

Tam Ky

Photos: Provided by characters