Written by author Chu Lai, "Mua do" follows the events of the battle to protect the Quang Tri citadel, escalating in intensity as it progresses. Filming began on 2/11/2024 and wrapped on 21/1/2025, totaling 81 days, coinciding with the duration of the National Liberation Front for South Vietnam's defense of the citadel in 1972. The author submitted the script to the People's Army Cinema in 2012, but it wasn't until 2023 that the studio received project approval and secured the resources to produce the film.

The crew scouted locations in more than 10 provinces and cities, including the Dong Mo and Son Tay areas of Hanoi, to build a film set. They considered digging a 500-meter section of river, but this proved unfeasible due to the lack of rainfall in northern Vietnam at the time. Ultimately, they chose to construct a 50-hectare set on the banks of the Thach Han river, the actual site of the historical battle.

After clearing the land used by local farmers for crops, the crew conducted mine clearance operations. Production designer Viet Hung spent 15 months conceptualizing the set, creating hand-drawn and 3D designs, and building a scale model. The citadel set was built entirely from scratch but suffered damage from Typhoon Yagi. Reconstruction delayed the start of filming.

Actor Phuong Nam (as Ta) in "Mua do." Photo: Provided by the film crew

Actor Phuong Nam (as Ta) in "Mua do." Photo: Provided by the film crew

The film features meticulous attention to detail. For the scene depicting new recruits departing for battle and bidding farewell to their families at the pier, the crew borrowed six old train cars from Vietnam Railways. The Ta Con airport set was also reconstructed, as the original airport is now a historical site. The crew transported 500 trees to the citadel set and 50 trees to the Highway of Horror, then created effects to simulate destruction by artillery fire. The surgical bunker set was built from scratch, with details like cracks, weathering, roots growing across walls, and moss added for realism.

To ensure historical accuracy for weapons and equipment, the design team researched unit numbers and insignias. Reconstructing some vehicles, like the American M113 armored personnel carrier, which are no longer operational, required significant time and effort.

The surgical bunker set in the Quang Tri battlefield. Video: Ha Thu

According to cinematographer Ly Thai Dung, the director of photography, the first cut was approximately two hours long, with 2,500 scenes. The final version is 124 minutes long with 2,100 scenes. Scenes requiring coordination between sound, lighting, special effects, and camera crews demanded intense focus and precise execution from the actors.

As the People's Army Cinema's existing equipment is primarily for documentaries, the team rented additional equipment from HK Film. While standard scenes required two or three cameras, large-scale action scenes used up to seven.

For example, the night river crossing scene used two main cameras anchored to barges, one submerged camera to capture the soldiers' perspective while swimming, two cameras on the riverbank, two small cameras attached to soldiers and boats, and a flycam. A flycam was also used in the near-final scene, with the character Cuong standing with his lover under the moonlight amidst the fighting below.

Behind the scenes of a river crossing scene. Video: Ha Thu

Due to the depth and strong currents of the Thach Han river, each actor was accompanied by one or two special forces soldiers during the river crossing scenes to prevent accidents. The 4th Military Region's Engineering Corps provided four large barges placed on the riverbed.

Reinforced glass shields protected equipment during explosion scenes. The numerous night scenes required high-power lights mounted on cranes.

Scenes depicting soldiers' sacrifices were carefully crafted for dramatic impact. For instance, in the film's final act, a distraught soldier reaches out to his fallen comrades. As he dies, a bright light flares. The scene where the youngest soldier of Squad 1 dies in the Thach Han river features an underwater shot of him sinking while calling out, "Mother!"

The crew often worked from 5 PM to 6 AM the next day. The demanding nature of war film production led to colds, muscle cramps from swimming, and minor injuries. The logistics team ensured prompt support, proper nutrition, and healthcare for the cast and crew.

Behind the scenes of a tree explosion scene in "Mua do." Video: Ha Thu

Director Dang Thai Huyen stated that the crew gave 200% effort to the film and has no regrets. The actors filmed in cold winter conditions. Prior to filming, they lived and trained together, practicing shooting and martial arts. The actors playing Squad 1 lost weight to portray soldiers facing food scarcity. Phuong Nam (Ta) lost 15 kg, and Dinh Khang (Tu) lost 11 kg and underwent intensive swimming training. Ha Anh fainted while filming a scene where her character, ferrywoman Hong, waits for her lover in the cold rain and artificial rain.

Lead actor Do Nhat Hoang (Cuong) experienced a four-day fever, disrupting the schedule. The director and producer filmed scenes without him while he recovered.

Cuong and Quang's (Steven Nguyen) final hand-to-hand combat scene took eight nights to film, with five nights at the end of 2024. Due to unfavorable weather, three additional nights were needed the following year.

The film has resonated with audiences, exceeding 100 billion VND in box office revenue after just three days. "Mua do" averages over 4,600 screenings daily nationwide, surpassing other films currently in theaters. It is the 10th domestic film to reach the 100 billion VND milestone this year.

Ha Thu