At the Vietnam Cinema Today seminar held during the Busan International Film Festival on 22/9, producer Ngo Thi Bich Hanh revealed that while the role of Duong Van Nga is not extensive, it is pivotal to the film's narrative. "From the moment the script was finished, the director and I knew Hai Yen was perfect for the role, so we immediately offered it to her," Hanh said.

Do Thi Hai Yen explained that she accepted the role due to her admiration for director Nguyen Phan Quang Binh's talent. The two previously collaborated on "The White Silk Dress" (2002) and "Floating Lives" (2010). Additionally, the character and historical setting offered her a chance to delve into historical research. "I see this as a challenge, but also a significant milestone in my acting career," Yen said.

While reading the script, she felt the pressure of portraying a real historical figure, requiring extensive research. Through this role, Yen hopes to offer a fresh perspective on Queen Duong Van Nga and shed light on a turbulent period in Vietnamese history.

Do Thi Hai Yen wears a costume designed by Mai Lam for "Guardians of the Spirit: The Mystery of King Dinh's Tomb". Photo: Provided by the subject.

Duong Van Nga was queen to two emperors during Vietnam's early history: Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. She played a crucial role in the transfer of power from the Dinh dynasty to the Early Le dynasty. However, official historical records offer limited information about her. The Complete Annals of Dai Viet only mention her surname as Duong, without revealing her given name or background.

Her life was previously depicted in the 1977 cai luong opera (traditional Vietnamese opera) "Queen Duong Van Nga" by the Thanh Minh - Thanh Nga troupe (written by Hoa Phuong, Chi Lang, Hoang Viet, and The Ha Van, adapted from a cheo play by Truc Duong, and directed by Chi Lang). The opera focuses on the period after King Dinh Tien Hoang's death, when Queen Duong Van Nga served as regent before transferring power to the military commander Le Hoan. He then ascended the throne as Le Dai Hanh, establishing the Early Le dynasty and repelling the Song dynasty invasion.

Nguyen Phan Quang Binh conceived the idea for "Guardians of the Spirit: The Mystery of King Dinh's Tomb" 10 years ago after hearing a story from a ferryman in Ninh Binh. The historical fantasy film begins with the assassination of King Dinh Tien Hoang. Seven warriors are tasked with a mission: to race against time, confront enemy forces, and transport 100 of the king's coffins in seven different directions to protect his tomb from desecration.

The film is scheduled to begin a 60-day shoot in November and is slated for release next year. In addition to Do Thi Hai Yen, the project stars Johnny Tri Nguyen as the general and People's Artist Tu Long.

Do Thi Hai Yen, 43, began her acting career at 17 in Tran Anh Hung's film "Vertical Ray of the Sun." In 2001, she beat out over 2,000 candidates to star in Phillip Noyce's "The Quiet American" alongside Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser. She has also appeared in critically acclaimed films that have been featured in international film festivals, including "Pao's Story" (2005), "Floating Lives" (2008), and "The Floating Lives" (2010).

She married businessman Calvin Tai Lam in 2012 and has three children. In the past two years, she has returned to the screen with leading roles in Leon Le's "Quan Ky Nam" and Nguyen Hoang Diep's independent film "1982."

Que Chi