The film centers on Duy, a political prisoner held captive in Con Dao. Despite brutal torture, he maintains his resolve, dedicating himself to the revolution. Duy and his comrades plan to build a boat and escape by sea to return to the mainland. May, a nurse working secretly within the prison, quietly provides medicine to Duy and his comrades. Through their shared dangers, a romance gradually blossoms between her and Duy.
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An image from the film "The Sound Beyond the Ocean". Photo: Film crew |
An image from the film "The Sound Beyond the Ocean". Photo: Film crew
Many scenes in the film were shot at Con Dao Prison itself. The crew recreated torture sessions in the "tiger cage" cells, a place once described as "hell on earth". Prisoners endured starvation, beatings, and lime powder sprinkled on their wounds. Many succumbed to exhaustion or dysentery. They were also forced into hard labor under harsh conditions. During a preview screening on the evening of 16/7, many viewers were moved to tears.
Quang Thuan and Thuy Duong, two emerging actors, portray Duy and May. They embody the resilient spirit of revolutionary soldiers. The film also features artists Bui Bai Binh, Tat Binh, Vinh Xuong. An international cast participates in various supporting roles: Maurise Nash as the island lord, Martin Kruger as the jailer, and Charlie Win as the musician.
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The crew of "The Sound Beyond the Ocean" at a press preview screening, evening of 16/7 in Ha Noi. Photo: Ha Phuong |
The crew of "The Sound Beyond the Ocean" at a press preview screening, evening of 16/7 in Ha Noi. Photo: Ha Phuong
The film was directed by Dao Duy Phuc and Nguyen Manh Ha, based on a screenplay by Dao Thuy Trang. The screenwriter stated she spent 10 years researching documents about Con Dao Prison and the political prisoners held there. "The Sound Beyond the Ocean" was filmed from 11/2024 to 1/2025. Produced by Feature Film One Joint Stock Company, the film runs for 116 minutes and is rated T13 (suitable for audiences aged 13 and above).
As a state-commissioned cinematic work, "The Sound Beyond the Ocean" is distributed through a collaborative mechanism between management agencies and commercial cinema chains. The film is expected to screen in 197 cinema complexes across the nation.
In recent years, Vietnamese war films have seen a resurgence, attracting viewers after long being considered a niche genre. Last year, "Mua Do" (Red Rain), a film inspired by the battle at Quang Tri Citadel, grossed over 700 billion VND, becoming Vietnam's top box office hit.
Ha Thu
