MMA fighters star in Johnny Tri Nguyen's action film

Actor Johnny Tri Nguyen casts MMA fighters Tran Quang Loc and Truong Vi Nhat in the period film "Ho Linh Trang Si", where he also serves as action director.

Ngo Viet Phu, playing an enemy general, is the chief referee of the Vietnam Mixed Martial Arts Federation (VMMAF). Before his involvement with MMA, he was an archery fitness coach in Hue.

In a bold move to elevate action realism in Vietnamese cinema, actor and action director Johnny Tri Nguyen has enlisted a roster of professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters for his upcoming period film, "Ho Linh Trang Si". This strategic casting aims to deliver authentic fight sequences and address past criticisms of "fake fighting" often leveled at local productions, ensuring the portrayal of warriors on screen carries genuine gravitas.

Among the featured fighters is Tran Quang Loc, who portrays a scar-faced assassin in the historical epic centered on the assassination of King Dinh Tien Hoang. Loc, a disciple of Johnny Tri Nguyen, honed his skills at Lien Phong MMA, the martial arts academy founded by the actor. The film's plot unfolds with the king's demise, tasking seven warriors with a race against time to transport 100 coffins of the monarch in 7 different directions. This elaborate mission is designed to deceive enemies intent on desecrating the royal tomb.

Johnny Tri Nguyen stated that one of his successes was inviting the cast of fighters to participate in "Ho Linh Trang Si", at the project launch on 15/4. Video: Mai Nhat

Mui Trong Vinh, playing a deputy general, is a student of fighter Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat and the champion of the Falcon (59 kg) category at the Than Vo Vietnam (GMA) tournament, a competition where Johnny Tri Nguyen served as general director.

The film further showcases martial arts talent with Nguyen Trong Tuong in the role of Cao, an assassin. Tuong's background includes traditional Binh Dinh martial arts, complemented by years of boxing experience, having competed in numerous tournaments.

Johnny Tri Nguyen shared his commitment to the martial arts choreography in "Ho Linh Trang Si", an endeavor he has dedicated over 20 years to within the action genre. He strives for realistic staging, aiming to counter audience complaints about "fake fighting" and the perceived lack of spirit in warrior portrayals in some Vietnamese films.

Thai Tran, a martial arts expert, plays a "cold-blooded assassin".

Teaser for "Ho Linh Trang Si" - anticipated in cinemas for the 2/9 holiday. Video: Film crew provided

Fighter Tran Minh Nhut plays a deputy general. Johnny Tri Nguyen noted that while typical films feature one action sequence every 10-15 minutes, "Ho Linh Trang Si" will boast action at two times that frequency.

Truong Vi Nhat, an MMA coach from Da Nang, takes on the role of a deputy general. The film's production team invested significantly in the armor and weaponry for the generals and their deputies. The arsenal comprises hundreds of meticulously crafted items, including long and short swords, bows, spears, halberds, arrow launchers, shields, and various hooks. Producers explained that to balance authenticity with on-set safety, they experimented with multiple materials, from iron and wood to aluminum and titanium.

Nguyen Hoang Thach, in the role of a deputy general, is the captain of Lien Phong and one of the prominent figures in Vietnamese MMA today.

The project also features several female talents, including Hien Ngo, who plays an assassin. She underwent five years of martial arts training for action films, having previously appeared in "Bi Long Dai Ca", "Cua Hoi Mon", and the third season of "Ho So Lua". Ngo has also collaborated with Johnny Tri Nguyen (right) as an event MC.