* This article contains spoilers

Trailer "The Old Guard 2", 107 minutes. In Vietnam, the film is rated 18+. Video: Netflix

Five years after the first installment, Ngo Thanh Van returns to Hollywood in "The Old Guard 2," which follows a group of super soldiers who have lived for centuries, possessing the ability to resurrect after death. She plays Quynh, Andy's first comrade, fighting alongside her for millennia. After falling prey to an enemy's scheme, they are accused of witchcraft and subjected to brutal torture. Quynh is locked in an iron coffin and thrown into the sea, while Andy later escapes.

In the sequel, Quynh is no longer just a figure in flashbacks but the center of the conflict. She carries the weight of a painful past and a burning resentment, believing Andy abandoned her, and seeks justice on her own terms.

Compared to her brief appearance in the first film, Ngo Thanh Van has significantly more screen time. She has the opportunity to showcase her acting prowess in scenes that demand emotional depth and martial arts skills.

The actress displays a range of emotions, revealing her character's inner turmoil through her eyes and actions. In the scene where her coffin is salvaged at the beginning of the film, she makes a powerful impression with her screams and the despair etched on her face. Later, when she seeks out Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts) to inquire about Andy's whereabouts, her gaze reflects a chilling coldness.

Behind-the-scenes footage of Ngo Thanh Van's makeup process in "The Old Guard 2". Video: Provided by the subject

She shines in the fight scene with Charlize Theron in a narrow alley, where the two former comrades now face each other as enemies. The decisive blows and facial expressions allow Ngo Thanh Van to stand out against the veteran star, making Quynh a memorable character. According to Variety, this scene brings the film to life.

The script emphasizes Quynh's character development, allowing the audience to empathize with her suffering. She feels betrayed upon discovering that Andy and her team continued to live while she endured centuries of solitude. Quynh inflicts pain on Andy by collaborating with the villain, Discord (Uma Thurman). ScreenRant notes, "The interaction between Quynh and the other characters evokes profound emotions."

A notable scene features the character speaking Vietnamese in the second act: "Traitor. You will die alone in darkness." On social media forums, many viewers expressed surprise at this line, further solidifying the Vietnamese actress's mark on the Hollywood film.

Ngo Thanh Van as Quynh in "The Old Guard 2". Photo: Netflix

In the original comic, Ngo Thanh Van's character is Japanese, named Noriko. However, upon accepting the role, she requested to change it to a Vietnamese name, which the team approved. Compared to her previous roles as Paige Tico in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), Tien in Bright (2017), or Kami in The Creator (2023), Quynh becomes a crucial element in the storyline, possessing more complex motivations than some of the other characters.

While Ngo Thanh Van's role brings a fresh perspective to the story, the film lacks the overall appeal to captivate audiences. According to Collider, the content feels disjointed and less dramatic than the first installment. The team delves into mythological elements, reminiscent of time-travel action films, but fails to fully explore them. Questions surrounding immortality are repeatedly raised but remain unanswered, leading to a diluted plot. The visual effects are a step back from the first film. Many action scenes lack coherence in their visuals, lighting, and post-production.

The Times (UK) criticizes the technical aspects, sound, and fight choreography, pointing out fundamental flaws in the storytelling. The script doesn't fully utilize the characters' strengths, and Discord's portrayal lacks a truly sinister edge.

The Daily Beast writes, "Even the least violent parts are tedious due to a plot that doesn't demand much from the cast." IndieWire comments, "The Old Guard 2 feels rushed, lacking in world-building and clear character motivations, making it difficult for the audience to grasp what's truly happening."

Scenes featuring Ngo Thanh Van in "The Old Guard" (2020). Video: Netflix

"The Old Guard" is a Netflix fantasy action series based on the comic book series of the same name by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez. The first installment, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, premiered in 2020. The film blends action and fantasy, exploring themes of immortality, loneliness, and the responsibility of intervening in the course of history. The project received positive reviews from critics, paving the way for a sequel. Last year, Charlize Theron told Variety that in the second installment, she and her co-stars performed more challenging action sequences that required intense focus.

Ngo Thanh Van, 46, was a singer before transitioning into the film industry. She earned the nickname "female action star" after the success of "The Rebel" (2007), co-starring Johnny Tri Nguyen. In the 2010s, she shifted to film production, with notable works like "Tam Cam: The Untold Story" and "Co Ba Sai Gon." In 2019, "Furie," which she produced and starred in, grossed over 200 billion VND. She has appeared in Hollywood films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, Bright, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Da 5 Bloods, using the stage name Veronica Ngo.

Que Chi