The film revisits the events leading up to the battle for the citadel. Quang Tri held a strategic position, marking the dividing line between North and South Vietnam. After the 1972 Spring Offensive, it became the first province to be liberated, making it a prime target for recapture by the American military.
An excerpt highlights the disparity in firepower between the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (NLF) and the US military. The US employed a vast array of bombs and artillery, totaling approximately 328,000 tons, equivalent to the destructive power of seven atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Japan). Meanwhile, the NLF faced difficulties due to obstacles in weapon and logistical supply.
Amidst these hardships, the characters' resolve, "determined to fight for the homeland," is conveyed through simple phrases like, "Whatever we have left, we’ll use it," and, "Don't lose heart, don't give up, we will win."
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A scene from the film. Photo: Provided by the film crew. |
The trailer also depicts the tension on the "silent front"—the Paris Peace Accords of 1972. Singer Hoa Minzy portrays an assistant in the delegation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV). She delivers the news: "Our soldiers have fought valiantly. The citadel front remains secure." She also performs the film's theme song, composed by musician Nguyen Van Chung.
"Red Rain" is a highly anticipated revolutionary film this year, set to premiere on 22/8. The crew began production last year, on a 50-hectare film set along the Thach Han river. The film, scripted by writer Chu Lai, depicts events from the 40th day of the 81-day battle of Quang Tri. During filming, the crew consulted with numerous historians, cultural experts, and veterans.
The cast features many Gen Z actors, including Do Nhat Hoang, Ha Anh, Steven Nguyen, Phuong Nam, Lam Thanh Nha, Dinh Khang, Hoang Long, and Nguyen Hung. They were selected from thousands of individuals through casting calls in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Over the past two years, war films have garnered increased attention and reception from audiences. In February of last year, "Dao, Pho and Piano," directed by Phi Tien Son, created a ticket-buying frenzy, grossing 21 billion VND and breaking even after three months in theaters. According to the Cinema Department, this was an "unprecedented" phenomenon for films commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which were only released in a limited number of state-owned cinemas. Bui Thac Chuyen's "Underground," released on 30/4, earned 172 billion VND.
Ha Thu
