* This article contains film spoilers
Directed by Do Quoc Trung and creatively helmed by Tran Thanh Huy, the family drama "Son, Tell Me, Dad" centers on Thai (Kieu Minh Tuan), a circus artist with the Sac Mau troupe, and his adolescent son, Minh (Hao Khang), grappling with psychological instability. As Minh repeatedly self-harms, withdraws, and loses connection with the world around him, Thai finds himself bewildered and helpless. The father desperately tries every method to help his son recover, from scolding and imposing rules to seeking spiritual and medical solutions.
The filmmakers avoid sensationalizing or dramatizing the psychological issues, instead portraying them in a realistic context where love is present but not expressed or received effectively. Thai's affection for his son often manifests as commands and strictness, while Minh yearns for his father's understanding but struggles to articulate his feelings. These two individualities coexist, silently clashing and creating a prolonged emotional distance.
Director Do Quoc Trung explains that despite living under the same roof, the father and son inhabit isolated worlds. The father's words, intended to foster strength, instead inflict deep wounds, eroding the boy's confidence and sense of security. This stark contrast accurately reflects the silent rifts and generational gaps prevalent in many modern families.
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"Son, Tell Me, Dad" guides audiences through the challenging communication journey between a burdened father and his adolescent son. *Genesi Creative* |
According to the director, Kieu Minh Tuan's powerful performance forms the emotional core of "Son, Tell Me, Dad". He delivers a restrained portrayal, emphasizing nuanced gazes, gestures, and poignant silences. The stark contrast between the circus artist's strong exterior and the father's internal anxieties brings the character to life.
Meanwhile, Hao Khang depicts a sensitive, vulnerable, and confused adolescent son grappling with his own mental state. The director commends Hao Khang's natural and restrained acting, which allows audiences to genuinely empathize rather than feel manipulated.
Kieu Minh Tuan and Hao Khang share strong on-screen chemistry, particularly in tense moments. The father-son conflict stems from fragmented words, averted glances, and extended silences.
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The director praised Kieu Minh Tuan's explosive performance in complex psychological scenes. *Genesi Creative* |
The supporting cast further enriches the film, bringing warmth and vibrancy to the Sac Mau circus troupe. Quoc Khanh, Hong Anh, and Mai Cat Vi contribute charming, everyday portrayals to the circus atmosphere, while Le Loc and singer Phuong Thanh deliver well-timed comedic moments.
Director Do Quoc Trung stated the film serves as a tribute to the circus profession. He involved professional circus artists and a team of expert consultants throughout production to accurately recreate both the dazzling stage performances and the behind-the-scenes life.
The production team emphasized authentic staging for tightrope walking, acrobatics, and aerial performances, minimizing special effects. Kieu Minh Tuan, Quoc Khanh, and Yen Nhi performed numerous challenging circus acts themselves, without stunt doubles. This approach not only enhanced realism but also allowed audiences to feel the inherent risks and dangers faced by the characters.
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The actors trained and performed their own circus acts. *Genesi Creative* |
The director explained that in the film, the circus is not merely a setting but a powerful symbol. The fragile tightrope serves as a metaphor for Thai's journey as a father, where a single precarious moment could lead to everything unraveling.
Through "Son, Tell Me, Dad", the filmmakers avoid idealizing family life, instead highlighting that love alone is insufficient without active listening and mutual understanding. The characters' emotional wounds are slowly addressed through a process of confrontation, acceptance, and learning to share from both father and son. Gentle and humorous moments interweave with the poignant aspects of family life, ensuring the film maintains a natural emotional rhythm.
"Son, Tell Me, Dad" will have early screenings on 14-15/1, with a nationwide release beginning 16/1.
Hieu Chau
