Produced by 89S Group, the film earned over 150 billion VND in nearly two weeks of release. This success marks a significant milestone for the group, as it is a rare instance of a Vietnamese action-comedy gaining attention at the box office.
The main members of Action C are Duong Minh Chien, Hoang Quoc Bao (nicknamed Dai Bao Bao), Tram Minh Hoang (Hoang Toc Dai), and Ho Minh Luan, who are between 31 and 38 years old.
Trailer "Truy tim long dien huong" - rated 16+, released on 14/11. Video: Film production team
Before 'Truy tim long dien huong', the group collaborated with director Vo Thanh Hoa, the film's producer, on several projects such as 'Chi Muoi Ba' (2019) and 'Sieu lua gap sieu lay' (2023), where they choreographed martial arts segments.
For the new film, Vo Thanh Hoa aimed to tell a treasure hunt adventure story. He shared his initial concept, which Duong Minh Chien then developed into a storyline and completed the script with the screenwriting team. From August to December 2024, after 9 draft revisions, the film was shot over 35 days in TP HCM and Lam Dong (formerly Binh Thuan province).
The two most challenging sequences were the scene where Tam's (Quang Tuan) group infiltrates the warehouse and the final battle. Before filming, the team designed simulated sets at their training ground, recorded sample videos, and tested camera angles. This helped the actors and camera crew visualize the action rhythm, character positions, and how to handle situations.
The warehouse sequence, featuring Cuong Lieu (played by Doan Quoc Dam), included over 20 shots and took the team nearly six days to complete. The difficulty stemmed not from the number of shots, but from the extensive workload: arranging props, setting up lighting, and adjusting camera angles. Additionally, the team meticulously planned character movements, comedic timing, and interspersed action elements.
To meet the tight filming schedule, two sets were constructed simultaneously. While the crew filmed in Area A, the design team in Area B had to complete the adjacent set. As soon as filming concluded in Area A, the crew immediately moved to Area B to continue.
Behind the scenes of some martial arts scenes in "Truy tim long dien huong". Video: Film production team
In the large-scale fishing village scene, challenges increased as the team managed over 100 extras, mostly locals, under intense sun, strong winds, and hot sand. Before each shoot, the stunt team instructed them on the required movements.
Duong Minh Chien stated that the team's biggest pressure was the feeling of being doubted due to their relative newness in the industry. In the early days on set, he struggled to gain the crew's trust, with many worrying if he had the capability to coordinate a large project. However, with 16 years of stunt experience, the director worked to prove his competence.
Most action scenes caused anxiety for the actors due to high technical demands and complex fight rhythms. For young actors like Quang Tuan and Nguyen Thao, the group discussed the scene's spirit, adjusting or adding necessary details. When consulting with older artists such as Ngan Quynh and Thanh Nam, Duong Minh Chien maintained an open attitude, listening to their suggestions.
The rushed filming schedule and frequent travel meant the team often worked 16 to 18 hours a day. Some sequences that appear for only a few minutes in the film, such as the warehouse fight, took 5-6 days to complete.
As a first-time film director, Duong Minh Chien's editing process extended beyond expectations because he wanted to meticulously check every beat of the film. Each time he edited, he discovered points needing adjustment, from the execution of strikes to subtle actor expressions. The director mentioned that his perfectionism sometimes prolonged the post-production phase.
Video excerpt of Action C collaborating with Andy Long (appearing from the first second), a German-Vietnamese member of Jackie Chan's stunt team.
Duong Minh Chien, Hoang Toc Dai, and Dai Bao Bao originated from the Quoc Thinh stunt club. In late 2019 - early 2020, when many jobs stalled due to the pandemic, Minh Chien bought an old camera. He and the members began creating short videos for social media. He took primary responsibility for creative direction, while Hoang Toc Dai and Dai Bao Bao coordinated action choreography, playing villain roles in the videos. Ho Minh Luan managed operations.
In its early years, the group also included Vietnamese-American actor Tien Hoang, who appeared in 'Vo Sinh Dai Chien', 'Doctor Strange', and 'The Marvels'. He shared his experience working on international projects. A shared passion for martial arts and strong coordination helped them develop a distinctive style, transforming everyday situations into comedic bits.
The group initially self-funded their first videos. As they gained recognition, they established a company, and their productions gradually attracted audience attention, leading to numerous collaboration offers. The group's fanpage currently has over 660,000 followers, with each video garnering tens of thousands of likes.
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The members of Action C, from left: Dai Bao Bao, Duong Minh Chien, and Hoang Toc Dai. Photo: Provided by character
Many filmmakers highly commend the group's efforts. Director Vo Thanh Hoa described the four members as sincere individuals with keen observation skills. They work like brothers, consistently supporting and trusting one another. As the creative director and producer of 'Truy tim long dien huong', Vo Thanh Hoa aimed to convey this spirit to the big screen, allowing audiences to feel their fresh energy.
Director Ly Hai praised Action C as a group of experienced stunt performers who often handle difficult and dangerous action sequences. Duong Minh Chien first collaborated with Ly Hai on the album 'Tron Doi Ben Em 1', later serving as an action assistant for the first 'Lat Mat' film. Hoang Toc Dai has doubled for Ly Hai in several projects.
After their debut feature film, the four members aspire to continue their passion and create more works to captivate audiences. "The biggest concern for me and my brothers is that the role of stunt performers in the country is not adequately recognized," director Duong Minh Chien stated.
Que Chi
