Tang Thanh Ha, alongside directors Bao Nhan and Nam Cito, and the film crew, officially announced the project to the media on the afternoon of 2/7 in Ho Chi Minh City. This role marks a significant comeback for the actress, who stepped away from acting after her last film, "My Nhan Ke" (2013), to focus on her business ventures and family life. Since then, she has only made appearances at private events hosted by family or close friends.

The production of "Hoang Hau Cuoi Cung" (The Last Empress) began principal photography in March at Kien Trung Palace within the Hue Imperial City, following six years of meticulous preparation. Director Bao Nhan confirmed that Kien Trung Palace serves as the primary setting, with over 90% of the film's narrative unfolding within the royal environment.

The film aims to offer a nuanced portrayal of Empress Nam Phuong, moving beyond a conventional biographical approach. According to the producer, the story will instead delve into the emotional depth and personal destiny of the empress as she navigated her era. Director Bao Nhan elaborated, "The film also explores the years she lived and loved wholeheartedly, alongside her dedication to protecting and preserving traditional cultural values."

A portrait of Empress Nam Phuong in her youth. Photo: *Pestre*

Beyond depicting King Bao Dai and Empress Nam Phuong, the film features a rich ensemble of historical figures, including Crown Prince Bao Long, concubines Mong Diep, Phi Anh, Ly Le Ha, Bach Yen, Khue Cac, and Vinh Can. The director revealed that the cast underwent intensive training for 9-10 months, focusing on acting techniques and intricate court etiquette, in preparation for filming.

The screenplay draws inspiration from various historical accounts of Empress Nam Phuong's romantic life. The project received substantial support from the People's Committee of Thua Thien Hue province (Thua Thien Hue PC), which facilitated extensive filming within the Hue monument complex. Kien Trung Palace – the former residence and workplace of King Bao Dai, Empress Nam Phuong, and their children – serves as the main filming location. Additional scenes were captured in Da Lat, Buon Me Thuot, Ho Chi Minh City, and Chabrignac, France, where the empress spent her final days.

Empress Nam Phuong (1913-1963), originally named Nguyen Huu Thi Lan, was born in what was then Saigon. She was the daughter of Nguyen Huu Hao and Le Thi Binh, from a prominent landowning family. At 18 years old, she first met King Bao Dai in Da Lat. The king chose her to be his queen, citing her exceptional beauty, gentle disposition, noble background, and education, deeming her a fitting companion for the "Emperor of Dai Nam."

Throughout her tenure, Empress Nam Phuong significantly influenced governance and contributed to supporting the populace, as detailed in the book "Empress Nam Phuong: The Modern Queen Mother through Press Documents" by Tu Yeng Luong Hoai Trong Tinh. Her intellect and abilities allowed her to assist the emperor in both official duties and personal life. While King Bao Dai focused on political affairs, the empress embraced her role as a queen mother, actively engaging in social charity work. Despite reigning for just over 10 years, her impact spanned numerous domains, making her a powerful inspiration for women to pursue societal engagement, education, work, and personal development.

Tang Thanh Ha, 40, hails from Dong Thap (formerly Tien Giang province). Early in her life, her mother enrolled her in children's drama classes at the Idecaf Theater in Ho Chi Minh City. She first caught the attention of directors for her charming looks after her role in the 2005 film "Doc Tinh." Her breakthrough came with "Bong Dung Muon Khoc," where she shot to fame as Truc, a street bookseller, co-starring with Luong Manh Hai. Her filmography includes "Dep Tung Centimet," "Canh Dong Bat Tan," and "My Nhan Ke." Notably, "My Nhan Ke," directed by Quang Dung, was the highest-grossing Vietnamese film at the time of its release.

In 2012, Tang Thanh Ha married businessman Louis Nguyen, son of the "King of Brands," Johnathan Hanh Nguyen. The couple has three children: Richard (born in 2015), Chole (born in 2017), and Mason (born in 2021).

Mai Nhat