Thien Minh’s (nicknamed Bom) role in "Sky Battle" surprised audiences at the film's premiere on 16/9 in Ho Chi Minh City, as it had not been previously announced. He plays an air marshal and appears in several early scenes. Despite limited screen time, his character makes an impression with natural acting and courageous actions while confronting the hijackers and trying to save the passengers.

Thien Minh, son of actor Thai Hoa, in the film "Sky Battle." Photo: Film Crew.

Thai Hoa was moved by his son's debut, even though they didn't share any scenes together. The role came to Thien Minh unexpectedly; he didn't even audition. On set one day, Thai Hoa showed a picture of his son to fellow actors Thanh Son and Kaity Nguyen. Director Ham Tran happened to pass by, saw the photo, and complimented Thien Minh’s appearance. Thai Hoa’s son has a strong, muscular physique from regular gym workouts.

At the time, the crew needed a tall, well-built actor to play an air marshal who fights with a hijacker (Gi A Nguyen). Director Ham Tran chose Thien Minh, who then underwent several rehearsals with stunt performers. On set, Ham Tran praised his quick learning and adaptability. Thai Hoa said, "I didn't give Bom any advice because I wanted him to be independent. The director is responsible for guiding his performance."

Thai Hoa discusses how his son landed his first role. Video: Mai Nhat.

Thien Minh is studying information technology but still wants to pursue his passion for acting. After his debut, several producers have expressed interest in casting him. "I advised him that if he sees this as an opportunity, he must strive to learn. He's currently taking acting classes with director Kathy Uyen," Thai Hoa shared.

"Sky Battle" stars Thai Hoa, 51, as Long, one of the masterminds behind the hijacking. The film, a collaboration with the People's Police Cinema, centers around a group of hijackers led by Long, including Ti (Vo Dien Gia Huy), Suu (Bao Dinh), and Dan (Ray Nguyen). They seize control of a civilian aircraft and its passengers and crew in an attempt to escape the country. A flight crew of nearly 10, including two flight attendants (played by Kaity Nguyen and Tram Anh), must fight back against the criminals and ensure the passengers' safety throughout the flight.

The film is inspired by the 1978 hijacking of Vietnam Airlines DC4 flight 501, which was en route from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.

Thai Hoa, born in Ho Chi Minh City, began his career in the 1990s. He achieved success in comedy in the 2000s, notably with the Gala Laugh 2003 program. He has starred in several popular films like "De Mai Tinh," "Long Ruoi," and "Cuoi Ngay Keo Lo." In 2020, he appeared in director Quang Dung's "Blood Moon Party," which was among the top five highest-grossing Vietnamese films of all time, earning 175 billion VND. In April, he played Bay Theo, a guerrilla leader in Cu Chi, in the film "Dia Dao" (directed by Bui Thac Chuyen).

Thien Minh is the son of Thai Hoa and Cat Phuong. After the two artists separated, Thien Minh primarily lived with his mother.

Thai Hoa discusses how his son landed his first role. Video: Mai Nhat.

The film crew described the hijacking theme as novel and engaging, but also a significant challenge. Their goal was to transport viewers back to the post-1975 era when security measures were rudimentary and air travel was riskier. They reconstructed the aircraft's interior, from the control panel and seats to the cabin and the film's color palette, to recreate the atmosphere of that time.

Mai Nhat