Directed by Bui Quoc Viet, the series premiered in mid-June. It centers on a criminal network operating in a province named Son Hai, where a new drug called White Dust has emerged. Le The Cong, known as Old Cong, leads a gang trafficking drugs from abroad. To evade investigation, he establishes a seemingly legitimate company focused on construction, real estate, education, and artistic activities. Old Cong appoints Cuong (Duy Hung) as CEO and Truc (Thanh Hue) as Deputy Financial Director.
Huong Ngoc (played by Viet Hoa), an undercover police officer, is assigned to impersonate Mai, Old Cong's long-lost daughter who is undergoing rehabilitation. Due to her resemblance to Mai and assistance from police officers in faking test results, Ngoc gains his trust. In recent developments, she asks to follow in her "father's" footsteps and is allowed to attend a meeting with a partner gang.
As the newest crime drama after "Doc Dao" (directed by Pham Gia Phuong and Tran Trong Khoi), "White Fire" has garnered significant audience attention.
After nine episodes, the series delves into the psychology of the criminal group and the actions of police officers embedded within their organization. Alongside the drug trafficking storyline, the film dedicates some screen time to the duo Cuong and Mai. Through their interactions, Cuong gradually develops feelings for Mai, consistently protecting her. On the show's fanpage, clips featuring the two characters often receive hundreds of thousands to over one million views.
The film was commissioned by the Drug Crime Investigation Police Department, Ministry of Public Security (C04), with Major General Vu Hung Vuong serving as script consultant. According to director Bui Quoc Viet, "White Fire" differentiates itself from previous works on the same subject by reflecting contemporary issues and incorporating new situations. For example, a scene in episode one where criminals deliver drugs via flycam was included after the director read a post on the C04 Department's page. Furthermore, typical of a miniseries, the plot details are concisely presented, focusing on dramatic developments.
The cast is a major draw. The series features well-known actors or those who have made their mark in crime dramas, including Ho Phong, Duy Hung, Viet Hoa, Manh Cuong, Truong Hoang, Bao Anh, and Cu Thi Tra.
Embodying a suspicious and cunning crime boss, artist Ho Phong displays flexibility in his expressions, particularly his eyes. For instance, when Cung (Truong Hoang) brings the DNA results of the "fake daughter," Old Cong shows no emotion, instead devising further tests to solidify his trust. Ho Phong stated that this is one of his most challenging roles. The character resembles his previous villainous roles but has a more complex personal life.
Viet Hoa brings a new dimension to her portrayal of a gritty character, a departure from her previous roles. The actress cut her hair into a mullet, wore rugged clothing, and learned martial arts to become Old Cong's rebellious daughter. In "White Fire," Duy Hung's character, Cuong, is reserved and mysterious, remaining an enigma to the audience.
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The cast of 'White Fire.' |
However, the film has some predictable plot points that have disappointed viewers. In episode 6, Mai's true identity was revealed, rather than being kept a surprise until the end of the series. Her conversation with her superior in Cuong's old apartment was considered an unsafe plot device. Similarly, the character Suong (Cu Thi Tra), girlfriend of Le Truong (Manh Cuong) – a drug dealer – is also quickly revealed to be a police officer. In comments under a video compiling film clips on the fanpage, some viewers felt that the director's early revelation of character identities diminished the show's suspense.
Phuong Linh
Photos, video: VFC
