Impact continues its exclusive coverage of Tracer (Truy Sat), the high-profile entry in the growing Vietnamese film industry… as our own Mike Leeder talks to star Thien Nguyen…
Making his Vietnamese action movie debut in Tracer/Truy Sat, is Australian Vietnamese actor/martial artist Thien Nguyen, who after a few smaller projects in Australia gets to make a debut as one of the high kicking co-leads for the action thriller. Impact’s Mike Leeder, who worked on the production, recently caught up with Thien to indulge in some Q and A (quality and action)…
IMPACT: Can you begin by introducing yourself, telling us a little bit about yourself and how you ended up working on a Vietnamese action movie?
Thien Nguyen: My name is Thien Nguyen. I am a Personal Trainer and martial artist. I was first approached by director Cuong Ngo and Executive Producer Truong Ngoc Anh after winning Cleo Bachelor 2014. I was the first Asian to win the competition so it was big news in Vietnam.
IMPACT: What can you tell us about your character and to how much input were you allowed to bring to the character?
Thien: My character in Truy Sat (aka Tracer) is Kien Lang Tu. Ken is an undercover agent that it the right hand man of Loc Soi of the ‘Wolf’ gang. Kien is quite mysterious. He is a highly skilled martial artist who is focused on his work. It is only when he meets An An (Truong Ngoc Anh) that he starts to show his sensitive side. In playing the character, I followed the instruction of Cuong Ngo. I was able to give my creative input so working on the set of Truy Sat really helped me grow as an actor.
IMPACT: The film was produced by and stars Truong Ngoc-anh, she’s one of Vietnam’s premier actresses, how did you first meet her? How would you describe working with her?
Thien: Working with Truong Ngoc Anh (TNA) is a priceless experience. I can’t thank her enough for the opportunity that she has given me. She is a pleasure to work with. ‘TNA’ is not only a talented actress but was also the executive producer. I admire her so much for the talent and her level of determination. She is also a very kind-hearted person and is always willing to lend a helping had to new actors such as myself. Thank you TNA!!
IMPACT: How did you find working with Cuong Ngo, and how hard was it to perform in Vietnamese? I know you speak the language but was it a challenge to really express yourself in the language?
Thien: I really enjoyed working with him. He really knows how to get my best angles and is always helpful with helping me bring out my character. He gives me guidance but always lets me have my creative input. Acting in Vietnamese was a big challenge for me. Speaking is one thing, but learning scripts and then expressing myself fully was tricky. I got there in the end!!
IMPACT: The film features some very high octane fight and stunt sequences choreographed by Trung Ly. How did you find working with him as a choreographer/coordinator. What would you say were some of your biggest challenges physically in the making of the movie?
Thien: Trung Ly is no stranger to me. I have worked with him on various films and live shows in Australia. He is super talented and always knows how to bring action to the next level.
Action is what I know best, so shooting action was the favourite part of Tracer for me. A memorable scene was when I had to fall through a glass door at the Gem Centre in Vietnam. It was a great scene and I even have battle scars to prove it!
IMPACT: The film has a very ‘international’ feel and a very ‘multi-national’ cast and crew, do you think the film has the potential to break out beyond just the Vietnamese market?
Thien: A lot of the crew was international, hence why Tracer has an international feel. TNA wants to bring action films in Vietnam to another level (Hollywood, watch out! hehe). I believe that people around the world will recognise that Vietnamese actions films have evolved enormously over the last decade. It is time for Vietnam to make its mark in the film industry!
IMPACT: What are your strongest, fondest… and hardest memories from the making of the movie?
Thien: The whole experience of Tracer was amazing for me. This was my first film in Vietnam. The crew became family and I got to travel all over Vietnam with them to work and play. Even got to celebrate my birthday on set whilst shooting – that was a moment that I will never forget. Being away from my family in Australia for so long is hard, but with the loving team here, it made me feel like I am at home.
IMPACT: If you had to ‘sell’ Tracer/Truy Sat in a short description to an audience, how would you get them excited about going to see the movie?
Thien: Tracer is an action packed martial arts film filled with fast cars, hot girls and six-pack abs! It is the hottest action film in Vietnam for 2016!!
IMPACT: And what’s next for you?
Thien: I have decided to stay in Vietnam to pursue my acting career. I’ve had offers for further projects here, so I am just seeing what is the best choice for me. I really want to make an impact on the action film genre, and later on perhaps head towards directing and producing. The film industry in Vietnam is rapidly evolving so I want to be able to help the industry grow…
