Recently involved in the production of action movie Tracer / Truy Sat, Mike Leeder continues to look at some of the other key people behind the scenes and the film’s possible impact on the Vietnamese film industry…including actress Truong Ngoc-anh.
Truong Ngoc-anh is one of the most acclaimed actresses in Vietnam with such projects as The White Silk Dress, Pearls of the East, Saigon Eclipse and Bride of Silence, as well as the true crime story Hoang Ga (which tells of a female crime lord) and most recently the action thriller Tracer. In addition to all that she’s a top model and representative for various brands across the country and a very popular singer. Throw in raising a child and serving double-time as producer on both Hoang Ga & Truy Sat/Tracer (and executive producer for the upcoming Saigon Bodyguards) and she’s a very busy lady… Truong Ngoc-anh talks to Mike Leeder about her work on Tracer and beyond…
IMPACT: What was the genesis behind Truy Sat / Tracer. Was it your intention to raise the level of Vietnamese action cinema?
Truong Ngoc-anh: In the last few years, international action films have been very well received by Vietnamese audiences but local film-makers have not really been exploring this genre, partly because its very challenging to a movie like this locally. But I felt that Vietnamese film-makers as a whole need to try new things, to raise the stand of locally produced films, so in the case of Tracer, we partnered with a prominent South Korean company CJ Entertainment.
IMPACT: How would you describe your character in the film and the challenge was it for you… and how would you describe the challenges of being both leading actress and producer on the project?
TNA: The character in the film is a very brave and tough policewoman, but she also has a very tender side that we show in her relationship with her family. She is involved in a lot of very intense action sequences as well as dramatic scenes. It was a tough role to play, physically and mentally, especially with the action scenes that take a lot out of you. And I also had the added pressure of being not only the leading actress but also the films producer.
Truong Ngoc-anh and director Cuong Ngo
IMPACT: The film reunites you with your ‘Huong Ga’ director Cuong Ngo… how would you describe your working relationship?
TNA: Cuong Ngo is a very talented director, and I like working with him. This is our second movie together, we previously made the gangster drama Huong Ga/Rise, which was based on a true story and was his first feature.
IMPACT: You also introduce a lot of new talent in this movie both in front and behind the camera: Thien Nguyen and Maria Tran in the cast and Trung Ly as the film’s action director. How were you first introduced to them and what about them lead you to bringing them into the project and how have you found working with them?
TNA: Cuong Ngo was the one who introduced Thien Nguyen to me… and then through Thien I met both Maria and Trung Ly, who became the action director for the film. I felt that we should introduce some new faces for this film. Thien and Maria I felt could bring something to the film. They are both ethnic Vietnamese and speak the language.
IMPACT: The film features a lot of fights and stunts, much of which feature your character. What have been some of the hardest things to deal with in regards to the action? Did you suffer any injuries during the making of the movie?
TNA: Yes, the film features a lot if fights and action sequences and they are very hard work, especially for an actress that’s more accustomed to drama, so it was very physically demanding… and yes, there were injuries, but I loved the experience.
IMPACT: You assembled a multi-national cast and crew for the movie, it has a very international feel to it. Do you feel that Vietnamese cinema has yet to really break out into the international market?
TNA: I feel the experience of working with an international cast and crew can provide insight and opportunity, to raise the level of local production both in front and behind the camera. One of my hopes for this movie is that not only is it received favourably by the Vietnamese audience and gives them the feel of a polished level of locally made excitement. I really hope the film is well received internationally.
IMPACT: If you had to describe Tracer/Truy Sat to an audience, to get them excited about going to see the movie, how would you describe the movie?
TNA: Tracer shows that a woman can be brave fearless and strong willed. She can be determined and carry out her mission, no matter how many challenges or how difficult it can become. And yet at the same time, she can still be feminine and also love her family.
IMPACT: So… what’s next for Troung Ngoc-anh?
TNA: Hopefully, there is a role projecting a strong willed, determined and courageous woman, whether she is engaged as a good member of her society or if she is engaging in illegal activities. I am also looking forward to working again with a prominent Hong Kong Gwailo film-maker!
