History 'resurrected' through each film

The film depicts the images of soldiers living and fighting in the tunnels. Photo: Provided by the producer

Midweek, the late-night screening of "Tunnel: Sun in the Dark" was nearly full, mostly filled with young people. In the space filled with the breath of history, occasional soft sobs could be heard. Although it was only opened for early screenings on April 2 and 3 before its official release on April 4, the film has already sold 60,000 tickets - a number that speaks volumes about the strong appeal of the work and the public's deep interest in national memory.

In 128 minutes, the film takes the audience back to the Cu Chi front in 1967 - one of the fiercest battlefields in the resistance war against the US - with intense smoke and fire and the indomitable fighting spirit of the guerrilla soldiers. 21 guerrilla soldiers, under the command of Bay Theo (Thai Hoa), steadfastly held on to the tunnels with the mission of protecting the important base for the strategic intelligence force to operate.

The highlight of the film is the way it depicts people in war with a realistic and humane perspective. The work does not idealize or deify the characters, but lets them appear very “real” with all the emotions: fear, pain, desire for love…

The film breaks the conventional narrative style in cinema: there is no central character. Each person has a personality, a fear, a wound, but all share the same spirit: patriotism. The director also does not go into the background of each character, like the generations of people who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the nation, as in the poem Country (long poem Road of Desire, Nguyen Khoa Diem): "They lived and died/ Simple and calm/ No one remembers their faces or names/ But they created the Country".

The tunnels in the film are not only physical spaces, but also special characters with their own souls. This is not only a place of fighting, but also a place to listen to songs, witness love stories, simple moments of life, and a symbol of eternal hope. It is in that underground, amidst the smoke and fire of war, that ordinary people find love, sacrifice, and a meaningful life.

Bui Thac Chuyen chose a realistic storytelling style in a documentary style, not following fictional scenes that push emotions to a climax to make viewers cry. The director wanted to keep the audience alert to reflect and learn historical lessons about war. Instead of immediate emotions that then disappear, he wanted to leave an "aftertaste", something that makes people think and feel troubled.

"Tunnel: Sun in the Dark" has left a strong impression, not only because of its unique approach but also because of its profound humanistic message about life, humanity and courage in the harshest of circumstances. The soldiers in the film found a bright "sun" in the fierce days. And in peacetime, we also have millions of other "suns".

That is the director's 10-year dream - the desire to recreate the indomitable patriotism of the people of the South. He steadfastly pursues the documentary style - authentic, not tragic, not dramatic - with the belief that history itself is majestic enough, without the need for exaggeration. The director hopes that the work will open up a new perspective, helping viewers understand the sacrifices of the previous generation for today's peace.

It was the fierce sacrifice of the actors for their roles. Patriotism was the driving force that helped them strive every day during the arduous preparation journey that lasted for many months. They voluntarily lost weight to have a body suitable for wartime soldiers, underwent rigorous military training with live ammunition on the training ground, trained their physical strength and knife fighting skills. They went down to the tunnels, holding weapons and moving at maximum speed according to a stopwatch - not only to act more realistically but also to show deep respect for history and the real people who fought in the Cu Chi tunnels.

That is the deep concern and love of the audience, especially the young generation. Going to the cinema is not just a simple entertainment experience but an opportunity to connect with the past, with the heroic history of the nation. The vivid footage of the steel land of Cu Chi, where the strong heroes once left their mark, reminded them of their responsibility to continue the indomitable spirit, strong will and patriotism of the previous generation.

“Tunnel: Sun in the Dark” has been a great success in arousing national pride from many angles, from the filmmakers, the actors, to the audience. Each person participating in this creative journey not only contributes talent and passion but also carries a great responsibility, conveying a strong message about history, about the endless sacrifices of previous generations. The work is not just a film, but a sustainable bridge connecting the past and the present, arousing in each person a firm belief in the strength of the nation.

LE THI THU HA

Source: https://baodanang.vn/channel/5433/202504/lich-su-song-lai-qua-tung-thuoc-phim-4003540/