Vietnamese historical action epic Spirit Guardians: The Last Secret of the First Emperor (Hộ Linh Tráng Sĩ – Bí ẩn mộ vua Đinh) is gearing up for its theatrical debut in Vietnam.
Directed by Nguyen Phan Quang Binh, the ambitious period film is set during Vietnam’s 10th-century Dinh Dynasty and follows seven warriors entrusted with a dangerous mission: transporting 99 coffins across the kingdom as a decoy while concealing the final resting place of Vietnam’s first emperor.
The cast is led by Tuan Tran, Johnny Tri Nguyen, Thien Tu and Tu Long, with Do Thi Hai Yen, Le Vu Long, Quach Ngoc Ngoan and Hua Vi Van also among the ensemble. Johnny Tri Nguyen (The Rebel) additionally serves as the film’s action director, overseeing more than 100 stunt performers.
BHD and Viettel Telecom’s TV360 are behind the production, which is being billed as one of the largest productions in Vietnamese cinema. The filmmakers spent six months constructing 40 large-scale sets to recreate the ancient kingdom, while principal photography lasted 83 days.
The film combines historical adventure with martial arts and elements of Vietnamese folklore. Its story is inspired by legends surrounding the tomb of Dinh Tien Hoang, Vietnam’s first emperor, while exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, brotherhood and duty.
Spirit Guardians is scheduled to open in Vietnamese cinemas on August 28th, ahead of the country’s National Day celebrations. The film will then make its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it is slated for a Gala Presentation at Roy Thomson Hall on September 18th.
With its large-scale production design, extensive martial arts choreography and star-powered Vietnamese cast, Spirit Guardians: The Last Secret of the First Emperor is shaping up as one of the country’s most ambitious historical action films to date.
