Trúc Anh is the leading actress in the new thriller by Victor Vũ. Photo courtesy of Lotte Entertainment

HÀ NỘI – Superstitious practices about Thailand's baby dolls are featured in the new film Thiên Thần Hộ Mệnh (The Guardian) directed by Victor Vũ.

A trailer for the film has been released revealing haunting scenes starring young faces from the Vietnamese movie industry including Trúc Anh, Salim and Amee.

The characters are surrounded by Thai life-sized baby dolls known as "luk thep", which are believed to be possessed by spirits that bring good luck and prosperity; and harm the enemies of the owner.

"Luk thep" literally translates as plastic child angels. Young girls in the film treat them like babies, feeding, dressing and cradling them. 

Director Vũ hinted that the film features scary charms and haunting moments.

Vũ, 44, is well-known for blockbusters like Scandal (2012), Tôi Thấy Hoa Vàng Trên Cỏ Xanh (Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass, 2015), Quả Tim Máu (Vengeful Heart, 2014), Người Bất Tử (The Immortal, 2018) and Mắt Biếc (Blue Eyes, 2019).

He has had success with both thrillers and romantic films. Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass attracted tourists to Phú Yên Province where the film was shot, while The Immortal featured the wonderful scenery in Quảng Bình Province.

Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass won the Golden Lotus Award for best feature film at the biennial 19th Việt Nam Film Festival. It also won the best film award at the Silk Road International Film Festival in China.

Trúc Anh has worked with Vũ before when she played Hà Lan in Blue Eyes, and in the latest film she stars as Mai Ly, a young woman who uses child dolls to harm her competitor.

“In modern society, when people face a hopeless situation, they often turn to spiritual solutions to solve their problems,” said Vũ. “The film reflects the weak points in young people’s psychology.”

“The Guardian also speaks about ambition, loss and sacrifice of youngsters who want to reach the peak of success. The touches on the dark sides of people’s minds and mysterious incantations, and I worked with young actors to bring new energy to the film.”

The Guardian is set to hit box offices nationwide on March 8 next year. VNS

Director Victor Vũ is seen at the studio of the film. Photo courtesy of Lotte Entertainment