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| Movie star Thái Hòa plays a leading role in Vệ Sĩ Sài Gòn (The Sài Gòn Bodyguard), an action-comedy film directed by Ken Ochiai of Japan. It is expected to be a hit during the Christmas season. — VNS Photo |
Viet Nam News
HCM CITY — CJ Entertainment of South Korea, in co-operation with its Vietnamese partner TNA Entertainment, has completed an action-comedy film about bodyguards directed by Ken Ochiai of Japan.
The new production Vệ Sĩ Sài Gòn (Sài Gòn Bodyguard) features a pair of bodyguards who are different in character but become partners to protect a young daughter of a billionaire.
Vietnamese-American Michael Thái wrote the screenplay for the 90-minute film, which stars Thái Hòa and Kim Lý in leading roles.
The producers invited Japanese director Ochiai, who has visited Việt Nam several times for both vacation and business.
Ochiai left his hometown, Tokyo, to pursue his dream of becoming a film director in the US. He graduated in production from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts in 2006. He later studied directing at the American Film Institute Conservatory.
He has made more than 30 short films, commercials and music videos.
Ochiai asked the actors to work with kung fu specialists for two weeks before filming.
“Ken was very demanding in every scene of filming. I learned many things from his experience and skills,” said film star Thái Hòa in an interview with local media during the movie’s private screening in HCM City last week.
“I’m a comedian. I had no idea how to play action scenes. In Vệ Sĩ Sài Gòn, I had a chance to improve in a new field,” said the 42-year-old.
"I hope our film will entertain audiences at Christmas.”
Hòa began his career as a comedian in 1998 and later worked in script writing and directing in both theatre and film.
He has performed in more than 80 plays, films and TV series, with many of his films becoming blockbusters.
The film was completed in October after six months of filming.
“We believe that ticket sales will be successful as the film will be released during Christmas time, the year’s biggest season. We hope the film’s professional staff, who are of different nationalities, will bring a new taste to audiences,” said Hòa.
Vệ Sĩ Sài Gòn will be released on December 16. — VNS
