* You must still have memories of your the first trip to Vietnam to shoot the film Indochina. Can you share these memories?
I first came to Vietnam 20 years ago. At that time, HO Chi Minh city, Hue and Hanoi were like a different world. I took much time to imagine that I was in Asia. Hanoi was also rather different. It was a city but was like a village, which was peaceful and quiet. Many cities in Asia developed like cities in western countries. Hanoi was a rare city that kept its ancient characteristics. At that time, I had to travel a lot from Malaysia to Vietnam to look for ancient scenery. In the 1980s, many families in Hanoi used oil lamps with flickering light, which left me with memorable feelings. I felt that the city was as peaceful as a village.
Before returning to Vietnam, I used to fear that after the passing of 20 years, like other cities in the world, Hanoi would lose its ancient features. Right after coming back, I wandered by myself in the early morning along streets around Sofitel Metropole hotel. I still felt the quiet in the city. The city was still charming. I chose a tea shop in a small lane and looked at people passing.
* What did you feel about Hanoians?
Two years ago, when making the film “Indochina”, as a first assistant, Mr. Tat Binh helped me select actors. He took me to watch different kinds of traditional art performances of Vietnam and meet artists. I visited houses of Ms. Nhu Quynh, Mai Chau and several famous Vietnamese actors and actresses, talked with them. I felt that I was like a tourist, only discovering the tip, and need to penetrate deeper into the life of the city.
Returning to Hanoi this time, the thing I am afraid most is that Hanoi is like other places. There are more and more people, motorbikes and motors. It is different in the past, with many bicycles and quiet scenery. However, there is still a difference in comparison with many places. In spite of the crowded traffic, people are still soft and are not stressful like those in London, Paris and New York. Hanoi has a lovely beauty.
* Thank you very much!
(CPV)
