Travel

A Beautiful Vietnam in ‘Once Upon a Time 7: A Wish’ by Ly Hai

"In addition to its heartwarming tale of family bonds, Ly Hai's 'Once Upon a Time 7: A Wish' has captivated audiences with its stunning visuals of Vietnam's landscapes. The film is a testament to the country's natural beauty, showcasing a diverse range of scenic locations that will leave viewers in awe."

Administrator

23 July, 2024

“Face Off 7”, the latest brainchild of director Ly Hai, is taking Vietnam’s screens by storm with its captivating content, meaningful messages, and impressive filming locations. Audiences are awe-struck as they are taken on a journey through famous landmarks across Vietnam, from familiar places such as Hanoi, Ninh Thuan, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dalat to the exotic K’Long K’Lanh village and Ly Hai’s studio. This unique combination has given “Face Off 7” a fresh look, attracting the attention of a wide audience.

Join us as we admire the beauty of Vietnam through the cinematic lens of “Face Off 7: A Wish”!

1 Hanoi, the Capital City

The movie “Face Off 7” is set in Hanoi, the capital city, where the family of the eldest son, Hai Khon (played by Truong Minh Cuong), resides. Through director Ly Hai’s lens, Hanoi emerges not only with the characteristics of a modern family today but also as a vibrant portrait of the city’s familiar locations.

From the idyllic Ho Guom Lake with the vibrant The Huc Bridge to the bustling Dong Xuan Market, the ancient Long Bien Station, the quiet O Quan Chuong Gate, and the modern Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line, all are vividly portrayed on the screen. Thus, “Face Off 7” presents a multifaceted view of Hanoi, a city that is both ancient and modern, peaceful and bustling.

Additionally, the film skillfully incorporates the unique cultural aspects of Hanoians, such as their speech, lifestyle, and culinary habits, contributing to a realistic and intimate portrayal of the city.

Hanoi in “Face Off 7”

2 My Tan Fishing Village, Ninh Thuan

The My Tan Fish Port in Thanh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province, serves as the main backdrop for the story of Tư Hậu’s family (Quách Ngọc Tuyên) and Tư Thắm (Tín Nguyễn) in the movie “Face Off 7”. This location not only offers a lively fishing village scene, characteristic of the central coastal region, but it is also where touching and emotionally charged scenes take place.

To authentically portray the lives of the fishing village residents, director Ly Hai mobilized up to 100 boats with the enthusiastic support of the local people. Thanks to their collaboration, daily life scenes, from the busy early morning market to the fishing village after a storm, come to life vividly and authentically.

The beauty of My Tan Fish Port is most evident when the majestic nature blends with the villagers’ livelihood. These seemingly simple yet emotionally charged scenes evoke a sense of nostalgia in the viewers.

In addition to the seaside scenes, “Face Off 7” also takes viewers to the lively Nam Hai Temple Festival. Held once every three years, the fishing festival is organized to pray for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest. This festival is not only a unique cultural feature of the local people but also a special highlight in the movie.

My Tan Fishing Village, Ninh Thuan

3 Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike the usual vibrant and bustling image, Ho Chi Minh City appears in “Face Off 7” with a rustic, humble, and familiar charm. Instead of high-rise buildings or bustling streets, the film takes viewers to the simple setting of Phu Dong intersection and its narrow alleys.

The story revolves around the family of the youngest son, Sau Tam, living in the heart of bustling Saigon, giving viewers a sense of authenticity as if they are experiencing the family’s life themselves. The image of migrant workers is portrayed realistically, showcasing their hardships and struggles for a living in a foreign land. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, they still maintain warm neighborhood relationships, sharing and supporting each other.

Through Ly Hai’s unique portrayal, Ho Chi Minh City in “Face Off 7” is not just a backdrop to the story but also a character that plays a crucial role in conveying the film’s message. The city emerges with a simple and unassuming beauty, fostering sacred family bonds and precious cultural values.

Ho Chi Minh City

4 K’Long K’Lanh Village, Lam Dong

One of the pervasive backdrops in the movie is the magnificent, pristine, and peaceful Central Highlands region. With its cold climate, the area exudes an atmosphere of mystery and harshness. Mrs. Hai (actress Thanh Hien), the film’s central character, lives here with her memories of her family and the childhood of her five children.

The filming location is K’Long K’Lanh village, Da Chais commune, Lac Duong district, Lam Dong province. Secluded on National Highway 27C, which connects the city of Da Lat with Nha Trang, K’Long K’Lanh may sound unfamiliar to many. Still, it hides untouched natural beauty unknown to many travelers.

Upon arriving at K’Long K’Lanh, visitors are awe-struck by the mystical and romantic scenery enveloped in thick fog. The place is desolate, serene, and breathtakingly beautiful. Here, one can immerse themselves in the pristine atmosphere of the mountains, experiencing the tranquility and serenity of nature. This will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting K’Long K’Lanh.

Moreover, the film captures the unique cultural beauty of the K’Ho ethnic group residing in K’Long K’Lanh. The simple and rustic lives of the locals, along with their traditional customs and practices, offer visitors memorable and distinctive experiences.

K’Long K’Lanh Village, Lam Dong

5 Da Lat

Lam Dong Highlands, especially Da Lat city, has long been the “muse” of Vietnamese cinema, appearing in numerous films, including the “Face Off” series. In part 7, director Ly Hai skillfully introduces audiences to a different side of Da Lat, not the usual pine forests, ancient villas, or the magical scenery of Xuan Huong Lake, but a Da Lat that is simple, rustic, dreamy, peaceful, and filled with fresh air.

By choosing the city center as the backdrop for the scene of the children’s search for their mother, Ly Hai evokes a sense of warmth and reunion. The scene of the large family gathering in the misty Da Lat creates an intimate, close-knit atmosphere.

Da Lat

Through Ly Hai’s perspective, the natural landscapes and long-standing traditional culture of Vietnam are portrayed authentically and captivatingly. The film’s panorama, stretching from the North to the South, showcases locations that are both familiar and exotic, making the story easy to follow yet intriguing. Notably, the cultural diversity of each region is vividly depicted, allowing viewers to appreciate the beauty and richness of Vietnamese culture.

Indeed, “Face Off 7” is not just a mere entertainment film but also a work that introduces the beauty of Vietnam to audiences. Through this film, every Vietnamese will fall in love with and cherish the traditional cultural values of their nation.

Frequently asked questions

The article is a nostalgic reflection on the beauty of Vietnam in the past. It reminisces about the country’s natural landscapes, traditional architecture, and cultural heritage, highlighting how these have changed or disappeared over time.

Ly Hai is the author of the article and a Vietnamese national. In the article, they express a wish for Vietnam to preserve its natural beauty and cultural traditions, while also embracing modern development in a sustainable way.

The article mentions places such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Mekong Delta as examples of Vietnam’s natural wonders. It also talks about traditional Vietnamese architecture, such as stilt houses and communal houses, as well as cultural practices like rice farming and silk weaving.

The article acknowledges that modern development has brought about significant changes to Vietnam’s landscape and culture. While there have been improvements in infrastructure and technology, some negative impacts are also noted, such as the disappearance of natural habitats, pollution, and the decline of traditional crafts.

The article has a nostalgic and somewhat melancholy tone as it reflects on the past beauty of Vietnam. However, the underlying message is a call for balance between modern development and preserving the country’s natural and cultural heritage. It encourages a sustainable approach to progress that respects and protects Vietnam’s unique characteristics.