Movie Information: The Sun in the Dark

Tunnel: Sun In The Dark is an impressive Vietnamese historical-war-drama film, scheduled to be released in 2025. This is the debut project of director and producer Bui Thac Chuyen, who is also the author of the film's script. The film marks a turning point in Vietnamese cinema as it is the first war film to be invested entirely from private capital, instead of the state budget.

With the participation of talented actors such as Thai Hoa, Quang Tuan, Ho Thu Anh, Diem Hang, Khanh Ly, Anh Tu Wilson, Nhat Y, Hoang Minh Triet, A Toi, Cao Sang Le and Cao Minh, Dia Dao: Anh Duong Trong Bong Toi promises to bring authentic and emotional performances. The film was nurtured and developed by Bui Thac Chuyen for 10 years, going through many script edits to ensure artistic quality and historical authenticity.

Filming took place mainly in Ho Chi Minh City, starting in February 2024 and ending after 90 non-consecutive days in May 2024. The film had a press conference and introduction on March 6, 2025, and is expected to officially premiere on April 4, 2025, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South.

Details:

Director: Bui Thac Chuyen.

Main actors: Thai Hoa, Quang Tuan, Diem Hang Lamoon, Anh Tu Wilson, Ho Thu Anh, Uyen An.

Genre: History – War – Drama.

Release date: April 4, 2025.

Duration: 128 minutes.

Language: Vietnamese (English subtitles).

Suitable age: T16 (for audiences aged 16 and over).

Movie content: The Sun in the Dark

The film Tunnels: The Sun in the Dark, directed by Bui Thac Chuyen, is a cinematic work that vividly and realistically recreates the fierce days of the Vietnam War in the Cu Chi Tunnels in 1967. With the participation of a talented cast and the support of many special guests and Vietnamese stars, the film is not only a historical story but also an emotional journey that takes the audience through a range of emotions from tension, suspense to warmth and even moments of silence before the indomitable spirit of the guerrilla fighters.

Background and main plot of the movie Tunnel

The film is set in 1967, when the Cu Chi tunnels – a symbol of resilience in the resistance war against the US – became a key target of the US military. With fierce sweeps, the US military was determined to destroy this important underground defense line of the revolutionary forces. In the narrow, dark space of the tunnels, the “barefoot, steel-willed” people faced danger, bombs and even death to protect their homeland.

The story revolves around a 21-man guerrilla team under the command of Bay Theo (played by Thai Hoa). Their official mission is to protect the medicine warehouse of a field hospital – a vital resource in the war. However, hidden deep inside is a more important mission: to shield and protect the strategic intelligence group led by Hai Thung, hiding at the Binh An Dong base. This group plays a key role in maintaining communication and transferring information to the revolution.

The situation became critical when the intelligence team’s radio signal was detected by the US military. Immediately, a series of attacks from above and below ground were launched. M-48 Patton tanks, M113 ACAV armored vehicles, UH-1 Iroquois helicopters, and warships such as Swift Boat and LCM-8 were mobilized, creating fierce battles between the professional US troops and the Cu Chi guerrillas who had only rudimentary weapons but strong will.

Bay Theo's guerrilla team not only faced the enemy but also had to overcome harsh challenges in the tunnels: suffocating space, lack of food and water, and moments close to death. In those circumstances, they still maintained their team spirit, ready to sacrifice to protect each other and complete the mission. The warm moments of comradeship, the simple but meaningful words between characters such as Tu Dap (Quang Tuan), Ba Huong (Ho Thu Anh), or Ut Kho (Hang Lamoon) were bright spots amid the smoke and fire of war.

About the message the film wants to convey

Tunnels: The Sun in the Dark is not only a war film, but also a profound tribute to the anonymous people who silently devoted themselves to the Fatherland. The spirit of “determination to die for the Fatherland, determination to live” of the tunnel soldiers is portrayed through every action, every look, from the commander Bay Theo with his bravery and responsibility, to Tu Dap with the bravery of a “tank-destroying machine”, or Ut Kho with his innocence but no less resilience.

The film also offers a new perspective on the Vietnam War, different from what Hollywood has shown, emphasizing the creativity and indomitable will of ordinary people in an unequal war. Director Bui Thac Chuyen skillfully interweaves intense fighting scenes on the ground, by the river, and underground tunnels with everyday moments, such as simple daily life scenes or the small dreams of soldiers - like To Van Duc's dream of "drinking tea for fifteen minutes on the ground".

On the meaning of the movie

The authenticity of the film is shown through the reenactment of both fierce battles with heavy weapons and breathtaking confrontations between Cu Chi guerrillas and American “mole” soldiers. In addition, the film also depicts daily life underground – where soldiers both fight and maintain life in harsh conditions. The light glimmering in the darkness of the tunnels is also a symbol of their hope and indomitable will.

The Tunnels: The Sun in the Dark is not only a work of art but also has profound educational significance. The film evokes the gratitude of the younger generation for the silent sacrifices of their ancestors, while also sending a message about the value of peace and the responsibility to preserve history against the risk of information "invasion" in today's era.

Attractive cast in the movie Tunnels: Sun in the Dark

The film Tunnels: The Sun in the Dark by director Bui Thac Chuyen is a passionate cinematic work, realistically recreating the life and fighting of the Cu Chi guerrillas during the fierce period of the Vietnam War in 1967. To bring the story to life and depth, the cast of the film is not only talented but also those who have put all their efforts into transforming into the characters, living fully with the spirit of the soldiers of the past. Below is information about the main cast in the film, along with the efforts and emotions they put into their roles.

Thai Hoa plays Bay Theo

Thai Hoa, known as the “box office king” of Vietnamese cinema, takes on the role of Bay Theo – the commander of a 21-man guerrilla team at Binh An Dong base. This is a role that marks his impressive “transformation”, when from familiar humorous roles, Thai Hoa transforms into a farmer with a gun, a simple leader but full of courage and responsibility. Bay Theo is not an idealized hero, but the embodiment of ordinary people forced to stand up to protect their homeland. He commands with affection and understanding, always putting his teammates above himself.

To prepare for the role, Thai Hoa and director Bui Thac Chuyen met with veterans, studied historical documents and lived in the context of war. He shared: “Before, I only knew about war through books, but when I played the role of Bay Theo, I realized that growing up in peacetime was happiness.” Thai Hoa also proactively reduced his salary to support the crew, showing his absolute dedication to this meaningful project. This role not only affirmed Thai Hoa's diverse acting ability but also brought a close, lively character that touched the hearts of the audience.

Quang Tuan plays Tu Dap

Quang Tuan plays Tu Dap, a character inspired by People's Armed Forces Hero To Van Duc - who was once known as the "tank-destroying machine" in the war in Cu Chi. To fully transform into the role, Quang Tuan spent many months living with the stories of veterans and people of the "steel land". He lost from 77kg to 63kg in two months, undergoing rigorous training to portray the image of a skinny but resilient guerrilla.

Quang Tuan expressed that the role of Tu Dap was an “unforgettable privilege”. He shared: “Being inspired by the veteran uncles and aunts, I understand that without the spirit of war, the film would just be a normal action film. The uncles and aunts helped me and my colleagues do it right, do it deeply.” Director Bui Thac Chuyen’s meticulousness also supported him a lot, especially in the scenes he was not sure about – the crew worked together to find more documents to ensure accuracy. Quang Tuan’s role of Tu Dap is a testament to his efforts and respect for the heroic generation of the past.

Ho Thu Anh plays Ba Huong

Ho Thu Anh plays Ba Huong, a female guerrilla full of determination and resilience. To fit the character’s image in the war context, she lost 6kg and participated in special training courses such as swimming, diving, physical training and getting used to moving in the tunnels. Ho Thu Anh recalls: “We competed with each other to lose weight, every day someone checked. It was a very disciplined time, not eating and exercising continuously.”

The role of Ba Huong not only requires physical strength but also requires concentration to express the emotions of a soldier in life-and-death moments. Ho Thu Anh brings the image of a strong but also emotional female soldier, contributing to highlighting the indomitable spirit and camaraderie in the film. Her dedication helps the character become vivid and close to the audience.

Diem Hang plays the role of Ut Kho

Diem Hang Lamoon, a new face in the acting field, first entered the cinema with the role of Ut Kho - the youngest sister of the guerrilla team, a small but strong character who loves singing and is a source of encouragement for her teammates. Director Bui Thac Chuyen chose her after being impressed by Hang's innocence and purity at Vietnam Idol 2023. To prepare for the role, Hang put aside her music plans to wholeheartedly live with the character for more than half a year of pre-production and two months of filming.

Hang Lamoon shared: “Our young generation always wants to create great value and be recognized. But when I met the soldiers, I saw their silent contributions, unknown to anyone, but contributing to the common victory.” One of her most difficult scenes was the scene where she was trapped in a flooded tunnel with Ho Thu Anh. Not knowing how to swim in the film or in real life, Hang had to act realistically in the confusion between life and death, while maintaining safety and ensuring the camera angle. The role of Ut Kho was not only an acting challenge but also an opportunity for her to show off her sweet voice, bringing bright moments amidst the smoke and fire of war.

Meritorious Artist Cao Minh as Uncle Sau

Meritorious Artist Cao Minh, a veteran artist of revolutionary music, plays Uncle Sau – a character with an optimistic and profound spirit of the previous generation. As someone who has experienced the war years, he brings a special authenticity to the role. He said: “When filming in the Cu Chi tunnels, I cried countless times because I felt sorry for the soldiers who had suffered in the past.” Although the role did not have a crying scene, his true emotions naturally emerged during filming.

Meritorious Artist Cao Minh praised the young cast: “When I came to the set, I didn’t see any famous actors, everyone lived their characters.” He hopes that the audience, especially the young, will come to the theater to better understand the heroic war of the nation. His role as Uncle Sau is an emotional highlight, connecting the past and present in the film.

Other actors

In addition to the prominent faces above, Tunnels: The Sun in the Dark also brings together many other talented actors such as:

Khanh Ly (playing Cam): She is clearly aware of her responsibility in conveying history to the younger generation, emphasizing: “We must try to prevent the youth from being invaded in terms of information and history.”

Nhat Y, Hoang Minh Triet, Anh Tu Wilson, A Toi, Cao Sang Le: These are young faces full of enthusiasm, who have practiced and played roles together to recreate the life and fighting spirit of the Cu Chi guerrillas. They not only act but also live like real soldiers, contributing to lighting up the historical flame in the film.

Movie showtimes: The Sun in the Dark

The Tunnels: The Sun in the Dark is officially scheduled to be released on April 4, 2025 in theaters nationwide, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025). This is a moment of profound historical significance, helping the film not only become a work of art but also a tribute to the sacrifices of previous generations, while also arousing national pride in the hearts of Vietnamese audiences. With careful preparation and dedication from the crew, The Tunnels: The Sun in the Dark promises to be a highlight of Vietnamese cinema in 2025.

Note: Showtimes may vary by distributor.