After 3 years of preparation, the movie Buddha Trần Nhân Tông – a story telling about the life and dignity of a talented and prominent King in the history of Vietnam – the founder of Trúc Lâm Zen (consisting of 45 episodes, directed by Meritorious Artist Văn Lượng, and the scenario written by writer Lê Phương) was expected to shoot in this September. On the August 9th, the film crew had an exchange audience in the Ho Chi Minh city.
To successfully develop a great character as Trần Nhân Tông was not simple. The filmmakers said an advisory board consisting of historian Dương Trung Quốc, Zen Master Lê Mạnh Thát, Prof. Mr. Nguyễn Đình Quang, Most Venerable Thích Quảng Tùng ... has been set up. There were 11 teams to develop scenarios, and then the best scenario would be chosen and sent to cultural, historical and Buddhist researchers for comments. The scenario was based on such novels as “Storm Tran Dynasty”, “Thang Long people”, “the legend of a hero against Mongolia invaders”, “Sacred Sword of Ham Tu”…
In addition to the making of costumes designs and thousands of props in the cultural spirit of Lý – Trần in more than 1 year, the filmmakers said a Vietnamese studio with old costumes of nearly 15 hectares has been built in Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh province. This was considered as the Vietnam's largest studio, with the model of "Thăng Long Citadel miniature".
Beside well-know actors and actress, to meet the needs of hundreds of actors and actress, the filmmakers has recruited new actors and actress and opened starring training classes with ancient costumes in Hai Phong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Uong Bi City. With one month training, the actors and actress will learn subjects such as meditation, bowing, sword using, horse riding, embroidery, mindful drinking of tea... with the teaching of Prof. Dr People Artist Nguyễn Đình Quang, Meritorious People Artist Mẫn Thu, People Artist Như Quỳnh, Meritorious Artist Lê Chức ...
According: M.Nga (nld.com.vn)
