Directed by veteran movie maker Ha Bac, the film features the Dien Bien Phu Battle during its most decisive moments under Gen Giap's leadership. The 20-minute film is dubbed in Vietnamese and French.
Named Quyet Dinh Lich Su (A Historical Decision), it depicts Gen Giap while he commanded a campaign of the most significant victory in the country's history, with his inner struggle interwoven throughout.
Talking about the film, Bac said that the image of Gen Giap standing silently with hands propped against the table while thinking is one of the most impressive. In the light of a flickering lamp and the moon outside the window, he is portrayed bravely, brilliantly and lucidly while making a key decision to keep our strengths intact for the victory in the Dien Bien Phu Battle.
"I consulted the general's relatives and close comrades, read his memoirs and visited the place he worked during the battle to make the film as truthfully as possible," Bac said.
He said although the war was cruel, he didn't try to make the film bloody.
"I reflect the war and the sacrifice of Vietnamese people and soldiers through humane pictures," he said.
"Examples of other war heroes, namely Be Van Dan, who used his body as a gun rack, Phan Dinh Giot, who covered a loophole with his body, and To Vinh Dien who even blocked a cannon with his body, were also included in the film."
When Bac worked as a game designer in 2008, he created 3D images for guns, tanks and weapons. It was then that he dreamed of making a 3D film of Vietnam 's war.
"I would like to send a message to younger generations that they should learn from the tactical military feats of General Giap and other heroes; bright examples to be followed for the national defence," said director Bac.
"Animated films with historical subjects help children easily approach our national history. In stead of playing violent games, children can watch a battle and feel the country's pride," he said.
The Dien Bien Phu Battle occurred between March and May 1954 and culminated in a comprehensive French defeat. The outcome influenced negotiations over the future of Indochina at Geneva . The war ended shortly after the battle with the 1954 Geneva Accords, under which France agreed to withdraw from its former Indochinese colonies.
Having more than 30 years of experience in the industry with many award-winning works, Bac was the first filmmaker to produce a 3D animated film, Giac Mo Cua Ech Xanh (The Green Toad's Dream) which won him a silver prize at the 15th Vietnam's Film Festival in 2007./.
