“The Chosen Path” – documentary film that revives glorious past

Hanoi (VNA) – A documentary film entitled “Con duong da chon” (The Chosen Path) provides thorough and systematic information about historical events during Vietnam's struggles for national independence, affirming the right path that the Vietnamese nation has chosen.

"National Father Lac Long Quan and National Mother Au Co
Born our nation in an egg clutch
Including those who have passed away
And those who are still alive
Loving each other and having babies
Shouldering the duties left over by the previous generations
Advising their descendants on future affairs".

The verses in the poem “Dat nuoc” (nation) of poet Nguyen Khoa Diem open the documentary film “Con duong da chon”, which has been introduced on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the National Day (September 2).

The documentary revives struggles for the national independence and freedom of Vietnam (Photo: People’s Army Cinema)

The 22-episode series is the most elaborate work in the more than 60-year history of the People's Army Cinema.

The episodes, corresponding to each historical event and period, included: “Soul of the nation”, “For independence, for freedom”, “War base”, “The army of the people”, “Mastering strategic areas”, “Dien Bien Phu – A decisive battle in our history”, “A divided country”, “General uprising to save ourselves”, “Unity is strength”, “Surface-to-air combat”, “Legendary road”, “Overcoming challenges”, “Decision turning point”, “Striking while talking”, “Strategic attack”, “Exploratory strike”, “The central point of the Central Highlands”, “Fighting while proceeding”, “National reunification”, “New battle”, “Oaths on the big sea”, “Firmly believing in the chosen path”.

Numerous documents decoded, released for the first time

The wars have become something in the past, many leaders of the Party, State and army and historical witnesses have passed away. But all the historical milestones in different periods of the Vietnamese revolution are revived in the documentary.

According to Director of the People's Army Cinema, Colonel, Meritorious Artist Pham Tien Cuong, the documentary film aims to figure out the values that made up the Vietnamese strengths, highlighting the vision of the Communist Party of Vietnam in leading the revolution, the talent of military leaders and the borderless sacrifice by the people for the reunification of the nation.

In addition to synthesising and analysing historical events, the film also provides assessments and comments from many scholars, journalists, military experts and insiders on both fronts. With a systematic presentation, respect for reality and profound objectivity, “The Chosen Path” shows the soldiers’ points of view while reflecting many different aspects during the wars. Notably, the film also stresses the strength of the rear and the whole people as well as the problems posed in the cause of national construction and defence today.

Le Thi, general director of the film, said that “The Chosen Path” is a valuable documentary film covering a long span of time and space. However, the important milestone focuses on the period under the leadership of the Party and Uncle Ho, especially the two resistance wars against France and the US. These were arduous journeys full of the will and aspirations of the whole nation. The series will be a source of spiritual strength to energise current and future generations. Through the documentary, young soldiers will learn more about the glorious traditions of the country and army and then raise their sense of responsibility.

According to Thi, the attraction of the film comes from the objective and honest approach and the use of a large number of domestic and foreign documents that are decoded and publicised for the first time.

The film will be a source of spiritual strength for the nation and today generation to firmly step forward to the future. Through the film, young military soldiers will get better understanding about the tradition of the military and nation,” said People's Artist Dang Xuan Hai, content advisor of the film.

Experience well combined with creativity

In addition to many famous filmmakers such as People’s Artists Dang Xuan Hai, Le Thi and Luu Quy, the series also employed young up-and-coming directors like Dang Thai Huyen, Tran Vu Anh and Bui Chi Trung.

Despite difficulties posed by the spread of coronavirus, the film crew made sure the series was completed.

Thi said that the director's biggest challenge was to connect other filmmakers, inspire them, and honour their creativity, but also have to be moderate and create balance and continuity across the entire series.

“The film involves many directors, editors, and screenwriters of different ages, with different personalities. Therefore, I have to discuss carefully with them and assign specific tasks to each team so that the work does not overlap, and the characters and issues are not duplicated,” he said.

People's Artist Luu Quy has made dozens of history documentaries but said making his six episodes in this series brought a great sense of pride and responsibility.

Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh’s image in the documentary.

He added that he became very emotional when filming scenes at Da Deo Pass, Heaven Gate, Tam Co Cave and Road 20 Quyet Thang, where bloody battles took place.

He said he appreciated the talent, enthusiasm and creativity of young directors, adding that the participation of various generations of filmmakers brought a richer, more colourful perspective to the series.

“Field filming took more than a month, but the time for script research, planning, and post-production was much longer. During that time, we went back to many old battlefields and were touched by the sacrifices of soldiers at such a young age,” he said.

Director Dang Thai Huyen is at work. (Photo courtesy of the director)

Director Dang Thai Huyen said that strong pride and emotions were common among everyone involved in the project.

Huyen was responsible for the opening and closing episodes of the series, but belonging to the generation born and raised after the wars, she had to carefully study documents and consult experts to get more information.

“With the support and encouragement of veteran directors, I feel that I am much more mature in my career and have more knowledge for my future works,” she said.

Huyen said that while the project put a lot of pressure on her, it also gave her a huge opportunity to learn from more seasoned professionals.

“The seniors boast profound historical and military knowledge, while young directors are always looking for new ways to express themselves. They complement each other to create the best work” she said./.