Director Long Van was born in 1936 in Hanoi. Then he and his family went to Thai Nguyen to join the resistance. At the age of 14, he was sent to study at the Central Campus in China, studying with Prof. Dr. Nguyen Lan Dung; GS. Ho Ngoc Dai… After 1954, he graduated from the Pedagogical School and worked at the Ministry of Education.
Keeping her passion for art in her heart, when she heard that the Vietnam Film School was holding admission for the first course, Long Van immediately took the exam and was accepted. However, due to the excess number of students, the school suggested that he switch to the acting class and study directing.
Directed by Long Van. (Photo: TP)
Artist Long Van has spent nearly 20 years working as an assistant director and deputy director for seniors such as Pham Ky Nam, Huy Thanh, Bach Diep, Nong Ich Dat… After that, he began to gain attention when he directed the film Call aheadwon a special prize at the International Film Festival in Moscow, 1979. A year later, Long Van made a film The meeting place of love, For all tomorrow.
Director Long Van’s career flourished with Saigon Rangersn – the first color film of Vietnamese cinema premiered in 1985 including 4 episodes named respectively Rendezvous, Silence, Storm, Give me back my name. Immediately upon release, Saigon Rangers caused a huge resonance and was among the most popular films of Vietnamese cinema at one time. The film is also considered a domestic cinema legend.
Poster for the movie “Saigon Rangers”. (Photo: TL)
Talking about his fate of directing the movie Saigon Rangers, artist Long Van once confided: More than 30 years ago, on a flight, he happened to meet Major General Tran Hai Phung, former Commander of the Saigon Rangers. Major General Tran Hai Phung said he really liked some of the films directed by Long Van, and suggested that he should make a film about the Saigon commandos. After that, he began his journey to meet prototype commando soldiers such as Tu Chu, Bay Be, Nam Ne…, then proceeded to create the film.
Not only has a successful career, director Long Van is also known for his sweet love story with artist Kim Cuong. When talking about her, he always shows respect and gratitude to the artist of the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army’s Song and Dance Troupe, who accompanied him through many hardships, helping him spend time, Passionate about works of art.
The passing of director Long Van made many colleagues sad and mournful. Screenwriter Trinh Thanh Nha regretfully wrote: “So the couple in the film industry, Long Van – Le Phuong, has disappeared together.”
