Thanh Lan

A Song Is Not A Note

The Purple Horizon

Since its first premiere in 1971, a classic Republic of Vietnam (1954-1975) war romance feature based on a fiction novel by military writer, Van-Quang. The film was lost for more than 4 decades when the communist forces took Saigon, Republic of Vietnam's capital, on April 30th, 1975. Digitized and restored from surviving 35mm prints archived by Japan film studio Imagica Lab; now transferred to UCLA Film and TV Archive. This film provides an almost unknown perspective on the Vietnam War, the Republic of Vietnam, and the RVN Army. The stage is the Republic of Vietnam, and the scenes portray a time during the Vietnam War as experienced by the Southern Vietnamese people, themselves. Phi, a soldier, longing to take Lien off to their private, imaginary space (the Purple Horizon), understands what his duty and commitment as a soldier is. Lien is a singer whose style is reminiscent of the "Torch" singers of the early 1930s. She desperately longs to escape the world with Phi to their purple.

The Girl on the River

A reporter interviews a former prostitute from South Vietnam about her sheltering of an injured Vietcong leader during the war.

Cards on the Table: The Great Flood and the Tango no. 3

In 1959, Luan is appointed Commander of the Great Flood Operations and of Binh Duong's Security Corps, with full authority to stabilize this province. The Liaison Department of the Republic of Vietnam, under the support of the United States, send commandos to North Vietnam for reconnaissance. If the commandos successfully infiltrate, they will respond to South Vietnam with a tango. Tango No. 1 and Tango No. 2 have failed. What will become of the third tango?

Cards on the Table: The Last Warning

Luan continues to serve as the governor of Kien Hoa province and receives classified information sent by Y5, an agent installed by Kien Hoa Security in the Communist Party of Vietnam. He tries to identify Y5. The coup in 1960 ends with victory for the Republic's government, but unrest soon proves this result impermanent.

Cards on the Table: Blue Sky in the Split of Leaf

The Government of the Republic of Vietnam is subjected to military attacks and protests everywhere. Law 10-59 is enacted. Luan is sent to the United States for further military course training. Upon his return in early 1961, Ngo Dinh Diem decides to make him the governor of Kien Hoa province (Ben Tre today) to conduct the Pacification Program, with special privileges at his disposal.

Cards on the Table: High Pressure and the Freshet

In 1963, amidst tense relations with Buddhism that may face international backlash, the Ngo family try to find a way around the situation, calling on Luan for missions worth his life. Saigon is heated. A coup may be under preparations. Tran Le Xuan goes on a diplomatic tour of Western nations, determined to clear names.

Cards on the Table: Wreath on the Grave

The year 1963 drags on heavily. Rumors about the US-backed coup are spreading. Ngo Dinh Diem's ​​government continues to suffer from a severe loss of popularity that is still worsening. Two lots of trafficked drugs from the Golden Triangle to South Vietnam have vanished into thin air. Luan sets out on what may be his final collaboration with Ngo Dinh Nhu.

Stone Tears

A woman is killed in a mysterious accident. Five years later, her soul enters a body of a man who had just died and goes to find her old lover.

The Secrets Beneath

A police officer receives a worn-out and traumatised woman who begs him to take actions against a ruthless man that ruined her life, and only gives his moniker, Tín Mã Nàm, meaning “crazy horse” in Cantonese. As the officer sets out to search for Tín Mã Nàm, a network of intricate crimes, espionage and bloody murders beyond his imagination begins to unfold.