“The Rise” chronicles the history of Nguyen Van Troi School, established in October 1965 in South Vietnam. The work recreates a period of hardship and the radiant idealism of the "red seeds" within the R war zone. What sets this film apart is its exploration of the human psyche through exclusive, heartwarming interviews.

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The poster of “Journey for Peace” (Source: Media21)

Director Tran Vu Anh stated that the documentary features nearly 20 witnesses, uncovering unique and rarely mentioned stories. The film takes viewers on an emotional journey to understand a unique educational environment that taught people to respond to hatred with love.

“Journey for Peace” is based on the memoir of late Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, former Deputy Minister of National Defense. The documentary examines Vietnam’s strategic motivations for joining U.N. peacekeeping operations, tracing the force's path from the past toward its international future.

The film explains the origins of Vietnam’s “blue beret” units and their efforts to address strategic challenges. It highlights goals to protect national interests while contributing to global stability. Director Nguyen Hai Phong noted that the story reflects a process of overcoming barriers in strategic thinking, marking a turning point for the country’s broader vision.

The narrative moves beyond official records, drawing on the personal experiences of those involved in planning and deploying U.N. peacekeeping units. These accounts provide nuanced, first-hand perspectives beyond formal reporting. Senior Lieutenant General Vo Van Tuan, former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, noted that only those close to the operations can fully grasp the complexity of the mission, which even senior officials once debated. Vietnam’s participation was the result of aligning political will with vision. The journey of the "blue berets" is admirable, beginning with profound reflections on national interests and international responsibility.

Translated by Thuy Duong