Phuong Khau is an original series set during the Nguyen dynasty, chronicling the life of Empress Dowager Tu Du, the mother of Emperor Tu Duc.
According to Tuoi Tre, Phuong Khau will be available to watch for free on YouTube in early 2020. Directed by Huynh Tuan Anh, who is known for his 2017 film Lo To, the series will be divided into three parts with a total of 18 60-minute episodes.
The screenplay is written by Ton That Minh Khoi, a descendant of the eighth Nguyen Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat. Khoi is also the founder of Thien Nam Lich Dai Hau Phi, a group of friends who are devoted to researching power struggles and politics among women in the court and the dynasty's culture. The group also acts as the co-producer of the web drama.
“Vietnamese history rarely took account of women in the palace, so it’s remarkable that the team behind this project has been able to put the pieces together to produce a web series on this topic,” Professor Le Van Lan, the project's historical advisor, told Tuoi Tre.
Empress Dowager Tu Du will be played by actress Hong Dao, who is well-known among Vietnamese audiences within and outside of the country. Prominent theater performer, actor and comedian Thanh Loc will play the third Nguyen Emperor, Thieu Tri, Tu Du's husband; and young singer and actor Jun Pham will portray Emperor Tu Duc.
When it was first announced, the series stirred many online discussions revolving around its portrayals of the ancient court and its star-studded cast. Recently, Phuong Khau also released an impressive one-minute trailer. Take a gander below:
[Photo via Youtube channel O.S Phuong Khau Official]
