“This is a real action movie so Van has to work really hard before she acts in the kungfu fights and breathtaking chases. The audience will be amazed at how real the fights are,” says Johnny, who also serves as martial arts director of the movie.

“The romantic scenes must also be pushed to its climax,” he adds.

Returning from an acting course in Hollywood, Van is confident of doing justice to her role, including the romantic scenes.

“My character is a girl who grew up with social evils around her and has been through many ups and downs; she finally sees the love light that has transformed her. I’m trying to feel the love inside this character. I want to act at my best. The tempting eyes, the shaking hands, the trembling breath, everything must be real,” says Van.

Initially co-starring in the highly successful “The Rebel,” Johnny and Van are a well-matched duo on the screen.

Commenting on the film, which is produced by Chanh Phuong Company, Van says erotic scenes are not commercial tricks to draw more cinemagoers.

“We just want to make the film easier to watch,” says Van, adding that she would postpone singing for the next two months to focus on her role.

Van initially won the Best Leading Actress award at the 15th National Film Festival 2007 for her leading role in “The Rebel.” And this coming movie will cost her a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but she’s willing to maintain two practice sessions a day with Johnny to upgrade her martial arts skills for the film.

“I don’t want to foretell if this will be another success like “The Rebel” or not. I just want to try my best to accomplish my role and contribute something to this movie,” says Van.

The movie, directed by Le Thanh Son, is to premiere in early 2010 during the Vietnamese New Year holidays.

Thirty-five-year-old Johnny has divorced his first wife Cathy Viet Thi, whom he has two daughters with, and is said to be dating Van. Neither has confirmed or denied the rumors.

Johnny is a Vietnamese American film and television actor, stunt double, and martial artist. He left Vietnam at the age of 8 with his family, mother, father, older brother, and older sister and moved to the US.

Reported by Quang Vien