What Is The Last Secret of the First Emperor About? Discover the Story of Dinh Bo Linh at Anh Hung Co Lau

Following the release of The Last Secret of the First Emperor, the story of Vua Dinh Tien Hoang has once again appeared on the big screen. Set during the final years of the Dinh Dynasty, the film follows seven Ho Linh Trang Si, who are tasked with protecting the king’s coffin and taking him to his final resting place. Along the way, they face pursuits, battles and mysteries surrounding the king’s tomb.

Vua Dinh Tien Hoang grew up in the Hoa Lu region, where he became associated with the well known story of children training for battle with reed flags. He later built his own forces, defeated the Twelve Warlords and unified the country.

So, what is The Last Secret of the First Emperor about, who was Vua Dinh Tien Hoang, and where did his story begin? Let’s take a closer look at the film and revisit the journey of Dinh Bo Linh, from the boy known for his reed flag army to the ruler who became Vua Dinh Tien Hoang, through the outdoor live action show Anh Hung Co Lau in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.

What Is The Last Secret of the First Emperor About?

The film The Last Secret of the First Emperor is set after the death of Vua Dinh Tien Hoang in 979. The story follows seven Ho Linh Trang Si as they protect the king’s coffin on its journey to his burial site.

Alongside action and martial arts scenes, the film also draws on historical legends and folklore, bringing audiences back to a turbulent period in Vietnamese history. Hoa Lu, the Dinh Dynasty and stories surrounding Vua Dinh Tien Hoang all play an important role in creating the film’s setting.

From here, the story of Vua Dinh Tien Hoang raises a number of questions: Why did the king die under such mysterious circumstances? What was so important about his tomb that the seven Ho Linh Trang Si had to risk their lives to protect it? And before becoming the king at the center of the film, what kind of journey did Dinh Bo Linh go through?

A Glimpse into the Life of Vua Dinh Tien Hoang

Before becoming the Emperor of Dai Co Viet, Dinh Bo Linh spent his childhood in Hoa Lu, where he became associated with the familiar story of “reed flag battles.”

According to legend, when he was young, Dinh Bo Linh would play battle games with other children while herding buffalo. They divided into different sides and used reed flags as their battle signals. What began as a childhood game eventually became part of the story of the future king, who would go on to defeat the Twelve Warlords, unify the country and become emperor in 968.

But the journey from playing battles with reed flags to becoming emperor took place during a turbulent period in Vietnamese history. This is also the story brought to life in the outdoor live action show Anh Hung Co Lau in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.

The Journey from Dinh Bo Linh to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang

The period when Dinh Bo Linh came of age was also a time of major upheaval. After the Ngo Dynasty weakened, local powers rose across the country, leading to a period of division and conflict commonly known as the Twelve Warlords period.

From Hoa Lu, Dinh Bo Linh gradually gathered his forces, defeated the rival warlords and brought an end to the division. In 968, he became emperor, taking the title Dinh Tien Hoang and choosing Hoa Lu as the capital.

That is why the story of Vua Dinh Tien Hoang is not simply the story of a ruler from the Dinh Dynasty. It is also the story of Dinh Bo Linh, the boy with the reed flag army who lived through a period of conflict and eventually unified the country.

This story became the inspiration for Anh Hung Co Lau, an outdoor live action show currently performed in Hoa Lu.

Anh Hung Co Lau: Four Acts in Around 55 Minutes

Anh Hung Co Lau consists of four acts, telling the story of Dinh Bo Linh from his childhood to the unification of the country and his rise to the throne. The show combines live outdoor staging with circus, dance and traditional martial arts, along with stage effects such as fire, smoke, water and LED swords.

Act 1: Huyen Thoai Hoa Lu

The opening act introduces audiences to Hoa Lu and the stories associated with the land. Lotus flowers, birds and butterflies appear against the backdrop of a peaceful village. The atmosphere gradually changes as conflict and unrest emerge, setting the stage for the period of the Twelve Warlords.

Act 2: Tuoi Tho Anh Hung

The story then moves to the childhood of Dinh Bo Linh. After taming a wild buffalo, he is chosen as the leader by a group of children who herd buffalo together. His childhood is portrayed through scenes of martial arts training and mock battles using reed flags across the fields.

This act also brings the legendary reed flag army to life, one of the most familiar stories associated with Dinh Bo Linh’s childhood.

Act 3: Thu Phuc 12 Su Quan

This is the most action packed part of the show. The battlefield comes to life through war drums, fire performances, smoke and water effects, as well as combat scenes featuring LED swords.

One of the highlights is a scene where Dinh Bo Linh rides a horse across a zipline and shoots down an enemy general. The act leads to the moment when the rival forces are defeated and the country is finally unified.

Act 4: Le Hoi Thong Nhat

After the battles, the show comes to an end with a festive celebration featuring drums, flag processions, the royal procession, traditional folk performances and a dragon dance.

The reed flag dance and the coronation of Vua Dinh bring the story to its conclusion, marking the moment Dinh Bo Linh ascends the throne and a new chapter begins for Dai Co Viet.

Book Anh Hung Co Lau Tickets on Vio App

Want to discover the story of Dinh Bo Linh, from his childhood battles with reed flags to his rise to the throne? Book your Anh Hung Co Lau tickets on Vio App, choose a suitable performance and head to Thuy Dinh Stage, Pho Co Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh to watch the show.

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