Original subtitles

THE LEGEND OF THACH SANH

During the reign of King Hung IX, many tribe leaders vied to be king.

The country was plunged into chaos. People lived in utter misery.

King Hung himself led the troops to war.

Duong Tuyen was the last tribe that needed to be conquered.

The people of Duong Tuyen are a headstrong lot.

This battle cannot be avoided.

Im ready to lead the archers to annihilate those rebels...

upon His Majestys order.

His Majesty doesnt want to see Duong Tuyen mistreated.

They are our people too.

He just wants to win the rebellious general over.

Van Lang has ruled the Vietnamese tribes for a long time.

It is time for a new ruler.

I, Lord Bac Ho, possess invincible power...

and the strategic forces of Duong Tuyen.

Its Heavens will that I shall ascend the throne.

Lets prepare to march forth and fight for His Majesty!

Yes, my lord!

The throne...

will be mine today.

Kill them!

Go ahead and kill me if you want! Dont you dare insult me.

Youre a brave warrior. I dont want you dead. Listen.

Ever since the tribal rebellions began, countless lives have been lost.

It has weakened our coutry and our people are living in misery.

If you promise to give up this fight for the throne...

I wont launch a punitive expedition against Duong Tuyen.

Your Majesty is sage and benevolent.

I thought my superior fighting skills would make me a better king.

But a ruler like me will only cause the people to sffer.

Our meeting has enlightened me.

Id like to bow before Your Majesty to show my remorse.

I pledge myself to your service.

Long live the King.

Long live the King.

Peace has finally returned to Van Lang!

Congratulations to His Majesty!

Congratulations to Van Lang!

King Hung restored peace within the kingdom.

Van Lang grew in wealth and prosperity.

King Hung took the regnal name of Hung Dinh.

Alas, the peace was soon shattered for an ogre in the north was on a rampage...

leaving death and destruction in its wake.

No one could kill the ogre.

And finally, the task fell upon the King Hung himself.

Shoot!

Halt!

Congratulations, Your Majesty.

Protect His Majesty!

Shoot!

Kill it!

Fight a duel with me, beast!

Your Majesty!

May Your Greatness have mercy on us...!

We have erred in our ways and offended Your Greatness.

May Your Greatness have mercy on us.

Without His Majesty, Van Lang will perish.

We will give you whatever you want.

Anything you want.

The ogre ordered a temple built and the people to worship it as their god.

The people of Van Lang had to offer it food, fruits and wine...

as well as a young man for sacrifice every month.

For the peace of the kingdom...

King Hung had to swallow the humiliation and his anger...

and give in to the ogres demands.

Heaven, Earth and our ancestors, please forgive me!

Because of my limitations and weaknesses, I am forced to worship the devil.

I deserve to be punished for all eternity.

I only implore you to help the kingdom escape this calamity.

Im a useless king.

The thought of my people being sacrificed to the ogre pains me to no end.

My people must resent me.

Your Majesty, please do not be dismayed.

The ogre has supernatural powers,. No one can defeat it.

If we dont submit to his demands...

the ogre will wreak death and destruction in Van Lang.

We can only give in to it for now to gain temporary peace for the people.

We are greateful and we pledge our allegiance to Your Majesty.

Why would anyone bear resentment?

What does the falling star portend?

Your Majesty, its a good omen.

Our country will escape this suffering soon.

Our ancestors have answered our prayers!

Look!

Its a boy.

Thank God for giving me this son.

Ill nurture and educate him with all my love.

You were born from stone. I shall name you Thach Sanh.

Twenty years have passed.

The Ly family is conferred the title of Grand Duke.

On the full moon of this month, send a son to Bac Son as a tribute.

The Ly family will be credited with ten bars of gold...

and be taken care of by the court for life.

Accept this decree!

-Thank you, Your Majesty! -Thank you, Your Majesty!

Your father died when you were litle.

Youre all I have.

And now youre going to your death.

How am I supposed to live without my son?

Mother.

Calm down. Dont worry.

Ill figure something out.

Mother...?

Congratulations, Princess.

Princess, your archery skills are improving.

Yes, Father has been an excellent teacher.

Yes.

Whats going on?

Guards, protect the Princess!

Shoot!

Shoot!

Gather round!

-Xuan Lan.-Yes.

-Thu Truc. -Yes.

Lead Princess into the Woods.

We have to go, Princess.

Wait.

We need to go back and check on the rest.

Princess, please dont worry. They know how to protect themselves.

We have to go.

Princess.

Xuan Lan!

-Xuan Lan!-Forgive me... I cannot protect you anymore.

.Xuan Lan...!

.We have to go!

.Princess, flee like the wind. Ill hold them back.

Thu Truc...!

Im Thach Sanh. Are you all right?

Thach...

I failed to protect the princess.

I would have died if reinforcenents hadnt arrived in time.

Your Majesty, please punish me.

You did your best.

I wont blame you.

Our priority now is to rescue the Princess.

I command you to lead the troops to find her.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

General Sam Linh. General Thai Dien.

And Ky Tran, you must find the Princess.

-Yes, Your Majesty! -Yes, Your Majesty!

Are you awake?

Ly...?

Yes?

Heres the deposit from Official Thai An.

He has guests over. Deliver two vats of wine to him withim the week.

Be punctual.

Sure. He lives in Cay Da hamlet, right?

I know. Dont worry. Ill send the wine over on time.

Mother...?

Wake up and take your medicine.

My son.

Im suffering from anxiety.

Its not something herbs can cure.

Mother, just focus on getting well.

Let me take care of the rest.

Ill raise more money so we can flee the country.

My son.

No! We cant do that.

Our family has predged loyalty to His Majesty.

Youre planning to flee.

This will be a humiliation to our family.

Ive thought about it.

Our ancestors lived here and so shall we. Even if we were to die.

Ill follow you to the ogres temple.

But...

Dont be afraid of death.

It awaits all of us.

Generals.

The scouts spotted our enemies. dead, in the eastern jungle,

They were killed by an axe.

Heres the identification tag that weve found on one corpse.

Bring it forth.

-You may go.-Yes, General.

Those people were probably from Cat Vang Island.

Not much is known about that island.

The Princess will be in grave danger, if she has been kidnapped by them.

It is the custom in Cat Vang to cremate their dead.

It looksmlike they were all killed.

Someone must have intervened.

Which means the Princess was rescued.

This is a major turn of events.

I must report this to His Majestiy night away.

General Ky Tran, youre seriously wounded.

Stay here to recuperate. And continue to search this area.

Thai Dien.

Leads your troops to the southeast and find out more about the axe wielder.

The axe is the tool of the folks in the southeast.

What do you think?

-I agree. -I agree.

Whats your name?

Wheres your family?

Why are you here by youself?

Im Quynh Nga.

I live in the Imperial City.

I was here with my escorts.

But they died trying to save me.

Those men in black were not your everyday bandits.

I think they wanted to kidnap you.

I think so too.

You were shot with a poisoned dart.

Your home is a long way off.

I think its best if you stay here to recuperate.

Dont worry about anything.

Ill escort you home when youre better.

Thank you.

The fish is cooked.

Ill serve you a portion.

Thank you, but...

I dont eat meat anymore.

Im fine with just fruits and vegetables.

I dont wish to take any lives.

The apples that you just ate were alove too.

Ive lived here for a long time.

Everything around us...

be it a twig or a blade of grass, has a life of their own.

They came to this world, grow up and die just like we do.

Do you believe in karma?

Why do you ask?

While I was being chased by those men in black...

I thought of the deer I had just killed.

While I shot and killed those men...

my people were killed.

And I was badly injured.

Perhaps Im being punished.

To be honest...

I despise those who kill for pleasure.

But death can have a higher meaning too.

Regrets arent the only thing death leaves in its wake.

Some give up their lives to leave something behind.

For instance, these fish died so we could live.

In other words...

they left their home to become a part of us.

I think you should be grateful for your friends sacrifice...

instead of mourning for them.

Are you trying to console me?

Im telling the truth.

The deers sacrifice you about karma.

And thanks to your friends sacrifice, youre saved.

Dont grieve.

Your duty now is to live better and meaningfully to repay their favour.

I understand now. I wont mourn anymore.

Please accept this bow and arrow as a token of my gratitude.

Try them out and see if they are a good fit.

Youre a brilliant archer.

Poor tree. It probably wont survive.

To be honest, I despise those who kill for pleasure.

I will miss you when its time to go.

Dont worry. I will visit you, all right?

Really?

But my father is very strict.

He wont allow me to see you.

Well...

Ill try my best to ask your father for his consent.

Im sure I can talk him round.

It wont be easy.

He dotes on me...

but hes very strict about who I can meet.

Ive always been lonely.

I love him but he makes me so mad sometimes.

Dont say that.

Youre very lucky to have a father.

Hes so strict because he cares deeply about you.

I was orphaned at a young age.

Sometimes I really miss my parents but I dont know where to find them.

I want to go back to the village but I have no reason to.

Why didnt you go back to the village?

It must be lonely. living out here by yourself.

No, its not. This was my parents shelter.

They preferred staying here than in the village.

Its nice and warm here.

Besides, the village is very near. I visit it sometimes.

Oh yes, they will be celebrating the harvest tonight.

Do you want to go?

I can take you there.

But...

I dont have a proper outfit. How am I supposed to go?

You can wear my mothers dress.

It was what she wore when she first met my father.

Please dance with us.

General, welcome to our ceremony.

The Princess has gone missing in the woods.

I am here under His Majestys order to find her.

Please allow us to search the area.

That is very serious news indeed.

General, Ill allow you to conduct the search.

Go ahead, General.

-Men! -Yes, General.

-Search the place. -Im over here.

Princess.

What audacity! Kneel before the Princess right now!

-Soldiers! -Dont be impertinent!

Hes my saviour.

You may all rise.

Pardon me for my ignorance.

Hero, may I have your name so I can report this meritable deed to His Majesty?

Why did you conceal your true identity?

What else have you lied to me about?

Im sorry.

I have to go.

Farewell.

Please forgive me.

I was afraid that you would keep me at a distance if you knew.

Everything Ive shared with you is what I truly feel.

You should go home.

Dont let your father worry about you anymore.

Wait for me in the cave

Ill be waiting for you!

Princess...!

-Father... -My sweet child.

How are you? Let me take a look.

Please spare my life!

Business has been poor and my aging mother is sick.

Furthermore, I am to be sacrificed to the ogre this month.

Please think about my familys impending status as Grand Duke...

and spare my life.

Grand Duke? Who cares?

We are the Khat Lang bandits. Wanted for robbery.

To us, even King Hung isnt worth much. Who do you think you are?

Hand over all your money now!

Wait, Nhi Lang.

he is a dead man walking.

Rather than take his meager savings now...

why dont we wait intill he has been sacrificed and take the gold?

Nhi Lang, Tu Ca is right.

All right, we are done with this Grand Duke for today.

Ill wait for the day to collect the gold.

Thats a brilliant idea. Tu Ca! Youre shorter but smarter than us.

Dont hit your head, watch out!

Just you remember it!

What did you just say?

I cant reach the rafters even if I stand on tiptoe.

Would I have hit my head?

How dare you...!

My money is dearer than my life.

You want to take my money?

No way in hell!

Thank goodness for the chivalrous hero you met.

Or I might not get to see you again.

Ill send gifts to thank him.

May I go along too? Please?

No.

Youre not allowed to leave the palace...

until I find out who wanted to kidnap you.

But I promised to visit him.

It is a great honour to save the Princess.

You neednt go personally to fulfil your promise.

Ill order General Ky Tran to see him.

I really want to meet him.

Please let me go.

Have you fallen for him?

How dare you. Have you forgotten that youre a princess?

Princess from across the land wish to marry you but you want this commoner?

Mother was a commoner too...

but you love her deeply.

Youve never remarried even though she passed away years ago.

Are you talking back to your father?

Your mother was a paragon of virtue.

How dare you compare your mother to this stranger!

Youre arguing with me over a commoner?

-But Father... -Not another word!

Whats the matter?

What do you think?

Im really mad at you.

Let me ask you. Why didnt you tell me that your mothers sick?

Im tired.

Youre tired? I was only kidding. Please sit down.

I have some fresh fruits for your mother.

-Thank you. -Oh my God! Youre handsome today.

You are so muscular.

My mother will love these fruits.

Of course. I chose them personally.

-Whats the matter, Mieu? -Stand up.

Let me ask you. When are you going to marry me?

Well, I need to discuss this with my mother.

-Remember to do so. -See you later.

-Remember to discuss it with your mother. -All right.

-You have to marry me. -All right.

Who do you think you are? Take a look in the mirror.

Hey, Grand Duke. Come here!

Sure...

Wake up. Tam Lang.

Just my luck.

Be quick, Grand Duke.

Yes, what do you want from me?

Is this wine for us?

You must have guessed that well be thirsty in this heat.

Please show me some sympaty.

This wine belongs to Official Thai An. I cant give it to you.

If youd like some wine. Ill bring over two more vats later.

-Hey! -I have to go now.

Hey, listen!

If Im late for my delivery, Ill be punished by the official.

Listen to me! You...

Who do you think we are? How dare you say that!

I dont care if this is for an official or even the King himself! Hand it over!

No, I cant.

Pardon me, please...

How dare you disobey me!

Ill bring you wine once Im done with my work.

How dare you disobey us!

You imbecile...!

Pardon me...Ill hand it over.

-Are you handing it over? -Yes, anything you say!

Be quick!

Here you go.

Here you go.

Here you go.

Impudent rascal! You should have offered it to Tam Lang first!

Sorry, I really dont know who is more superior.

You beat me without Tam Langs permission...

I thought you were the leader.

What audacity! How could you drink first?

Im sorry.

Wow, Tu Ca! Youre really strong with heavily muscled shoulders.

I bet you can drink anyone under table.

Here you go.

Wow! It looks like youre stronger than Tu Ca.

Here you go.

Oh my! Tu Ca,youre so strong. You drink like a fish.

I bet that all the wine you have wont be enough for me.

Please enjoy.

Wow, you look stronger than Tu Ca.

But Tam Lang, you reek of alcohol.

Tam Lang, are you all right?

My wine is very potent.

Ive never seen anyone who can hold their liquor so well.

Of course.

I guess its every man for himself in this dog-eat-dog world.

You who talk much err much!

Tam Lang has weathered all kinds of tribulations with Nhi Lang.

I was still in my nappies then.

I see. But I still think youre the stronger of the two.

Dont gloat just yet.

Ill show you true strength.

It comes from the inner self.

Yes, perhaps my limited vision prevents me from grasping what you said.

-Tu Ca. -Yes?

Lets have a round of arm wrestling.

Do we have to do this?

Weve never done this before.

Im sure that youre right. Muscles dont mean strength.

Do you see this?

I can kill a buffalo with one punch!

But one must always show respect towards the elders.

Yes. Pardon me.

Im an ignorant and foolish man.

I see now. The rules of propriety dictate that you give in to Tam Lang.

I guess well never know whos stronger.

Tu Ca, its just a friendly game.

Give it your best shot.

Dont make any concessions for me.

I have an idea. Whoever wins will get this vat of wine.

Tam Lang, youre a real man.

I am a weakly coward next to you.

If you really wish, I shall oblige.

Come on.

Come on.

Oh my! Tu Ca, youre so strong.

A man of your strength can be so much more than a bandit.

You see?

Every time he gets mad. he cuts someone down.

And this time, its me...

I cant take on the both of you, but I have no problem tackling just one.

Youve bullied me for a long time.

Its payback time.

How dare you!

Tam Lang...!

After him!

Stop right there...!

Hurry up!

Dont kill me...!

Are you all right?

The bandits are trying to kill me.

Help me!

This is a Khat Lang matter.

Stay out of it.

Or do you want to be killed too?

There are many jobs you can do but you chose a life of crime.

Turn over a new leaf.

If not, Ill punish all of you.

Kill him!

Phu Van strategy!

I shall carry out justice on Heavens behalf. Prepare to die!

Please spare my life.

I promise to disband the bandits.

We will turn over a new leaf.

Dont believe a word of it.

How can we possibly let you go? A leopard doesnt change its spots.

Id rather take your head to the officials and claim my reward.

I have a reputation to keep.

If I were to go back on my word, I will lose all standing among the bandits

If I have to die today, Id rather die in your hands, not his!

Dont listen to him.

Wait.

Go now.

Thank you.

Im indebted to you. Ill never forget that.

Alas, my days are numbered. Ill rapay your favour in my next life.

Why do you say that?

My house is in the Imperial City. Those bandits will ambush and kill me.

You should flee.

They will be out to seek revenge on you.

Im not worried. I can take on a hundred of them singlehandedly.

Let me escort you home.

Youre a formidable fighter.

I will always be in your debt.

I wanted to help.

You need not worry about repaying me the favour.

Besides, Im heading to the Imperial City too.

Lets travel together.

After you, Hero.

You fight well.

Where did you learn to fight?

Everyone in my family knows martial arts.

My father died fighting when I was litle.

My mother disapproved of me learning to fight.

I only know the bare basics.

If not for your help, I wouldnt have dared to take them on.

May I know your name, Hero?

Im Thach Sanh.

Thats good name.

What business do you have in the Imperial City?

You can tell me. Ill try my best to help.

Im going to the Imperial City to see the Princess.

Im telling the truth. We met in the woods.

Do you have any idea how I can see her?

The Princess is royalty. She is of noble birth.

Not anyone gets to meet her.

Were mere commoners. Its a crime to want to see her.

I live near the palace.

Why dont you stay me for a few days?

Ill see if I can figure something out.

That would be great.

Thank you so much.

And dont call me Hero

Im younger than you. I shall call you Older Brother.

Its my pleasure and honour to be your brother.

But Im just a penniless wine seller.

And I have an aging mother to take care of.

Im not worthy to be your older brother.

I come from a similar background.

Sometimes...

I feel so lonely.

If you dont mind...

Lets become sworn brothers.

This pendant belongs to the Ly family.

It is yours now.

Ly Thong, tie it for me.

-You may rise. -Yes, Your Majesty.

How has the Princess been?

Your Majesty, the Princess hasnt eaten for days.

Prepare another meal, I will dine with the Princess.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Be quick.

Our kingdom has been blessed with peace and prosperity...

but the good days are coming to an end.

Father, what happened?

Im growing old.

And youre my only child.

But youre starving yourself and ignoring me for a stranger.

Who will rule the kingdom along with me?

Please forgive me, Father. I was wrong.

I wont do that anymore.

Tuck in.

Does he truly love you?

Or is the after your status?

He feels familiar, like someone Ive always known.

He only found out Im a princess before I returned to the palace.

Girls your age tend to follow their heart.

When youre in love, nothing else seem to matter.

Im sorry.

I promise Ill always obey you.

Ill help you rule the kingdom.

Ill do whatever you want.

So you will give up this commoner...

and marry one of the princes of my choosing?

Im your only child and youve showered me with so much love.

I should repay your love.

I will do as you say.

But my heart will always belong to him.

You have a clear head.

Youre my daughter indeed.

Well, if he truly loves you...

he will overcome all obstacles to be with you.

If he succeeds in doing so, he shall be the prince consort.

Thank you, Father.

This is for you, Mother.

Thank you.

Here, drink it.

You were out all night yesterday picking herbs...

and now you have to take care of me.

Ever since you took me out to get some sun...

my healt has improved.

Im so lucky to have you as my son.

Your good health is our happiness.

Oh, yes.

Go and wash up, have some breakfast and take a rest.

Sure.

But Im not tired.

Ill bring the herbs over so Ly Thong can make the wine.

Sit here and relax.

Ill bring you in later.

Please relax.

-Youre home? -Ly Thong.

-Ly Thong.

These are Bach Di flowers.

They only bloom at night.

It must be tiring for you to pick them.

But if we dont pick them at night, they will wither when the sun comes up.

These flowers are the secret to our delicious wine.

We have to be very careful with the amount we use though.

Too little and you wont teel its effects.

Too much will damage the mind and even drive one insane.

Ill show you the formula later.

It sounds harmful to the body. Dont add it into the wine.

No.

If we dont put it into our wine...

our wine will be the same as the cheap wine you see everywhere.

Cheap wine is just as bad as bad for our heath.

When taken in moderation, our wine imparts vigour and vitality.

Thats what makes our wine so famous.

I see. So thats why most of our customers are the rich.

Yes.

This secret recipe has been handed down the family for generations.

I cant hire any helpers, lest it leaks out.

With your help, we will be rich soon.

Ly Thong.

Ill go to the palace tomorrow to find the Princess.

I have so much to say to her.

No matter what happens...

Im prepared.

I understand.

The Princess is beautiful.

No one can take their eyes off her.

Although she loves you...

the two of you can never be together.

She will be made a laughing stock if she marries you.

If you love her, you have to stand in her shoes.

I know that.

But I just want to see her.

I wont put her on the spot.

You take leave of your senses when youre in love.

If you barge into the palace...

youll be killed before you get to see the Princess.

The Princess loves to hunt.

I have some friends working in the palace.

They will let me know when shes out.

You can see her then.

Meanwhile, all you can do is wait.

Really?

So you will arrange everything for me?

Ill do everything you say.

Let me handle it. Dont worry.

Wait, the Princess and I agreed to meet sgsin in the cave.

If she comes out now, she wont see me.

I told you, if the Princess comes out, we will be informed.

We will know as soon as she leaves the palace.

Youre not thinking straight.

Does being in love make one stupid?

All right...you win!

Ill take you with me to the palace tomorrow.

Perhaps you will run into the Princess by chance.

Really?

Yes.

My lord, Ly Thong is here.

Please accept these two vats of wine.

Thank you very much.

Thanks to your wine, I was praised by His Majesty.

Youve always been so attentive.

Lavishing me with gifts even when youre just visiting.

Oh, its nothing.

Just a little token of my appreciation.

Regarding what I asked you before, do you have any information?

This is my younger brother.

Your younger brother?

Yes.

Wow...little elephant?

Oh my...

what a handsome lad.

So very sculpted.

If youre busy...

let him deliver the wine in your stead.

Certainly, as my lord wishes. Ill send him with the wine.

Oh, you.

My lord. Regarding what I asked you, how did it go?

My lord...?

What?

Regarding the favour I asked, how did it go?

His Majesty doesnt allow the Princess to go out.

Why are you so concerned about the Princess?

Do you want your head to roll?

No, no! Please dont be mistaken.

My family is indebted to the Princess.

I wish to give her this precious wine personally.

Thats the oly reason Im asking.

I see. Well, now you know.

I have to go back now.

Before His Majesty looks for me.

If I have any information...

Ill let your brother know.

Oh I mean, Ill let you know.

Sure.

Sure.

My lord, we shall take our leave now.

See you.

Lets go.

Lets go.

I stayed in the cave for a week but I didnt see Thach Sanh.

I asked around the village...

but no one knew where he went.

I dont suppose something untoward happened to him, right?

Boss.

Ive already said Ill pay up in the last month.

Actually, my brother needs the money.

He just fought the Khat Lang gang.

Because they owed me money but didnt pay up.

My brother has a of a temper, you see.

Boss, it has been a while since we has the Khat Lang gang.

It was said that they were disbanded by a muscular man.

Could that be him?

Im so sorry, Brother Ly Thong.

Please be merciful with me.

I dont know your brother is so strong.

Why did you give me so much?

Its fine.

Just keep all of it.

Thanks to your brother...

I wont have to worry about the Khat Lang gang raiding my shop.

Take it as a token of my gratitude.

Grt your brother to keep an eye on my shop if you can.

I wont stand on ceremony then.

Certainly...

Ill tell him of your generosity.

Ill get him to deliver wine to your shop in my stead in future.

Help me take care of him.

All right, Im off.

All right...

Why is this happening?

Were out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Too many people of Van Lang have died in vain.

Today, we will rise against the ogre.

We will hot hang our heads in shame any longer!

Hear hear...!

Charge!

The ancestors have come to me in my prayers.

They say the ogre is a thousand-year-old python.

Our people are the descendants of the fairy and the dragon.

The ogre wants to eat the people of Van Lang...

to increase its power.

Once the ogre has eaten 250 men...

it will become invincible and humans will forever be enslaved.

Your Majesty.

Weve already sacrificed 242 men to the ogre.

The ogre is close to achieving its goal.

Ive seen many a strange omens when I studied the stars.

It is time for us to fight back.

We cant wait any longer, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

The ogre many be strong...

but perhaps we can wear it out in a protracted battle.

Also, the ogre has a weakness.

In the battle twenty years ago, the ogre had to dodge our arrows.

What the both of you have said is in line with my thoughts.

Two months from now...

we shall lead the troops against the ogre.

What do you think?

Adviser?

Your Majesty.

It will be the rainy season in another two months.

It will be to our disadvantage to launch an attack then.

I think it will be wiser to lead the attack next month.

Im afraid it will be too rushed, our army wont have ample time to prepare.

That will make it difficult to fight the ogre.

Your Majesty, we are ready to follow you into battle any time.

We pledge full allegiance to the country.

We pledge full allegiance to the country.

Very well, a month it is then.

We shall discuss tactics and strategies to kill the ogre.

Upon my command, all troops will storm the ogrestemple to battle it.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Please take them back.

You dont have to do this.

After you came, we no longer have to live in fear of the Khat Lang gang.

We are indebted to you.

These are just fruits from our gardens.

Hero, please accept them.

Well...all right, but this is the last time.

Please dont give me any more gifts.

All right...

We will do as you say, Hero.

All right...

We will do as you say, Hero.

They plied you with gifts again?

I told them that I accept it, but they were insistent.

I made sure this is the very last time.

The weather has been horrid lately.

You poor thing.

Its all right.

Ill get the rest of the orders delivered tomorrow.

Thank you.

Go and have a bath.

Ive whipped up a few nice dishes.

Well have a good dinner later.

Sure, Ill be right out.

Take a seat.

What a spread!

Ill ask Mother to join us too.

No.

Just sit down and eat.

She has eaten and taken her medicine.

Shes sleeping now.

Just enjoy the food.

All right.

Lets drink to our hearts content tonight.

Bottoms up.

This is boar meat.

Ive prepared it spedially for you.

You must have missed bush meat.

Ever since you came, youve helped me out tremendously

But I havent been to do much for you.

Do you still see me as your brother?

Why are you so formal today?

True, true.

Youre my dear brother.

Is something troubling you?

You can confide in me.

Its nothing Lets drink.

I shall savour the delicious taste of our wine taday.

Bottoms up.

Is it Mother?

If you truly see me as your brother, tell me whats wrong.

Im not drinking till you tell me.

Ly Thong...

-Ly Thong. -I will kneel before you.

-Ly Thong! Please get up! -Let go. Let go of me!

I have to obey His Majestys command...

and be sacrificed to the ogre tomorrow.

My death is inconsequential.

But I worry about Mother.

Please take care of her for me.

Of course I will. Im her son too.

I will do anything you say.

Please get up. Ly Thong.

Tell me about this ogre.

Its a demon from the north.

No one has been able to kill it.

His Majesty is forced to worship it.

Every month, we have to offer food and a young man to the ogre.

Or else the ogres wrath will fall upon the people.

Every family has to chosse one person to offer as a tribute.

And its our turn tomorrow.

This is preposterous.

Let me go in your stead.

Ill kill the ogre!

You cant.

The ogres skin is as hard as iron and it spits fire.

No one can kill it.

His Majesty is invincible.

He conquered and united the tribes in just a few years...

but even he is no match against the ogre.

If I cant kill it...

Ill sacrifice myself in your stead.

You are all Mother has.

Im an orphan with no kin or kith.

I can die in your stead.

You have to stay and take care of Mother.

If Mother loses you, she wont be able to live.

I am nothing.

Youre still young.

You have a long future ahead...

and you have to meet the Princess.

I should sacrifice my life for our family...

to repay His Majestys kindness.

But...

Im your elder brother.

You have to obey me.

I forbid you from mentioning this again.

I just want you to promise me Youll take care of Mother.

All right. I promise.

Youre good brother.

Here, lets drink.

This is His Majestys decree.

I have to bring it along with me.

So when will you be leaving?

They will come and fetch me at midnight.

Im afraid Mother will be upset.

I wont bid her farewell.

Console her for me.

Ive prepared her medicine.

You must make her take it.

Ive written down the recipe for our wine and left it under the pillow.

All my savings are in the trunk. Use it as you deem fit.

And remember. Take care of yourself.

Dont worry. I will.

Good.

Lets drink up.

Bottoms up.

Come on. Drink up.

Drink up.

Ever since you came. my workload has become lighter.

I regret that our time together is so short-lived.

I have to go soon.

Please take good care of Mother.

I just want you to promise me that youll take care of Mother.

Ly Thong...?

Please take care of Mother...

Wait for me in the cave.

Come at me.

Grand Duke, its time to leave.

Ive been assigned by His Majesty to take you to tht temple.

This coat represents His Majesty seeing you off.

After you.

Oh my goodness!

Hes our familys saviour.

We owe him so much.

How could you let him take your place?

I didnt know. I was passed out drunk.

It grieves me too.

I swear Ill repay him in my next life.

Who knows if there will be a next life?

Our family...

owes him so much.

Its my fault.

If I hadnt slept so soundly. I could have stopped him.

Im your only son.

If I die, how are you supposed to live?

I had to do this for you.

You cant live without me.

Its one life in exchange for two.

His sacrifice is worth it.

But...

Its too late to change anything.

If this gets out...

our family will be disgeaced and condemned.

Its better fpr all of us to just respect his decision.

What should we do now?

Now?

Prepare some food.

We will offer it to Thach Sanhs soul.

May he rest in peace.

The soldiers havent made a peep since we started on the journey.

All of them are deaf and mute.

So what happens in the temple stays within the temple.

His Majesty doesnt wish to frighten his people.

I wish I were deaf and mute too.

Why do you say that?

For the past twenty years...

Ive seen the good men of Van Lang walk into the darkness.

Ive heard them scream and moam.

And the ogre roar.

It breaks my heart every time.

But I had to it again and again.

My biggest wish is that a hero will come to fight the ogre one day.

The ogre is a true menace.

At this rate...

how many more are going to die'

I see that youve brought a weapon with you.

Do you intend to fight the ogre?

Not just the ogre.

9I will fight any villain I see!

Excellent!

Let us take out our resentment and hatred on the ogre then.

Youre a true hero.

Drink this cup of wine.

May we be kin in our next lives.

-Yes, my lord. -Bittoms up.

Princess, whats the matter?

I dont know why but I feel uneasy.

I will summon the physician right away.

After everybody has left the mountain...

you will hit the gong thrice to summon the ogre.

All right, dont worry. Just go down the mountain.

Tell me your wish. Ill try my best to fulfil it.

I have a gift for the Princess.

Please give it to her for me.

Im just a low-ranking official.

Its hard for me to see the Princess.

But I have friends in the palace. Ill seek their help.

Ill do what I can.

Dont worry.

Thank you very much.

Lets see if your eyes are as impenetrable as your skin.

Here are our offerings to you.

Rest in peace.

I have a gift for you.

I ve worked very hard on it.

Here, like this.

Yes, like this.

Father, is Mother gone and living up there now?

The body belongs to Earth whille the soul belongs to Heaven.

So is she really gone?

Death comes for everyone.

Death means stepping into a new life.

Shes waiting there for us.

Why dont we go and see her now?

I miss her so much. I dont want to live anymore.

We have to continue living for those around us.

Only God can decide when we die.

If you sin, you wont get to see your mother or your ancestors.

When you were born...

this axe was next to you.

It was glowing.

This axe can glow?

Perhaps this glow is what protects you.

I havent seen it glow...

in a long time.

I have to go now.

Father...

I cant protect you anymore.

Remember.

Always have the axe with you.

Yes, Father.

Father...!

Hero, please rise.