The Rebel (2007 film)

The Rebel (Vietnamese: Dòng Máu Anh Hùng, literally "Blood of Heroes") is a 2007 Vietnamese martial arts film directed by Charlie Nguyen. The film stars Johnny Tri Nguyen, Veronica Ngo, Dustin Nguyen, and Nguyen Chanh Tin.

Set in French Indochina in the 1920s, the film follows Le Van Cuong (Johnny Tri Nguyen), a Vietnamese secret agent working for the French colonial government. Cuong is tasked with hunting down and eliminating anti-colonial rebels. However, his beliefs begin to waver as he witnesses the brutality of the French and learns more about the motivations of the rebels, particularly the female revolutionary, Vo Thanh Thuy (Veronica Ngo).

The film features elaborate action sequences showcasing the Vietnamese martial art of Vovinam. The Rebel was a critical and commercial success in Vietnam and helped to revitalize the Vietnamese film industry. It received international attention for its high production values, strong performances, and compelling story, and is credited with popularizing Vietnamese martial arts cinema globally. The film explores themes of colonialism, betrayal, and the struggle for independence.