Music video inspired by last royal family of Vietnam a hit

The music video Khong The Cung Nhau Suot Kiep (We Can’t Be Together Eternally) by singer Hoa Minzy.

Hoa Minzy (right) played the role of Empress Nam Phuong, the last empress of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945).

Empress Nam Phuong (14 December 1914 – 16 December 1963), born Marie-Thérèse Nguyen Huu Thi Lan, later Imperial Princess Nam Phương, was the first and primary wife of Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, from 1934 until her death.

She also was the first and only empress consort of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Wedding photos from the royal wedding: At the state ceremony that marked the end of the four-day wedding festivities, Nguyen Huu Thi Lan was given the title Imperial Princess and renamed Nam Phuong, which can be roughly translated as The South, in acknowledgment of her place of birth.

Through the song written by Mr Siro and the video directed by Kawaii Tuan Anh, Hoa Minzy told the sorrowful story of the empress.

On the wedding day, she was given a golden tiara and the title 'Her Imperial Majesty'. Bao Dai promised to have only one wife and would be faithful to her till the end of life, which was unusual at the time as like in other Asian countries, kings of Vietnam had many wives and concubines.

Bao Dai (left) also abolished the harem and pledged "a husband and wife" to Nam Phuong.

However, later on, the King also had concubines during the time serving as 'supreme advisor' in Hanoi and living abroad. The Empress lived in loneliness in An Dinh Palace in Hue, the former capital.

Hoa Minzy said it took two years to carry out the project as she and the crew wanted to recreate the historical events truthfully and emotionally.

Hoa Minzy's team consulted photos, documents and books to imagine the life of the empress. They also visited relics in Hue and consulted researchers.

The royal costumes were designed and made by Y Van Hien Company.

The wedding ceremony with rituals, costumes and music was totally based on historical documents.

The emperor and empress had five children.

The crew of 200 members finished shooting and producing the video in six months.

Many beautiful scenes of Hue city are shown such as the Royal Citadel, An Dinh Palace and Huong River. In addition, nha nhac (royal music) and ho Hue (the folk singing of Hue) are used in some parts of the video.

Hoa Minzy said she didn't want to create a product for entertainment only, but something educational.

“I hope to inspire the passion for history and culture to my audiences who are younger,” said Hoa Minzy.

The nine-minute long history-inspired video has garnered more than 648 million views on YouTube since its May 13 release.

Phan Thien Dinh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, said the video really helps promote the history and the image of Hue city to the world.

Dinh believed that it’s a creative way to introduce history to the younger population and popularise tourism and culture.