Lê Hoàng Hoa (1933–2012), born in Nha Trang, was one of the most famous directors of South Vietnamese cinema before 1975. His real name is Đoàn Lê Hoa. During his filmmaking career, he also adopted the name Khôi Nguyên. Some of his best known films before 1975 include: Gác chuông nhà thờ, Điệu ru nước mắt, Vết thù trên lưng ngựa hoang, Con ma nhà họ Hứa... After 1975, he is known for: Ván bài lật ngửa, Đằng sau một số phận, Vĩnh biệt mùa hè, Tình nhỏ làm sao quên, Vĩnh biệt Cali, Lệnh truy nã, Tây Sơn hiệp khách... In particular, Ván bài lật ngửa / "Cards on the Table" (1982 - 1987) is considered one of the classic works of Vietnamese cinema. Lê Hoàng Hoa, alongside actor Nguyễn Chánh Tín who is the star of the series, has conquered generations of Vietnamese audiences. The screenplay was adapted by him from the draft of the novel Giữa biển giáo rừng gươm ("Amidst a Sea of Spears and a Forest of Swords") by writer Trần Bạch Đằng. The series was so successful that the writer later took its title for the officially published novel. "Cards on the Table" won the special prize of the 6th Vietnam Film Festival in 1983, the Silver Lotus award of the 7th Vietnam Film Festival in 1985. Lê Hoàng Hoa died at dawn on July 31, 2012 in Ho Chi Minh City, aged 79.
