Respecting being called "the mother-in-law of the nation"
As a rare female artist called by the audience as "national mother-in-law" on the small screen, what does this title mean to artist Ngan Quynh in her career?
- In many decades of art, I have acted in many film projects. However, perhaps what the audience remembers most is the roles of mother and mother-in-law.
Many people ask me if the title of "national mother-in-law" is a factor that helps me always have a position in the hearts of the audience? To be honest, I don't deny this. On the contrary, I feel happy to be affectionately called that title by the audience. It not only shows that the audience recognizes me in the image of a mother-in-law on television but also motivates me to break through in other roles.
Each role gives me a valuable experience, but perhaps when playing the roles of a mother-in-law, that is truly my strength. I took from the material of life, my own conclusions as well as observing, learning, and training myself for the most authentic roles, bringing emotions to the audience.
Taking on the role of a mother on screen many times will sometimes be counterproductive, making the artist's image unique in the eyes of the audience. What do you think about this point of view?
- For an artist, there is no bad role, nor is there any good, excellent, or important role in the way each person expresses. Both as a mother, I am confident that I can transform into different emotional states. I have experienced many roles, from the type of luxurious woman to the role of a poor person, I have confidently performed and been somewhat well appreciated by the audience.
I am not afraid of being called "one-dimensional", just afraid that I am not good enough to try my best through the roles. Each role, each story in the film is a challenge for me to overcome and pursue a more persistent career.
The image of a woman on screen was once judged weak by the audience, only knowing how to housewife, cook and support her husband in taking care of children. What do you think about this perspective?
- Perhaps during a period, family films stood out with stories revolving around kitchen corners, dining tables, and family gatherings, so women were painted with the image of caring for their families and housewives by filmmakers. However, I think this is not a way to drown women and think that because they only know how to housework.
As a woman, how do I understand their hardships? Taking care of and look after the family has never been an easy story. Requires them to be patient and have enough love and tolerance.
But besides that, I see that in the current period, women on the small screen are more diverse. They are portrayed as successful people in society, people who are not only good at housework but can also do business, control their finances, and lives...
Women or men, they all have their own roles, the comparison will be boring and it will be difficult to give the most accurate view.
So how is feminism in movies understood for you? Is it a strong, individual, good girl in martial arts... or any other aspect?
- We have come to believe that feminism is the act of women being strong, individual or even pursuing style like men... But perhaps, an independent woman, mastering her life and not depending on or relying on anyone is the factor of feminism.
Today, I see the way many people view feminism, especially in movies, differently. Instead of constantly caring about impersonation, clothes... we evaluate her as a strong girl.
However, there are girls who are still gentle, still cheerful, still dressed in silk shirts, but in the market, they are the decisive people, in their lives, they create essential values such as daring to love, daring to give up, daring to face challenges... For me, that is the correct concept of feminism.
So looking at her career, having gone through many ups and downs in her career, does artist Ngan Quynh think that being a disadvantaged woman cannot spend all her time on art but has to balance the factors of taking care of her family and acting in films?
- I have never felt disadvantaged about this, but on the contrary, I myself feel grateful for this. I am grateful for the experiences from my own life, from my family that have taught me many good materials to bring to the film. I think this cannot be learned in any school.
Moreover, being a female artist, I think I still have my own interests and not everyone's losses. We all have equal opportunities, whoever knows how to seize them can shine. Not only male artists, many female actors are still box office stars, still the names that guarantee ratings for a film. The important thing is each person's perspective, we think positively, everything will be fine.
At the age of U60 with more than 40 years in the profession, do you feel sad when up to now, many stars have become Meritorious Artists and People's Artists while you have not yet won these titles?
- I have been in this profession for quite a long time. At the age of 18, I became the official actor of the Tien Giang canal troupe under the stage name Kim Hong Hanh, it has been probably 41 years. If you ask me, do I wish to be awarded any title? Honestly, if I say no, I am clearly lying. I dream of being awarded a title worthy of my dedication, because that is an honor for the artist's life.
As an artist, being recognized by the audience is a great happiness for me. But if I am lucky enough to have a title, I consider it a gift that I cherish and preserve.
Family is the foundation
Looking at the married life of artist Ngan Quynh, many audiences admire her for having a warm home. So what is the secret to helping you balance between art and harmony in family life?
- My current life is much happier and luckier than many others. I have a small family that always encourages and supports me in my career. That is enough for me to have more confidence and motivation for my upcoming journey. Family is an inevitable part of my life, a place I can rely on when I am tired.
I think that, living in a family, the word "argue" is very important. In many years as a mother, wife and an artist, I have learned to be patient when facing bad things in life, knowing how to handle problems gently and in the most civilized way. That makes my life better and happier.
In the present, people see her as having a solid career, along with a happy family. Are you satisfied with your life?
- I myself do not wish for anything too high. I get to work and achieve my dreams in my career. I look up and cannot compare with anyone, but when I look down, I am happier than many people, and even luckier than them.
My husband always accompanies and loves me, so I can only say thank you. I also want to thank the audience for giving me a stable job, a life that is not called too rich but full. Currently, I just want to focus on roles, have more good characters on screen. And I will contribute to art until I no longer have the strength to do it.
The audience was surprised to learn that she sent her son to study abroad when he was only 15 years old. What makes an artist who lives emotionally and puts family first have such decisive decisions?
- At the age of 15, I saw my son being playful and dependent. At that time, I bought my child an item but he didn't like to use it and sold it on his own. When I asked why she didn't ask her parents' opinion, she said this was her responsibility, she had the right to decide for herself. I felt that my child was dependent, so I decided to send him to study abroad early even though I had a broken heart.
But one day, I will understand that parents giving birth to me is to let me taste all the bitter fruits and show me the value of money and labor.
On March 8, which gift is the most meaningful to you?
- That is peace of mind and seeing a warm and happy family.
