At the beginning of 2026, movies witnessed competition between prominent actresses, including Dam Tung Van with the role of Phuong Uyen Chi in "Nga chich son dieu hai", and Trieu Le Dinh taking on the role of Ly Thu Binh in "Tieu thanh dai su". Both have round faces, but the way characters are portrayed and acting skills are clearly different.
Dam Tung Van and the "safe zone" in acting
Dam Tung Van, graduated from Beijing Film Academy, stands out with her safe and reliable acting skills. In "Ngã đích sơn dữ hải", she transforms into Phuong Uyen Chi - a woman who goes through many stages from an innocent university student to a successful businesswoman. In the early episodes, with a ponytail and a white shirt, she shows purity, suitable for the image of an innocent student of the 1990s.
However, when entering the stage of maturity and strength, Dam Tung Van's acting reveals limitations. The scenes of crying, facing conflicts or social tensions lack weight and depth.
For example, when Phuong Uyen Chi was scolded by her adoptive father by her adoptive mother's grave, she cried weakly, unable to show her inner strength in Phuong Uyen Chi's dialogue "I don't deserve to endure that".
Netizens commented that she "cannot express the emotions of the times". When Phuong Uyen Chi was harassed in Shenzhen, her helplessness was like a new graduate, relying on others instead of reacting decisively.
However, when entering more mature scenes such as seeing off her father, she performed well with red eyes, gestures of suppressing tears, showing progress in scenes that require restraint and subtlety.
This shows Dam Tung Van's core point: acting safely, suitable for female students and gentle characters, but when encountering a strong, experienced female role, she lacks the necessary vibrancy and emotional depth.
Zhao Liying - outstanding talent
Conversely, Trieu Le Dinh proves her innate talent as a great advantage. In "Tieu Thanh Dai Su", she transforms into Ly Thu Binh very naturally. From gentle scenes to tense situations, all emotions are clearly expressed on her round face - which was once considered limited.
In "Wind Blows Half Summer", Hua Ban Ha's eyes flashed with ferocity, ambition and resilience just with delicate expressions.
Zhao Liying's round face became a brand, expressing both innocence and sharpness, turning the "cute face" into the "female lead's face" full of charisma. In "Little City Big Business", Li Shuping shows patience and reason, with frowns, gritting her teeth to suppress pain, creating a realistic feeling without crying too much.
Trieu Le Dinh is naturally gifted with innate talent; lively acting ability. While Dam Tung Van is well-trained but lacks some innate talent. Trieu Le Dinh is adventurous, breaks boundaries, creates her own mark, while Dam Tung Van still maintains a safe style and limits breakthroughs.
