As soon as "The First Promise" aired during prime time, many viewers argued about the appearance and aura of the beauty queen character in the film. How do you face this pressure?
- The journey to Vi Minh is a great predestined relationship. I went through many auditions until I received trust from the director and the crew. When reading the script, I was attracted by the journey of maturity, the complex psychological changes of the characters, and the humanistic message that the film conveys. I know Vi Minh is the biggest challenge of my career to date.
Regarding the debates of television viewers in the past time, I completely listened. This is a role that puts me under heavy pressure from styling to acting. How to exude the aura of a beauty queen in accordance with the "strict imagination" of the public is not easy at all.
Before filming, I spent time practicing catwalk, bodybuilding and honing knowledge about the beauty world. However, those things could not help me in a day or two own the appearance and aura of a real beauty queen. Instead of trying to brace myself to be a "standard beauty queen" in terms of appearance, I focused on researching the script, practicing expressive skills to highlight the psychological hidden corners and injuries of the character. I want my character to become as truthful as possible, instead of just a flower vase.
Throughout more than half of the movie's broadcast journey, which segment did you feel most satisfied with - where did you really live completely with the character?
- That is the scene in episode 8. After a fierce argument with his father, Vi Minh went to a hidden corner to relieve his frustration and Son came to comfort him. When I started filming, I could no longer distinguish between the character and myself. All emotions were suppressed, feeling sorry for myself because of the unrecognized efforts of both Vi Minh and Trang Emma in real life as if they were united. When the director shouted "cut", I still sobbed uncontrollably, completely forgetting the presence of the camera or the crew around.
The acting profession is likened to being a daughter-in-law to a hundred families. Looking back at the journey from the first day of entering art to now, how has your professional thinking changed?
- I feel much more mature. In the past, I was quite emotional, whenever I had energy and love, I would rush in. But going the long way, I understand that acting not only needs instinct but also a cool head to think, observe and regulate emotions. Now I am no longer eager to prove myself, but want to go slowly but surely.
Doing this job, pressure comes from many sides: From public expectations to being strict with myself. Many times I am in a precarious position, wondering if I have gone in the right direction. But the feeling of happiness when living the life of the character and the love of the audience kept me here. In particular, family is the biggest support that helps me steadfastly move forward.
Working in an entertainment environment, what has changed your view of a "true beauty"? If you were given a message to yourself for the next 5 years, what would you say?
- I admire veteran artists who maintain kindness and perseverance in their profession. The most difficult thing in art is not to become famous quickly, but to maintain a calm attitude in the face of storms.
After the recent experiences, I realized that true beauty must come from within. Just like the message of the movie: Beauty is not in the crown, but in the value you bring to life. Behind the screen, I choose a simple life: Being with family, learning new skills and learning to be gentler with myself.
If I want to send a message to myself for the next 5 years, I just want to say: "Thank you for not giving up". All the strict challenges at present are valuable materials that help me be more steadfast.
Playing the character Vi Minh in the film is actress Trang Emma (real name Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang, born in 2000). She graduated with a major in Psychology from the University of Pedagogy. Coming from a photo model and a "non-professional" face entering the film industry, she has accumulated experience through previous television projects such as "Village in the city", "Near and far roads", "No time". Unlike the sharp image of a beauty queen on screen, in real life the actress pursues a youthful, dynamic style and maintains a discreet lifestyle.
