Why did you limit your appearances on screen for a long time?
- From "Dòng máu anh hùng" to the films after that, I once wanted to work continuously, participate in as many works as possible. It almost became an inertia.
One day, sitting in the middle of the studio, I suddenly realized that there was a project that was not worth the effort I put in. Almost every film I spent the same amount of brainpower and energy, but the value created was not the same.
Some works are not challenging enough, nor do they bring much spiritual value or cultural spread. Since then, I have received fewer films.
If I participate, I want to dedicate my whole mind and creativity. The value of the work created must be greater than the personal remuneration, then the work is truly worth doing.
Rare appearances make his name no longer as widespread as before. Do you regret the period when you were a box office star?
- Reputation and cat-xe are both personal interests. I want my contribution to spread wider than that scope.
At one point, I was no longer interested in pursuing fame. It was no longer a challenge that made me want to strive.
The more difficult a job is, the more likely it is to create value for many people, the more attractive I find it.
If someone says Johnny Tri Nguyen is "out of fashion", how would you react?
- Everyone has their own opinion and from their perspective, that opinion may be correct.
I am not too concerned about whether I am still in my prime or out of my prime. I participate in a film to contribute to a specific role.
If done well, that contribution can increase the attractiveness of the work and contribute a part to the foundation of film culture. I don't chase after "time".
What is there in "Ho Linh Trang Si" that is enough to convince you to return?
- I still receive invitations and am very grateful to the filmmakers. Some people say this role is like me, that role is easy for me to perform, but I myself don't see enough excitement.
To put it bluntly, some projects are not "capitalized" enough, not creating challenges. A film that is difficult enough will ignite the motivation that makes me want to dedicate all my heart.
Ho Linh Trang Si" is such a project. When the action part was completed, sometimes I jokingly told the producer that I wanted to "depart" because I had almost used up my creative energy.
After "Ho Linh Trang Si", do you want to continue with historical and ancient costume films?
- I hope the film can contribute to creating a new habit. We still have many historical stories, not necessarily just telling official history but can exploit mythology, mysterious history or heroic stories.
I have loved history since I was little. In my opinion, Vietnamese history is a cinematic treasure that not every country has.
A foreign historical film may be very good, but when the story tells about our ancestors, the emotions will be deeper.
Vietnamese history is also special in that we have been in the "underdog" many times but still overcome stronger opponents. Cinema always needs characters to face adversity and overcome what seems impossible. We have many such stories to exploit.
Looking back at your career, do you have any regrets?
- I don't regret it. Every journey, including things that were once considered wrong, gives me a lesson.
If I had not made mistakes or encountered problems, I would not have the experience and awareness I have now. If I could go back 10 years ago, I would still tell myself: "Just continue like that".
Fame is not my passion. It can go with work if I do well. Peace is an inner state, so I don't need to choose between peace and fame.
With "Ho Linh Trang Si - Mystery of King Dinh's Tomb", I hope the audience will accept the work. There is no perfect film, but we have tried our best.
Thank you for sharing!
