The work belongs to the drama, modern, reformative, and social genres, and is considered one of the key projects at the end of 2025, gathering talented stars and a prestigious production team.
The film is directed by Ton Hao and written by Vien Khac Binh - a duo who have had success with many socio-economic drama projects. The two main actors, Trieu Le Dinh and Huynh Hieu Minh, took on the central role, reuniting after many years with the image of cadres in the renovation period. In addition, the film also features Tran Minh Hao, Chuyen Nguyen, Tan Tuan Kiet, and veteran names such as Truong Quoc Cuong, Luu Uy Uy, Ly Khe Nhue.
"City Builder" is set in the early 1980s, when Binh Xuyen district faced economic development challenges in the wave of reform and opening. The two young cadres Ly Thu Thu (Trieu Le Dinh) and Trinh Duc Thanh (Huynh Hieu Minh) are steadfast in the ideal of "a city of the people created by the people", together initiating the project to build Nguyet Hai Tran - a new urban area formed from primeval alluvial land.
Relying on the national budget, they and tens of thousands of farmers mobilized capital, joined businesses, and gradually built a modern city from zero. On that journey, pioneers face countless challenges - from mechanistic barriers, conflicts of interest to personal losses while still persistently pursuing reform ideals.
In 2025, Zhao Liying was involved in many controversies that seriously affected her image as a "national star". Both major film projects "Hoa Ngoai Duong" and "Tai Nhan Dan" were criticized for their bland scripts and lack of breakthrough acting, causing her to " lay hands" at awards ceremonies such as the Golden Rooster.
In addition, Zhao Liying's statement on social media also caused a storm when she frankly suggested a large media page and used harsh words to respond to love rumors, making the audience think that she lacked restraint and was unprofessional.
The dating rumors with director Zhao Deyin - who has a controversial background - further disappointed the public. Although she was once loved for her efforts and pure image, the actress is now considered to be going through the biggest "famous crisis" of her career, being turned away by the media and the audience.
Therefore, with the film "City Builder" having many plus points, attracting the attention of the audience, Trieu Le Dinh has the opportunity to become a successor if this project is successful.
