The main cast of the movie 'Village Ghost' then and now

TV seriesVillage ghost(Director Nguyen Huu Phan) was released in 2007, adapted from the novel of the same name by writer Trinh Thanh Phong. The work is set in a poor rural area in the North in the 1980s, reflecting the backward subsidy mechanism and the moral degradation of local officials for personal and family benefits.

After airing, the film caused a stir with its novel script and the consistent acting of the cast.Village ghostwon the prizeSilver Kitein 2007 in the category of TV series. Director Nguyen Huu Phan once shared that he had difficulty in choosing suitable faces, exuding the personalities of characters living in difficult and turbulent times. Artist Bui Bai Binh, late actor Hong Son, Kim Oanh, Phung Cuong... were the people the director entrusted with key roles.

People's Artist Bui Bai Binh

Artist Bui Bai Binh plays the role of Tong - a sinister, scheming person. Before that, the artist was famous for gentle, honest roles such as Hoa (Guava season), Board (Life and journeys)... In 2006, Bui Bai Binh was encouraged by director Nguyen Huu Phan to play a villain role. When receiving the scriptVillage ghost, the actor was scared because the character Tong was very different from the films he had participated in. He pondered the content for a year before accepting.

The role of Tong was a turning point for Bui Bai Binh. Wherever he went, he was hated by the audience because of the character Tong's meanness. While participating in a film event in Ninh Binh, a commune official commented that looking at his face "made me want to smash the TV". After the film, the artist continued to participate in many television projects. In 2011, he was awarded the title of People's Artist. In 2015, he played the role of Ho Chi Minh in the film The Prophet by director Vuong Duc and screenwriter Hoang Nhuan Cam.

Late actor Hong Son

Artist Hong Son takes on the role of Do - a modern-day "Chi Pheo", who is always drunk and causes trouble in the village but is inherently gentle and kind. Hong Son proactively asked the director to accept the role of Do because he wanted to change after playing a series of villainous roles. At that time, he was successful in both drama and film with the following works:Me and us(play by Luu Quang Vu),Woman playing with sand,Anonymous eucalyptus tree,Reeds, Hanoi people...

The success of the role helped Hong Son win the sympathy of the audience, after a period of crisis due to drug addiction and gambling. However, in 2008, he had a traffic accident, breaking both legs when returning from Lang Son to Hanoi. After being discharged from the hospital, he continued to act in films, living alone in a rented house in Gia Lam. In 2011, he passed away at the age of 54 due to a heart attack.

Meritorious Artist Kim Oanh

Kim Oanh once begged the director to let her play the role of Lo - a "pregnant out of wedlock" woman, shrewish, homeless, petty thief. At that time, the actress was already famous for her role as Tuyet in Night Candles. With her strong appearance, sharp eyes, and thin lips, Kim Oanh had no difficulty playing Lo's role. From her waving hand movements, glaring eyes, and harsh voice, the actress left an impression.

Kim Oanh worked at the Youth Theater, then worked at Vietnam Television. Kim Oanh got married in 2006 but quickly divorced. In 2013, Kim Oanh continued to portray the character Lo in the second part ofVillage ghost-Ghost Village - 10 Years Later.In the new season, Lo is richer thanks to the compensation money from the project land. In 2018, Kim Oanh sat in the "hot" seat of the show Familiar Faces with Dam Vinh Hung and Quang Linh. Currently, she still occasionally performs and is quite secretive about her private life.

Phung Cuong

Artist Phung Cuong plays At, Mr. Tong's son - a naughty, cheeky young man. At used to be the "ringleader" who rented obscene tapes for the young people in the village to watch. This character is famous for the line: "My father is a big ghost, I am a small ghost". Phung Cuong was a new actor at that time, coming out of the training course of the Television Film Production Center, Vietnam Television. However, he was trusted by the director when given a heavy role.

12 years after the film aired, At is still the most memorable role in Phung Cuong's career. He said that wherever he goes, the audience calls him "At". Phung Cuong also participated in the following films:Wind in Kinh Village, Village of the Singles, Touching Memories, Escaping Youth... He continued to act in part two.Village ghost- At this time, after 10 years of wandering, At returned to the village, becoming a "new ghost" in the open door period. He also ventured into the field of directing. In real life, he married Phuong Thuy - Third prize winner of Sao Mai 2013 in folk music.