Ngo Thanh Van: 'The director of the Kong movie and I are just friends'

The action star shared that she admires the talent of American blockbuster directors and recounted what she learned from her recent $90 million Hollywood project.

Jordan Vogt-Roberts, the director of Kong: Skull Island, and she have repeatedly shown a close relationship when appearing together or talking about each other. What is the truth about their relationship?

- I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to know and work with many foreign filmmakers, including Jordan Vogt-Roberts. To me, Jordan Vogt-Roberts has always been a friend and a talented director. Working with him and his team has given me invaluable experience for future filmmaking.

When Jordan Vogt-Roberts and his team were preparing for the film and had just arrived in Vietnam, I assisted and advised them on some issues related to the setting and filming. I think this was just a small act of kindness and admiration to show them.

- Recently, you went to the US to film "Bright" - a major Hollywood project. How did this opportunity come to you?

ButMy agency in the US sent me my profile to audition for various projects, which led to me being offered a role in David Ayer's film Bright. I admire him for his work on Suicide Squad last year.

Four months of filming abroad coincided with the Lunar New Year in Vietnam. I didn't have the chance to celebrate Tet (Vietnamese New Year) with family and friends, but in return, I felt energized by participating in an international project like Bright.

Honestly, going abroad was just for studying. For me, getting a role with dialogue would require waiting in line for a very long time. No job is easy, and no challenge is simple to overcome. However, I believe that with dedication to the profession and doing your best, you can succeed.,The opportunity to realize your Hollywood dream will no longer be out of reach.

Ngo Thanh Van's character in "Bright" has platinum blonde hair.

- How does your martial arts background help you in your new role?

- Although I'm affectionately nicknamed a "female action star" by the audience, I still had to train a lot to get the best shots and meet the crew's standards. To embody my character, Tien, I had to learn shooting, practice martial arts, train physically, and adhere to a strict diet to ensure the most thorough and appropriate preparation.

But undeniably, my previous martial arts experience has helped me a lot in keeping up with the high-intensity training. After each role, I always feel I need to work harder and strive to improve my skills for the profession.

- What lessons have you learned about filmmaking in Vietnam after your experience shooting the $90 million project?

- I'm someone who enjoys working and always wants to connect with advanced film industries around the world to "learn" what they're doing and improve my understanding of the profession. From there, I can do what I want, freely create with my passion; but art always demands continuous innovation, so for me, nothing is ever enough. I'm still setting higher challenges for myself to keep moving forward. I hope that one day there will be a "made in Vietnam" film with a budget of 90 million USD like Bright.

Working with an international team has always been my dream. Therefore, even though I'm just a small dot in the bigger picture, I still feel happy because of what I've learned.

Ngo Thanh Van wore an ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) at the premiere of "Co Ba Saigon".

- As a director, actress, and producer with numerous projects under your belt, how do you balance your work?

ButFrom the very first years after returning from abroad to enter the showbiz world, I told myself that I must always be ready to embrace challenges and accept difficulties in order to hope for success. Over the years, I have never been one to sit still. Despite countless difficulties and controversies along the way, once I've made a choice, I must live with the strength and resilience of a warrior. I believe that every woman deserves to live like a goddess, and their life is the greatest novel of all.

I've always preferred to live with a clear purpose and goals in life. Once I start something, I focus on it seriously and with full concentration. Once I complete a task, I continue striving to achieve the next, higher goal.

According to VNE