Lottery ticket vendor 'rejects' 6.6 billion VND for a movie.

Based on a true story published in the article "Lottery Ticket Seller Rejects 6.6 Billion VND" in Thanh Niên newspaper on December 29, 2011, screenwriter Nguyen Manh Tuan and director Dustin Nguyen created the film "Winning the Lottery". The film was released in theaters during Tet 2015, starting on February 12.

Young actress Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, who plays the role of Thom - inspired by Ms. Lanh, the lottery ticket seller - Photo: CGV

An ordinary person, but not mediocre.

Ms. Lanh, originally from Hong Ngu District (Dong Thap Province), drifted to Ben Luc District (Long An Province) to sell lottery tickets. The story of her selling 20 lottery tickets on credit to Mr. Do Ngoc Tuan (Ba Chanh Thau Street, Ben Luc town), a tricycle driver, and then having those tickets win a prize of 6.6 billion VND, the poor lottery ticket seller still gave the full amount to the winner to collect 200,000 VND; and then the winner giving her the entire winning ticket back… for a time, touched the hearts of the public, highlighting that good people still exist in this world.

It was the fairytale-like "love" and the noble, selfless spirit expressed in Ms. Lanh's words: "He hasn't paid for these lottery tickets yet; whether they win or lose, they're his. If I don't pay, what will people think of me?" that moved writer Nguyen Manh Tuan when he read the article. On a chance visit to Ben Luc to meet a fellow writer, the writer had the opportunity to meet Ms. Lanh in person: a simple, honest woman, so straightforward in her words that the writer was surprised.

Writer Nguyen Manh Tuan recounted: “A person who makes a living selling lottery tickets is so genuine that those who meet her are moved by her very qualities. Ms. Lanh spoke to me in a relaxed, carefree, and down-to-earth manner, not the kind of self-aggrandizing, righteous way, and I quickly realized she was a fascinating character for a film script about ordinary people who are anything but ordinary. Nowadays, there are many people who value money excessively, but there are also those who, even while painstakingly earning every penny to make a living, remain sincere, kind, and would not do anything unrighteous or morally reprehensible for the sake of money.”

Thus, the script for the film "Winning the Lottery" was penned. To make it more concise and engaging, the screenwriter reinforced and interwoven many characters and created situations to enrich the true story, elevating its ideas and meaning without exaggeration. Later, through a relationship with actress and supermodel BB Pham (currently the wife of director Dustin Nguyen) from her starring role in the film "Tears from Afar," based on a script by Nguyen Manh Tuan, the script for "Winning the Lottery" was discussed and prepared by all three for over two years, before filming began in mid-2014.

Director Dustin Nguyen shared: “This true story made me really want to make a film about the wonders in society and people's reactions to this event. I hope that after watching it, the audience will feel more optimistic about life, because there are still many simple, unexpected joys around us.”

A comedy film that touches the heart.

Writer Nguyen Manh Tuan said he was pleased with how Dustin Nguyen adapted his script for the big screen because Dustin Nguyen was "extremely meticulous with every frame, setting, and actor selection, and had a skilled team working together in various departments." The author of famous film scripts such as "Blood Money," "Career Guidance," "The Weak Woman," "White Blouse," and "Journalism," added: "Dustin Nguyen didn't make this film to chase after silly comedies; his main goal was to create a moving film. Making a tickling film is simpler, but we tried to make it go beyond ordinary entertainment and demand that viewers have a sense of empathy. It's a comedy, but the core of 'Winning the Lottery' is emotion, aiming to bring tears to the audience's eyes. We did our best, but how the audience is moved is up to the market to decide."

The cast includes Dustin Nguyen, Thu Trang, Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, Chi Tai, Kim Xuan, Phi Thanh Van, Tieu Bao Quoc, and others. Currently a popular comedian, Thu Trang wittily remarked: “I believe each character in the film will not only bring joy and sadness to the audience but also offer them meaningful messages that the film crew will take home as a 'gift'.”

In particular, young actress Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, who plays Thom – inspired by the lottery ticket vendor Lanh – shared: “This is my most complete role since the success of my role as Nuong in 'The Endless Field.' I'm happy to receive praise from many colleagues after watching the film because I put so much hope and effort into this role. Playing a character based on the real Lanh has given me more faith in life.”

According to Thanhnien.online