Why did People's Artist Thu Ha refuse the title 'jade leaf and golden branch'?
To overcome herself, People's Artist Thu Ha - considered a "jade leaf and golden branch" of Vietnamese cinema, decided to play the role of Bach Cuc to create a strong, different character from herself.
5 years after "Song of the Sun",Thu Hajust returned to the small screen with "Sunflower Against the Sun" broadcast on airVTVfrom December 14. 5 years is a period of time that makes many things change, especially filmmaking technology. Did you encounter any difficulties when making this film?
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People's Artist Thu Ha. Photo: LAN ANH |
-It was very difficult because I had to concentrate very hard because the lines were long and too difficult. Bach Cuc in the film is a strong, determined person, she shouldered the entire family corporation, she always confronted all the other roles in the film with struggle and hatred. Bach Cuc's color is completely different from mine and from the roles I have played. Honestly, it was because of that huge difference that I accepted this role. I wanted to surpass myself.
But to be honest, it took me a while to get used to the rhythm of the film. And it wasn't until I watched the trailer that I felt somewhat reassured. When I received the first 20 scripts, I felt so heavy, I didn't even know if I could overcome myself. At that time, the script was still being written, I also expected the next episodes to be lighter. I didn't expect that the later the editing would push the drama to the end. I had experienced this pressure once on stage, it was the role of Ai Trinh in the play "Cat bui" but on television it was my first role. Luckily, director Vu Truong Khoa always reassured me, I had great support from him.
So do you have any pressure from your family because it's probably not easy for you to arrange to film for half a year?
- From the past until now, I have always had the support and assistance from my family. It has been a long time since I acted in a movie, so I have to arrange all the housework reasonably. I always think that in my career, I am a lucky person. My artistic path is quite easy, I have achieved everything I expected, what my family and friends wanted, I also have. I do not act in many movies, I only accepted 4 TV movies, two of which were films by director Vu Truong Khoa.
In "Sunflower Against the Sun", your character Bach Cuc suffers many tragedies and is lonely in love and business. How do you feel when women always have to struggle in life?
- That is the tragedy of Bach Cuc, as well as of loveless marriages. From personal experience, as well as through movies and theater, I can say that everything must have love. Marriages must start from love, then come compassion and affection. If life is too selfish, tragedy will happen. As a woman, no one can accept their husband's adultery. But because of the cover of family tradition, sometimes people have to accept it in bitterness.
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People's Artist Thu Ha when receiving the title of People's Artist in September 2019. At that time, she was 50 years old. |
Since starring in "The Golden Branch" directed by Vu Chau, for over 30 years, the title "the golden branch" has always been associated with you. In real life, is People's Artist Thu Ha really like that?
- For me, "The Golden Leaf" is the name of a movie, a beautiful role, but in real life, I live a very simple life. People often use the phrase "the golden leaf" to refer to young ladies, while I am just a normal worker. It is true that I became famous early, but I think I always live simply with everyone, I do not have a distance with my friends, neighbors or fans.
Is being simple, gentle, and not competitive the secret to your beauty at the age of 50?
- I think to stay young, the first thing is to relax your mind. Because my working environment is very youthful, there is no gap with the next generations, so when I come to the office, I can integrate with the young people. That is very important, positive energy makes me feel younger. Someone asked me about my beauty secret, it is very simple, I do not spend money on spa or gym, but just walk and cycle. Everything happens steadily and gently. For many years, I have kept the same hairstyle, almost going to the hair salon two or three times a year. I have to accept the fact that I cannot be a young girl forever. Each age has a different beauty. I should live with what I have, not look at the past. Each age has its own joy, new experiences.
Famous, beautiful, happy, looking at Thu Ha, many people must be jealous, what do you think?
- Just enjoy your life in the most positive way, then you will be happy. Actually, everyone's life has ups and downs, it's not smooth, it's not as beautiful as in the movies. What's important is how you look at it.
Looking back on everything that has happened, is there anything you regret?
- I regret a lot of things. I regret my youth, I regret what I haven't done, for example the role of Bach Cuc. Obviously, when life moves to a different level, I know how to appreciate what I have more, love myself more, forgive other people's mistakes, live more simply and not be too jealous.
What is most precious to you now?
- It's simple, it's just a normal life, having children, taking care of them. Even resting is happiness. Don't seek too much, don't be too ambitious.