Van Dung: Playing in 'Walking in the Glorious Sky', Long Vu lost 7 kg, even cried when he called me

Actress Van Dung shared, Long Vu - Chai inWalking in the bright sky, since childhood has been passionate about art, when asked to go shopping, travel I'm super lazy but when asked to go filming, dancing or making money I get up.

Act as your son's home director

- Long Vu's role - the role of Chai in "Walking in the Glorious Sky" received a lot of attention and love from the audience, you must be the happiest person?

When the film was aired, the film crew, Long Vu and I were all very surprised by the reaction of the online community. We never thought that the film and Vu's role would be so warmly received. I am very happy that my son's progress in acting has been recognized.

- Did you watch all the episodes and give feedback on your son's acting, style, or prepare costumes for Vu?

Of course. After reading the script for the first 10 episodes, I had a clear picture of the character. I firmly told Long Vu that he must never memorize, must know how to think about the role and especially “think in reverse” to create his own style.

When you first started making films, playing extras and supporting roles, I watched Vu perform and was shocked. I said: “My son, am I wrong in choosing acting as a career? I think your acting is a bit strange. Why don’t you change your career?”

And I spent my time and effort, in the style of 30 years of working, I summarized everything I had learned and passed it all on to my son in just 3 days when Vu was off filming. There were lines that my son repeated in front of the mirror, until his mother nodded. Thanks to that, the director and the crew members were all amazed at Vu's progress, just before and after 3 days, he was completely different.

- In a TV show with mother and son participating, Long Vu once shared that his mother still criticized him for his immature acting. Is this your strictness, not wanting your son to be proud of his early success and fame, or is it your honest advice from a professional perspective?

Actually, not only with acting but with anything, for me if my son does well, he will be recognized, encouraged and praised. I said he was an immature actor in previous films, but in this film, this is his first time playing the main role but Long Vu has really improved.

Long Vu once called me and cried because he was under too much pressure with the role.

- In an interview in 2023, Long Vu shared that he sees his mother as a role model, not a shadow. Is that something he realized himself or was he taught and shaped by his sister?

When I had children, I always taught them that no one in the family is a shadow of anyone else. To be successful, children need to have their own way of thinking and acting. Studying is different from being a “shadow” of their mother or anyone else.

Early times during filmingWalking in the bright skyLong Vu was under a lot of pressure, he called his mother and even cried. During the month and a half of filming, he lost 7 kg, which made me feel so sorry. However, I found it absolutely necessary to let him practice and devote himself to his role.

I told my son: “In life, there are always things that you have high expectations for but they disappoint you. There are things that you think you do well, act well but the audience does not accept, there are scenes that you think are normal but are warmly accepted.”

For me, if I don't do it, then I don't do it. If I do it, I have to do it to the end. Whether the performance is good or bad is up to the audience, but I always try my best with 200%.

- Specifically, can you share what you have oriented your son?

I talk to my children and help them understand that I am not handsome and not tall, so I have to find my own way - focusing on acting. Like me, there are many beautiful female artists of the same age, but I have nothing special about my appearance. In return, I learn, explore and grow through each character, big or small. The audience loves and remembers me because of the role.

- It can be seen that Vu's roles from "The War Without Borders" to "Walking in the Glorious Sky" all have the same enthusiasm but are a bit arrogant. So what is Vu's real life version like?

In real life, Long Vu is an extroverted guy, while I am an introvert. I am obedient, filial to my parents, and know how to listen even though I seem a bit naughty on the outside.

The special thing is that he has a habit of being late for many years, from childhood to adulthood. This personality is probably inherited from me. Besides, Long Vu never wants to be the center of attention.

When I was in school, because Vu was small, he was often placed in the middle row, but for some reason, when there was a class photo, I couldn’t find him anywhere. I searched for a long time and found him somewhere in the corner. Hundreds of photos of Long Vu as a child were like that!

On the school bus, my child is always the first to get on, but sits in the back row and always leaves last. The same goes for waiting in line. If I ask him, he says that his friends keep cutting in, he is shy so he gives way and volunteers to stand at the back.

Besides, Long Vu is lazy to go out and shop. At this time, I have to urge him to go buy clothes, but he only chooses 1-2. Only when I tell him to go to film, perform or practice dancing, he immediately gets up.

- Long Vu must have a lot of memories from school days, is there anything that gives you a headache or makes you remember the most?

There were countless stories. In school, because he was small, Long Vu was often bullied by his classmates, but he never told his parents.

It was only when I discovered bruises or scratches on his arms and legs that I asked Long Vu at first avoided the matter. It was only when I threatened that if he did not tell me, my mother would come straight to his class tomorrow to ask him what happened that he burst into tears and told me not to scold his friends. He has been like that since he was a child, tolerant and enthusiastic, knowing how to care for others.

- Have you and your mother ever had disagreements about acting or in life?

There are no disagreements. Long Vu knows how to listen and is understanding. He always listens to his mother. There are no arguments in my house. If there are any, it is: "Mom, I have an opinion."

- What do you think about becoming your son's manager?

That's how it is now.(laugh)Here my role is to guide my child in his career. Later, when he is mature, stable and developed, there will be a better team and assistant for him.

- If in the future Long Vu is as infatuated as Chai and loves Pu deeply, will you accept Pu as your daughter-in-law?

I think it is Vu's right to like someone, the decision is his because later on, he will be the one living with that person. I do not forbid it, but if we decide to marry, it must be a filial and obedient girl.

I don’t need my daughter-in-law to be too beautiful or rich because I’m not a tycoon, but she needs to know how to behave and value her family. I told my son: “How I live with my grandparents is how you will live with me in the future.” I also trained my son the way my parents taught me.

- Suppose Long Vu is involved in a "fake movie, real love" with a female co-star, what will you share with your son?

When doing art, there will be many difficulties and challenges. I always remind Long Vu to be a responsible man and know how to make money. And to achieve that, he must do a good job and have a career first. And I do not forbid or prevent his love life.