Director Thu Trang noted that recreating the characters Men (Thu Trang) and Thuong (Tram Anh)'s youth was one of the project's most challenging stages. Filming a period piece for the first time, she spent months in pre-production, scouting and selecting locations in An Giang, Can Tho, and the old Ben Tre, to suit the story. According to the crew, most scenes in the film were reconstructed, from thatched houses and bamboo bridges to urban streets.

The art department repainted numerous signs for grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and markets. The crew also utilized some sets from the film "Canh Dong Bat Tan" (The Floating Field), directed by Nguyen Phan Quang Binh, located in Moc Hoa, old Long An.

Without disclosing the specific budget, Thu Trang mentioned that this film is her most invested project to date. She felt less pressure directing herself, having gained experience after "Nu Hon Bac Ty" and several web-dramas. Despite having many professional consultants assisting with camera angles, she maintained an active role, from script development to visual conceptualization and editing.

Thu Trang researched old customs and daily life for "Ai Thuong Ai Men." Photo by Huy Tran

The film is a romantic family drama, centering on the lives of sisters Men and Thuong. After their parents' passing due to an incident, Men shoulders the family's debts. She meets Kha (Ngoc Thuan), a young man from the western region, who pursues her. However, their relationship faces opposition due to their wealth disparity.

The climax occurs when Kha's mother (Ngoc Hiep) forces Men to kneel in the courtyard, pressuring her to repay her relatives' debts. Meanwhile, the relationship between Thuong and Cho (Vo Dien Gia Huy), a gentle young man from their hometown, also encounters many challenges. The film also features artists Hong Anh, Huy Khanh, Kha Nhu, and La Thanh.

Thu Trang, 41, began her acting career as a comedian. After acting in television dramas, she appeared in films such as "De Mai Tinh 2" (2014), "Trung So" (2015), and "Em La Ba Noi Cua Anh" (2015). In recent years, she has shifted to producing web-dramas and theatrical films, with projects like "Thap Tam Muoi," "Chuyen Xom Tui," and "Nghe Sieu De."

Her films have achieved box office success. "Tiec Trang Mau" (2020), for instance, grossed over 175 billion VND, ranking among the top 5 highest-earning Vietnamese films. "Nu Hon Bac Ty"—Thu Trang's directorial debut—was a major success during the Lunar New Year of the Snake, earning over 200 billion VND. She received the Best Debut Director award at the 24th Vietnam Film Festival in late November in Ho Chi Minh City. Thu Trang married actor Tien Luat in 2011 and they have one son named Andy.

Mai Nhat