Hoang Ha stars in "The Last Wish", a Vietnamese coming-of-age film. She plays Thy, a student whose life is disrupted when her friends discover she is gay. Returning to the big screen after two years, she discusses her involvement in the project and her process of embodying the role.

What attracted you to this new role? The actress explained that when director Doan Si Nguyen offered her the part, her first thought was, "This role is amazing." Thy's personality intrigued her: unpredictable, reserved, yet deeply emotional. While the character is male in the original Korean and Chinese versions, the Vietnamese adaptation portrays Thy as a lesbian. "I enjoy taking on challenging roles like this," Hoang Ha said.

Initially, Hoang Ha had reservations because of her feminine appearance. She had a stereotypical image of lesbians as having a more tomboyish look. She suggested cutting her hair short to the director, but Nguyen envisioned Thy as a soft and gentle girl like any other student. So, she kept her hair long, adding layers to reflect the character's free spirit.

Which scene was the most challenging for you in the film? Hoang Ha shared that the most memorable scene was when Thy is questioned by Trang, the school's popular girl (played by Katleen Phan Vo), in a closed room due to a misunderstanding. Facing her crush, Thy is shy but also experiences a flutter of emotions. "When I read the script, I racked my brain, wondering if I could portray that feeling, as I've never been in love with a girl," she laughed.

She and Katleen had a workshop to rehearse the scene before filming. Her co-star's professionalism helped her gain confidence and gradually connect with the emotions. After filming, the director told them he was captivated by their expressions. Another difficult scene occurs mid-film when Thy and her friend Long (Quynh Ly) admit their failure to help Hoang (Avin Lu) fulfill his last wish. This pivotal scene reveals their vulnerability and the strain on their friendship. "I had to sit precariously on the edge of a bridge, delivering lines while looking down at the canal below, afraid of falling. We had to film multiple takes to find the right emotional intensity for the characters. In the end, it became one of my most cherished scenes," Hoang Ha revealed.

From right: Hoang Ha, Avin Lu, and Quynh Ly in a scene from "The Last Wish". Photo: Provided by the film crew

How did you prepare for the role? Hoang Ha sought out films with similar themes, observing the interactions and chemistry between female actors in romantic scenes. She also drew from real-life observations and conversations with a friend from the LGBT community to understand the experience of loving a woman. "Hearing her story, I realized that gender is just a label, because ultimately it's about love between people. I gradually approached the script from that perspective," she explained. Hoang Ha has received romantic confessions from women in the past. She once spent time alone with someone, although not on an official date. She felt a unique, unfamiliar emotion stirring within her. "I felt a part of myself 'unlock' and realized that sincere affection, regardless of its origin, is precious," she shared.

Hoang Ha at 29. Photo: Provided by the actress

Can you relate to your character's high school struggles? Hoang Ha was a top 3 student in her class, diligently studying even during breaks. However, there was a period when she felt isolated and no longer wanted to attend school. She heard whispers and pointing behind her back whenever she went to the blackboard. "Some mornings, I would cry while cycling to school, thinking, 'I don't want to go to school anymore'," she recalled. One day, she stayed home and confided in her parents. The issue was addressed with the teachers and the situation resolved. She focused on her studies and university entrance exams to cope. "Even now, I sometimes feel pressured by others' gazes, perhaps due to that early life crisis," she admitted.

How do you respond to criticisms about lacking a breakthrough and being typecast as a "youth film actress"? Hoang Ha believes her youthful appearance and petite stature contribute to her being offered such roles. While she doesn't want to be limited to one genre, she remains open to youth films with compelling scripts. For example, the role of M in the Thai film "Inheritance" (2024) is a character she's interested in exploring. "In the Vietnamese film industry, the process usually involves projects coming first, actors accepting roles, and then adapting their image accordingly. I believe in fate," she said. "With the increasing number of talented filmmakers, there will be more promising scripts for me and other young actors. I can't define my acting style, but I'll go with the flow of the industry to seize opportunities while equipping myself with new acting knowledge and skills. I'd like to try more mature roles in the future, like a lawyer," Hoang Ha concluded.

Hoang Ha started her career as a voice actress in 2015. She has appeared in numerous music videos, including "Nang Tho" by singer Hoang Dung, which has over 130 million views. In 2022, she gained recognition for her portrayal of the young Dao Anh, the woman who received over 300 love letters from the late composer Trinh Cong Son, in "Em and Trinh" (directed by Phan Gia Nhat Linh). The film earned over 100 billion VND, bringing her to the attention of many directors. She continued to make her mark on the small screen, notably in the series "Chung Ta Cua 8 Nam Sau".

Mai Nhat