In "Red Rain", Hoang Long portrays Sen, a special forces soldier in Squad 1 during the 1972 battle to defend Quang Tri Citadel. The role, marked by psychological depth, is a milestone in his acting career.

Hoang Long discussed the challenges and rewards of portraying Sen, a courageous soldier who descends into madness in the latter half of the film. "After reading the script about four times," he explained, "I started to think differently about Sen. I felt his psychology was one-dimensional. I began analyzing why he joined the war, where he was born, how he grew up, and his parents' circumstances. From there, I identified Sen's desires and focused on highlighting his inner wounds." He emphasized Sen's extensive combat experience and witnessing the deaths of comrades, which fueled a deep yearning for peace. "He wasn't just living and fighting for his own dreams," Hoang Long added, "but also for the unfinished dreams of his fallen comrades."

A pivotal scene involved Sen's descent into madness, dancing on the battlefield. Hoang Long wanted to showcase the character's longing for freedom and a normal life amidst war. Director Dang Thai Huyen gave him the freedom to interpret the scene, trusting his vision.

Sen's haunting howls in the film left a lasting impression on viewers. Hoang Long shared his preparation for this scene, recalling his early theater days playing a wolf. He initially struggled with the howl, but after researching wolf behavior and the meaning behind their vocalizations, he learned to convey emotion through his own howls. During filming in Quang Tri, as the sun set, the director signaled the importance of the upcoming scene. Hoang Long immersed himself in the character, the pain of loss overwhelming him as he let out the howl. The director and fellow actors were stunned, and the scene was approved with minimal retakes.

Hoang Long believes Sen is his defining role due to the character's complex psychology. He has watched the film multiple times and acknowledges that it may take more than one viewing to understand and appreciate Sen's nuances. He expressed gratitude for fans who have seen the film repeatedly, emphasizing that the film's goal was not high box office returns but to convey a piece of history and the sacrifices made for independence and freedom.

Hoang Long on set. Photo: Provided by the subject

To prepare for the role, Hoang Long lost 10 kg. He followed a strict diet of brown rice, vegetables, sweetcorn, boiled eggs, and potatoes, even cutting out water for a period. He maintained a rigorous exercise routine of running or jumping rope. He explained, "The weight loss was difficult, but I accepted it because soldiers in those times were often malnourished and thin. What's truly admirable is their strong national spirit and willingness to fight for peace." His family was surprised by his dramatic weight loss, but ultimately supportive of his dedication to the role.

Hoang Long reflected on the newfound recognition from a wider audience, stating, "Every actor craves that feeling of being appreciated by the audience. There were times I felt exhausted and wanted to give up, but I realized perhaps my efforts weren't enough. After more than a decade of hard work, I'm finally seeing some results." He treasures the support of his fans and recognizes their appreciation extends beyond the actors to the generation that fought for their country.

He shared his regret that two important figures in his life, his mentor Hoang Dung and his father, passed away before witnessing his success. He spoke fondly of their support and encouragement, particularly his father's quiet pride in his achievements. His mother, wife, and extended family are overjoyed by his success, though his mother advises him to take care of his health and soften his sometimes blunt speaking style.

Hoang Long described the profound influence of his mentor, People's Artist Hoang Dung. He learned to delve into the motivations of characters, even villains, and to portray them in a way that offered a positive message to the audience. He also credits Hoang Dung with teaching him valuable life lessons about interpersonal relationships and professional conduct. During a difficult period after leaving the Hanoi Drama Theater, Hoang Dung offered him support and guidance.

Hoang Long candidly discussed the challenging period when he primarily played supporting roles on television. He felt lost and questioned his suitability for different roles. Before "Red Rain," he experienced a period of uncertainty, especially after getting married and facing an unstable career. He persevered, believing that hard work would eventually pay off. "Red Rain" proved to be the answer, and he now shares his experience with younger actors, offering encouragement and guidance.

Currently, Hoang Long is filming the television series "One Millimeter From You," directed by Tran Trong Khoi and Pham Gia Phuong. He's drawn to the compelling script and his intriguing role, prioritizing good storytelling over large-scale projects with less engaging messages. In his free time, he tends to the garden his father left behind, a shared activity they enjoyed together. He also helps his mother with her business and has considered creating cooking content on TikTok, inspired by his love of cooking for his father. He has filmed some videos as a personal tribute, which have unexpectedly gained a following, and is considering pursuing this further.

Phuong Linh