Madame Sac converses with dancer Cam Thanh. Video: Film crew provided

In mid-June, Hong Anh returned to the big screen in the film Mesdames Thanh Sac, directed by Thang Vu. Her performance was a highlight of the film, portraying Madame Sac, a calculating, powerful businesswoman in 1990s Saigon. In a scene where she discovers her husband's affair with dancer Cam Thanh (Thanh Hang), the actress depicted the pain of betrayal while plotting revenge. Hong Anh stated that the film marks a new direction for her after 30 years of primarily playing gentle, resilient characters.

Hong Anh at age 18, at the beginning of her acting career. She started as a dancer, gaining recognition after winning the 'charming beauty' award in the promising film actress competition, organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Cinema Association in 1995.

In the early 2000s, Hong Anh was a sought-after name by many directors, starring in a series of critically acclaimed films. In Doi Cat (directed by Nguyen Thanh Van), Hong Anh played Tam, a woman caught in a love triangle. This role earned her the 'best supporting actress' award at the 45th Asia-Pacific Film Festival in Hanoi.

Hong Anh's portrayal of Kieu Nguyet Nga in the 2004 television series Luc Van Tien. At the time, director Do Phu Hai invited her to replace Miss Ha Kieu Anh. Initially, the actress felt pressure because she had never acted in a historical drama and feared her appearance was not beautiful enough for the role of a beauty. She sought guidance from a historical consultant on the manners and speaking style of ancient people.

Hong Anh played Bach Van, the younger sister of Bach Cuc (Viet Trinh), in the classic 1996 television series Nguoi dep Tay Do, directed by Le Cung Bac. Compared to her elder sister, Bach Van led a more peaceful life, fortunate to be loved by her in-laws. Her natural acting, charming face, and dimpled smile endeared her to audiences. The work propelled her to stardom, making her one of the most promising faces on southern Vietnam's small screen.

In Trang Noi Day Gieng (2008), directed by Vinh Son, Hong Anh embodied the beauty of Hue women through her role as teacher Hanh, a wife who sacrificed for her husband. The character became one of Hong Anh's most iconic roles, earning her the 'best actress' award at the 2008 Golden Kite Awards.

The success of Nguoi dep Tay Do provided a launchpad, leading to Hong Anh starring in numerous films and television series. After 'Nhung neo duong phu sa' in 1997, she appeared in Cau Thang Toi (directed by Dao Ba Son), which revolved around the life of Tam, a young woman living alone under an apartment staircase. She portrayed the character's tragedy of emotional deception, pregnancy, and childbirth amidst public scorn. The film earned Hong Anh many awards, including 'most promising actress' at the 12th Vietnam Film Festival.

Trailer for Thang Nam Ruc Ro, Hong Anh at 0:11. Video: Film crew provided

In 2020, she appeared in the 18+ film 'Tiec trang mau' (Blood Moon Party). The film revolves around a housewarming party where a group of friends gradually reveal secrets while playing a game of publicly sharing message content. Hong Anh played a successful woman whose life appeared wealthy and fulfilling but was on the verge of tens of billions of dong in debt. The project became a box office sensation, grossing over 170 ty dong and ranking among the top 5 highest-grossing Vietnamese films of all time.

Hong Anh in the scene where An and his mother are separated in Dat Rung Phuong Nam. Video: Film crew provided

The 2010s marked many commercially successful roles for Hong Anh. She starred in Thang Nam Ruc Ro, a film directed by Nguyen Quang Dung, which was a remake of the South Korean movie 'Sunny'. The script tells the story of the 'Ngua Hoang' (Wild Horses) girl group at two points in time: during their school days and as adults, each with their own personality and destiny. The project grossed over 80 ty dong, becoming one of the year's highest-earning Vietnamese films.

Director Quang Dung noted that Hong Anh's brief roles often leave a significant mark, such as her portrayal of An's mother in 'Dat rung phuong nam' (2023). In the scene where the mother searches for her child amidst a fleeing crowd during wartime, Hong Anh and young Hao Khang's performances moved many viewers to tears.

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Over the past year, the actress has continuously appeared in 9 films and television series. At age 48, Hong Anh believes that even for small roles, she agrees to act to challenge herself with new dimensions or to support debut directors. "My greatest ambition is to have enough health to act until I am 90 years old," Hong Anh said.

Mai Nhat

Photos: Character, film crew provided