In the film *Mang me di bo* (Taking Mom Away), Hong Dao plays the lead role of Le Thi Hanh, a 64-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease. One of her most challenging scenes was when the disease progressed, and she lost control, biting her son's leg hard.

Although Tuan Tran suggested she bite him for real, the artist felt remorseful because she was so engrossed in the scene that she left a bruise on her co-star. "That night, I couldn't sleep because I felt so guilty, as if I had hurt my own son," she said.

This is the second time Hong Dao and Tuan Tran have played mother and son. This time, Hong Dao felt a closer, more familiar connection. While filming Tran Thanh's *Mai* (2024), the two actors had limited scenes together, primarily marked by the mother's disapproval of her son's relationship. In this new project, they worked together for two months on set, fostering a stronger bond.

"Tuan Tran cared for me naturally, both on and off screen. For the first time, I understood the feelings of a mother who has a son," she said.

Hong Dao's character portrayal of the mother. Photo: Provided by the film crew.

Hong Dao described the role of Hanh as psychologically demanding, requiring real-world research. She spent months analyzing the character, inquiring about the condition from acquaintances, including a friend's mother and a specialist doctor.

The actress learned that Alzheimer’s is more than just occasional forgetfulness. In severe cases, it can lead to heartbreaking situations. "What resonated with me is that the film doesn't focus on the sadness of the disease, but rather on the mother-son relationship and the son's filial piety," she said.

*Mang me di bo* is directed by Mo Hong Jin (*Prisoner 2037's Last Wish*). The main character grapples with the question: "When love becomes a burden, what will you decide?"

In addition to Hong Dao and Tuan Tran, the project features Jung Il Woo (*Unstoppable High Kick*) and Juliet Bao Ngoc (*Glorious Ashes*). To write the script, Mo Hong Jin researched Vietnamese lifestyles and culture, collaborating with several domestic production companies. The crew chose the theme of family, believing it to be universally relatable, regardless of language or nationality. Phan Gia Nhat Linh, the director of *Em and Trinh* and *I Am Your Grandmother*, is one of the producers.

Hong Dao and Tuan Tran in a scene from "Taking Mom Away." Photo: Provided by the film crew.

Nguyen Dinh Hong Dao, 62, is known as one of the "golden generation" of stage artists in Ho Chi Minh City in the 1990s, alongside Thanh Loc and Hong Van. In 1994, she immigrated to the United States, settling in Northern California. In recent years, Hong Dao has participated in several film projects such as *Phuong Khau*, *Thua me con di* (Goodbye Mother), and *Ngoi nha buom buom* (The Butterfly House). After her divorce, the artist arranges her travel schedule between the U.S. and Vietnam to care for her two children and parents, who currently live in California.

In 2024, she played a supporting role in *Mai*, which earned 520 billion VND, becoming the highest-grossing Vietnamese film of all time. In the same year, *Chi dau* (Sister-in-law), starring Hong Dao alongside Viet Huong, Le Khanh, and Ngoc Trinh, earned 113 billion VND.

Tuan Tran, 33, worked as a model before transitioning to film. His role as Quan, Ba Sang's son in Tran Thanh's *Bo gia* (Dad, I'm Sorry) (2021), earned him the Best Actor award at the 22nd Vietnam Film Festival. In early 2024, *Mai* made Tuan Tran the first domestic actor to have a total box office revenue exceeding 1 trillion VND.

Mai Nhat