On the morning of 9/12, news of actor Thuong Tin's passing at 69 after a long battle with illness saddened audiences. Born in 1956, he began his career in traditional Vietnamese opera (cai luong) and theater before achieving fame on the big screen. The actor became an icon of revolutionary and action films in the 1980s and 1990s, leaving behind nearly 200 roles and holding a Vietnam Guinness record for starring in 12 feature films in a single year. These roles demonstrated his immersive acting ability, deeply etching themselves into the audience's memory.

Major Luu Ky Vong in Van Bai Lat Ngua

Major Vong appeared in episodes 5-6 (Sky Blue Through the Leaves and The Final Warning), portraying a security officer of the old regime, fiercely pursuing the revolutionary intelligence network. Thuong Tin's angular face, thin mustache, and sharp eyes left a strong impression. Writer Tran Bach Dang, the script's author, once commented that supporting roles like Luu Ky Vong contributed to the climax of the entire work, highlighting the film's tension. The role gained attention alongside the main character Nguyen Thanh Luan, played by Nguyen Chanh Tin.

Sau Tam in Biet Dong Sai Gon

In contrast to the sinister image of Luu Ky Vong in Van Bai Lat Ngua, Thuong Tin's role as Sau Tam in Biet Dong Sai Gon (1988) impressed audiences with his bravery. Based on the real-life commando Bay Be, the character was portrayed naturally and unpretentiously, yet exuded a soldier's decisiveness. Sau Tam risked his life to intercept the US Deputy Secretary of State's motorcade and throw a mine. According to the original script, the character was meant to survive until the end of the film. However, the director and screenwriters later decided Sau Tam would die due to betrayal by his comrades.

Director Long Van initially planned to cast actor Hoang Dung as Sau Tam but hesitated, believing his face lacked the necessary weathered look. While visiting the Cuu Long Giang Theater Troupe, Long Van happened to spot Thuong Tin sitting alone at a sidewalk cafe, looking quiet and street-hardened, exactly matching his vision for the character. He initiated a conversation and realized the actor was perfect for the role. From that encounter, Long Van invited him to audition for Sau Tam, leading to one of the most significant milestones in Vietnamese cinema.

Thuong Tin's portrayal in the film "Biet Dong Sai Gon". Photo: Vietnam Feature Film Studio.

Bandit Leader Bach Hai Duong in San Bat Cuop

Another important role in Thuong Tin's career was the bandit leader Bach Hai Duong in SBC (San Bat Cuop, comprising three episodes, released in 1988), directed by Tran Phuong. Based on a real-life criminal, the character's personality gradually unfolded through daring robberies and a chivalrous yet tragic gangster lifestyle, intertwined with a love affair with the nun Bang Thanh (played by Le Khanh). The actor once shared that to understand the character, he visited the cell where Bach Hai Duong was imprisoned, experiencing the suffocating feeling of a death-row inmate to grasp the fear, loneliness, and rebellious psychology. Thanks to this preparation, Thuong Tin brought to the screen a dangerous character tinged with tragedy.

Actress Le Khanh remarked that Thuong Tin was one of the rare actors with a distinct cinematic presence. He conveyed the image of the bandit leader with powerful energy and defiant eyes, creating an allure that few actors of that era possessed.

Tam Thuong in Chien Truong Chia Nua Vang Trang

Thuong Tin played Captain Vu Duc, a commando officer and scout operating behind enemy lines. The character was experienced and calm when facing danger, yet still retained a hint of romanticism. The action scenes, camaraderie, and sacrifices depicted the image of Vietnamese soldiers on the Cambodian battlefield. Experts regarded Tam Thuong as one of Thuong Tin's memorable roles due to his natural, simple, and character-appropriate portrayal. This role also demonstrated his adaptability to various character types.

Thai Truong Phu in Ngu Quai Sai Gon

His role in Ngu Quai Sai Gon (2006), directed by Nguyen Trong Nghia, marked Thuong Tin's comeback in his 50s. The character was a cunning criminal, orchestrating smuggling rings and frequently clashing with the "Ngu Quai" group and Ong Gia Bo (played by Huynh Long Hai). Thuong Tin's appearance created entertaining confrontational situations, attracting a large audience at the time. His use of eyes and gestures was praised for fitting the character's personality while maintaining balance when collaborating with the young cast.

Que Chi