Teaser for "Ai thuong ai men" - set for release in early 2026. Video: Film crew provided

Ngoc Thuan portrays Kha, a young master from the old Mekong Delta, in the film produced by Thu Trang. Initially a creditor to Hai Men's (Thu Trang) family, Kha's early conflict with her evolves into empathy and affection for her situation. However, their relationship faces opposition due to the significant wealth gap. The climax occurs when Kha's mother (Ngoc Hiep) forces Men to kneel in the courtyard, demanding she repay her family's debt.

This film marks Ngoc Thuan's first cinematic role in nearly 20 years since "Trai nhay" (directed by Le Hoang); he has only taken on television roles since then. Invited by director Thu Trang to audition for the new film, he was eager to challenge himself with both dramatic and comedic acting. He quickly lost weight in one week to fit the character's appearance and researched the conversational style and body language of people from that era to immerse himself in the role.

Thu Trang stated that Ngoc Thuan met her criteria for the role: a young master with an amiable face and a somewhat complex personality. On set, she supported Ngoc Thuan during their shared scenes and psychological transitions, helping him overcome any unfamiliarity with his return to cinema. The two actors engaged in many comedic dialogues, adding an entertaining element to the film.

Ngoc Thuan and Thu Trang in a scene from the new film. Photo: Huy Tran

Ngoc Thuan, 39, began his career in the 2000s, gaining attention for his striking appearance. In 2006, he made his acting debut with the lead role in "Trai nhay". Upon its release, the film garnered attention as one of the rare Vietnamese films to explore the theme of same-sex love. Ngoc Thuan played Tuan, a young man from the countryside working as a traveling masseur, who yearns for a better life but is ensnared by traps. His life changed when he met Dung Tony (Duc Hai), a wealthy but lonely overseas Vietnamese professor. Tuan was torn emotionally due to his innocent love for Dau (Mai Phuong), a tea vendor.

After "Trai nhay", he continued to appear in films such as "Vo chong Dau thoi @", "Lac loi", "Gao nep gao te", and modeled for fashion shows in TP HCM. In 2022, he married his girlfriend, 17 years his junior, and they have one daughter.

"Ai thuong ai men" is set in the 1960s, revolving around the lives of two sisters (played by Thu Trang and Tram Anh) in the Mekong Delta. Artist Hong Anh appears in a supporting role, portraying a character's later life. The crew stated they invested in art design, recreating the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of a southern Vietnamese neighborhood from over 60 years ago.

Mai Nhat