Doan Hoang Kien plays the painter Long, who has unrequited feelings for Thuy. When Thuy's neighborhood is cleared, she and everyone else move to the garbage dump where Trong lives. Long also happens to come here to find inspiration for painting and gradually becomes friends with Trong.

On 13/7, artist Vo Hoai Nam reminisced about filming for television, evoking audience memories of "The Garbage King".

The film, written and directed by Do Minh Tuan, debuted in 2002, exploring the lives and fates of the impoverished. The work was submitted to the 2004 Oscars but did not make the official nomination list.

Vo Hoai Nam played Trong, the "boss" living in the garbage dump, collecting fees from those scavenging for a living. The character is dusty, arrogant, applying "jungle law" to anyone wanting to make a living in the area he manages. Later, thanks to his love for Thuy, Trong gradually becomes a better person.

The role earned the artist the "Best Young Actor" award at the 47th Asia-Pacific Film Festival in Busan, South Korea. Thanks to the success of the role, he has been associated with the name "The Garbage King" throughout his career. In 2007, Vo Hoai Nam was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist.

Artist Cong Ly (left) as Hoa, Trong's subordinate. After "The Garbage King," in 2021, he reunited with artist Vo Hoai Nam in the series "The Flavors of Love."

Vo Hoai Nam at 60. In the early 2000s, he was also famous for his role as Chien in the Criminal Police series (2001). At the time of filming, the actor received a payment of 1.5 million VND per episode, but after deducting food and petrol costs, there wasn't much left. So, at the peak of his career, he decided to put acting aside, focusing on business and taking care of his family.

In 2021, Vo Hoai Nam played Mr. Sinh in "The Flavors of Love," returning to the screen after a 16-year absence. Back to acting, the artist chooses roles that require emotional depth. In 2023, he played a hardworking father in "Father's Gift." Last year, his portrayal of Nhan in "Dusty Roads" left a strong impression on the audience.

Vo Hoai Nam's family. He married dancer Lan Anh in 1999, has four children, and maintains a happy marriage after many years together.

Vo Hoai Nam's love for art has been passed on to his two eldest children. His eldest son, Vo Hoai Vu, 25, has appeared in several plays by LucTeam and participated in the film "Walking Amidst the Bright Sky" (2024). Last year, the artist's second daughter, Vo Hoai Anh, 20, had her first television role in "The Scent of Milkweed in the Wind." Hoai Anh also has singing talent, winning the Promising Award at the "Talent Rendezvous" contest on 29/6.

Nguyen Bich Ngoc played Thuy, a banana flower seller. Due to poverty, Thuy listened to her adoptive father and sold herself to earn money to treat her adoptive mother. Her first client was Trong. Witnessing the cheap bargain between the owner and Thuy, he sympathized and cared for her. Knowing that her adoptive father often brought clients to her, Trong decided to bring Thuy home to live with him.

Bich Ngoc accepted the invitation of director Do Minh Tuan. In addition to "The Garbage King," she also had successful roles in "On the Threshold of the Century," "The Unseen Thing," and "Undercurrent."

Bich Ngoc at 43. After graduating from the Acting Department of Hanoi University of Theater and Cinema, she settled in the UK and started a family there. The former actress has a 20-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old son.

Bich Ngoc expressed happiness and surprise that the role of Thuy is still remembered by many viewers after more than 20 years. Mentioning the film, she often reminisces about her passionate youth, wishing to return to her younger days.

Though no longer appearing on screen, Bich Ngoc still keeps in touch with her classmates and fellow artists, following their news through social media. She said she is ready to return to acting if she can arrange the time. "Cinema and acting always have a special attraction for me," she said.

Doan Hoang Kien in an art project in 2021.

The 55-year-old actor's father is circus artist Doan Ngoc Anh. Doan Hoang Kien graduated from the Vietnam Circus Arts School, 7th course (1983-1988), and then studied at the Moscow Circus Arts School. He has performed in many countries such as Russia, Thailand, Laos, France, and Japan, winning the Special Prize at the 16th International Circus Festival (Mondial Du Cirque de Main) in Paris, France (1993). The artist is also active in the field of fine arts, participating in many graphic and installation art exhibitions.

The 52-year-old actor was the deputy director of the Hanoi Drama Theater. In addition to stage activities, he has participated in many television films such as "Kinh Village Wind," "The Story Across the Old Street," "Girls in the City," and "Sunflowers Against the Sun." In 2019, he was awarded the title of People's Artist.

In July 2021, Cong Ly suffered a stroke and had to suspend many artistic activities. As he gradually recovered, he returned to television through small roles with few lines in the series "Ex-Husband, Ex-Wife, Lover," "My Unexpectedly Happy Family," and "Heart Rescue Station," appearing briefly in "Tao Quan 2023."

For the past four years, the actor has strived to overcome his illness, his health gradually improving thanks to the support of Ngoc Ha, his wife who is 15 years younger. In March, he submitted his resignation from the Hanoi Drama Theater. No longer in a management role, he is still waiting for suitable plays and characters.

Meritorious Artist Ngoc Tan plays Thuy's adoptive mother, with a look of hardship (left). In a conversation with Trong, the character becomes agitated and dies.

The artist is currently 83 years old and actively involved in the arts. Thanks to her kind face, she often portrays the image of a grandmother or mother who is hardworking and loves her children and grandchildren. In recent years, she has played supporting roles in films such as "Street in the Village," "Finding Flowers Again," and "November 5th."

The film also features veteran faces such as artists Tran Hanh and Van Toan. In 3/2021, artist Tran Hanh passed away due to old age. Actor Van Toan left the screen a long time ago due to hearing problems, having been deaf for about five years. He now lives a peaceful life with his children and grandchildren, meditating and reading Buddhist scriptures every day for peace of mind.

Phuong Linh

Photo: Provided by the characters, VFS