The film crew for “The Last Empress”, a cinematic work inspired by the life of Empress Nam Phuong, introduced the project to the public on 2/7 in TP HCM. Following the announcement, extensive debate erupted concerning the selection of the main cast.

Tang Thanh Ha and the cast of “The Last Empress” met the media on 2/7. *Video: Mai Nhat*

While there was significant interest in Tang Thanh Ha's return after 13 years, audiences expressed that the actress's appearance did not suit the character's essence. According to the book Nam Phuong Hoang Hau: Vi Quoc Mau Tan Thoi Qua Tu Lieu Bao Chi (1934 - 1945) by author Tu Yeng Luong Hoai Trong Tinh, Emperor Bao Dai chose Nguyen Huu Thi Lan (the empress’s birth name) as his companion because of her exceptional beauty, gentle disposition, and her background from a prestigious and educated family. Contemporary newspapers described her as having a graceful beauty and a slender, tall physique in her youth.

On Threads, a post garnered over 200,000 views, asserting that Tang Thanh Ha possesses a striking beauty, whereas Empress Nam Phuong had a distinct gentle charm. Many compared the actress to artist Yen Chi, who notably portrayed Empress Nam Phuong in the 2004 television series “The Royal Candle”. "When making a historical film, directors need to choose actors whose faces and demeanor are similar to the character", commented viewer Huynh Phu.

Tang Thanh Ha at 'The Last Empress' film announcement and an image of Empress Nam Phuong published in an old magazine. *Photos: Provided by subject/ Pestre*

Conversely, a segment of the audience argued that the film's genre and theme should be considered before evaluating the actors. According to Phuoc Chau, a former media manager for a cinema chain in TP HCM, if the work is not a historical-biographical film but rather a psychological-romantic drama, it is unnecessary to cast actors who exactly resemble the original figures.

"Public debate is understandable, as viewers often demand the 'original essence' for films inspired by history. Therefore, we need to wait and see if Tang Thanh Ha's performance can convince audiences after her absence", Phuoc Chau stated.

The crew's representative, director Nam Cito, explained that actors were chosen based on their suitability for the character's spirit in the film. "We did not choose the actor who most resembled the original, but rather someone who could make the audience believe they were the character", he said.

The main actors of “The Last Empress” also faced criticism for their perceived lack of balance due to their age difference. Off-screen, Ma Ran Do, who plays Emperor Bao Dai, was born in 1997, making him 11 years younger than Tang Thanh Ha. At the project launch event, many viewers felt that Tang Thanh Ha standing next to Ma Ran Do created a feeling of not being truly harmonious.

Regarding this, the producer stated that the film depicts Empress Nam Phuong after she had five children and her marriage was facing difficulties, not when she was in her twenties. Ma Ran Do mentioned that before filming began, in addition to practicing skills, demeanor, and posture, he adjusted his diet and exercise to gain 14 kg, reaching 87 kg, to achieve a sturdy, mature appearance, different from his previous scholarly look. The crew also believes that makeup can overcome the age difference.

Tang Thanh Ha discusses delving into the character's psychology when portraying Empress Nam Phuong. *Video: Mai Nhat*

The work also sparked discussion regarding its casting process. In 7/2024, the producers announced online auditions, after which selected candidates proceeded to in-person tryouts with the director. Besides the two main characters, the film also sought actors for many supporting roles, including Le Ha, Crown Prince Bao Long, secondary consort Mong Diep, Phi Anh, Bach Yen, Khue Cac, and Vinh Can. Several veteran actors, such as artists Le Khanh and Yen Chi, served as professional judges during the casting rounds. The audition process was lively, attracting many candidates.

However, after the announcement of the main cast, who are well-known celebrities, many questioned whether these actors had been "pre-selected". Bao Nhan, one of the film's two directors, affirmed that the casting was serious and not merely a formality.

According to him, the producers had hoped to find new talent that met the standards and closely matched the script's vision for the character, but they could not find suitable individuals. "We clearly determined that if we couldn't find new faces, the film crew would choose actors close to the descriptions in the script", the director stated.

From right: artist Dieu Duc (as Duc Tu Cung), actress Tang Thanh Ha, directors Bao Nhan, Nam Cito, actors Tram Anh, Ma Ran Do. *Photo: Thanh Huyen*

Empress Nam Phuong (1913-1963), whose birth name was Nguyen Huu Thi Lan, was born in old Saigon. She was the daughter of Nguyen Huu Hao and Le Thi Binh, from a wealthy landowning family. At 18, she and Emperor Bao Dai met for the first time in Da Lat. He chose her to be his companion as the Emperor of Dai Nam.

Throughout her reign, the empress significantly influenced the administration, contributing to assisting the people of that era. With her education and talent, she became a strong inspiration for women to engage in society, study, work, and develop themselves. She was a life partner and companion to the emperor – a rarity in the 143-year history of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Tang Thanh Ha, 40 years old, was born and raised in TP HCM. From a young age, her mother enrolled her in children's drama classes at the Idecaf theater. After the 2005 film “Love Slope”, directors noticed her charming beauty. With “Suddenly Want to Cry”, her name rose to fame through her role as Truc, a street book vendor, starring alongside Luong Manh Hai. The actress has participated in a series of films such as “Beautiful Every Centimeter”, “The Endless Field”, and “The Lady Assassin”. Among these, “The Lady Assassin” (directed by Quang Dung) was the highest-grossing Vietnamese film at the time of its release.

In 2012, Tang Thanh Ha married businessman Louis Nguyen, son of "luxury goods king" Johnathan Hanh Nguyen. They have three children: Richard (born in 2015), Chloe (born in 2017), and Mason (born in 2021).

Mai Nhat