*This article contains spoilers

The series, which aired on television in mid-march, depicts the marriage of Thanh Mai (Le Phuong) and Hoang Dung (Luong The Thanh). Their marital life fractured when Hoang Dung began an extramarital affair with Nhu Trang (Ngan Hoa), the daughter of a deceased friend whom Thanh Mai had invited to live in their home. In recent episodes, Nhu Trang's actions escalated, showing a defiant attitude by dating their son and demanding Hoang Dung divorce his wife.

Excerpt of Nhu Trang demanding Hoang Dung divorce his wife in episode 33 of 'Bong ma hanh phuc'. Video: THVL

Many viewers believe the character Nhu Trang is portrayed in an extreme way, with expressions and behavior that feel overly dramatic. On a film discussion group with over 190,000 members, user Hoang Quynh Hoa wrote, "Watching it is frustrating because of how Nhu Trang behaves to create conflict. It's unlikely someone like this exists in real life, but in the film, it becomes excessive." Viewer Hien Dang pointed out that the character's development leads to many unnatural situations, such as Nhu Trang's sarcastic reaction to Thanh Mai's advice, or when she openly expressed affection for Hoang Dung in front of his family.

One scene frequently mentioned by viewers involves Nhu Trang working in Hoang Dung's kitchen, followed by an intimate gesture with the male lead. Instead of sitting, she stood operating a laptop placed on the kitchen counter, attracting Hoang Dung's attention. This detail quickly became a social media talking point, with many opinions suggesting the character's posture overtly emphasized sensuality.

Conversely, some viewers find the character's psychological development acceptable. According to viewer Tran Ha Thu, the supporting actress grew up in poverty, haunted by deprivation, and thus always sought to change her life, using her beauty and youth to seduce Hoang Dung. Therefore, the character's actions, while controversial, are understandable within the story's context. She said, "It's rare to watch such a heavy film and still want to continue to see the outcome. Many details raise questions about the limits of the characters' behavior." Others suggested that adding humor could balance the film's pace and make it more accessible.

Excerpt of Nhu Trang and Thanh Mai arguing in episode 30. Video: THVL

Ngan Hoa's performance emphasizes emotion. She portrays Nhu Trang's transformation from a gentle demeanor to expressions ready to confront her lover's wife. In climactic scenes, her nuanced gazes, expressions, and dialogue highlight the character's schemes. However, this portrayal can sometimes feel exaggerated.

Ngan Hoa expressed surprise at the significant attention her role received. According to the actress, when she took on the role, she focused on conveying the character's emotions and did not anticipate such an impact. The audience reactions, therefore, indicate that the character resonated with viewers. She learned many skills from colleagues such as Luong The Thanh and Le Phuong. During filming, the actress observed how they managed emotions and maintained energy in each scene. "Every project is an opportunity for me to hone my skills and improve myself. I always listen to feedback to adjust my performance in the future," she stated.

Ngan Hoa's character portrayal in 'Bong ma hanh phuc'. Photo: THVL

Ngan Hoa, 30, studied at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, TP HCM, before pursuing an artistic career. She has appeared in several film projects, including Vua banh my, Giac mo cua me, Trai hoa do, and 7 nam chua cuoi se chia tay.

The actress filmed "Bong ma hanh phuc" from september to november 2024, while undergoing treatment for kidney failure. Despite her health challenges, she committed to completing the role to avoid disrupting the production team. She also prioritized a balanced diet and maintained a stable mindset. Ngan Hoa's condition is currently more stable, but requires long-term monitoring and treatment. The actress shared that her treatment journey helped her mature, realizing that health is the foundation for performing well in her work. She learned to listen to her body and avoid overexerting herself.

Cat Tien