Thùy Anh: 'I'm upset by the harsh criticism'

Thùy Anh used to fear that she wasn't good enough, not outstanding enough, and was easily swayed by external factors. These external factors included criticism from the audience, such as "Every film Thùy Anh stars in flops" or "Her face is only suitable for supporting roles, she can't play a lead."

There were times when she wanted to quit acting, but the success of "Because My Mother Decided We Should Break Up " helped Thuy Anh realize that her efforts and perseverance over the past time were right and worthwhile. The results didn't come early, but they came at the right time, giving the actress more faith in the path she has chosen.

Thuy Anh's dream

- After "Because My Mother Ordered a Breakup," audiences talked a lot about Hoan My. For Thuy Anh, the role of Hoan My made her feel "like she was living in a dream." Specifically, what was that dream like?

- I feel like I'm living in a beautiful dream because "Hoan My" is not only loved by the audience but also shows everyone the efforts I've put in over the years in the profession. For an actress, being recognized and having the audience empathize with the character she lives alongside is a very happy feeling. Everyone likes to be loved and cherished. With this film, the audience not only loves "Hoan My" but also loves Thuy Anh as well.

My audience sends me many messages, letters, and heartfelt gifts. I enjoy reading the letters the most, because they contain so much of everyone's thoughts and love for me. Some letters are very long and sincere; reading them gives me renewed motivation to continue on this path. For me, that is the greatest gift.

- After the film, what changed most noticeably for you: your salary, your professional standing, or your self-confidence?

- I feel I have a greater responsibility towards my profession. The love and success I've received so far aren't the stopping point, but rather the motivation to be more serious and strive even harder. Each role that the audience appreciates is a reminder not to be complacent too soon, but to continue striving to do better, be more creative, and bring something new to the next role.

I don't see this role as pressure, but rather as a milestone to remind myself not to play it safe anymore. For me, the hardest thing isn't having a role that's loved, but rather daring to change, go further, and not repeat myself. I think the audience loves me because they want to see me grow through each role, so I want to use this positive reception as motivation to explore new facets of myself in my career.

Thùy Anh has recently gained attention for her role as Hoàn Mỹ.

- You once confided that there was a period when the online community labeled you with very harsh terms like "guaranteed flop." How did you cope with those comments?

- Of course I'm sad and thoughtful, because I love my profession and always hope that the products I participate in will be loved by the audience. But instead of blaming or being negative, I think it makes me try harder to change and develop myself more. Because if the audience hasn't felt what I want to convey, it's mostly because I haven't done well enough.

Besides that, I also think actors really need opportunities to meet a good team, a well-structured project, and a suitable character to fully showcase their abilities. So I always hope to have more opportunities, because I believe that if given the chance, I will always try my best to bring audiences roles that truly touch their emotions.

- The most upsetting thing for you is being criticized for your acting, having your charm denied, or being stereotyped with an "evil, arrogant" appearance, or being considered "not destined to be a leading actress"?

- What saddens me most is probably that there aren't many films where I can appear in front of an audience. As for being called mean or arrogant, I've heard that since I was a child. My face has a naturally arrogant look; many people think I'm very difficult the first time they meet me. But usually, after two sentences, they turn around and say, "Wait, wasn't she hyperactive?"

So I look at things pretty positively. It's just that people want me to do a lot more work, because I'm very healthy and can work continuously. I really enjoy doing my job and appearing in front of an audience.

- Is having no films to act in more terrifying than "acting constantly but nobody remembers you"?

- I think for an actor, being able to work continuously is already a great blessing. But what I always hope for most is that each character I create leaves a lasting impression on the audience. For me, a memorable role isn't about how often I appear, but whether the audience truly believes in, loves, and empathizes with that character.

Therefore, I always hope not only to have more opportunities to work in the profession, but also to encounter roles and projects that are good enough for me to truly connect with people's emotions.

- You participated in "Wings in the Air," a film that received quite high professional praise. But after that, your career didn't take off as expected. Do you think you missed out on something? Was it because you didn't have a good enough role or project, or because your acting didn't truly touch the viewers' emotions?

- After "Wings in the Air ," I chose to take a break from acting to attend university. It was a decision I wanted to make for my parents, because at that time I felt I hadn't done anything that would truly reassure them. I thought I should at least try to do something that would meet their highest expectations.

Perhaps that period slowed me down and many opportunities were missed, but I have no regrets. Because it was a decision I made for my family.

- Have you ever looked at the success of your peers or close friends like Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc and wondered, "Is there something I'm lacking?"

- Yes, absolutely. I think it's very right and necessary to look at your friends' successes and then ask yourself, "What am I still lacking?" Because you need to know what you're lacking in order to learn and strive to be better.

Seeing Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, Trang Phap, Huyen Lizzie, and my friends develop and succeed, I truly feel happy for them. Because to me, they are all very hardworking and diligent people. And that has become my motivation to try harder every day.

If I see something valuable to learn from them, I will definitely learn from them. And if I feel I lack something, I will strive to acquire it and improve myself, so that I am always ready for future roles and challenges.

Thùy Anh admitted that she used to be upset by negative comments about her appearance.

"I used to doubt myself."

- Amidst the negative comments, have you ever felt that you've been judged unfairly?

- I think anyone who works in public will sometimes be perceived unfairly, because people usually only see a very brief moment of them on social media. But I believe that in the long run, how you live, work, and treat people is what helps the audience understand you better.

I will listen to feedback that helps me improve and change, while I will choose to gently ignore what is inappropriate. Right now, I want to focus on the present and do my best at my job.

Have you ever thought about quitting your job?

- Absolutely. There were times when I felt overwhelmed by so many difficulties and pressures at once that I doubted both myself and the path I was on. But after overcoming them, I found those experiences to be invaluable "material" for my work, helping me to understand, empathize with, and grow in my profession.

I think feelings of insecurity or uncertainty are something everyone in a creative profession experiences. There were times when I looked around and saw that everyone was so good, and I always wondered if I was good enough.

But then I chose not to give up. I kept going by learning more, gaining more experience, and focusing on doing each role well. I think the longer you work in this profession, the more you understand that what's important isn't always being confident, but keeping trying even during uncertain times.

Recent photos of the actress born in 1995.

- You recently won a lawsuit that lasted almost two years against a film producer. How did that period affect your morale, appearance, and faith in your profession?

- As I've shared before, during that period I almost lost my spirit and faith in everything. I also had to passively stop for quite a long time to calm down and reflect. But now, looking back, I see it as a huge lesson that has helped me mature not only in my work but also in how I face life and challenges.

At that time, I was so tired and stressed that I didn't pay much attention to my appearance or figure anymore; I just focused on trying to stay mentally stable to get through everything.

- After all the ups and downs, the lawsuits, and the attention you received for "Because His Mother Ordered the Breakup," what have you learned?

Even if life doesn't treat me kindly, I still choose kind people.

In the past, I was always afraid I wasn't good enough, not outstanding enough, and easily swayed by external influences. But now I understand that being in this profession is a very long journey. There are times when you're loved, and times when you're doubted, but the important thing is to maintain your love for the profession and not lose yourself amidst all of that.

Now, receiving so much love and acceptance from the audience, I've also learned to open up more, express my emotions more freely, and enjoy my career journey more than before.