Squad Leader Ta of 'Red Rain': Many people speculate that I have a terminal illness

The role of Ta in 'Red Rain' for actor Phuong Nam is a tribute to his grandfather and the soldiers of Thanh Hoa. He did not hesitate to lose weight to get into the role.

The role of squad leader Ta is played by Phuong Nam.

Everyone assumed I had a terminal illness, schizophrenia.

- For you, how impressive and memorable is the role of Squad Leader Ta?

The first time I played the role of Ta, almost everyone assumed that I was "involved" in social evils, had a terminal illness, was schizophrenic... in general, all the worst things. At that time, I also wanted to get out of the role but "fate" kept me going.

The first time was when the film finished filming at the end of last year, I cut my hair and shaved my beard to prepare for Tet. But when the barber just made the first cut, tears suddenly fell down my face. That made me think about it for a long time. The second time was when I participated in the Red Rain showcase, the director wanted everyone to wear military uniforms. So I went to the salon with excitement, cut it short and had many scars - Ta came back a second time.

After the showcase, I hurriedly continued my unfinished film project: I had to shave all my hair to put all my heart into the role of a monk. Exactly half a month later, singer Hoa Minzy invited me to participate in the MV Pain in the Middle of Peace , which had a side story about the family of squad leader Ta.

At that time, I really didn't know how to express my feelings in words, but I truly believed that the character Ta had a special connection, and I didn't want to leave because there were many more things I wanted to share with the audience. So this third time, I decided to keep Ta for a long time so that the audience could see and touch him in the flesh.

- Why did you convince the director to use 100% Thanh Hoa dialect in the film?

First of all, I must say that Ta in Red Rain was born for Phuong Nam. The director created Ta as a Thanh Hoa native, which just so happens to be my hometown. Not only does he have the familiar voice of his hometown people, but this is also a role that represents the heroes of Thanh Hoa.

Right after receiving the role, I returned to my hometown, lived with the people, learned the local language and felt like I was back to my childhood when I was learning to speak. I hope that when listening to Mr. Ta's voice on the film, the audience across the country in general and Thanh Hoa audiences in particular will feel the love for the homeland, the love for each region, and the accent of Vietnam!

- Perhaps the scene where Ta sacrificed himself was precious and unforgettable to you, especially when tears rolled down his face. How did you feel?

I personally have a lot of sympathy for Mr. Ta. The audience can imagine that when we are living healthy, suddenly thinking about the day we have to sacrifice, there are still many things that we have not done but there is no other way, so we have to write a letter of "advice" to those who stay.

And that day really came, the younger brothers in the squad were still too young, how could they fight without Ta? Thinking of the scene of them struggling, the ones missing him and crying, Ta also shed tears. Then Ta's parents, wife and children, and the promise to buy a blue hair clip for his child when he returned? Ta was gone but the pain of those left behind was still lingering and my tears kept falling!

Phuong Nam had to lose weight to play the role of Ta.

- Viral military roles or characters often have ideal looks, but it seems you are an exception?

When I accepted the role, I used all my strength and mind to turn that character into everyone's "ideal" instead of imposing everyone's ideals on the character. Therefore, the on-screen squad leader Ta was full of naturalness and simplicity.

- What are the advantages and disadvantages of working with a female director? What is the most memorable moment while filming?

Ms. Huyen (director Dang Thai Huyen - PV) is very focused and serious at work, but in real life she is funny and affectionate. She always asks how my wife and children are doing at home, and even subtly recognizes the reason if I have psychological problems. She is a very caring director and a precious sister.

The most impressive thing for me was probably the scene with an army of lice on my head. That time, the crew prepared real lice. When it was time to shoot, the designer picked one up and dropped it on my head, making everyone around me shiver. Even when I got back to the room, no one slept or sat near me for fear of catching lice. But it was thanks to the army of lice that Ta had a very lovely fan group of Chậy Con.

Hearing the audience call Mr. Ta's name, I really trembled with happiness.

- With this successful role, is Phuong Nam afraid of being "nailed" or compared with later roles?

I feel both happy and worried, but now I am happy because I have partly done what I have always wanted to do. It is a tribute to my grandfather, to the soldiers of Thanh Hoa in particular, and to the heroes of Vietnam in general.

Next month, Phuong Nam also has a new project, a new character and life waiting to be breathed into. My love for Ta still makes me miss him very much.

- Has the success of the film brought new things to your life? How did your daughter and wife react ?

This is the first time I have felt the boundless love of the audience. That affection for squad leader Ta was conveyed through comments on social networks and especially when appearing at the A80 rehearsal, in the midst of the people, everyone shouted loudly: “Brother Ta, Brother Ta!…”.

Amidst the bright lights of the biggest event in the country mixed with the audience calling out Mr. Ta's name, I was truly trembling with happiness, pride and satisfaction. I called my wife because I wanted to cry so much, but unfortunately during the rehearsal, there was an announcement that the phone signal would be cut off.

Before, my daughter would be very sad if anyone said she looked like her father, but recently, if anyone said, "You look so much like Ta!", she would smile right away, Ta's halo is so big! (laughs).

Actor Phuong Nam and daughter.

- What kind of role do you most want to play?

I really like to play special characters like mentally unstable people, poor people… Besides acting, I can tell and teach my daughter true stories of life. I love any role.

- What is your career perspective?

For me, artistic activities are a passion, a life, not a way to make a living. Each role is a life and must be lived well. That is why Phuong Nam is called a "chameleon" when he is a rough gangster, sometimes a rich CEO, sometimes he turns into a simple farmer Ta. I just hope that my acting career has "enough roles" to contribute.

PV (synthesis)

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/tieu-doi-truong-ta-cua-mua-do-nhieu-nguoi-don-doan-toi-mac-benh-nan-y-519875.html