A "life-changing" role - a launching pad for young actors.

Finding a "life-changing" role is a constant desire for most actors. Some are lucky enough to find their "breakthrough" after a long period of dedicated artistic work, but many others still struggle to "shine."

Choosing a role - courage and luck

The resounding success of "Battle in the Air," grossing 44 billion VND, not only marked a boost for Vietnamese cinema but also a turning point in the careers of many young actors. Audiences witnessed a remarkable transformation of familiar faces from the big screen, television, and web dramas.

Thanh Son and Loi Tran made a spectacular breakthrough after the "Deathmatch in the Air" series. Photo: DPCC

Actor Thanh Son, despite acting in many films, had not yet made a significant mark. However, with his role as security guard Binh, he made both critics and audiences re-evaluate his acting abilities. Actor Loi Tran, who has been acting for about 10 years and has participated in many films such as "Flip Face 2 - Film Studio," "Intersection 8675," "Phuong Khau," "Bi Long Dai Ca," etc., it was only with the role of Hai that he truly affirmed his maturity in the profession.

Similarly, Vo Dien Gia Huy – a 9X actor previously known for his gentle and innocent image in "Dear Mother, I'm Leaving" – has surprised audiences with his edgy villainous persona and menacing gaze. Likewise, names like Tram Anh, Ray Nguyen, and Tran Ngoc Vang have also delivered distinctly different performances.

Equally noteworthy, Red Rain – the highest-grossing Vietnamese film of all time – also showcased the dynamism of a new generation of actors. Do Nhat Hoang, once considered a "discovery" from Once Upon a Time There Was a Love Story, then faded into obscurity in Mai, or the television series "Don't Even Think About Escaping Me," unexpectedly shone with his portrayal of Cuong, a music conservatory student.

Steven Nguyen, who was previously only considered an actor in "web dramas" or television series such as "Bi Long Dai Ca," "Hung Long Phong Ba," "Hanh Phuc Bi Danh Cap," "Ban Gai Toi La Chut Truong," "Cu Dan Thep," and "Mat Troi Mua Dong," unexpectedly "changed his life" with the role of Quang.

It would be remiss not to mention Phuong Nam – the beloved "Squad Leader Ta" in the film Red Rain. He had previously impressed with his role as Binh Tu in Golden Boy, and participated in many television series such as Paper Roses, My House Is So Strange, Status: Divorced, Under the Shadow of the Happy Tree… but it wasn't until Red Rain that he truly became a household name.

Besides the two projects mentioned above, Vietnamese cinema in 2025 also saw many actors find roles perfectly suited to them. Lam Thanh My shed her "child actress" image to make her debut as a wife and mother with complex and multifaceted psychological developments in "The Strawberry Contract." Similarly, Sy Toan, through his villainous roles in "Detective Kien: The Headless Case" and "Battle in the Air," has made him a household name among audiences.

Success doesn't come naturally.

According to actor Thanh Son, the role of security guard Binh in "Battle in the Air" was his first attempt at an action film. "The role of Binh was a big challenge and a significant change for me personally," Thanh Son admitted. He captivated audiences with his natural acting and surprising transformation in both action scenes and complex psychological sequences.

Similarly, actor Loi Tran said that audiences are usually familiar with him through action roles, but this time it's more special because viewers can also see his deep exploration of the character's psychology. As for Vo Dien Gia Huy, to create those breathtakingly realistic action scenes, he and his team had to carefully plan to ensure both safety and a realistic effect for the audience.

The transformation of young actors shows they are proactive in seeking roles, unafraid of challenges, and ready to reinvent themselves. In the context of the recovering and rapidly developing Vietnamese film industry, a serious attitude towards their craft is key to creating their personal mark in a vibrant market.

Before shining in Red Rain, Do Nhat Hoang had already impressed with his portrayal of a young man with intellectual disabilities in "You Can't Escape Me." Similarly, actor Hieu Nguyen, previously known for his villainous roles in "Huong Ga" and "Faceless Killer," surprised audiences with his portrayal of the upright and calm Lieutenant Colonel Tran Thanh.

A superficial role can be easily forgotten by the audience, or even considered a step backward. Conversely, a good choice, even a small role, can open up a long and successful path. Because for an actor, they not only act but must truly live the character to achieve professional excellence.

VAN TUAN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/vai-dien-doi-doi-be-phong-cho-dien-vien-tre-post819090.html