– You have acted with artist Thuong Tin in many movies, but they were all love stories, love triangles… What do you think about this special relationship?
– I don’t know what to say, I just think it’s a special relationship. You and I. Trust The first film I co-starred in was “Obsession” directed by Duc Hoan. That was the film that marked my return to cinema after 10 years of wholehearted devotion, fulfilling my commitment to the stage when I was accepted into the Youth Theater.
Poster of the movie “Obsession” – the movie marking the first collaboration between Le Khanh and Thuong Tin. Photo: TL
Right in the movie “Obsession”, my character was caught in a love triangle with the characters of Thuong Tin and Tran Van. Thuong Tin played a soldier on our side but because he was too scared, he defected to the enemy, and then, for the rest of his life, he was haunted by his sins. However, his love for the girl in the countryside still remained in his heart.
After this film, we were invited by the team of director Tran Phuong, cameraman Pham Viet Thanh and assistant director Tat Binh to participate in the film “Hunting Robbers”. In the film “Hunting Robbers”, I played the role of monk Bang Thanh, and Mr. Thuong Tin played the role of robber Bach Hai Duong. The character of robber Bach Hai Duong loved the monk Bang Thanh so much that she hid in the church but he still found her. In the end, Bang Thanh got caught in a love triangle between robber Bach Hai Duong and police officer Nam Ha played by People’s Artist Trong Trinh.
Later, when we acted in “Who is K07” by director Tran Phuong; “The Human Skin Mask”, “The Last Love Song” by director, Meritorious Artist Chanh Tin… we also acted in love triangles. That was the time, movies had to be about love and love had to be about three or four to be dramatic. Acting in love but only stopped at a handshake, a hug or a light touch, not as bold as later. There was only one time as I mentioned, in the movie “Obsession”, when the director demanded a kiss scene when two lovers broke up, Thuong Tin suddenly performed that scene, I reflexively kicked him into the lotus pond, getting soaked.
Later, director Duc Hoan continued to make the movie “Khach o que ra” and wanted to invite me to play the main role. But because this role required a lot of kissing scenes and director Duc Hoan knew that I would never do those scenes, he was afraid to ask. In the end, the crew had to invite Viet Trinh to participate in this movie.
Poster of the movie “Hunting Robbers” – the second movie Thuong Tin and Le Khanh co-starred in. Photo: TL
Thinking back now, making movies back then was simpler than it is now, but it was a lot of fun. We worked well together, so we called each other to go with us on every movie. A compatible crew will work together from one movie to the next.
– You and artists Thuong Tin and Chanh Tin once formed a perfect pair on screen. Many people were jealous of you when you were lucky enough to act with two of the most talented faces on the Vietnamese screen at that time. How do you view your two co-stars?
– I am really lucky to be able to act in a film with two brothers who are both very manly and talented. Mr. Thuong Tin is a bit worldly, rough, and thorny but no less romantic, cold but passionate; Mr. Chanh Tin has a gallant, aristocratic, and luxurious beauty. Mr. Thuong Tin has jet-black, deep eyes… whoever he looks at is as soft as a prey. Thanks to that beauty and his special acting talent, Mr. Thuong Tin has an advantage when playing many roles. He can play soldiers, gangsters, and civil servants… Mr. Thuong Tin’s range of roles is very wide!
– It seems that People’s Artist Le Khanh and director Pham Viet Thanh have a rather special relationship with artist Thuong Tin?
– Yes, first of all, because we are a compatible couple on screen, and have acted together in many films, we have a more special relationship than other co-stars. In the past, “father” Tran Phuong (now father has passed away), Tat Binh, Pham Viet Thanh, Thuong Tin and I formed a very close and happy group. In addition to working together, there is also a father-son relationship, a colleague relationship, a brotherly relationship. “Father” Tran Phuong is old, but we love him so much that we always call him “father”. Our friendship initially came from working together in harmony. That friendship has continued until now.
The beauty of Thuong Tin and Chanh Tin when they were young. Photo: TL
-But it seems like it’s been a long time since you and your husband had a chance to meet artist Thuong Tin again?
– When Mr. Thuong Tin released his autobiography “Thuong Tin – A stormy life“When we were in Hanoi, we came to congratulate and share the joy with him. Since then, we have not had the opportunity to meet again. Because each person lives in a different region, Mr. Thuong Tin had time to return to Phan Rang to “hide”, not contacting anyone and no one could contact him, so it was difficult.
-Looking at the life of artist Thuong Tin at the present time, what do you think?
– I feel sorry for Mr. Thuong Tin. Actually, when implementing the film project “The Girl from the Past”, director Bao Nhan – Nam Cito also intended to invite Mr. Thuong Tin to play a role in the film. I also jokingly said that I was able to invite him. Thuong Tin acts in movies This time, there is no need to worry about selling tickets. In general, the next generation of directors, actors, and young filmmakers really appreciate the cinematic values that Mr. Thuong Tin has left behind through a series of films. They appreciate, they regret, and they love him. So if they have any opportunity, they always think of him. But unfortunately, at that time, I heard that he had a health problem so he could not participate. I also feel very sorry that the two of us did not have the opportunity to accompany each other in that film project.
Thuong Tin and Le Khanh once made a perfect pair on screen. Photo: TL
-Now, when you recall those memories, those memories of the time you “fought” together in film projects… what do you think?
– As a junior, as a colleague… I always thank you for being a beautiful part of my youthful memories. I also feel very lucky that in my acting career I have met compatible co-stars who are both beautiful and talented.
Without you guys, with your beautiful character images and professional talents, it would be difficult to create a perfect pair on screen, leaving a deep impression on the audience. And another good thing is that we are not only close at work but also close in real life. That affection still remains until later.
– Thank you People’s Artist Le Khanh for sharing the information!