Singer Diem Hang Lamoon, plays the role of Ut Kho in "Tunnel".

''When I visited Cu Chi tunnels, I was terrified because the space was dark''

- What made a young singer like Diem Hang Lamoon turn to acting?

I didn't choose, the Tunnels chose me. Director Bui Thac Chuyen watched some of my performances on Vietnam Idol and said he was impressed with the innocent, playful girl on stage so he asked someone to contact me.

After the casting, Mr. Chuyen asked: 'Do you want to act in a movie?'. I nodded repeatedly, both surprised and happy. If I didn't take the opportunity, I might regret it for the rest of my life.

I spent months honing myself to fit the character of Ut Kho - from his gait, his eyes, to every breath in the darkness of the cellar.

- Actors have to go through rigorous training for their roles, what do you remember about that period?

I did military training for 2 months, from Phu My Hung shooting range before Tet to the film set after Tet. All the movements from crawling, shooting, learning how to move, express, to losing more than 10kg… I often joke that this is the first time I have "lived so hard".

When I visited the real tunnels in Cu Chi, I was terrified by the dark, cramped space, and the feeling of not being able to breathe. Gradually, I got used to it and adapted to it during filming.

Sweat poured out 24/7, my body was dirty and scratched everywhere. But I felt more patriotic than ever, and understood the hardships of the previous generation.

The 20-year-old singer had a memorable experience playing a female guerrilla.

- At such a young age, never understanding the feeling of war, where did you get the emotions to blend into the role and atmosphere of the film?

My family has a revolutionary tradition. Since I was little, my parents told me stories about wartime, which was difficult but brilliant and heroic. Growing up, I majored in literature and was immersed in books about history and human psychology. That permeated me without me even realizing it.

Standing in the tunnel, I imagined myself as Ut Kho - a young girl, afraid but still had to move forward. Sometimes emotions don't need to be screamed, just being real is enough.

After this movie, I feel stronger and "smarter". I believe that everything comes for a reason and I must do my best to not let down that opportunity.

- What is it about the character Ut Kho that moves you and makes you struggle to portray it on screen?

In the film, Ut Kho is a pitiful life - small between the line of life and death but is the thread that stirs up humanity among teammates. In real life, I see her as a brave young person, daring to live for great things, despite the confusion and hesitation of youth.

Ut Kho is a soft, emotional girl. Her sensitive, pure soul helps her sacrifice and endure for her teammates.

Once, after filming a heavy scene with Ho Thu Anh (playing Ba Huong), the two sisters hugged each other and cried. The camaraderie in the film and in real life blended together, strangely real. I was the youngest in the crew, and was pampered by everyone, so I felt that love even more.

Comfortable, no pressure when acting 'hot scenes'

Diem Hang Lamoon's youthful appearance in real life.

- The hot scene in "Tunnel" caused a stir and was considered bold for a revolutionary war film. Did you feel pressured with this scene when you first entered cinema?

I was relaxed, didn't put pressure on myself or think too much. When it came to that scene, I let all the surprises and confusion come naturally to "live" with the character.

- Working with a famous, difficult and strict director like Bui Thac Chuyen and an actor considered a "box office king" like Thai Hoa, what did you learn?

Everyone patiently instructed me, waiting for me to catch up. There were times when I was clumsy, but no one blamed me, they just guided me to be better. It was that professionalism and sharing that pushed me to try harder.

During the process of working, I understand why they have the current position. Their concern and dedication to the point of living and dying for their work has inspired me a lot.

- What do you think about the title "new muse of Vietnamese cinema" that people give you?

I don't dare accept it yet! I will answer this question when I do well in another role in the future. Right now, I just want to be myself, do my best, and live each opportunity to the fullest.

I feel honored to be a part of the film. In the future, whoever watches The Tunnels will see Diem Hang Lamoon there, living and breathing with the character. That is an honor for a new face like me.

- Looking back on the 2-year journey since Vietnam Idol, what have you achieved?

The short period of 2 years is enough for me to do many things. From singing, studying to improve my expertise, image… to entering the film industry.

When I am in a big billion dollar project like the Tunnels , I feel more skilled. Working in a professional environment, of course I will go further than going alone.

Importantly, I know my own value and ability, and how far I can go to always focus, improve, and stand firmly on my own two feet.

In the near future, I will focus more deeply on my music career. Whenever there is any suitable opportunity, I will arrange, invest and try.

Diem Hang was born in 2003, from Quang Nam. She has a sweet, dynamic beauty and a clear voice. At the age of 18, she passed the acting major at the University of Theater and Cinema in Ho Chi Minh City. Stopping in the top 6 of Vietnam Idol 2023, she is recognized as a colorful singer. Diem Hang Lamoon received 388,800 likes on TikTok and 1,916 followers on Instagram.

Diem Hang Lamoon sings the soundtrack of the movie "Tunnels"

Photo, clip: NVCC

The real life contrasts with the movie of the 22-year-old actress who plays Ut Kho in "Tunnel" Diem Hang Lamoon, the actress born in 2003 who plays the female guerrilla Ut Kho in the blockbuster "Tunnel" has attracted attention because her real life beauty is very different from the movie.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/diem-hang-lamoon-thoai-mai-dien-canh-nong-trong-dia-dao-2389381.html