"If only my two daughters had another mother!"
- The character of Mrs. Hanh in "Bringing Mother Away" is always exhausted, barefoot and running in the rain, struggling with illness every day. Does this seem to be the hardest role in your career?
In terms of physical appearance, the screaming and running scenes are tough, but I am not as tired as the psychological scenes. Sometimes some scenes that seem simple are actually very heavy. When I let go, I am almost exhausted.
For example, the scene where Mrs. Hanh returns to Korea, returns to the old house to find her son. In this part, the director asked me not to say a word, focusing entirely on my eyes with many emotions: from happiness, regret, torment to remorse, torn between thinking whether to see my son or not...
Mrs. Hanh is a woman with Alzheimer's disease, facing many sorrows in life. From the moment I received the script, I thoroughly researched the character's personality, the disease she suffered from, observed the reality of the patient and the opinions of people around her, to try to immerse myself in the role.
- Hong Dao is considered a "late bloomer", over 60 years old but suddenly shines and is warmly welcomed. Some people are surprised because Vietnamese cinema seems to have no artist like her...
Every time I launch a project, people often ask me if I feel pressured. Honestly, I feel comfortable and enjoy my work every day.
My life for the past few years has revolved around hours of makeup, reading scripts, going to the set… ending a tiring but happy day.
I get compliments, sometimes criticism from directors and audiences. That's okay! All opinions are necessary to improve.
I believe that being busy at work is a healing. There are some things in life that cannot be solved, just immerse yourself in the role and you will naturally feel lighter and more mentally comfortable.
I am 63 years old this year, and I can still act in movies, work with many young people, wear beautiful clothes to attend premieres… it is so wonderful. I don’t dare to dream or set high goals, I just accept whatever comes.
 |  |
- The character Mrs. Hanh is half-awake and half-asleep but still loves her child, especially when she is awake. When filming those scenes, did you relate to yourself?
A mother never wants to be a burden to her children. Mrs. Hanh's sadness is that she is completely unaware of that.
In the brief moment of clarity, she realized clearly, but the pain multiplied. Many times she wanted to let go to give her son a new life.
In real life, I have 2 daughters, mother and daughter are very happy. I used to think that in old age, I would have 2 children to protect me, especially one who has health problems like me. But in reality, everything is different from what I thought.
While I was in the hospital, my two children had to take time off work and school. They came to the hospital every day and lay at my feet to be taken care of.
When we are sick, we only care about ourselves, but when we wake up, we suddenly feel heartbroken. I suddenly thought: “Oh, it turns out I am also torturing my child.”
Sometimes, I think it would be great if my two children had another mother. This is very true to Mrs. Hanh's mentality in the movie and is suitable for many other mothers in the same situation as me.
When old, move into a nursing home and no longer think about your spouse.
- You said you have many worries, wondering if you will be in the same situation as Mrs. Hanh when you get old. Where does that fear come from?
Everyone my age has the same worry, that when they get old, they will be a burden to their children or not.
Asian traditions, especially Vietnamese, always emphasize family affection. Even though parents are old and sick, children still do not want to let go.
They want to protect and take care of their parents, willing to take on the hardships and burdens, even when they are poor.
As a mother, I don't want that to happen to myself and my children.
I told my two children that if at some point I could no longer take care of myself, they would proactively go to a nursing home. That was the right environment because there were caregivers and many old people.
The elderly living in the hospital can go shopping, sing, beautify themselves and live their old age very leisurely and gently.
I know a 95-year-old woman in a nursing home who goes to the beauty salon every week, and there is an old man who follows her around and keeps calling her “Honey!” (honey) . They used to be lonely, lived in a nursing home, met, fell in love, it was a very cute picture.
 |  |
 |  |
- How do you arrange to make the rest of your life more comfortable and relaxed?
I have always lived moderately, not the type of person who spends too much. I have never regretted investing in my children's education, and I myself live frugally. Thanks to that, finances are not a concern.
From childhood to adulthood, I always thought I was satisfied with everything I had, so I adapted easily.
Moreover, in foreign countries, when you reach retirement age, you will receive a pension. The elderly live a frugal life, eating three meals a day is enough. In there, even if you wear branded shoes, no one will care.
I think, when you are old, you should be optimistic and think positively to have a happy spirit. It is better than being gloomy, worrying about illness, being sad like this and that, bringing negativity to your children and grandchildren, which is not good.
- How do you enjoy life at this age?
I am the type of person who is enthusiastic and passionate at work, but when I am alone I prefer quiet. When I get home, I put down my phone to be true to myself. I am so quiet that my assistant complains that it is difficult to contact me when there is something to do.
My personal life is quite boring and uninteresting. In the morning, I spend time exercising and meeting friends for coffee. At lunch, I go out to the garden to tend to the plants, cook in the kitchen, and when I feel like it, I pick up the camera to record as a souvenir...
Afternoon is the time I spend with my family. I love movies so I always look for good movies to enjoy every night.
Artists often stay up very late and have irregular activities. As for me, I go to bed at 8:30 pm and wake up early to start a new day.
- Have you ever thought about a current relationship?
Many people ask about finding a partner after a breakup, but I don't think about this.
For me now, the most important things are work, family, children, parents and spending time enjoying life.
I have a group of close friends. We often go out, eat and exercise. For me, that is happiness at the moment.
The children will be happy to see me happy and optimistic. They still hope that their mother has a companion and friend.
- How do you take care of your health and spirit after a serious illness?
I am still sitting here, which means my health is fine. For many years, I have been very strict in exercising and taking care of myself. I maintain the habit of jogging 6-7km in the morning, doing gym, yoga, kickboxing... rotating the activities every day. In terms of diet, I avoid starch and sugar as much as possible, and eat a lot of vegetables.
I still work regularly, just finished a new movie. Recently I have turned down several scripts because I was afraid of repeating myself. The joy of acting helps me forget my illness and the hardships of life.
Hong Dao in the movie "Take mother away"
Photo, clip: NVCC
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nghe-si-hong-dao-tuoi-63-se-vao-vien-duong-lao-song-khong-suy-nghi-tim-ban-doi-2428448.html
Comment (0)