Inspired by the novel Tat Lua Long by Nguyen Cong Hoan, the play has changed details to better suit the perspective of the times, revolving around Trong (played by Doan Minh Tai), a poor student who, because of the plot of Mr. Phu Nhon (Thanh Hoi), had to reluctantly betray Loan (Ky Thao), his fiancee. Although the character's name was changed compared to the original, the story still moved the audience because in addition to a tragic love story, it also painted a picture of a cruel and difficult life. People sometimes cannot control their own destiny but are controlled and silently changed by circumstances. Trong's dream of changing his life was not wrong, relying on the nobility in difficult circumstances to help relatives was also legitimate, but he was too immature, did not foresee the pitfalls and gradually became a different person without realizing it.

The greatest tragedy is Trong's helplessness when he was caught up in the storm of the times but did not receive sympathy from his relatives. Everyone thought Trong was cowardly and treacherous, but under the pressure of the Phu family, witnessing the cruelty of power, he did not have enough strength to resist. Should we have a sympathetic view of fate?

Other characters are also more fully developed. Mrs. Lai (Ai Nhu) knows right from wrong, is full of self-respect and humanity. Her performance of embracing Trong makes the audience tear up, because no matter how wrong her children are, a mother is still tolerant. Or Ms. Thuy (Hoang Van Anh) is stronger, more straightforward than the original, daring to give up what is no longer worthy. Even the character Loan does not become a nun like in the novel but opens her heart to accept the love of the doctor (The Hai), which is also a positive way of living.

The play is familiar to the audience but still creates attraction thanks to changes in details and character exploitation. The acting is guaranteed by familiar faces of Hoang Thai Thanh with meticulous attention to every small detail. Short and long sideburns is a rare pure drama work during Tet 2025.