Trần Trung"I'm Not Afraid of Boring the Audience"
Kieu Minh Tuan has been in the industry since 2013 and starred in many films before, but it wasn't until 2017 that the audience got to know him through "Sweet 18." Do you think your career "blossomed late"?
- I feel normal! Who knows, if it had blossomed earlier, I might not have had enough experience to fully portray my roles, or even burnt out. Also, I think at that time I didn't have enough acting experience to handle heavier roles.
During the period when the audience didn't know Kieu Minh Tuan, did you face many challenges?
- I don't call that challenges, more like experiences. People might think that Kieu Minh Tuan's career before was a bit shaky. But looking back at my journey and with everyone around me, I cherish that time because it gave me a lot of experience, a life's worth of lessons.
Actor Kieu Minh Tuan (Photo: Cam Tien).
It seems like reality shows have played a big role in bringing Kieu Minh Tuan closer to the audience?
- The success of "Sweet 18" helped the audience get to know me more, but the factor that brought Kieu Minh Tuan closer to the audience is the reality TV shows. Thanks to them, the audience gets to know the real person and character of me, my strengths and weaknesses...
Participating in reality shows, I try to be as comfortable as possible. Instead of worrying about being scrutinized, I maintain a positive and cheerful spirit.
Especially in "2 Days 1 Night", I am grateful to my colleagues for always supporting and encouraging me. Behind the screen, Truong Giang reminds me of things to do and not to do, while Le Duong Bao Lam always boosts my morale, throwing jokes for us...
Kieu Minh Tuan with the artistic cast of "2 Days 1 Night" (Photo: Character's Facebook).
In the years to come, Kieu Minh Tuan appears quite frequently on the big screen, are you afraid of the audience getting bored of you?
- I only appear in 1-2 films a year, so I don't think about it too much. I'm not afraid of the audience getting bored of me, just afraid of not doing well. Because if I do well, the audience won't be bored, just like how we eat rice every day but don't get tired of it because it's delicious.
Is Kieu Minh Tuan a "picky actor"?
- I am very picky! When I receive a film script, I have to be interested in it to accept it. On the contrary, if I see many issues with the script, I will definitely reject it. Or if I like the role but the script is lacking, I will discuss with the director to find a solution for my character.
Personally, I want to conquer roles with more depth, more internal conflicts. Every time I play such a role, I feel very weak, so I want to conquer it even more.
Many opinions suggest that the success of Ly Hai, Tran Thanh has created an imbalance in Vietnamese film revenue? From a personal perspective, what do you see through the hundreds of billion dong revenue figures?
- Seeing the good revenue of Trần Thành's film, I am very happy because this is a promising sign for the Vietnamese film industry. Later, there will be more films from Ly Hai! I think the success of Tran Thanh, Ly Hai has created breakthroughs for the Vietnamese film industry.
The breakthrough in film revenue has provided great motivation for filmmakers. From here, they can learn from each other the formula for success.
Unfortunately, there are also well-invested films that have limited revenue, possibly because these films have not reached the audience's taste. So in the future, we can expect more breakthrough Vietnamese films.
Kieu Minh Tuan is increasingly being praised for his performance (Photo: Character's Facebook).
How do you seek freshness for yourself through "The Bachelors"?
- I have known director Vu Ngoc Dang since studying at the Ho Chi Minh City Theatre and Film School, as well as admire and respect him. When I received the invitation, I was excited because after many years of working with Dang. The film also features appearances by Le Giang, Thu Trang, who are very close senior sisters to me.
The role of the father in "The Bachelors" brings me freshness. This is the first time I played a father and had a grown daughter. Therefore, I am very excited about creating the character, changing my image this time.
Playing the role of a father with an old appearance while in real life only 36 years old, do you worry that this image will be pigeonholed for future roles?
- I am not afraid of that happening. Most producers and directors invite me to films because they like my acting and work ethic, not because of the roles I have previously played.
After "Sweet 18", there were a few directors who invited me to roles with a similar white-haired appearance, but I declined because I didn't want to repeat the color.
Because she is "Tran Thanh's younger sister," Uyen An often faces doubts about her abilities, how do you see her in this collaboration?
- I think this issue must be looked at from both sides. Uyen An has the support from her brother, so she has to strive to prove her own abilities. Being doubted about her ability, facing controversy is unavoidable.
Uyen An is enthusiastic, passionate about her profession. Outside, she may be tired, playful, but when it comes to work, she is very serious and puts all her effort into her role.
Kieu Minh Tuan plays the father of Uyen An in the film "The Bachelors" (Photo: Character's Facebook).
Youthful, Life-Loving at 36
One of the surprising things about Kieu Minh Tuan recently is that he shaved off his long-time beard, what was the reason?
- I really liked my previous beard because... it was beautiful. However, in one instance where I had to transform into a female character, I was forced to shave it off. When I let the beard grow back, it didn't look as good as before. Truly, I feel very sorry because the beard meant a lot to me...
Until now, I have decided to keep shaving. I find it okay, maybe thanks to the new appearance the audience will see me as younger (laughs).
Not only shaving the beard, but your appearance, your fashion style also looks younger than before?
- I was "persuaded" by actor Anh Tu! He is the one who buys these outfits to give to me. Initially, I wasn't used to it and felt embarrassed. However, later on, I realized that changing my style of dressing is necessary. This is also a way for me to show respect to the audience.
Also, I am aware that I need to take care of my health more, pay more attention to my appearance. As an actor, maintaining appearance and style is necessary, not to let it deteriorate.
Your new image has been positively received by the audience, do you regret not changing sooner?
- Because in my view, in each stage of my life, there will be different changes to match my goals and personal direction. Who knows, if I had changed earlier, it might not have been good...
Kieu Minh Tuan has changed to a more youthful image than before (Photo: Character's Facebook).
Tran Thanh, Truong Giang, or many contemporaries have shifted from actors to producers, directors. What is your strategy?
- I think that's very good! I have thought about it but haven't really felt the desire to do it. Maybe because I want to experience more in the role of an actor. In the future, who knows, I might venture into this field because it's good. I really admire those who excel as actors and can also transition to directing and producing.
How do you spend time for yourself?
- I always have time for myself. I pay more attention to my health than before. Therefore, even though I work, I always have time to "recharge" and replenish my energy.
I still manage my schedule well, don't feel overwhelmed. Usually, I am only busy when filming, but daily life is normal.
Kieu Minh Tuan diligently practices sports (Photo: Character's Facebook).
Recently, many people have noted that Kieu Minh Tuan seems "happier" than before?
- I feel that my life is as normal as anyone else, learning to cook, cleaning up, and doing more sports...
Unlike before, I experiment more creatively with content on social media. I hope to bring a cheerful and positive image to the audience. Luckily, I always have a team behind me supporting me to create happy products for everyone.
I believe that I need to do this to upgrade myself every day, to engage with the younger generation.
What about the time you dedicate to relationships?
- I would like to keep this for myself only!
Thank you for sharing, Kieu Minh Tuan!
