Thai Hoa: 'I like playing villains'

Playing the unfaithful husband in "The Price of Happiness", Thai Hoa said he likes to play characters that make the audience hate him.

The character in Thai Hoa's new film is Mr. Thoai, a successful businessman, living with his wife - Mrs. Duong (Xuan Lan) and two children, about to inherit the property left by his father-in-law (Huu Chau). On the surface, the marriage seems happy, but in reality, he deceives and mentally abuses her.

"I like playing such an evil character, making everyone hate me - a type of role that is lacking in my career," Thai Hoa said at the film premiere on the afternoon of April 17 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Thai Hoa talks about the 18+ scene that made him worried in the new movie. Video : *Mai Nhat*

The most stressful scene for Thai Hoa is the climax of the film, when Mr. Thoai realizes his own sins and self-tortures himself out of remorse. Because the scene requires complex psychological acting skills, instead of memorizing the script, he just skimmed the script to grasp the idea and tried to nurture natural emotions, avoiding stereotypical acting. When reviewing this scene at the film's premiere, the actor was still not satisfied, saying he would learn from the experience for future projects.

From right to left: Thai Hoa, actress - producer Xuan Lan, director Ngoc Lam. Photo: Kien Can — From right to left: Thai Hoa, actress - producer Xuan Lan, director Ngoc Lam. Photo: *Kien Can*

After winning consecutive awards last year, Thai Hoa did not have high expectations for his new film, seeing it as a walk in the park. He likes to collaborate with new directors because each one brings him his own appeal. "I participate with a relaxed mindset, enjoy the joy of acting with my colleagues, and appreciate the profession I am attached to," he said.

According to director Ngoc Lam, Thai Hoa not only participated as an actor but also contributed to the script, actively exchanged ideas, and supported the crew. The director said he gave the 50-year-old actor billions because he considered him a rare face that guaranteed both popularity and acting ability.

Trailer 'The Price of Happiness' — Trailer for the movie "The Price of Happiness" (rated 18+), released on April 19. Video: *Lala Land*

Thai Hoa was born in Ho Chi Minh City and was successful on the comedy stage. He made an impression in many films: Let Mai Tinh, Long Ruoi, Get Married Now, Don't Miss Out. In 2020, he participated in the film Blood Moon Party by director Quang Dung - a work that was in the top 5 highest-grossing Vietnamese films of all time (175 billion VND). In 2021, he appeared in the TV series The Apple Tree Blooms . In addition to acting, he is also a screenwriter and author of two popular stage works - Ghost Wife and Blood Heart.

In 2023, he returned with the film Mother Rom and Con Nhot Mot Chong , winning many film awards, including two awards for Best Film and Television Actor from the Golden Kite. He will soon be participating in Tunnels - a film about the resistance war directed by Bui Thac Chuyen.