Director Tran Thanh: ‘Maintaining innocence in art is difficult’

After all, Tran Thanh said he has entered the most lucid stage of his life, but still has an innocent spirit with art

His success across multiple fields has made Tran Thanh a constant figure of public fascination. Though he studied acting at the University of Theatre and Cinema in Ho Chi Minh City, he first gained recognition as an MC, thanks to his charisma and quick-witted improvisation. Alongside his hosting and comedic roles, he has lent his voice to the Vietnamese versions of internationally acclaimed animated films such as Madagascar 3 and Despicable Me 2. His performances in films such as Nắng 1 & 2, Trạng Quỳnh, and Cua Lại Vợ Bầu received positive acclaim. He is also a familiar presence on popular reality shows, including Thank God, You are here (Ơn giời cậu đây rồi), Who Is That Voice? (Giọng ải giọng ai) and Anh Trai “Say Hi”.

After years in front of the camera, Tran Thanh turned to directing, collaborating with Vũ Ngọc Đãng on Bố Già (Godfather), which grossed VND150 billion within its first week of release. Building on this success, he went on to produce Nhà Bà Nữ and Mai, both of which shattered box office records for Vietnamese cinema. His contributions to the industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Best Feature Film award at the 2024 Golden Kite Awards for Mai.

Above Director, actor, MC, producer Tran Thanh

Director, actor, MC, producer Tran Thanh

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Writer Nam Cao once said, ‘Art is not a deceptive moonlight; art should not be a deceptive moonlight.’ Yet, artists often romanticise and aestheticise everyday life. How does Tran Thanh approach art?

For me, art must first and foremost be “real”. If it lacks authenticity, it cannot fully convey the depth of emotion I want to share with the audience. However, being real is not the same as being blunt. While emotion is essential, aesthetic quality must also be preserved. Truth must be presented beautifully and in a way that resonates. “Beauty” does not need to be a deceptive moonlight, but it should still be moonlight—bright enough for people to see clearly.’

Most great works of art explore sadness. Even in comedy, laughter often carries an undertone of melancholy or contemplation. Is it truly so difficult to portray pure happiness?

There are more people facing hardship in life than those who are not. Life is tough, and I aim to tell stories from a neutral standpoint—so that those who struggle can find comfort in knowing that their emotions are understood. The sadness in my films is not one of despair but of regret. It reflects an acceptance of reality and serves as a reminder that if we wish to avoid an unfortunate outcome, we must start making changes now. I believe that joy and sorrow must coexist. If a film ends on a sad note, it should first make the audience laugh. This Tet holiday, I will make a comedy—simply to bring joy.

Above Director, actor, MC, producer Tran Thanh

Director, actor, MC, producer Tran Thanh

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As Vietnam’s first trillionaire director, what is your perspective on Vietnamese cinema? Why do so many viewers still feel apprehensive about Vietnamese films?

I hope to see more people achieving greater success. Increasing competition will allow everyone to grow together. Vietnamese cinema holds immense potential—our audiences have a deep love for literature, art, and especially homegrown films. However, the unfortunate reality is that many directors and filmmakers disregard the internal logic of a story, making it difficult for audiences to connect with the narrative. This often leads to disappointment or even reluctance when it comes to watching Vietnamese films.

In my view, Vietnamese cinema still lacks several key elements needed for greater success. Firstly, there is a shortage of strong screenwriters. Second, many actors continue to perform as they would on stage or television, resulting in a style that can feel overly theatrical on screen. Additionally, technical expertise and visual effects remain underdeveloped, making it difficult to create convincing cinematic experiences.

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You are known for writing the scripts for your own films. How do you ensure the audience believes in the story?

I draw inspiration from real-life stories that I have heard or witnessed. Since they are based on truth, they naturally carry a sense of authenticity when brought to the screen.

Your on-screen performances are quite different from how you are in real life. How do you prepare to fully embody roles that seem so far removed from yourself?

I believe people are often drawn to doing things they would not normally do. When I play a villain, I like to challenge the audience’s perception of what makes someone “evil”. I want them to ask: Where does this villain come from? Why do they behave this way? Should we sympathise with them? Is their darkness shaped by culture, upbringing, circumstance, or the weight of the world’s oppression? Behind every villain is a deeper story, and when I bring these characters to life, I aim to reveal those layers—to help audiences understand, empathise, and even find compassion for them.

Above Director, actor, MC, producer Tran Thanh

Director, actor, MC, producer Tran Thanh

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Having focused on commercial films in recent years, do you have any plans to create art films as a way to elevate your reputation and gain greater recognition on the international stage?

I think that in this industry, everyone aspires to make art films—that is the ultimate ambition. But the timing has to be right. When I was younger, I wanted to create works that were widely accessible, easy to absorb, and enjoyable for a broad audience. As I grow older and gain a more profound perspective and deeper experience, I will naturally transition to making art films. That time will come.

Do you aspire to take your films to international competitions or aim for an Oscar?

I think that in Vietnam, as well as around the world, winning an Oscar is the dream of every filmmaker. The goal is always there—the only question is when to pursue it. However, I do not use that as my driving force in filmmaking. My ultimate aim is for audiences to connect with my stories, for my films to reach as many people as possible, and for them to leave a positive impact on society.

In your opinion, why do your films spark such divisive reactions?

I believe that the closer something is to the sun, the more intense the heat. My films are no different. They are like any other films—it is just that they are fortunate enough to reach a wider audience, which naturally invites a greater range of opinions.

We are not born to please everyone, but being loved is, in some way, a measure of an artist’s success. I don’t know what the key to success is, but the key to failure is undoubtedly trying to please everyone. No one can achieve that. I do not change to win over everyone—I change to become better.

Above Director, actor, MC, producer Tran Thanh

Director, actor, MC, producer Tran Thanh

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Have you ever felt that you were in the wrong?

Many times! My life has been full of mistakes—who hasn’t made them? I often say, I am not afraid of people who make mistakes; I am only afraid of those who constantly justify them. There is nothing shameful about admitting when you are wrong. If you make a mistake, own up to it. And once you do, focus on changing for the better.

With such a broad range of achievements, do you have a formula for success?

I don’t follow a formula. I consider myself an artist in the truest sense. I see many artists who approach their careers with a calculated mindset, but I am not one of them. I make broad plans for major projects, but beyond that, I let things unfold naturally. Whatever life brings, I embrace it. I am incredibly carefree. To this day, my greatest fortune is that I have held onto my sense of innocence—that I have not grown indifferent to the experiences that shape me.

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You might say that innocence is difficult—almost impossible—to preserve.

It is difficult, but I believe there is a way: by learning to redefine happiness. Many people think happiness has only one definition—money, status, or fame. But for me, happiness can be something as simple as enjoying a great bowl of beef noodle soup. Whether I have ten million or ten thousand billion, I will still be just as happy—the only difference is that the more you have, the more ways you can experience happiness (laughs). If tomorrow I had to start from scratch, I would still find joy in the small victories of everyday life.

What matters most is not allowing ourselves to become weak. As long as we know what to do tomorrow, we will not fail. First and foremost, we must be excellent at our craft. I do not believe that a truly great chef will fail simply because he does not have the perfect location.

Above Director, actor, MC, producer Tran Thanh

Director, actor, MC, producer Tran Thanh

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After two decades in the industry, you have said that you are at the clearest and most self-aware stage of your life. Where does this clarity come from?

I believe it comes with maturity. With time, we gain new perspectives and begin to see things in ways we never could before. Experience in different aspects of life naturally shapes the way we understand and approach challenges.

You once shared that life consists of four stages: work, enjoy, share, and contribute. Which stage do you feel you are in now?

I feel as though I am almost at step four. I find myself drawn more to projects that serve the community rather than those that reinforce my own status. These days, I do things simply because I enjoy them, and I do them for others. Even when I take on game shows, it is because I genuinely like them, not because of financial gain—if I were focused on earnings, I would be making more films instead. But I choose to allow myself time to rest, to recharge my creativity, and to connect more with audiences. My focus now is on giving back, and that makes me happy.

On that note, it has been quite some time since you last did comedy.

That’s right. I hardly do comedy anymore. At different stages of life, we are drawn to different things. At this point, I feel a greater desire to step back. I still want to make people laugh, but now, I prefer to support new artists in doing so. In my recent films, I have only taken on supporting roles—I am no longer the main character. I enjoy being a subtle element in my own projects, like a spice that enhances the overall dish. When I step back, I can see things more clearly—just like the lyrics of a song (laughs).

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Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is a celebration of the individuals shaping the world today. The list brings together Asia’s most innovative minds, industry giants, and visionary leaders who are making a lasting impact both in the region and beyond. See the full list here.

Tatler Vietnam – Nhà Tập Tinh Hoa will officially honour those featured in Asia’s Most Influential: Vietnam 2024 at Tatler Vietnam Launch – Enter A New Kingdom on December 4, 2024.

CREDITS

Managing Director: Hami Tran

Editor-in-Chief: Nikita Chu

Art Director: Andy Tran

Managing Editor: Sade Ho

Photographer: Viet Thanh

Videographer: Luan Nguyen

Producer: nakhoi

Stylist: Angio's team

Makeup Artist: Dinh Tran

Hair Stylist: Lam Huy

Set Designer: Lam Minh Trung