Hanoi [Vietnam], February 6: After her impressive role in 'Us of 8 Years Later', actress Hoang Ha returns to the small screen as the female lead in the television drama 'Countdown Clock' currently airing on VTV3.
This comeback by Hoang Ha not only marks the return of a young face who once "caused a sensation" on prime-time television, but also shows a clear shift in her choice of roles and how she is reinventing her image.
In The Countdown Clock , Hoang Ha plays Linh Chi, a deaf, introverted, independent, and strong-willed girl. Linh Chi is not the type of female lead who attracts attention through tragedy or weakness, but rather a quiet yet impactful character who plays a crucial role in the male protagonist's psychological development. This character demands restrained acting, with few lines but many layers of emotion, forcing the actor to convey inner feelings through subtle glances, gestures, and very small movements.
The relationship between Linh Chi and the male lead, played by Thanh Son , is built on companionship and understanding, rather than a fleeting, romantic "love story" kind of romance. Linh Chi becomes a source of emotional support, helping the male lead face the challenges and life-or-death questions posed by the film. This subtle bond gives depth to Hoang Ha's female character, allowing the actress more room to showcase her profound inner emotions.
Hoang Ha's height of 1.55m, once considered a limitation, has now become a strength in " The Countdown Clock ." The height difference between her and her male co-star creates a sense of fragility without diminishing the character's strength. On the contrary, this contrast makes the emotional scenes feel natural, enhances the emotional impact, and makes Linh Chi appear both relatable and unique.
Compared to her role in "Us 8 Years Later ," Hoang Ha shows a clear change in her acting. While previously she impressed with her youthful, innocent, and feminine image, now the actress captivates audiences with her portrayal of a strong-willed, introspective woman, focusing on psychological depth rather than direct emotional expression.
Hoang Ha has gained attention through numerous television and film roles with diverse styles, such as "Em and Trinh," "The Soul Eater," and "My Hand Holds a Star" (a collaboration with South Korea)... She is remembered for her innocent and energetic image in school-themed films and psychological-romantic dramas, before gradually shifting to more profound roles. Constantly changing her role types and not confining herself to one character type shows that Hoang Ha is taking a "slow but steady" approach, prioritizing accumulating acting experience.
Sharing her thoughts on her new role, Hoang Ha said that the character Linh Chi is one of the most challenging roles she has ever played. The character doesn't allow for excessive acting; instead, she has to restrain herself as much as possible so that emotions flow naturally. The actress revealed that she spent a lot of time researching the psychology of the hearing impaired, adjusting her acting pace and expression to avoid repeating familiar characters.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
