(GLO) – After turning 30, Gia Lai-born actress Lê Hạ Anh has chosen not to chase the dazzling spotlight, but instead quietly makes her mark through deeply nuanced roles.
In 2025, Hạ Anh has reaped many “sweet fruits” for her efforts, most notably with her portrayal of Hồng in the film “Mưa đỏ” (“Red Rain”).
At the beginning of the lunar month of December, Year of the Snake, Lê Hạ Anh took time to sit down with reporters from Gia Lai Newspaper, Radio, and Television to share her perspectives on her craft and her aspirations for the Year of the Horse.
▪ Mưa đỏ is a war film—a genre that is not easy for female actors. What made you decide to take on this project? Did you have any special memories during filming?
Actress Lê Hạ Anh. Photo: Provided by the artist
- The script moved me from the very first read. Mưa đỏ is not just about war, but about people in wartime.
The character Hồng is layered with emotions, representing the silent women behind the front lines. I saw this as a rare opportunity to “touch” a very different kind of role.
There were many scenes shot amid smoke, fake explosions, mud, and rain. Sometimes I was so exhausted I just wanted to sit down and rest for a moment. Those moments helped me understand, in part, the harshness that previous generations endured to win independence and freedom for our country.
▪ Hồng doesn’t have many lines, but she leaves a lasting impression on the audience. In your view, what was the most challenging aspect of portraying this character?
- With roles that have few lines, every emotion must be conveyed through the eyes, gestures, and breathing. I had to constantly remind myself: Hồng is a very ordinary woman, and it is that ordinariness that gives her weight.
I didn’t focus on making the character stand out, but rather on expressing the feelings of a woman living through war.
Hồng is not a hero; she simply does very ordinary things, but it is precisely this ordinariness that gives the role depth. I wanted the audience to remember her for her authenticity, not for lengthy dialogue.
▪ After Mưa đỏ, your name has been mentioned much more frequently. Looking back on your journey so far, how do you feel at this moment?
Actress Lê Hạ Anh is not afraid to take on villainous roles. Photo: Provided by the artist
- After Mưa đỏ, I feel grateful and extremely proud. Grateful that the team’s efforts were recognized and loved by the audience. Proud that I didn’t get “lost” among the countless roles in an increasingly vibrant film industry.
Looking back, I think it’s been a journey of learning to trust my own choices.
This success is a milestone, reminding me to take my craft even more seriously, to remain sincere, and to never forget why I chose this path in the first place.
▪ Previously, you were often cast in villainous or even controversial roles. Have you ever felt pressured by harsh audience reactions?
- Honestly, I’m used to it. If you play a villain and don’t get “stoned” by the audience, that’s when you should worry. I think audience reactions—positive or negative—show that they’ve watched and cared about the character. The most important thing is to act truthfully and accurately according to the character’s psychology; whether the audience loves or hates the character is a natural response.
Every role has its own value. Villainous roles often offer more psychological depth, but if you don’t control it well, it’s easy to go “over the top.”
I don’t choose roles based on whether they’ll attract attention, but on whether they challenge me and give me a chance to explore the character’s inner world.
▪ At 30, many actors choose to build their image in the media to break through. Why have you chosen to keep a relatively low profile?
- It’s probably my personality. I’m used to a simple lifestyle and don’t like noise. For me, peace is very important.
If I’m not filming, I usually stay home, read, or have coffee near where I live. I believe that when I live a balanced life, I bring more positive energy to my roles.
2025 was a year of many achievements for actress Lê Hạ Anh. Photo: Provided by the artist
▪Looking back on your journey, how do you think you’ve changed compared to your early days in the profession?
- I’m calmer and understand myself better. Now, I focus all my energy on doing each role well. Every day on set, if I learn something new, that’s progress for me.
▪ On the occasion of the New Year, what are your wishes for yourself, and do you have a message for the readers and audience who have always supported you?
- On the occasion of the 2026 Lunar New Year, I wish all readers and viewers good health, much joy, and wonderful new beginnings. Thank you for always following and supporting me.
I hope the new year brings everyone lots of positive energy, enough peace to get through busy days, and enough love to hold on to what matters most in life.
As for myself, I wish for good health, meaningful roles, and the chance to work with dedicated teams. I just hope that when people watch the films I’m in, they feel their time was well spent.
▪ Thank you for this engaging conversation. Wishing you a peaceful and creatively inspiring new year!
Lê Hạ Anh (born 1995) graduated in Finance and Banking from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. She won first prize in the “Fashion Star” competition in 2011.
Since then, the actress has ventured into acting, participating in numerous film and television projects such as Mưa đỏ, Trái tim bất hạnh, Chiếc vòng ngọc bích, Yêu đi đừng sợ, Cả một đời ân oán, Đánh cắp giấc mơ, Lật mặt: 48h, among others.
At the 2025 Ngôi sao xanh Awards, Lê Hạ Anh achieved major success, being honored in several categories: Most Favorite On-Screen Couple in Mưa đỏ with actor Steven Nguyễn; Most Favorite Actress in Chiếc vòng ngọc bích; and Best Supporting Actress in Trái tim bất hạnh.
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