Huỳnh Lập: “I was hurt because I was attacked”

Actor Huỳnh Lập said that he was hurt when he heard the audience’s comments “seeing the face, I hate it”.

Huỳnh Lập launched “Kẻ Độc Hành” – a series showing exclusively on Netflix Asia from the end of October, co-starred and produced by him. The work is currently topping the top 10 popular movies on Netflix Vietnam. On this occasion, Huỳnh Lập talked about 10 years of following his passion for acting, the times when he was frustrated because his ability was doubted.

How does Huỳnh Lập cherish the project “Kẻ Độc Hành”?

I was quite worried when the movie came out after nearly two years. The work is a prequel to the series Who died raising his hand, revolving around Tinh Lam – a boy who “started” as a magician. The project started filming in 2021, sometimes interrupted because of the epidemic. I put all my effort into the script because I wanted the story to have more depth than previous works. The visual effect part is also invested, on average each episode takes four weeks post-production.

Huỳnh Lập also under economic pressure, the cost of making the film so far has been nearly 10 billion. I spent most of my money out of pocket because I couldn’t find funding. This budget I have accumulated from the pay-per-movie, game show remuneration and own business for many years. When summarizing, I was also startled because I did not expect such a large number. With this work, I determine the loss, the only gain is the support of the audience and colleagues. Since then, I have been given more confidence to continue working.

How did you get help from your colleagues in the project?

I am fortunate to have the support of many generations of artists. When I asked, the guest actors accepted even though the schedule was very difficult because the filming scene was completely in the West. Artists Hồng Vân and Kim Tử Long are busy still participating in the film, and Duy Khánh and Puka said they don’t need to get paid. For a person like me – having met with failure, was not supported by his family when he first started his career, the help of colleagues is a great encouragement.

What does Huỳnh Lập remember about the new period in the profession?

The main character Tinh Lâm in “Kẻ Độc Hành” was also me when I first started acting. Tinh Lâm is always despised and cursed by this person, being judged by “The Trio of Vacì-karma” even though he doesn’t understand anything about him. Those are the feelings I experienced. The pain and betrayal I have encountered in the profession are included in the details of the film.

I struggled alone when I moved from my hometown to Ho Chi Minh City. At that time, my family did not encourage me to pursue art. Failing the University of Theater and Film in the first year, my parents told me to go back to my hometown. I argued because I wanted to stay in the city, rubbing to gain more experience. I attended FPT University, met the comedy group DAMtv in 2012 and started producing comedy videos myself.

One day, I only eat under 50,000 VND, the rest was saved to make movies. When watching on YouTube, parents called and scolded, banned because they thought it was crap and a waste of time. Gradually, I was noticed on social networks when I took the Cười Xuyên Việt 2015 (Artist Version), and my family began to recognize my efforts.

After winning the first prize, I was gradually accepted by the audience. The next few days were the time when I made my own movies – including the movie “Pháp Sư Mù” – to make a name for myself.

Looking back 10 years in the profession, how does Huỳnh Lập see yourself changing?

I am grateful that I have grown up. When I entered the profession, I was impulsive, eager to win, not satisfied with anyone’s “post status” on Facebook immediately. I am more mature now because I know that everyone in the profession has suffering, not only me. I learned to see life holistically, knowing before and after. Professionally, I am also confident when the latter film is supported more than the previous one. Every day, I try to be better than I was yesterday.

Huỳnh Lập was born in 1993, is the winner of the program Cười Xuyên Việt 2015 (Artist Version). He used to be famous for his parody videos (remakes) of movies, MVs… In 2018, web-drama Who Dies Raised His Hand won many awards, including Web Drama and Best Web Drama Actor of the Blue Star Award. In 2019, The Blind Wizard – the first film he starred in – achieved a revenue of 60 billion VND.