Kim Lân
Biography
Kim Lân (real name Nguyễn Văn Tài, b. 1 August 1920 in Bắc Ninh Province - 20 July 2007) was a Vietnamese writer and actor. He received no formal training in writing but managed to publish his first novel, "Son of a Concubine" (Đứa Con Người Vợ Lẽ, 1941) when he was just 21 years old. He later wrote a series of short stories based on his personal recollections and experiences with country life. His works celebrate the simple yet refined lifestyle of the rural poor and their pastimes. Kim Lân received acclaim for works such as Làng (Village), published in 1949; Nên Vợ Nên Chồng (Becoming Husband and Wife), 1955; and Con Chó Xấu Xí (The Freakish Dog), 1960; in all of which he portrayed, with deep empathy as well as a sensitive eye for hope and humor, Vietnamese peasants' miseries under feudalism and colonialism. Kim Lân was awarded the State Prize in 2001 for his contribution to the nation's literature. Kim Lân is also remembered as an actor in film and theater, with his most famous role being Old Hạc (Lão Hạc) in "Once Upon a Time in Vũ Đại Village" (Làng Vũ Đại ngày ấy, d. Phạm Văn Khoa, 1982).
Known For & Full Filmography6 Titles
Movie - 1982, 2h 15m • as Lão Hạc
Thứ, a teacher in an impoverished village of French occupied Vietnam, witnesses the daily tragedies and hardships his neighborhood has to endure. A joint adaptation of three of Nam Cao's classic works: the short stories "Chi Pheo", "Old Hạc" (Lão Hạc) and the novel "Corroded Life" (Sống mòn).
Movie - 1961, 2h 15m • as Pụ Pạng, the arbiter
To pay off her family’s debts, Mị is forced to marry the son of her Hmong village’s ruthless patriarch. When the constant abuse and beatings become unbearable for the young girl, she plans to escape with a stranger held captive by her husband.
Movie - 1981, 2h 15m • as Lý Cựu
In colonial French Indochina, a woman sells her daughter and four dogs in a desperate attempt to save her husband from torture when they can’t pay off the government taxes.
Movie - 2002, 2h 15m • as Herbalist Tâm
The Vietnam War from the North's viewpoint. Air raids on Hanoi stiffen the resolve of the population to strike back against a far more powerful enemy.
Movie - 1984, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
Silent Soldiers tells the stories of soldiers on the battlefield. The film is set amongst the opening of the campaign against Buon Ma Thuot. The troops hid in the rubber forest waiting for orders. Old Lung and his daughter Ho May are the silent soldiers operating in the enemy's heart, as scouts for the army. News of Gia Lung's father and son helped the army capture Buon Ma Thuot.
Movie - 1984, 2h 15m • as Cụ Mộc
An outstanding performance featuring brilliant storytelling, high stakes drama, and unforgettable character arcs.