The character of Tang Seng, along with his companions, climbs mountains to retrieve scriptures, and this scene resonates deeply within the hearts of the audience. It is impossible not to acknowledge the successful casting and filmmaking of director Duong Khiet. The spirit of the character Tang Seng, the talent of actor Ton Ngo Khong, the charm and grace of Truu Bat Gioi, and the dedication of Sa Tang all contribute to a compelling portrayal of these iconic figures, allowing the actors to immerse themselves fully into their roles throughout the film.
Tang Seng in the film.
The actor portraying Tang Seng marries the wealthiest woman in China, played by Ton Ngo Khong, yet they still cannot compare with the character of Truu Bat Gioi…
In the 1986 version of Journey to the West, three male actors played the role of Tang Seng, but only the version portrayed by Tri Trong Thuy is recognized as the definitive Tang Seng.
“Tang Seng” was first played by Vuong Viet, who later withdrew due to concerns about his acting career. The second Tang Seng, played by Tu The Hoa, returned to the classroom because of a missed university entrance exam. The third, performed by Tri Trong Thuy, remains a significant figure in cinematic history and has become iconic in the genre.
However, Tri Trong Thuy is not merely “the main lead” in the film but also “the richest woman in China,” Tran Le Hoa, outside of the screen. Since 2016, Tri Trong Thuy has been a prominent figure on the list of the richest women in China, with a personal fortune of 50.5 billion yuan.
Tang Seng in the 1986 version of Journey to the West.
Born into a family immersed in classic literature, Tran Le Hoa, who “adored classic literature,” has been deeply influenced by Tri Trong Thuy’s acting, becoming a passionate fan of Journey to the West.
Later on, the online community began to speculate: “The brother of Ngoc Hoang, the one for whom even the heavenly realms could not resist, ultimately married the richest woman in the realm.”
In 1990, Tri Trong Thuy, at 38, married 49-year-old businesswoman Tran Le Hoa. They have been together for over 20 years, facing various public scrutiny over their marriage, yet they have remained devoted and supportive of each other throughout the years.
Ton Ngo Khong, portrayed by Luc Tieu Linh, whose real name is Truong Kim Lai, plays a significant role in the film and has become a beloved character. Outside of the film, Luc Tieu Linh has also shared moments with Vu Hong. One can see in the images that although Luc Tieu Linh is over 60 years old, he still retains a charming appearance, prompting fans to comment, “Isn’t this Ngoc Thien Tinh from the past?”
In terms of appearance, Luc Tieu Linh bears a striking resemblance to the actor playing Thien Ngoc Tinh in their youth. However, he is not the actor portrayed as Ngoc Thien Tinh but plays the Emperor, the father of Princess Thien Truc in the context of the film Journey to the West.
Vu Hong, who also appears in the film, is a legendary figure in the industry, often sharing stories behind the scenes during interviews where he reminisces about the filming process of Journey to the West and the interactions with Luc Tieu Linh. It is clear that this connection goes beyond their roles in the film, showcasing a genuine bond.
When discussing Truu Bat Gioi, it is certain that he is the most humorous character in Journey to the West. When confronted with problems, he often responds with a clever approach, making the character of Truu Bat Gioi exceptionally well-rounded. The actor playing Truu Bat Gioi is Ma Duc Hoa, who comes from a wealthy family. However, Ma Duc Hoa has been known for his turmoil, as his parents could not manage his upbringing, leading him to face challenges that ultimately shaped his journey into the role of Truu Bat Gioi.
In the film, Truu Bat Gioi does not win the heart of “Chi Hang Nga,” but in reality, he has married “Chi Hang Nga.” Ma Duc Hoa’s wife, known as Hau Ngoc Man, is not in the entertainment industry but is a beautiful person. They have a son who is tall and handsome, currently pursuing his studies abroad and preparing to start his own company. Ma Duc Hoa is indeed a successful figure in life.
