Mat Biec is not only one of the most beloved literary works by Nguyen Nhat Anh but also an emotional symbol for many fans. The story of Ngan and Ha Lan, their lingering, bittersweet first love, has touched millions of hearts with its ache and longing. At the center is Ha Lan, the soul of the tale, a muse with delicate beauty and deep, sorrowful blue eyes.
From the very first pages, Ha Lan appears as a beautiful childhood dream for Ngan. She has clear eyes like the blue sky, deep as a still lake, fair skin, long flowing hair, and a gentle, feminine charm typical of a countryside girl. Her beauty isn’t flashy or cinematic but pure and haunting, the kind that stays in your memory after just one glance. Those eyes, that figure, the faint sadness on her face, all create a “Ha Lan” that Ngan and we will never forget.
Recently, an AI-generated portrait of Ha Lan surprised many online. Using Nguyen Nhat Anh’s descriptions, the AI tried to recreate the “blue-eyed” beauty, but instead of evoking emotion, this version sparked debate.
The AI’s Ha Lan has pale white skin, a slender face, and the signature blue eyes, but they lack any sparkle. Her gaze feels empty, lips pressed lightly in a blank expression, giving an overall cold, lifeless, and dull impression. Though based on the book’s descriptions, this realistic version lacks soul, failing to capture the innocence and shyness of the village girl stepping into the city for the first time.
Of course, when talking about Ha Lan, we can’t ignore the most famous version: Truc Anh’s portrayal in the 2019 film Mat Biec, directed by Victor Vu. Upon release, the film became a sensation not just for its story but also its visuals. With box office earnings exceeding 180 billion VND, it proved the work’s massive appeal. One of the biggest highlights was Truc Anh, a fresh face who stunned audiences: “This is Ha Lan stepping right out of the book!”
Truc Anh embodies a gentle, pure beauty perfectly fitting a 1970s high school girl. Not overly sharp or modern, she has expressive, clear, and deeply melancholic eyes that haunt both the audience and Ngan on screen. Under Victor Vu’s lens, those eyes sparkle and hold the vastness of an autumn lake. Her portrayal feels natural: innocent as a child, confused in the city, and torn by adult choices.
Comparing Truc Anh to the AI version, it’s clear she wins hearts with her eyes alone. After seeing the AI’s version, many are amazed and admire Victor Vu’s talent for discovering new stars (at the time of the film, Truc Anh was a newcomer). While her acting might not have convinced everyone back then, Truc Anh’s beauty remains the “one and only Ha Lan” in fans’ hearts, at least for now.
Image sources: Compilation