Lý Cường is the secondary antagonist of Nam Cao's short story Chí Phèo and the film Once Upon a Time in Vũ Đại Village, a composite adaptation of Nam Cao's stories.
He is the mayor of the Vũ Đại Village and Bá Kiến's son, assisting his father in the latter's shady activities. His incompetence and over-reliance on brute strength have forced Bá Kiến to get him out of troubles many times. He is disliked and looked down upon not only by the villagers but also Bá Kiến's rivals, who will find every opportunity to mock him. He is also the rival of Chí Phèo ever since the latter breaks into his house's yard to throw a tantrum.
Personality[]
Lý Cường is defined entirely by his devotion to his father's ideals. He is a coward and rather incompetent in handling situations, relying on his father to help him. He also cares greatly about his reputation, fearing that Chí Phèo may ruin it with his tantrums. Lý Cường has a very short-temper, as despite being the village mayor, the son of a canton chief and a member of an aristocratic family, he acts like a thug no better than Chí himself, only being held back somewhat by his concern for reputation. Had it not been for his father's intervenation, it's likely that Lý Cường would engage in a fight with Chí eventually.
Biography[]
Chí Phèo[]
When Chí Phèo returns from prison, he throws tantrum at Bá Kiến's yard, much to Lý Cường's dismay. However Kiến has just returned in time and bribes Chí into silence. Kiến then tells Cường to boil water so he and Chí can drink and talk together. After his father's death, it's said that he has to pay so much money to make a record. Kiến's rivals, especially Đội Tảo, take this opportunity to humiliate Cường while pretending to pay respect for his deceased father.
Once Upon a Time in Vũ Đại Village[]
In the film, Lý Cường's role is largely expanded due to the film also incorporating events from Nam Cao's other short stories. It's also mentioned that he has been involved in his father's numerous shady activities, which Teacher Thứ is exposing on newspaper. Angered, Cường discusses with his father to silence him. Throughout the film, he is seen alongside his father.
After Kiến's death, Cường succeeds him as the new canton chief and continues his father's evil work. Sick of all the tragedies that Bá Kiến and Lý Cường have brought onto the Vũ Đại village, the Teacher leaves to an uncertain future.
Relationships[]
Family[]
- Bá Kiến † (father)
- Bá Kiến's Wives (mothers)
Allies[]
- Bá Kiến †
- Bá Kiến's Wives
- French imperialists
Enemies[]
- Teacher Thứ
- Old Man Hạc †
- Chí Phèo † (rival)
- Đội Tảo (rival)
- Other nobles of the Vũ Đại Village (rivals)
- Everyone else in the Vũ Đại Village
Other Media[]
Comic Books[]
Lý Cường appears as the secondary antagonist of the comic book adaptation of Chí Phèo.
Cậu Vàng[]
- Main article: Lý Cường (Cậu Vàng)
Gallery[]
Images[]
Videos[]
