Quantcast
Channel: drama – Vincent Loy's Online Journal
Viewing all 127 articles
Browse latest View live

Ghetto Justice 2 (2012); quite an effortless sequel.

$
0
0

Ghetto Justice last year was a hit with main casts claiming their prestigious wins at TVB 2011 Anniversary Awards from this drama. Kevin Cheng won Best Actor and Most Favourite TV Male Character from his iconic ‘Law Ba’ character, Myolie Wu won Most Favourite TV Female Character from her character ‘Wong Si Fu’ and Sharon Chan won Best Supporting Actress from her character ‘Jing Jing’ from this drama. The success of the drama led to the creation of a sequel released this year; Ghetto Justice 2. I have finished watching the whole drama which is only 20-episodes long yesterday and all I can say is that I’m quite disappointed.

The first drama gave us quite a high expectation to this sequel. Most of the main casts were back together and with addition of some new casts for some sort of freshness. Sharon Chan is no longer in the series and it’s quite sad since her character passed away in the first drama. What’s tragic is the addition of two new casts who do not speak Cantonese very well and their acting is not passable. In other hand, Myolie Wu and Kevin Cheng maintained their professional performances here (same thing we saw in the first drama), but I don’t see any chance for them to continue winning TV King or Queen from this drama this year anymore.

The story is very weak. Yes, I like the way everything runs very fast in this drama since it’s only 20 episodes long. Many character’s development had been done on first drama and so more emphasis on this part is over the new characters introduced which are not very likeable. And also, it is very boring to see them dealing with the very poor families again and again throughout the whole drama. I knew their neighbourhood centered on poor-class group of Hong Kong people, but they can actually do many other interesting thoughts on that setting in fighting for justice. For lawyer-based drama like this, I had already expected some small cases that would bring a test to the characters which eventually leads to arrival of final case which would be very serious and impacting to the main characters. From this drama, it is not an exception but those cases touched on are too weak and brought no excitement to the development of the story.

That’s include the final case involving Evergreen Mak as the villain. It’s quite interesting to see a case on collapse of building that seriously affected the much familiar neighbourhood in the drama but that part went too fast. Evergreen Mak is shown to be very brutal and heartless, looking down on poor society, gets angry by the neighbourhood for making his son turning against him and not selling their building for his new development, then ordered people to turn the building down. And so, the building collapse (quite an intense scene but very short) and then, he is killed by Kevin, Myolie covered him, Kevin finally revealed the truth, he didn’t get convicted for murder in the end. That’s it. To be honest, I’m expecting more crazy things particularly in the court between Evergreen Mak and Kevin Cheng to make the final case truly overwhelming. But then, Evergreen’s character so fast got killed.

That’s the issue when everything is within 20 episodes with each episode only 40 minutes long. The story isn’t interesting or exciting. What’s good is the performances by the main characters. Even the script isn’t that well written compared to the first drama. As a conclusion, I find that everything seems to be quite rushed and forced to make this drama happen. Like what I said in the title of this post, this drama is quite an effortless production with poor delivery in substance and content. Truly disappointing. Out of 10 points, I can only give this drama a total of 6.2. Seriously not happy or satisfied with this series. No wonder it received much lower TV rating compared to the first one.

(All images from this post are from various sources throughout the internet)



My Astro on Demand Favourites Awards 2012 Nomination List

$
0
0

TVB had their own annual Anniversary Awards back in Hong Kong. For Malaysia, in several years ago, we have Astro Wah Lai Toi Drama Awards running for around five to seven years before it is cancelled to make way for the up-to-date My Astro on Demand Favourites Awards not long after Astro on Demand is offered to Malaysian citizens showing the latest TVB dramas concurrently with audiences in Hong Kong. The Malaysia’s awards presentation which is slightly humble continue this year with more awards to be presented as two new categories are introduced; ‘My Favourite Promising Character Award’ and ‘My Favourite Classic Role’.

This awards which is usually held earlier than the much prestigious and popular TVB Anniversary Awards always serve as a hint of winners at the TVB awards as winners selected from My AOD Awards will be then awarded too for similar category in TVB Awards in past years. Well, now without wasting much time, let us have a look at the nomination list which I believed had already been released a week or two earlier without me noticing it. The awards presentation will be held at Sunway Convention Centre on 2nd December 2012.

This awards would be a disadvantage to ‘The Confidant’ as the series would not be finished airing at the time of the awards and that people usually cast their votes earlier and yet this series isn’t released yet currently. Well, it just gets into nomination but it’s certainly unfair to this heavyweight drama. One of my favourite dramas of the year, ‘The Hippocratic Crush’ receives the most nominations and I do hope it would certainly wins in some categories. It’s really a good drama but too bad, it is released early this year and many would have forgotten the impact from this meaningful medical-based drama. I think this awards would benefits dramas released earlier while TVB awards would usually goes for their promoting dramas usually released in end of the year.

Here’s below is the official nomination list for the My AOD Favourites Awards 2012. The one with a small star at the end is my top picks (5 usually) while the bolded ones are either my choice or to win.  If you are a Malaysian and an Astro subscriber, you can cast a vote on its website: http://zhongwen.astro.com.my/AODAwards/home.aspx.

My Favorite TV Actor in a Leading Role

Bosco Wong (Witness Insecurity)
Michael Tse (Sergeant Tabloid)
Kevin Cheng (Gloves Come Off)*
Moses Chan (Master of Play)
Kenneth Ma (The Hippocratic Crush)* – my choice.
Raymond Wong (Gloves Come Off)
Ruco Chan (No Good Either Way)
Raymond Lam (Highs And Lows)* – to win.
Michael Miu (Highs And Lows)
Damian Lau (Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles)*
Wayne Lai (The Confidant)*
Roger Kwok (Queens of Diamonds and Hearts)

My Favorite TV Actress in a Leading Role 

Sharon Chan (Queens of Diamonds and Hearts)
Fala Chen (Queens of Diamonds and Hearts)
Michelle Yim (The Confidant)*
Tavia Yeung (The Hippocratic Crush)* – to win.
Kate Tsui (Highs and Lows)* – my choice.
Maggie Siu (Master of Play)
Maggie Cheung (The Last Steep Ascent)
Gigi Wong (Divas In Distress)
Liza Wang (Divas In Distress)
Myolie Wu (Ghetto Justice II)*
Linda Chung (Witness Insecurity)
Charmaine Sheh (When Heaven Burns)*

My Favorite TV Drama Series 

The Hippocratic Crush*- my choice.
Gloves Come Off
Master of Play
Witness Insecurity*
Three Kingdoms RPG
Ghetto Justice II
King Maker*
The Last Steep Ascent
Highs and Lows* – to win.
Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles*
The Confidant
When Heaven Burns

My Favorite TV Actor in a Supporting Role 

Edwin Siu (Daddy Good Deeds)
Ram Chiang (Witness Insecurity)
Him Law (The Hippocratic Crush)*
Evergreen Mak (House of Harmony and Vengeance)
Lau Tan (Let It Be Love)
Pierre Ngo (King Maker)* – my choice.
Ben Wong (Highs and Lows)*
Jazz Lam (Ghetto Justice II)*
Kenny Wong (Master of Play)
Koo Ming Wa (Divas In Distress)* – to win.

My Favorite TV Actress in a Supporting Role 

Elaine Yiu (Bottled Passion)*
Kristal Tin (King Maker)* – my choice.
Elena Kong (Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles)
Mandy Wong (L’Escargot)*
Florence Kwok (No Good Either Way)
Angela Tong (House of Harmony and Vengeance)
Nancy Wu (Gloves Come Off)*
Rachel Kan (Master of Play)
Natalie Tong (King Maker)
Aimee Chan (The Last Steep Ascent)*

My Favorite TV On-Screen Couple 

Niki Chow & Raymond Wong (Bottled Passion)*
Nathan Ngai & Candy Chang (The Hippocratic Crush)
Moses Chan & Charmaine Sheh (Let It Be Love)
Kevin Cheng & Selena Li (Gloves Come Off)
Kenneth Ma & Tavia Yeung (The Hippocratic Crush)* – my choice and to win.
Ruco Chan & Kristal Tin (No Good Either Way)
Bosco Wong & Linda Chung (Witness Insecurity)*
Kevin Cheng & Myolie Wu (Ghetto Justice II)*
Him Law & Mandy Wong (Divas In Distress)
Raymond Lam & Kate Tsui (Highs And Lows)*

My Favorite TV Most Improved Actor 

MC Jin (Highs and Lows)
Oscar Leung (L’Escargot)* – my choice.
Jason Chan (No Good Either Way)
Otto Chan (Gloves Come Off)
Glen Lee (Master of Play)

My Favorite TV Most Improved Actress 

Mandy Wong (L’Escargot)* – my choice.
Katy Kung (Gloves Come Off)
Eliza Sam (Divas In Distress)
Samantha Ko (The Last Steep Ascent)
Cilla Lok (Daddy Good Deeds)

My Favorite TV Theme Song 

Moses Chan, Bowie Lam, Kenny Wong (When Heaven Burns)
Joey Yung (The Hippocratic Crush)* – my choice and to win.
Linda Chung (Witness Insecurity)
Hubert Wu (The Last Steep Ascent)
Raymond Lam (Highs and Lows)* – serious dark horse.

Top 15 My Favorite TV Character 

Fala Chen (Queens of Diamonds and Hearts)
Sharon Chan (Queens of Diamonds and Hearts)
Michael Tse (Sergaent Tabloid)
Niki Chow (Bottled Passion)*
Charmaine Sheh (When Heaven Burns)*
Bowie Lam (When Heaven Burns)
Ron Ng (L’Escargot)
Maggie Siu (Master of Play)
Adam Cheng (Master of Play)
Ruco Chan (No Good Either Way)*
Kenneth Ma (The Hippocratic Crush)*
Tavia Yeung (The Hippocratic Crush)*
Him Law (The Hippocratic Crush)
Roger Kwok (Queens of Diamonds and Hearts)
Pierre Ngo (King Maker)
Kristal Tin (King Maker)*
Liza Wang (Divas In Distress)*
Raymond Wong (Gloves Come Off)
Selena Li (Gloves Come Off)
Kevin Cheng (Gloves Come Off)*
Moses Chan (Master of Play)*
Michael Miu (Highs and Lows)
Kate Tsui (Highs and Lows)*
Ella Koon (Highs and Lows)
Bosco Wong (Witness Insecurity)*
Linda Chung (Witness Insecurity)*
Myolie Wu (Ghetto Justice II)*
Kent Cheng (King Maker)
Damian Lau (Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles)
Michelle Yim (the Confidant)
Wayne Lai (The Confidant)*
Gigi Wong (Divas In Distress)
Maggie Cheung (The Last Steep Ascent)
Aimee Chan (The Last Steep Ascent)*
Ben Wong (Highs and Lows)

My Favorite TV Most Promising Artist 

Mandy Wong (L’Escargot)
Edwin Siu (Daddy Good Deeds)
Florence Kwok (No Good Either Way)
Koo Ming Wa (Divas In Distress)
Ram Chiang (Witness Insecurity)

MY AOD’s 5th Anniversary Special Award – My Favorite Classic Role 

Charmaine Sheh – Lau Sam Ho (Beyond the Realm of Conscience)
Michael Tse – Leung Siu Tong, Laughing (E.U) – my choice.
Kevin Cheng – Law Lik Ah (Ghetto Justice)
Wayne Lai – Chai Kau (Rosy Business) – my choice.
Sheren Tang – Cheng Kau Mui (No Regrets)


Wow…’Highs and Lows’ definitely had the best ending for a drama I have ever seen

$
0
0

I fall sick today but since the last two episodes of the TVB drama ‘Highs and Lows’ were released yesterday and with my high anticipation for the conclusion of the drama, I’m not going to miss it today anyway. And I sacrificed my resting time for the one and a half hour finale, and in the end, I think it’s absolutely worth it. The ending is one of the best ever ending I have ever seen from countless of Hong Kong series I have watched for over a decade. Forget about majority of the bad feedbacks and complaints given to this drama. For me, it’s really an amazing and heartfelt touching conclusion to this 30-episode long series.

Yes, there are quite a number of plotholes found in the final episode of the series. The fate is still uncertain over the relationship between Happy Sir (Raymond Lam) with Sandy (Ella Koon), but Sandy returned back to work with higher rank and did not leave as suggested early. Poon Sir take care of Pat (Kate Tsui)’s son eventhough the child is his enemy’s (Poon Sir by Ben Wong) son. It must be a very hard feeling for him to take care of his enemy’s son. Pat and Gordon (Michael Miu) died, but I believe it’s a very acceptable end to their characters to be honest, from my perspective. I’m not mean, but judging from the overall series development, their death is okay for me and even contributed to the increase of touching moments in the final episode.

I bet many dislike the ending because it’s not a happy ending. Well, it’s not a fairytale. Things don’t always get very nice in the end after all, and I do find this ending is very suitable and even realistic to certain extent. Overall, the series is considered very good, and for me, it’s one of the best series of the year, making it on par with ‘The Hippocratic Crush’ released early this year. People please don’t give very ‘surface’ judgement to the ending. It’s a very beautifully done ending with so many intense action-packed climax-breaking scenes balanced up with touching and sad moments. I didn’t expect such an adrenaline-rushing way to end this series. Brilliantly done. I don’t find any need to replace the ending.

 

One more thing to compliment from this drama would be its exciting soundtrack, particularly those present at the final episode which lifts up the intensity to another level as the story progresses. It successfully get us emotionally attached to some very exciting scenes on this series. I find similarity too from a soundtrack from this drama to the one in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. Yes…it’s true. I can feel certain likeliness from the two. Ahh…the ending theme song of the drama by Raymond Lam is a nice song indeed.

The series turned out to be very exciting and interesting in the beginning which gets me on to follow up on this series running for over a month. However, as the story progresses, the development or flow gets quite draggy. This is one of the not-so-good points of the drama. For others, everything is satisfying. Raymond Lam and Kate Tsui performances in the drama are excellent. Kate Tsui really improved a lot and this character really benefits her in the run for the upcoming Best Actress Award of the year. She had a breakthrough from her acting here. Raymond Lam also had a very high chance on Best Actor. Well, the others did amazingly well too. Last but not least, this drama is packed with highly potential beginning, turns out slow in the middle, but leads to non-stop thrilling and touching ending. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘Highs and Lows’ a total of 7.7.

(Images from this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)


SSSS started to get boring, TC is doing well so far.

$
0
0

You must be questioning what is ‘SSSS’ and ‘TC’. SSSS stands for ‘Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles’ and TC stands for ‘The Confidant’. Both are the two anniversary dramas for TVB this year released at the month of the company’s 45th anniversary celebration before the awards ceremony in the middle of December. Since the title of the dramas is quite long and there is no point of writing it again and again, so I will just shorten it as ‘SSSS’ and ‘TC’. Easy…

I have been looking forward to ‘TC’ months before its release. Hence, before that, I have nothing else to watch from TVB dramas and so I decided to watch ‘SSSS’ as well. SSSS started off very well with a highly potential background of a family with three wives (later four) set in Hong Kong many decades ago when it is still under British sovereignty. We get to see quite a number of intense moments, some interesting social issues raised, matters within the huge family itself, and also some highly controversial intimate scenes. Wow…this is good, and so I continued until after Episode 10 when my perception towards the series changed.

The series is going downhill. There isn’t any fuss going around from this drama as the story progresses. Hence, the drama fails to retain the higher number of audiences as seen on its first two weeks, looking from the tv rating report. The drama feels like there isn’t ‘drama’ in it at all. Everything is just plain and boring. I feel like dropping it off my watch list now, but then since I watched over half of the whole 40-episodes long series, I don’t wish to give up in the middle of it. Furthermore, there isn’t any breakthrough from several notable casts from this drama, particularly over the hot favourite for TV Queen (best actress) this year, Tavia Yeung. Her portrayal is ordinary so far, and that is not enough to make her to win this award for the year.

Luckily, there is still TC that saves the day. Eventhough there is still nothing much extreme or climatic going on from the drama, but it has a certain quality that put its way far above SSSS. Budget plays a role here. With the filming taking place at Hengdian World Studio where a whole replica of Forbidden City is built, things get truly formal and above rank, accompanied with amazing costumes and headdress for that Chinese dynasty where the story sets. The presence of the group of eunuchs with interesting collaborations and dramas gives a new breath to dramas set in palace background where only scheming between concubines is the only issue.

Power Chan did exceptionally amazing as Sam Shun in TC. His expression and interesting way of talking steals the show. For me, he is certainly going to win Best Supporting Actor this year. Sorry to Koo Ming Wah as So Gay in ‘Divas in Distress’ whom is seen as hot favourite earlier. Wayne Lai, as usual delivered a very solid performance and I find he is more suitable in historical-period dramas like this one, or earlier in Rosy Business and No Regrets. So, he still stays competitive on his run for Best Actor this year (he had won it twice in 2009 and 2010).

 

(Image source: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/mi2you/dataijiancover2.jpg)

The character that I like the most as of current from TC must be the Empress Dowager Cixi, a very influential figure in China’s history. This highly important character is portrayed by the veteran actress, Michelle Yim who turned out to be one of my favourite TVB actresses too. She looks impressive (and so much younger) with the make-up, headdress and costumes on, and that really makes her looking like a true royal figure. Doesn’t believe that she is 57, by looking from her appearance in this drama. I really enjoyed her performance in the drama. Eventhough there isn’t any extravagant expression from her (there shouldn’t be as a royal figure like her should hold up her emotion in those situations), and Michelle did that extremely well. I believe not many can do that kind of acting and that Michelle’s acting from that particular aspect is outstanding.

There is one very memorable scene at the ending of Episode 14 when she walks off the room in sudden after a very powerful slight expression, with such a hard feeling of loneliness concealed within herself. I don’t wish to explain more on that particular scene. You have to watch it yourself. There is no line spoken from her at that moment at all, but the highlight is definitely on her. It’s such an amazing scene. The impact is great with her performance in TC particularly from that scene. I’m looking forward to more breakthrough and impressive stuff from her so that she stands well in the race for TV Queen this year (eventhough she won it before back in 2008, but I hope she win again…ahh, the current one person one vote system isn’t in favour of her). I also wish the story to go more dramatic and exciting as it progresses. Currently, TC has a high chance of winning Best Series too.


My AOD Favourites Awards 2012 Official Result

$
0
0

My home has Astro but we do not subscribe to Astro on Demand that provides latest Hong Kong dramas. That is why I couldn’t get to watch the live broadcast of My AOD Favourites Awards 2012 yesterday’s night which is only aired on Astro on Demand channel. But then, I stay updated too with Hong Kong’s latest series. The Malaysia’s My Astro on Demand Favourites Awards 2012 was held yesterday at Sunway Convention Centre and was attended by 16 TVB artists, hence making it the award show with highest attendance of TVB artists held oversea (outside Hong Kong). The artists attending were Mandy Wong, Nancy Wu, Kate Tsui, Myolie Wu, Moses Chan, Roger Kwok, Tavia Yeung, Michael Tse, Raymond Lam, Kevin Cheng, Wayne Lai, Oscar Leung, Him Law, Ron Ng, Koo Ming Wah as confirmed earlier. And then at that awards night, Kenneth Ma turned up surprisingly too, making up to 16 in total, and all of them are heavyweight artists.

8240989412_23dbd8a3da_z

Well, their presence at that night actually is a confirmation that everyone of them would be receiving at least an award from a total of 26 awards given out. It acts as an early prize for them before another round of much serious battle at the upcoming TVB 45th Anniversary Awards 2012 to be held on 17th December at Hong Kong. I was glad that this Malaysia’s awards presentation is getting bigger in scale and more popular, and that it is able to invite so many popular artists to the country. However, I find the number of awards presented is a bit too much, making the awards appear so easy to be given out to as many individuals as possible and unchallenging. Hence, I prefer the awards for top 15 drama characters to be reduced to top 10 or even only top 5.

Without wasting any more time, I would post the official result here below with my overall comments in the end. Before that, you can view the nomination list of this awards released quite a long time ago from one of my earlier posts found in my blog here too. By the way, congratulation to all the winners, and may this awards presentation gets more and more popularity and broadcast live to all Astro subscribers (unlike now showing only to Astro on Demand subscribers).

5nxh1

My Favourite Drama Series
“The Hippocratic Crush”

My Favourite Actor in a Leading Role
Kenneth Ma (“The Hippocratic Crush”)

My Favourite Actress in a Leading Role
Tavia Yeung (“The Hippocratic Crush”)

5th Anniversary: My Favourite Classic Role
Michael Tse (“E.U.”)

My Favourite Actor in a Supporting Role
Him Law (“The Hippocratic Crush”)

My Favourite Actress in a Supporting Role
Nancy Wu (“Gloves Come Off”)

My Favourite On Screen Couples
Kenneth Ma & Tavia Yeung (“The Hippocratic Crush”)

My Favourite Promising Actor
Oscar Leung (“L’Escargot”)

My Favourite Promising Actress
Mandy Wong (“L’Escargot”)

My Favourite Drama Song
Raymond Lam (“Highs and Lows”)

My Favourite Top 15 Drama Characters
Him Law (“The Hippocratic Crush”)
Ron Ng (“L’Escargot”)
Linda Chung (“Witness Insecurity”)
Kate Tsui (“Highs and Lows”)
Michael Tse (“Sergeant Tabloid”)
Kenneth Ma (“The Hippocratic Crush”)
Roger Kwok (“Queens of Diamonds and Hearts”)
Tavia Yeung (“The Hippocratic Crush”)
Raymond Lam (“Highs and Lows”)
Wayne Lai (“The Confidant”)
Kevin Cheng (“Gloves Come Off”)
Bosco Wong (“Witness Insecurity”)
Myolie Wu (“Ghetto Justice II”)
Ruco Chan (“No Good Either Way”)
Moses Chan (“Master of Play”)

My Favourite “Outstanding” Popularity King
Koo Ming Wah (“Divas in Distress”)

19794_500

Many others have voiced out their satisfaction and positive feedbacks over this result, saying that this result is much pleasing to major audiences, compared to TVB’s decision that is too biased to certain artists or dramas in their awards presentation. Finally, Kenneth Ma took the best actor (most favourite actor in leading role)! His hard work is paid off. Sorry to Raymond Lam, as I find Kenneth performed better this year as Yat Kin in The Hippocratic Crush. Tavia Yeung is likeable as Zi Yu at the same series too, so giving best actress for her isn’t a problem as she had been in acting career longer than her other threatening opponent, Kate Tsui as a controversial drug queen in Highs and Lows. But at TVB awards 2012, I see that Kate Tsui had a higher chance. Yes, on-screen couples goes to Kenneth Ma and Tavia Yeung in the same series. They are so compatible and had chemistry together in the series. Love them both. Drama song goes to Raymond Lam for his theme at Highs and Lows. Well, that’s a good song but I still prefer the theme song for The Hippocratic Crush by Joey Yung. However, since The Hippocratic Crush sweep most of the awards, and so one major one is left for Highs and Lows. I am very happy that The Hippocratic Crush did so well eventhough it is aired earlier this year. Too bad, Michelle Yim didn’t get any award from The Confidant (and yet, Wayne Lai did). I hope she gets one but this awards gave disadvantage to The Confidant as it hasn’t finish airing yet. For favourite actor in supporting role, I actually prefer Power Chan over Him Law for his wonderful performance at The Confidant, but like I said earlier, many Malaysian audiences have voted even before the release of The Confidant. Well, can they broadcast this awards presentation on Channel Wah Lai Toi (311) soon? I want to watch it eventhough it’s over.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)


My thoughts on ‘Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles’

$
0
0

One of the two TVB anniversary dramas of the year, ‘Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles’ ended its 40-episode long series yesterday. The drama begins airing at the time when I have no other interested series to catch up with, and so I have chosen to watch it. The drama is set in Hong Kong on 1930s and revolves around a prominent family of Chung led by an influential barrister who had four wives. The setting of the story allows for different social issues to be raised which is in accordance to the historical context at that time in Hong Kong when it was under British rule. Those issues like laws involving promoting servants to be changed to maids for better treatment, effects of law that enables men to marry more than one women, and etc are interestingly developed in the drama.

Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles

From that point, the drama already has its certain interesting depth explored. Then, there comes another issue within the family itself when a man has too many wives. That issue is not about quarreling between each wives, but are conflicts with their shared husband. ‘When you own more, you actually lose more.’ This is the message brought up by the end of the series that I find it quite meaningful. Chung Cheuk Man (Damian Lau) thought earlier in the drama that having many wives would be good to all parties especially to himself, but then only to realize that it is actually not good to all his wives. He only had feeling of respect to his first wife (Mary Hon) that manages the family well and had one son and daughter for him. Later, his first wife had stroke and died. He had true love to his second wife (Idy Chan) but isolated her later as being blinded by jealousy over his second wife’s relationship with her ex. Luckily, he realized the damage he had done to her and let her leave the family. He married his third wife (Elena Kong) not because he loved her, but because she is pregnant. So, she experienced loneliness and loss of care and love from his husband especially when the fourth wife came in. Fortunately, she gets to bring her two children and leave the family in the end. Chung married fourth wife (Tavia Yeung) due to unreasonable urge and to get his second wife angry for his personal sake. He did love his fourth wife but finds her uncontrolled and too arrogant on her principles and divorced her. And then, that is not the end when Chung search for happiness with a young girl who he had given his own chalet for her to stay.

ssss_040_zpsca179805

If all that are not enough, we see also issues involving Chung’s children. His eldest son (Kenneth Ma) is involved in love triangle with Rebecca Zhu and Ron Ng eventhough Kenneth had already married Rebecca. His second son (Vincent Wong) always did things extremely wrong. His eldest daughter (Sire Ma) is his most loved but she decided to marry a man that has earlier conflict with the family. And next, we see some other characters interfering and making Chung’s life much more difficult in business and politics with objective of ruining his positive image and popularity.

The first few episodes of the drama are quite interesting when the audiences are first introduced to the story, characters and setting on which we already expected many issues would be raised up. Then, I find the story runs very slow especially when the emphasis goes away to Rebecca Zhu. I dislike her voice which I find it quite annoying but then her performance is satisfying overall as this is her first acting since joining TVB. The story then goes very draggy and boring. It would be much better if the drama is shortened to 30 episodes long as there are too many unnecessary dialogues and scenes.

000002295142_1350613300

All the casts performed very well on this drama. Everyone has their parts and they delivered absolutely solid performance especially by the veteran artists like Damian Lau and Mary Hon. It is quite unbelievable that Mary Hon who did exceptionally good in this drama particularly in the last part when she got stroke (I feel sad for her) did not get any nomination in the upcoming TVB awards. This shows that the TVB executives didn’t create a good and fair nomination list. Since everyone had quite a major role respectively, I find Tavia Yeung isn’t really leading the drama in female section. This would be bad on her running for the best actress award represented by her character in this drama. She performed well, but there isn’t any breakthrough from her in this drama, unlike Kate Tsui who received critical acclaim for her portrayal as a drug queen in ‘Highs and Lows’.

I watched the two-episode ending yesterday and I’m very satisfied. The ending is not meant to be something exciting or intense, but I feel the conclusion is the best to the story. It’s a neat and simple ending yet so meaningful and impacting. Chung is now left with one and only wife, while Kenneth, Ron and Rebecca goes separated on their own way. Chung’s former wives found their true happiness, and it is revealed that their doings have helped to change certain social-based laws in the country as wished for. Some re-cap scenes shown are also good to tell us that we have gone that far (after watching 40 episodes of this drama) and finally this is the end. It’s really a very meaningful and good conclusion to the drama. It’s quite emotional on that scene when Chung’s first wife passed away at the time when Chung brought her to see sunset which is her first wish when she gets married to him but never get fulfilled until that day. Overall, this drama had very good substance with solid performance from the casts, but then runs unnecessarily long in certain things that gets me bored some of the time. The theme song for this drama by Fiona Sit is a nice song which I only found out when the drama almost ends. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles’ a total of 7.0, thanks to the much better ending.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)


My thoughts on ‘The Confidant’

$
0
0

The last of the two anniversary dramas of TVB this year, ‘The Confidant’ finally ended airing yesterday (Sunday’s night) with two final episodes. It is also the last drama of the year, and the last one included into the nomination list for this year’s awards presentation which will be held tonight. And I’m so glad that Malaysians would be able to watch the show live from Hong Kong later on through Astro Wah Lai Toi. Back to ‘The Confidant’, it’s one of my most highly anticipated series of the year. In the end, it turns up quite satisfying but then still lacks a number of things that still put it a level below those great masterpiece produced earlier by TVB like Moonlight Resonance, Rosy Business, etc.

the confidant (TVB)

The drama depicts how a group of eunuchs survive in the weakening Qing empire, and closely traces Li Lianying (Wayne Lai)’s early life from the first day he entered the imperial palace to becoming one of the most powerful political figures in the latter years of the Qing Dynasty. The drama also follows Li’s relationship with Empress Dowager Cixi (Michelle Yim), and how he eventually becomes her closest confidant. There are few very notable aspects from this drama that I found, which is good and also bad to the series itself respectively:

1. The story goes in an interesting direction, but there isn’t any intense ‘drama’ going on.

Whenever a drama focuses on story within palace, there is nothing else to tell besides than scheming or evil plotting between concubines as obvious in TVB’s history. ‘The Confidant’ jumps out of that and explores many other interesting themes like friendship (there came the five great eunuchs in the series and how their friendship is on test going through several life-changing events in the palace), love (romance from impossible pair like between eunuch and princess), betrayal, and also on how good people has to do bad things to survive in palace while having a heavy heart on doing so. Of course, many would still love to see some great ‘evil’ plots behind to bring Cixi down as suggested from Cian and her alliance in the drama, but it turns out too simple and nothing exciting. Even until the ending, there isn’t any serious threat posed from the villain. That’s disappointing. And I seriously find Aimee’s role in this drama is annoying and wasting time.

942352de1e522e624e1765f0ee32693f

2. Solid and outstanding performance by the huge ensemble of casts.

This heavy production drama stars of course heavyweight casts; former two-time TV King, Wayne Lai, former TV Queen, Michelle Yim, Maggie Shiu, Raymond Cho, Raymond Wong, Edwin Siu, Power Chan, Oscar Leung, Elliot Ngok, Nancy Wu, Aimee Chan, Natalie Tong, and many other supporting artists. Many of them are very experienced in acting, and so there isn’t any problem on their acting. Extra credit is given to Maggie Shiu (her expression is strong and good as the main villain in the drama, but it’s very weird that she isn’t included in nomination for supporting actress), Power Chan (his style in this drama is distinctive and entertaining, looking forward to him winning best supporting actor), and Michelle Yim (in this drama, she as a royal figure couldn’t express everything out like normal person but still we can see how she feels at time through her eyes and stunning facial expression). Michelle looks very beautiful, young and outstanding as Cixi in this drama (she is now 57 years old if I’m not mistaken, unbelievable). Also not to forget; Selena Li making a guest star appearance in the first 5 episodes is also well received.

SAM-3868-JPG_040619

3. The story goes away from historical context in certain parts.

The series received several complaints that the story diverges away from the historical truth. But for me, that’s a good effort to show to the audiences the ‘other’ side of the story than seeing what we have already known from history books. Well, based on most historians, Cixi is portrayed as a ruthless and villainous empress dowager who ruled China for almost 50 years. But in this series, Cixi is portrayed in gentler side, showing that she stepped in to prevent disorder and tend to be heartless in certain situation as that is essential for survival in ‘dark’ palace. It’s something new offered to the audiences.

4. The ending is a conclusion with no ‘serious’ drama yet still delivers impact.

I started to realize that this drama isn’t focusing on delivering intense scenes that would be exciting and attracting attention. I hardly remember any really ‘serious’ or climatic moments from this series, but then there is a certain substance that contributes impact to the audiences too. There isn’t any crazy drama going on even in the ending, but then the ending has certain big-scale formality (the scene when new emperor is proclaimed is great) and fascinating finishing part to all the characters, particularly Li Lianying and Cixi. The ending wrapped nicely. But then in the end, I still feels that climatic scenes are needed for series like this to make it memorable and thrilling but this drama provides almost none. Too bad…however, there is some very powerful scenes like the one in end of episode 14 when Michelle realized that she is so lost and lonely and walks out of the hall silently with that little yet wonderful acting.

tc_269

5. Impressive backdrop as the filming took place at Hengdian World Studio.

Finally, we don’t get to see filming backdrop in same old locations we have always seen in typical TVB dramas set in dynasty period. The audiences of this drama are exposed to realistic background as the filming of ‘The Confidant’ took place at Hengdian World Studio where a similar replica of Forbidden City palace is built. This of course helps the drama a lot as it would engage audiences into the story more with that majestic backdrop of palace buildings.

Overall, there are good and bad aspects I found from this drama after I finished it up yesterday’s night. If there are many intense dramas or exciting stuff going on in this drama, then this series would be much more awesome. But then, it’s not in the end. It’s like playing safe, with no breakthrough. But I’m still satisfied with the drama generally. This drama is still considered one of the best for the year, and there is a chance for it to win Best Series tonight at the TVB awards presentation. However, it’s still not on par if compared to several great productions TVB had like what I mentioned earlier. If there is s sequel to ‘The Confidant’, I’m looking forward to it too since the story can proceeds and continue well from the ending with many more things able to be explored. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘The Confidant’ a total of 7.7.

(All images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)


Official result and my analysis of TVB 45th Anniversary Awards (萬千星輝頒獎典禮) 2012

$
0
0

Huh…I have to hold back and keep myself calm while writing this. The result turned up very satisfying in earlier categories presented, but then went on disastrously bad particularly on the last two heavyweight awards. If you don’t know, the prestigious annual TVB anniversary awards is held in December every year to honour artists and series presented along the respective year. The 2012′s TVB Anniversary Awards concluded just now, and I will list down the official result below along with my comments.

tvb2012cover

Lifetime Achievement Award: Liza Wang.

Comment: This is the most prestigious award every year, honouring one who have serviced TVB for at least several decades and had been successfully contributing to Hong Kong entertainment industry. Liza Wang winning this is quite deserving since she made priceless effort on her 41 years of service in TVB. Congratulation to her for winning this, and I like her speech when she said that this award doesn’t mean an award for the old, as she would promise to continue to commit to this work.

Best Actor: (* is in top 5, bold is winner)

1. Wayne Lai in The Confidant*
2. Moses Chan in The Last Steep Ascent*
3. Kevin Cheng in Gloves Come Off
4. Kenneth Ma in The Hippocratic Crush*
5. Raymond Lam in Highs and Lows*
6. Bosco Wong in Witness Insceurity
7. Damian Lau in Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles*
8. Roger Kwok in Queens of Diamonds and Hearts
9. Joe Ma in Tiger Cubs
10. Raymond Wong in Gloves Come Off

Comment: This result is very unexpected and I’m seriously not satisfied with it. Since Kenneth Ma won the Most Favourite TV Male Character, he had lesser chance in this and that paves a bigger chance for Raymond Lam. He had a large fanbase and this one-person one-vote system is an advantage to him. He did exceptionally well in ‘Highs and Lows’ too with extreme emotion poured into the character. But in the end, unbelievably, he turned out empty handed. Many including I myself is predicting he would win. Wayne Lai contributed solid performance as always, but I find it’s already enough for him in winning TV king twice before. Unexpectedly, a lot of people vote for him and he won it again this year.

Best Actress: (* is in top 5, bold is winner)

1. Michelle Yim in The Confidant*
2. Charmaine Sheh in When Heaven Burns*
3. Myolie Wu in Ghetto Justice 2
4. Tavia Yeung in Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles*
5. Fala Chen in Queens of Diamonds and Hearts
6. Linda Chung in Wintess Insecurity*
7. Kate Tsui in Highs and Lows*
8. Aimee Chan in The Last Steep Ascent
9. Liza Wang in Divas in Distress
10. Niki Chow in Bottled Passion

Comment: This is fair and acceptable. Most of us have predicted that it’s the time for Tavia to be crowned TV Queen, and she finally did it. Congratulation to her! But then, I find her role in SSSS isn’t a breakthrough, and people picked her just because her time came, just like how it turns out to Myolie last year. Anyway, she still deserves to win. However, extra credit is given to Michelle as she delivered outstanding performance in ‘The Confidant’. Her eyes and facial expressions are brilliant and impacting in the drama. This is what acting is actually. But since she won it before back in 2008, having her in top 5 is a consolation already.

My Favorite TV Male Character: (bold is winner)

1. Kevin Cheng in Ghetto Justice 2
2. Moses Chan in The Last Steep Ascent
3. Wayne Lai in The Confidant
4. Raymond Lam in Highs and Lows
5. Kenneth Ma in The Hippocratic Crush
6. Bosco Wong in Witness Insecurity
7. Bobby Au Yeung in House of Harmony and Vengeance
8. Michael Miu in Highs and Lows
9. Raymond Wong in The Confidant
10. Damian Lau in Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles

Comment: I like this result the most. It’s the most right judgement of all. Kenneth Ma totally deserved this award. His character as ‘Cheung Yat Kin’ in ‘The Hippocratic Crush’ is very likeable. He did extremely well and his acting has been now on par with those of TV king’s standard. He had a very bright future ahead and soon it would be his turn for TV king. Raymond Lam as Happy Sir is also a nice character but still lacks a bit behind Yat Kin Tou. Really happy for Kenneth to win this. Congratulation!

My Favorite TV Female Character: (bold is winner)

1. Michelle Yim in The Confidant
2. Charmaine Sheh in When Heaven Burns
3. Myolie Wu in Ghetto Justice 2
4. Crystal Tin in King Maker
5. Tavia Yeung in Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles
6. Tavia Yeung in The Hippocratic Crush
7. Kate Tsui in Highs and Lows
8. Fala Chen in Queens of Diamonds and Hearts
9. Eliza Sam in Divas in Distress
10. Niki Chow in Bottled Passion

Comment: Another good and satisfying outcome. Kate Tsui delivered an extreme breakthrough performance as a drug queen in ‘Highs and Lows’. There is a very high potential in such controversial character and Kate nailed it. She improved a lot in acting. Eventhough she is disliked by many people in her early years of acting, she finally gain some recognition and I’m happy with it. Once this award is given to Kate, I’m sure the best actress must be Tavia already.

Most Improved Male Character: (bold is winner)

1. Gam Kong
2. Him Law
3. Edwin Siu
4. Oscar Leung
5. Vincent Wong

Comment: A very good pick indeed. Oscar Leung had been in acting career for many years as far as I have known. However, there isn’t any great things or characters for him in earlier years, not until this year, when he is given so many interesting characters like in L’escargot, The Confidant, Tiger Cubs, etc. He totally deserved this award after so many years of contribution and with such a breakthrough year of 2012 for him.

Most Improved Female Character: (bold is winner)

1. Mandy Wong
2. Eliza Sam
3. Christine Kuo
4. Katy Kung
5. Cilla Kung

Comment: Another very much predicted and acceptable result. I find Mandy Wong’s performance to have excel so fast. Probably, she had a great talent on acting. Furthermore, she had been given so many potential characters to portray and that she did all amazingly well too. I would find it very weird and illogical if this award goes to one of the other four nominees on which I think is still far behind from this recognition.

Best Supporting Actor: (* is in top 2, bold is winner)

1. Power Chan in The Confidant*
2. Koo Ming Wah in Divas in Distress*
3. Oscar Leung in L’Escargot
4. Elliot Ngok in The Confidant
5. Vincent Wong in Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles
6. Alex Lam in Ghetto Justice 2
7. Kenny Wong in The Last Steep Ascent
8. Ram Tseung in Witness Insecurity
9. Him Law in The Hippocratic Crush
10. Edwin Siu in Daddy Good Deeds

Comment: Everyone knew top 2 would be Power Chan and Koo Ming Wah. And yes it is. Koo Ming Wah won it finally. I didn’t watch his performance as critically-acclaimed So Kei in ‘Divas in Distress’ but I heard a lot of good things about him from this drama. So, there must be something exceptionally fascinating from him. But I find that this result would be a big disappointment to Power Chan. He portrayed an eunuch in ‘The Confidant’ in a very interesting manner and his acting is well received. But then, his role gets diminished as the series progresses. Hence, the award still goes to Koo Ming Wah that made a bigger impact from his much earlier released drama. Fine, I’m still okay with this outcome. Really feel sorry for Power Chan. Power Chan, I think next year TVB would tries to give to you this award through another interesting character.

Best Supporting Actress: (* is in top two, bold is winner)

1. Mandy Wong in L’Escargot*
2. Rachel Kan in Master of Play
3. Mary Hon in Three Kingdoms RPG
4. Florence Kwok in King Maker
5. Law Lan in The Last Steep Ascent
6. Christine Kuo in Ghetto Justice 2
7. Nancy Wu in Gloves Come Off*
8. Elena Kong in Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles
9. Eliza Sam in Divas in Distress
10. Aimee Chan in The Confidant

Comment: I prefer Elena Kong and Nancy Wu to be in top two. I find Mandy in top two is a bit too fast for her. She is still not there yet eventhough her character is very much likeable too. Elena Kong delivered impressive performance in SSSS but is not emphasized in awards. Too bad. Okay, I’m still fine with Nancy Wu winning this since she had been in this industry for many years too and that her acting is no doubt good as well.

Best Series: (* is in top three, bold is winner)

  1. When Heaven Burns <天與地>*
  2. Bottled Passion <我的如意狼君>
  3. Wish and Switch <換樂無窮>
  4. L’Escargot <缺宅男女>
  5. Let It Be Love <4 in Love>
  6. The Hippocratic Crush <On Call 36小時>*
  7. Queen of Hearts and Diamonds <東西宮略>
  8. Daddy Good Deeds <當旺爸爸>
  9. The Greatness of  Hero <盛世仁傑>
  10. Gloves Come Off <拳王>
  11. House of Harmony and Vengeance <耀舞長安>
  12. Come Home Love <愛.回家>
  13. Master of Play <心戰>
  14. No Good Either Way <衝呀!瘦薪兵團>
  15. Tiger Cubs <飛虎>
  16. Witness Insecurity <護花危情>
  17. Three Kingdoms RPG <回到三國>
  18. Ghetto Justice 2 <怒火街頭2>
  19. King Maker <造王者>
  20. Divas in Distress <巴不得媽媽…>
  21. The Last Steep Ascent <天梯>
  22. Highs and Lows <雷霆掃毒>
  23. Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles <名媛望族>
  24. The Confidant <大太監>*

Comment: This is the result I had a shock when it is first announced. Are the Hong Kong audiences lack of serious and rational judgement when picking the most coveted best series award? Sorry for hurting. I had to be clear on this. I am 100% and totally opposed to this result. Many are rooting for ‘The Hippocratic Crush’ and ‘The Confidant’ (everyone knew only these two battle it all out), and in the end, ‘When Heaven Burns’ win this! I find this result to be very awkward and nonsense to the max. This is so unbelievable. Really a big disappointment and NO to me. I didn’t watch ‘When Heaven Burns’ as I find it so boring even in earlier episodes already. ‘The Hippocratic Crush’ or ‘The Confidant’ should have win this as they had good scripts, wonderful performance by the casts, and so many other good things surrounding them. This is unbelievable. Many earlier polls also show that ‘When Heaven Burns’ not even entering top 5, and now winning is a big mystery. ‘Something’ is behind the win. Ahh…sometimes, I find 100% voting by audiences isn’t truly reflective of who the artists or which the series deserves for the awards. ‘When Heaven Burns’ winning Best Drama is totally sick!

——————————————————————————

Huh…really unbelievable. In earlier part of the awards presentation when every result revealed is so satisfying, I thought that this year’s result would be the most fair and proper. In the end, it really turned out disastrous and terrible, and ignoring some other very good series (The Confidant only win one from Best Actor but lost out most others) and artists (Raymond Lam unexpectedly win nothing eventhough I have to say he did very well this year too and that 2012 is time for him already to get big award). I find there is something wrong to the last two awards (Best Actor and Best Series). Others are all okay and satisfying and correct according to most prediction.

And then, it’s quite low-class and a sign of disrespect when the crew keep on requesting people on stage to cut off their time to speak. Stop that stupid thing and keep the awards presentation longer next year onwards so that the winning people can voice out their full-of-emotion feeling a bit longer. And one more thing good about this awards presentation is that there are quite a few interesting and funny lines to keep us entertained throughout this two and a half hour show. And I’m so glad to see two heavyweight awards presenters attended this awards ceremony; Miriam Yeung for presenting best actress award and Deanie Ip for presenting best actor award. And last but not least, I also like the part when TVB decided to award several artists who have been contributing to many series for many years but given no recognition earlier. They (Chin Ka Lok, Benz Hui, Sunny Chan, Lee Sing Cheung & Carol Cheng) deserved the award. Anyway, congratulation to all the winners, eventhough some don’t deserve to get it in any point. That’s it.



HK drama review: Inbound Troubles (2013)

$
0
0

This very much favourable Hong Kong drama had its finale two weeks ago, but I only managed to finish the whole series up just now since I’m off for a long break oversea during the Chinese New Year holiday. Now, it’s time to sum up on what my thought over this drama is. The series tells the story of a tour guide (Roger Kwok), whom had a travel company with his long-time girlfriend, and was in last few months in state of bankruptcy. He then encounters several issues, like betrayals from his best friend and his fiancee, meeting new friends and relatives, and problems in marriage and family.

poster_inbound-troubles

The drama starred Roger Kwok, Wong Cho Lam (first time as male lead too), Joey Meng, Ivana Wong, Angela Tong, Helena Law, Mimi Chu, and several others who are mostly new to most of us (which is good as we get to see new fresh faces with talents). Roger Kwok certainly did a usual good job in acting. For Cho Lam, this is his first role as a male lead here and I admire his effort in contribution to this drama. Besides than acting, he also contributed to the scriptwriting for parts of the story to make it much more creative, fresh and comedic. Yes, I can see it. The script is very well produced and he equally balanced out every character’s portion in this series without emphasizing too much on his own role too. For Joey Meng, it’s been a long time since her famous role in My Date with a Vampire, and I think she needs improvement, but still okay overall. Ivana Wong was seriously looking too fake in acting. She should go back to her singing path. Her crying and attitude of pretending to be cute is annoying sometimes as seen in this drama.

21211_500

The story introduces us to the tour guiding job by Roger with his best friend and his long time girlfriend. Then, as the series progresses, there is nothing much concerning their job anymore which I find a bit disappointing. It’s a waste. There can be a lot of potential for the development to the story that surrounds the tour leader job but they didn’t explore it. Instead, the story runs elsewhere to singing (to suit Ivana most probably), fashion (as obvious on Ivana’s former boyfriend), and others unnecessary stuff. Yes, this drama is very relaxing and sometime entertaining, but I find there isn’t any focus or strength it is going to. And then, there is nothing exciting I watched from every episodes of this drama. Well, there are some touching moments, but this series needs some climax, man.

InboundTroubles063_zpsf4a76cef

It goes plain all the way, only to be saved by Cho Lam’s comedic dialogues and appearance. But to be honest, I still don’t like him. I am still wondering how come this series obtained such positive and mostly favourable reviews from the audiences. Yes, it’s quite a good comedy drama, but I don’t see any reason this drama could get that much of praise. Anyway, it’s a light-hearted and peaceful 20-episodes long drama of family, love and friendship (as so usual in every dramas) added only with some great humors. That’s it. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘Inbound Troubles’ a total of 7.2.

(All images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)

 


HK Drama Review: A Great Way To Care 2 (2013)

$
0
0

‘A Great Way to Care’ is a medical crime drama first released in Malaysia in 2009. Then, it finally gets to be aired in Hong Kong two years ago and achieved considerably successful ratings and reviews. In conjunction to that, TVB decided to produce a sequel, bringing back some of the previous casts while adding new heavyweight artists into this production. Hence, this is one of the dramas this year that TVB is emphasizing. I didn’t watch the first one, but I went for this sequel instead. This sequel that has 25 episodes starred Alex Fong, Yoyo Mung, Tavia Yeung, Edwin Siu, Aimee Chan, Oscar Leung, Ram Chiang, Ben Wong, etc. Yes, Kate Tsui, Raymond Wong and some others left the sequel.
a-great-way-to-care-2-TVB

Previously, I have never watch any drama that is based on medical crime; crime that involves psychological or mental issues in murderers or victims. Hence, this series is something new and fresh for me. This is not an ordinary police drama. It’s not a medical drama too. But a combination of both that works quite well. There, this drama started off with interesting cases, and we see how the group of psychologists helped the police force to uncover the truth and do justice to victims. However, I find that there isn’t much collaboration between the two groups. There are a lot of interactions within own particular group but not with the other one. I think it would be better if it goes otherwise. It’s like the series put a gap between the two main groups while both are actually in the same series.

000002419443_1363082889

TVB put a bit of extra effort to include more realistic, violent and daring scenes into this film which is quite essential too. I won’t further explain the details but if you have watched it, you should most probably realize it too. That’s a good thing actually. A bit of improvement. As for the performance by the casts, everyone did well in the series except for Christine Kuo. She is beautiful but her way of telling out words is too odd and ‘forced’. Bad acting. Alex Fong…hmm, I don’t like his acting, but actually he is good too. As for Oscar Leung and Power Chan, they are not much emphasized in this drama which is like a loss while I find there is too much scenes of Edwin Siu. Yes, TVB is heavily promoting him, but from this drama, there isn’t actually much breakthrough we can see from him no matter how many times he appear in the drama.

000002419475_1363082922

As for the story development, it’s satisfactory. There isn’t any seriously boring parts. But there isn’t also any truly climax-reaching points or memorable scenes. And so after a few episodes, I would have forgotten what happened in the previous parts. And the love storyline development between the characters are not using up most of the time, and so I’m happy with it eventhough those came too fast. There is one surprising twist from this story. Tavia’s character is a highly committed police officer. Then, she underwent a total transformation to be a serial killer at the last part of the series after she had mental problems due to bad events surrounding her. Actually, I expect more crazy stuff from her, but then, as usual, there’s a limit in TVB. And so not much excitement or intensity from her eventhough she is the main focus at the end of the series. Hence, the ending turned out to be quite plain but still it’s a good and happy ending. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘A Great Way to Care 2′ a total of 7.0.

(All images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)

 


Triumph In The Skies 2 finally flown to the conclusion.

$
0
0

The highly anticipated sequel to the successful 2003 Hong Kong drama ‘Triumph in the Skies’ ended its airing of 43 episodes last weekend. ‘Triumph in the Skies 2′ starred a huge number of popular TVB casts (expected as this is one of the heavily-promoted dramas of the year) including Francis Ng, Julian Cheung, Fala Chen, Myolie Wu, Ron Ng, Kenneth Ma, Elena Kong, Nancy Wu, Him Law, and many other supporting artists. The first one back in a decade ago was a very memorable drama centered on a group of pilots and air stewardess. And its sequel that saw some original casts not returning still had all our attention.

000002546276_1373259124

Its popularity should not be questioned. Even today’s morning programme of Chinese radio station here in Malaysia was discussing on this drama that concluded yesterday’s night to predicted high ratings and positive feedbacks. Despite receiving several earlier complaints particularly on the selection of the drama’s theme song, it never loses the momentum on its two months of run. After hearing the song by George Lam for a while, I find that it is not actually that bad. It’s very high in spirit, which is different with the much slower and soothing melody of the first series’ song by Eason Chan. But in the end, I still prefer the song by Eason.

Since this drama involves a much bigger group of characters, there are obviously lesser screen time for everyone. Hence, things go a bit too fast and illogical for certain character’s development particularly the supporting casts. Bigger emphasis is also placed onto Ron Ng’s character with his romantic relationship with Myolie Wu (whom face resembles his sister-in-law) in the series and his hardship en-route to become a captain. Things are much easier for Kenneth Ma’s character that I find some sort of being sidelined except for his complicated love life (I find it awkward on romance between him and Elena. Not a good pairing on screen honestly). Well, the highlight is still on between Francis, Fala and Julian. Anyway, all the casts contributed solid performance to make this drama amazing. As for Fala whom received poorer feedbacks on her acting and suitability for this main female lead role here, I think she didn’t do her best but still delivered to a satisfactory level.

Let me make it short for its review here (if not, I can write a long essay here). I find that things are a bit too draggy for like one quarter of the story dealing with death of Zoe (Captain Tong’s deceased wife). It’s one very important plot but I just find it’s been carried out unnecessarily excessive. The part I like the most is basically the training of the pre-pilots over at London. It’s fun and interesting where most of the energetic supporting characters are there. And on the other hand, I actually wished to see more exciting stuff happening in the plane (either good or bad) as most of the events in the drama took place boringly in the office and homes only. And the drama only had its shooting oversea at notably London, Paris and Sanya (Hainan). I hoped for more oversea locations actually. But it’s not a big issue.

The good thing is the plot develops and runs smoothly despite switching from this side story to another. In the end, you will not realize that you have had watched 43 episodes. You get to see parts from this pair then to another couple, before diverted to another issue within another group. You won’t get bored easily in this way. Ahh, before I forget. The one bad thing I remembered is that there are too much Adele songs playing in early episodes of the series. Songs are good but not necessarily suit several scenes. On the other hand, people would usually try to compare this one to its predecessor but I couldn’t. Both is like different thing eventhough they are linked.

francis-ng-fala-chen-2

The drama just like its predecessor deals mostly with romance, friendship, family bond, and most distinctively, professionalism in air transportation from various scope of related works (this time more) including pilots, steward and stewardess, engineer, maintenance technicians, executive or airport staff members. Of course, the coolest must be Captain ‘Cool’ pilot portrayed by Julian Cheung. The ending that I had watched not long ago is quite impressive. Holiday had made her right choice in the end. It’s a very well done conclusion to this solid drama.  I personally like the last part involving Julian talking on the true meaning of the Guardian Angel (not to be confused with Triangel) accompanied with touching flashbacks of many scenes played on its 43-episode series. A great sequel. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘Triumph in the Skies 2′ a total of 8.1.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)

 


Starhub TVB Awards 2013 result.

$
0
0

Starhub TVB Awards is an annual awards presentation in Singapore in collaboration between local TV operator, Starhub with TVB, Hong Kong’s largest TV station. This awards is usually presented much earlier before the year ends, hence excluding some series that are scheduled to broadcast in last quarter of the year. These series will then be carried forward to next year’s awards consideration. This is opposed to TVB pattern of usually emphasizing on the end-year series (called anniversary series) for better advantage in the much prestigious TVB Anniversary Awards held annually in December.

I didn’t pay much attention to this Starhub Awards because I’m a Malaysian, and we do have our own awards presentation to TVB dramas which is the annual MY AOD Favourites Awards. But since Starhub TVB Awards is involving Hong Kong series, I’m going to write a post on its result this year too, along with my brief comments. The star-studded awards presentation (a lot of TVB artists attended) with 20 awards presented was held in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore on 28th September 2013 (last Saturday).

630x300-tvbawards-2013

Results of the 4th Starhub TVB Awards (2013): (Source from the awards’ official website: http://starhubtvbawards2013.com/en/tvb-award-winners-2013)

Red Carpet Star – Linda Chung.

Star of Perfect Poise Award - Raymond Lam.

Most Glamorous Female Artist Award - Kate Tsui.

Everlasting Glow Award - Linda Chung.

Classic TVB Character – Michael Miu.

(The five awards presented above are quite unnecessary for me. It feels like these awards are presented just to please more TVB artists. There isn’t any effort needed throughout the past year in dramas for them to win these)

Most Improved TVB Actress – Mandy Wong.

Most Improved TVB Actor – Him Law.

(100% agree for Mandy, and 60% agree for Him. For most improved actor, I prefer Oscar Leung first before Him Law)

Best TVB Female Newcomer – Christine Kuo.

Best TVB Male Newcomer – Jason Chan.

(100% disagree to these two results. Both are heavily promoted by TVB nowadays but that doesn’t mean they are both qualified to be called ‘best’. Sorry, but it’s true. Perhaps, there are no other truly good newcomers with great potentials. That’s why they win)

My Favourite TVB Theme Song – Little Something by Mag Lam (Season of Love).

(Didn’t hear this before. Not much to comment)

My Favourite TVB On-screen Couple – Bosco Wong & Niki Chow (A Change of Heart).

My Favourite TVB Variety Host – Pauline Lan in Lady First – Singapore.

My Favourite TVB Variety Show – Lady First – Singapore.

My Favourite TVB Mega Variety Special – TVB Golden Viva Spectacular (Live).

(Nothing to comment for the four awards above)

Singapore Media’s Favourite TVB Drama - Triumph in the Skies II.

My Favourite TVB Drama – Triumph in the Skies II.

(I am not surprised that Triumph in the Skies II won. Its popularity skyrockets not only in Hong Kong but also in mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia)

My Favourite TVB Female TV Characters – Myolie Wu (Triumph in the Skies II), Linda Chung (Witness Insecurity), Tavia Yeung (Silver Spoons, Sterling Shackles), Kate Tsui (Highs and Lows), Michelle Yim (The Confidant), Niki Chow (A Change of Heart).

(All are very deserving except for Niki Chow. Quite surprised that Michelle made it here which I’m happy for her. It’s very hard for a veteran actress to win awards based on popularity like this one.)

My Favourite TVB Male TV Characters – Raymond Lam (Highs and Lows), Moses Chan (Beauty at War), Bosco Wong (Witness Insecurity), Kenneth Ma (Three Kingdoms RPG), Julian Cheung (Triumph in the Skies II), Ruco Chan (Slow Boat Home).

(Wait. How come Francis Ng is not in the winning list. Singaporeans don’t like him maybe. And wait, last year’s TVB king, Wayne Lai also didn’t make it. Weird.)

My Favourite TVB Actress – Tavia Yeung.

(No objection. Everybody expected her time came to grab TV Queen in a row; first in Malaysia last year, then in Hong Kong last year, and now in Singapore as Starhub TVB Queen)

My Favourite TVB Actor – Bosco Wong.

(Wow. Bosco won Singapore’s Starhub TVB King. Quite unbelievable, but I think it should be the time to honour him with a major award after so many years. After Kenneth or Raymond, it shall be him.)

img-aboutus3

Sorry if my comments offend you particularly to those who are fans of artists that I find not deserving enough. It’s my sincere individual opinions.

Not long after, it will be MY AOD Favourites Awards 2013 turn which is always regarded as the forecast to actual result of TVB Anniversary Awards every year.

(All images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)


Movie review: Gravity (2013)

$
0
0

After learning of overwhelming positive feedbacks and critical acclaims to the recently released film entitled ‘Gravity’, I was wondering how could a science-fiction space drama film could achieve this kind of successful result. There is this urge in me to watch it, and the wish fulfilled today. I am speechless and excited that this film truly shines and achieves beyond my expectation. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, it stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney and depicts the story of a medical engineer and an astronaut working together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space.

gravity_version3-movie-poster

The first thought in my mind after going through its movie trailer few weeks ago is that how is it possible that a story can gets further interesting and developed into a full movie once the astronauts were left floating in space. Things are confined, and events are limited to mostly only an engineer within the ‘silent’ outer space. After watching the film, I am stunned and impressed. The story is carried out extremely well, with breathtaking events after events taking place that gives a hard and intense time to Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock), intersected with some light moments in between to ease things up. There are intense climax-hitting scenes and also heartfelt emotional moments.

This is something that will keep us at the edge of our seats. The storyline is very engaging. I personally felt the fear and loneliness of being in that state of floating in space reaching for help faced by the main characters. There is no part for boring character development, and things get straight to thrilling and intense scenes to keep our continuous concentration to the movie, eagerly wanting to know Dr. Ryan’s fate till the end of the movie. There is also a bit of well-placed slightly funny moments here and there and also an unexpected frightening scene involving dead people. Be prepared of that if you have not watched it, but it’s only in a few seconds. A thrilling and tension-hitting ride for both the character in the movie and also to the movie audiences.

gravity-2013-floating-in-space

Sandra Bullock delivered an outstanding performance as the only lead in the movie. Her convincing expression and brilliant acting in such a difficult setting and state is one of the major praises to the film. She is in almost every seconds of the movie and she nailed it so well that I had nothing else to say. On the other hand, the visual is no doubt spectacular! Truly remarkable visual. The view of the Earth is beautifully captured in the movie, and the scenes of space stations getting destroyed by flying debris are awesome. The heartstopping background musical score also helps a lot to create that kind of exciting atmosphere to let us immerse into many of the tense situations in the movie.

A one moment you’re inside Ryan’s helmet as she looks outside with panic-ridden breath heard, then in a subtle shift you’re outside to check on her reaction. Brilliant usage of two points of view to further grasp the feeling of Dr. Ryan. Eventhough I don’t really get some technical aspects in the movie, but I truly enjoyed what the movie offers. The last few minutes of the movie is finally back on the land, and the ending is a great one. Sorry for a little spoiler here. Everything is good from this film. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘Gravity’ a total of 8.3. A dazzling film. This is certainly one of the best movies of the year. A shouldn’t be missed and highly recommended space drama film.

(The images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)


TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2013 Nomination List

$
0
0

Malaysia had actually started to organize awards presentation to honour the best of TVB series aired every year for a quite a long history. First, we had the annual Astro Wah Lai Toi Drama Awards beginning early 2000s, of which the series in contest are roughly a year later than the original broadcast run in Hong Kong. Then, it was replaced with My AOD Favourites Awards in late 2000s not long after Astro on Demand channel is introduced to Malaysians that offers latest TVB series. And for this year’s awards, Astro on Demand is surprisingly not involved as it is the TVB Entertainment News Channel that organize the 2013 awards. And the name changed AGAIN; it’s now called as TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2013.

tvb star awards malaysia 2013

(Image is screenshot from the home page of the awards’ official website: http://tvbstarawards.com.my/2013/)

As usual, this awards is based on all-voting system and only Malaysians are eligible to do so. Show your support to your favourite TVB artists and series which had done well this year by voting them. Go to this official website: http://tvbstarawards.com.my/2013/. Register first, and then you can start voting easily. The voting began from 1st till 22nd November and you can vote once to all awards’ categories every day. You may even win some prizes, including tickets to the awards show which will be held on 1st December 2013 (Sunday), at Kenanga Wholesale City, Kuala Lumpur. This year, there are 13 categories, and here it is for the nomination list, accompanied with my brief analysis;

My Favourite TVB Drama Series
“Inbound Troubles”
“Season of Love”
“A Great Way to Care II”
“Slow Boat Home”
“A Change of Heart”
“Awfully Lawful”
“Triumph in the Skies II”
“Always and Ever”
“Sniper Standoff”
“Brother’s Keeper”
“Will Power”
“The Hippocratic Crush II”

My pick: The Hippocratic Crush II. 

Will win: Triumph in the Skies II.

Comment: It will be a little disadvantage to The Hippocratic Crush II as it has not finish airing yet when the voting ends. However, I do look forward to this sequel after watching its very promising trailers. Triumph in the Skies II, another sequel series, is highly popular this year, and eventhough it’s not that awesome, but I think it will win as it appeals to younger demographics, the group that will vote and eventually determine the winners.

My Favourite TVB Actor in a Leading Role
Roger Kwok (“Inbound Troubles”)
Wong Cho Lam (“Inbound Troubles”)
Bosco Wong (“A Change of Heart”)
Francis Ng (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Julian Cheung (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Ron Ng (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Ruco Chan (“Brother’s Keeper”)
Edwin Siu (“Brother’s Keeper”)
Moses Chan (“Will Power”)
Wayne Lai (“Will Power”)
Kenneth Ma (“The Hippocratic Crush II”)
Lawrence Ng (“The Hippocratic Crush II”)

My pick: Kenneth Ma / Ruco Chan

Will win: Julian Cheung 

Comment: I don’t mind Kenneth Ma winning Malaysia’s TV King for the second time in a row if his character is still very likeable in The Hippocratic Crush II. Of course, his character in the sequel will no longer be that fresh, and hence lower chance this time. Julian Cheung is very popular choice now due to his Captain Koo’s character in the Triumph in the Skies II, but I still find his character not that good or exciting after all. People, please judge performance properly.

My Favourite TVB Actress in a Leading Role
Sharon Chan (“Friendly Fire”)
Nancy Wu (“Season of Love”)
Louise Lee (“Reality Check”)
Niki Chow (“A Change of Heart”)
Joey Meng (“A Change of Heart”)
Fala Chen (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Myolie Wu (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Esther Kwan (“Always and Ever”)
Kate Tsui (“Sniper Standoff”)
Linda Chung (“Brother’s Keeper”)
Kristal Tin (“Brother’s Keeper”)
Tavia Yeung (“The Hippocratic Crush II”)

My pick: Linda Chung / Krystal Tin

Will win: Linda Chung

Comment: Eventhough there is nothing that outstanding from Linda’s character in Brother’s Keeper, but it is no doubt her acting has becomes very solid and convincing nowadays. She had worked hard for so many years, and I think it’s time for her. Her another co-star in the series, Krystal Tin had a very interesting and engaging character and she may be a serious contender this year. 

My Favourite TVB Actor in a Supporting Role
Edwin Siu (“A Great Way to Care II”)
Vincent Wong (“A Change of Heart”)
Pal Sinn (“Awfully Lawful”)
Him Law (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Patrick Dunn (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Pierre Ngo (“Always and Ever”)
Ben Wong (“Always and Ever”)
Louis Yuen (“Brother’s Keeper”)
Jason Chan (“Will Power”)
Benjamin Yuen (“The Hippocratic Crush II”)

My pick: Pierre Ngo

Will win: - 

Comment: None of them had a breakthrough character. Nothing much to comment on. If I’m to choose, I pick Pierre Ngo. I didn’t watch Always and Ever, but I think his acting is undeniably good after being highlighted in 2009′s Rosy Business.

My Favourite TVB Actress in a Supporting Role
Samantha Ko (“Friendly Fire”)
Ivana Wong (“Inbound Troubles”)
Angela Tong (“Inbound Troubles”)
Christine Kuo (“A Great Way to Care II”)
Mandy Wong (“A Change of Heart”)
Grace Wong (“Awfully Lawful”)
Nancy Wu (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Elena Kong (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Rebecca Zhu (“Always and Ever”)
Eliza Sam (“Sniper Standoff”)

My pick: Elena Kong

Will win: Nancy Wu / Elena Kong

Comment: I’m very comfortable with Elena Kong. She did very well in Silver Spoons, Sterling Shackles last year but not recognized with any award. Again, she performed excellently on Triumph in the Skies II. Out of all nominees, she deserves it the most. 

My Favourite TVB Promising Actor
Jason Chan (“Missing You”, “Will Power”)
William Chak (“Season of Love”, “Triumph in the Skies II”, “Sniper Standoff”)
Sammy Sum (“The Day of Days”, “A Change of Heart”, “Always and Ever”)
Mat Yeung (“The Day of Days”, “Slow Boat Home”, “Karma Rider”)
Benjamin Yuen (“A Change of Heart”, “Always and Ever”, “The Hippocratic Crush II”)

My pick: Benjamin Yuen

Will win: Benjamin Yuen / Sammy Sum

Comment: Nothing much to comment. Nothing outstanding from them. 

My Favourite TVB Promising Actress
Priscilla Wong (“Reality Check”, “Karma Rider”)
Elaine Yiu (“Slow Boat Home”, “A Change of Heart”)
Grace Wong (“Awfully Lawful”, “The Hippocratic Crush II”)
Rebecca Zhu (“Triumph in the Skies II”, “Always and Ever”)
Eliza Sam (“Triumph in the Skies II”, “Sniper Standoff”, “The Hippocratic Crush II”)

My pick: Rebecca Zhu

Will win: Rebecca Zhu, Eliza Sam

Comment: I had to admit that Rebecca did improve. However, I find Eliza had quite a convincing role in The Hippocratic Crush II just by looking at the trailers. She may be a dark horse.

My Favourite TVB On Screen Couple
Roger Kwok & Joey Meng (“Inbound Troubles”)
Louis Cheung & Ivana Wong (“Inbound Troubles”)
Bosco Wong & Niki Chow (“A Change of Heart”)
Francis Ng & Fala Chen (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Julian Cheung & Fala Chen (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Ron Ng & Myolie Wu (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Him Law & Nancy Wu (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Bobby Au Yeung & Esther Kwan (“Always and Ever”)
Ruco Chan & Linda Chung (“Brother’s Keeper”)
Kenneth Ma & Tavia Yeung (“The Hippocratic Crush II”)

My pick: Kenneth Ma & Tavia Yeung

Will win: Kenneth Ma & Tavia Yeung

Comment: Kenneth and Tavia pairing is the best I have seen in recent years. They may easily continue this kind of on-screen chemistry on The Hippocratic Crush II. A lovely on-screen couple that gets you engaged to the series they are in.
My Favourite TVB Drama Theme Song
圍牆 (“A Great Way to Care II”) – Edwin Siu
明白了 (“Karma Rider”) – Hubert Wu
衝上雲霄 (“Triumph in the Skies II”) – George Lam
意想不到 (“Always and Ever”) – Ngo Ka Nin
續集 (“The Hippocratic Crush II”) – Joey Yung

My pick: The Hippocratic Crush II – Joey Yung

Will win: The Hippocratic Crush II – Joey Yung

Comment: This awards usually favours theme songs that are most recently played. The theme song for The Hippocratic Crush II by Joey Yung had a better appeal and melody, just like the original series last year. 

My Favourite Top 15 TVB Drama Characters
Sharon Chan (“Friendly Fire”)
Wong Cho Lam (“Inbound Troubles”) *
Roger Kwok (“Inbound Troubles”)
Ivana Wong (“Inbound Troubles”)
Louise Lee (“Reality Check”)
Alex Fong (“A Great Way to Care II”)
Natalie Tong (“Bullet Brain”)
Ada Choi (“Beauty at War”)
Raymond Wong (“Slow Boat Home”)
Aimee Chan (“Slow Boat Home”)
Michael Miu (“A Change of Heart”)
Bosco Wong (“A Change of Heart”) *
Niki Chow (“A Change of Heart”)
Joey Meng (“A Change of Heart”) *
Johnson Lee (“Awfully Lawful”)
Francis Ng (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Julian Cheung (“Triumph in the Skies II”) *
Fala Chen (“Triumph in the Skies II”) *
Myolie Wu (“Triumph in the Skies II”)
Ron Ng (“Triumph in the Skies II”) *
Nancy Wu (“Triumph in the Skies II”) *
Bobby Au Yeung (“Always and Ever”)
Esther Kwan (“Always and Ever”)
Ngo Ka Nin (“Always and Ever”)
Michael Tse (“Sniper Standoff”)
Eddie Cheung (“Sniper Standoff”)
Kathy Chow (“Sniper Standoff”)
Kate Tsui (“Sniper Standoff”) *
Ruco Chan (“Brother’s Keeper”) *
Edwin Siu (“Brother’s Keeper”)
Linda Chung (“Brother’s Keeper”) *
Kristal Tin (“Brother’s Keeper”) *
Moses Chan (“Will Power”) *
Wayne Lai (“Will Power”)
Christine Ng (“Will Power”)
Lawrence Ng (“The Hippocratic Crush II”) *
Kenneth Ma (“The Hippocratic Crush II”) *
Tavia Yeung (“The Hippocratic Crush II”) *
Him Law (“The Hippocratic Crush II”)
Mandy Wong (“The Hippocratic Crush II”)

* The ones with a star in the end are my picks. 

My Favourite TVB Variety Programme
“Shop & Chop”
“Office of Practical Jokes”
“Super Trio Maximus”
“The Voice of the Stars”
“Pilgrimage of Wealth”

My pick: Super Trio Maximus

Will win: Super Trio Maximus / Office of Practical Jokes

Comment: Office of Practical Jokes is fun but had very little episodes. Definitely not enough. Super Trio Maximus is as usual, very entertaining. 

My Favourite TVB Enrichment Programme
“From Hand to Art”
“Pilgrimage of Hope”
“Hong Kong So Blessed”
“Sidewalk Scientist”
“Xtreme Marathon”

Comment: Didn’t watch any of them and hence couldn’t judge. 

My Favourite TVB Host in Variety Programme
Maria Cordero (“Shop & Chop”)
Johnson Lee (“Office of Practical Jokes”)
Eric Tsang, Chin Ka Lok, Jerry Lamb, Jordan Chan, Louis Yuen, King Kong, Elvina Kong, Lan Sai & Otto Wong (“Super Trio Maximus”)
Tony Hung & Priscilla Wong (“Pilgrimage of Wealth”)
Carol Cheng & Amigo Choi (“The Voice of the Stars”)

My pick: Eric Tsang, Chin Ka Lok, Jerry Lamb, Jordan Chan, Louis Yuen, King Kong, Elvina Kong, Lan Sai & Otto Wong (“Super Trio Maximus”)

Will win: Eric Tsang, Chin Ka Lok, Jerry Lamb, Jordan Chan, Louis Yuen, King Kong, Elvina Kong, Lan Sai & Otto Wong (“Super Trio Maximus”), Johnson Lee (“Office of Practical Jokes”)

Agree to my opinions? The result will be up on 1st December 2013, and let’s wait whether the result matches mostly to my predictions or not. This awards is always known as the prelude or forecast to the upcoming TVB Anniversary Awards.


Brother’s Keeper; a series I enjoyed till its ending yesterday.

$
0
0

‘Brother’s Keeper’ (巨輪) is a Hong Kong’s TVB series that depicts the moral life struggles of two half-brothers Tin-seng (Ruco) and Wai-son (Edwin) during the late and post-colonial periods of Hong Kong and Macau between the years 1980 and 2013. It ran in 32 episodes and had just ended yesterday’s night with a rather satisfying and meaningful finale. The drama which is one of TVB’s grand production of the year starred Ruco Chan, Linda Chung, Edwin Siu, Krystal Tin, Louise Lee, Louis Yuen, Susan Tse, Leanne Li, etc.

2013-e5b7a8e8bcaa_brothers-keeper_cant-poster-e6a9abe78988o

The first point I wish to compliment on this drama is the inclusion of true historical events that were set against the era, including Hong Kong’s 1980 Touch Base Policy, Macau’s relaxed immigration laws of 1982, the 1991 goldsmith robberies, the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong and Macau to China in late 1990s, the 1998 Hong Kong financial crisis, the 1999 Macanese triad wars and chaos, the 2003 Hong Kong SARS outbreak, and the 2008 Hong Kong financial recession, of which serves as some of the key plot vehicles that drive the changing fates of the brothers and their families. It is a very good, interesting and logical approach to develop the story.

As for casts’ performance, the one that stood out is none other than Krystal Tin. She had a very good and appealing character and she nailed it. Often nicknamed as ‘Shrewish Ying’ in the drama, she delivered outstanding performance that should be recognized with award end of this year. As for Linda Chung, her character here is a bit too sloppy and thoughtless and it is not a breakthrough role for her. However, she did improved a lot on her expressions and crying scenes that I find not annoying anymore. Nevertheless, she is regarded as the top contender for best actress this year. Ruco Chan also did a great job as the main lead with convincing acting. He is no doubt a solid lead actor. As for Edwin Siu, he carried out his role well but not good enough. And I had to dislike his character at the part when he treat Ah Ying so bad with no emotion and had been wasting her youth for a decade.

cb071402119e6f9201eee602a4288937

The story began in a quite an exciting and interesting pace, but then as usual to TVB’s pattern, everything will be dragged and slow in the middle portion while the final few episodes are a bit too rushed. The story is developed through flashback that went quite consistently but illogically. In 1980, Tin-seng and Wai-son roughly aged between 10 – 18. By 2013, they should be at least aged between 43 to 51, and they were still that energetic just like their younger days (especially Tin-seng that had to do all the actions to capture the triads) and they were all still ‘waiting’ for relationship outcome. The production team surely didn’t look into this error.

1380091415_7e11

I’m quite happy and satisfied with the ending of the drama. I’m happy that Tin-seng didn’t really turn bad and I do get the impact at the part when the others realized they had misunderstood him. The finale basically highlights Tin-seng’s situation, how others view him and more importantly how he views himself. Eventhough the ending provides not much of climax or intense scenes, but it still delivered with solid conclusion to all characters; everything solved while leaving open possibility only in the love relationship as well as Tin-seng’s unknown future. The last few dialogues in the finale leaves a meaningful message to our life. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘Brother’s Keeper’ a total of 7.6. I thoroughly enjoyed this drama. It’s a very good one, and is considered one of the best this year. Next on my watch list would be the upcoming medical-themed sequel series, ‘The Hippocratic Crush II’.

(All images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)



Drama review: The Hippocratic Crush II (2013)

$
0
0

The Hippocratic Crush II (On Call 36小時 II) is a 30-episodes medical-themed drama and is a sequel to the successful series of the same name last year. It is also one of the two anniversary series this year, the other being the Will Power of which I didn’t watch that. Its predecessor last year was an unexpectedly successful series that rejuvenates medical theme implementation in drama after Healing Hands many years ago and saw the series winning several number of awards. Hence, I’m looking forward to its sequel now, but in the end, I am quite disappointed.

4jJFl

I’m happy that most of the original casts (Kenneth Ma, Tavia Yeung, Mandy Wong, Him Law, Benjamin Yuen, etc) returned to this sequel but the huge addition of new casts (Lawrence Ng, Koo Ming Wah, Sherna So, Eliza Sam, Tracy Chu, etc) made things worse. I don’t mind if you add only a few new characters for something refreshing but not this much which significantly reduced screen-time for the original casts that we had interest into. Now, it’s like mixing too much of things into one bowl and I couldn’t really taste well on each ingredients. The pointless cafe setting, excessive unnecessary scenes with annoying Yannis character, and several other stuff worsen the situation.

The story follows from the original series with now the favourite on-screen couple, Kenneth and Tavia now married. People wanted to see more from them and also from Benjamin and Mandy pairing, but what offered mostly now involves the new circle (pathology department, Lawrence and his gang) which is very non-engaging and boring. Their side story basically dragged the whole show and leaving it not as inspiring as its predecessor. I find it very hard to pay attention to the series when they appeared. Even now, the group of former housemen whom now promoted to junior trainees were all ignored and put aside, only appearing in few short meaningless scenes. Very disappointed. The production team made several wrong decisions that got this sequel failed in quite a number of aspects. And I can’t feel any tension in most of the operation scenes which are supposed to be heart-stopping moments.

000002658370_1382943961

The series started off very dramatic and exciting with a brilliant and promising first episode. Then, it goes downhill as it develops with nothing meaningful, touching, nor that interesting going on compared to the first series. It’s like nothing is happening. Luckily, things turned better back when it reached episode 27 onwards, but that was almost reaching the finale already. Particularly, Episode 27 and 28 involving death of Che Che character are the most touching and saddest episodes not only of this series but also of all that I have seen in recent years. Honestly, it got my tears out. Very touching and heartbreaking. Awesome, but that is only for one or two episodes. The ending (two finale episodes) was just ordinary and nothing impressive or outstanding. Dr. Cheung’s accident was too fast. Nevertheless, the series still had a good and meaningful conclusion and a happy ending.

1512849_794538380562476_304839903_n

The casts delivered strong performance including the newbies, particularly Tracy Chu and Eliza Sam. Him Law did a great job on his crying scenes and I think this is his breakthrough role to date as ‘Yeung Chung’. Kenneth’s role diminishes while Tavia maintains her form. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘The Hippocratic Crush II’ a total of 7.0 only, a mark much lower than expected, and much lower that its successful predecessor (I think I gave 8 points and above to the first one). This sequel just didn’t work out well. I felt boring in most episodes, and it is not that exciting, interesting, appealing nor inspiring like the first one. They are just not good in making sequels. Fortunately, it had a nice theme song named ‘Sequel’ and is also sang by Joey Yung.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)


Return of Dayo Wong in ‘Bounty Lady’ series

$
0
0

‘Bounty Lady’ is a TVB series that centered on Kwong Nam, a public relations genius whom is known to help single ladies to find their Mr. Rights. However, he himself is single and would rather pursue short-term relationship until he met his new colleague, Fa Lui. It is a modern comedy production of 20 episodes that stars Dayo Wong, Kate Tsui, Sharon Chan, Benz Hui, Louis Yuen, Elena Kong, etc. This is the last TVB series for year 2013 that I had watched, and it ended the year with pretty good TV rating and positive feedbacks.

000002941484_1384837694

I’m always looking forward to Dayo Wong’s work and his return in ‘Bounty Lady’ is certainly refreshing and welcoming. I recalled his great comedic spark with Dodo Cheng at ‘War of the Genders’, a critically-acclaimed series in 2000. His previous involvement was in 2009 on ‘You’re Hired’ with Charmaine Sheh. He was also good in 2004′s ‘To Catch The Uncatchable’ and 2007′s ‘Men Don’t Cry’. And can you guess how old is he now? I couldn’t believe he is now 53 years old. And I do see that he ages in ‘Bounty Lady’.

Let’s get back to this particular series that I had completed watching over a week ago. I do expect many hilarious scenes from this series. Some are really interesting and gave us a good laugh. However, there are also some that are a bit awkward, too exaggerated and forcefully put off. Dayo is always promising on delivering comedic stuff, but I would wish to highlight on the effort by the supporting casts on doing so, particularly Benz Hui, Elena Kong, Grace Wong, May Chan and the girl that portrayed ‘Laura’, Kwong Nam’s ex-girlfriend whom is the show-stealer in the final few episodes. All the casts did very well on their roles, and I can see Kate Tsui had proven herself to be a solid actress with his first comedy role here.

2013124162012

This series only had 20 episodes and so things are a bit rushed, but the plot is still carried out well with all the characters properly developed and had its own interesting side to present to audiences. As for the drama’s theme song, I prefer the second theme, sang by Sharon Chan over the first one sang by Dayo. The second one had more feel to it. This light-hearted drama is generally entertaining and interesting eventhough there are still some parts that I couldn’t put my attention into. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘Bounty Lady’ a total of 7.0. Comparing this to Dayo’s former works, I prefer his previous ones that are more outstanding and appealing. This is rather slightly plain and ‘short’ of excitement.

Nevertheless, a big congratulations to Dayo Wong for winning the Best Leading Actor and Benz Hui for the Best Supporting Actor in TVB Anniversary Awards 2013 last month for their roles here eventhough it is a bit surprising, especially when Dayo Wong was not even present at the ceremony. But they do delivered great job in ‘Bounty Lady’ and should be recognised too.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web).


TVB drama review: Coffee Cat Mama

$
0
0

‘貓屎媽媽’ (Coffee Cat Mama) is a TVB series that started airing mid of December 2013 right after the end-year TVB Anniversary Awards. I already knew not to expect anything from series that is put into this slot, which is usually not getting attention from viewers at this period of time when holiday season overwhelms. And it is the usual practice of TVB to put in low-budget short production on early year’s slot. But since I have nothing to watch, and ‘Coffee Cat Mama’ had only 20 episodes and appears to be a light drama, I had it to kill my time.

貓屎媽媽

The series which starred Michelle Yim, Nancy Wu, Bosco Wong, Eliza Sam, Koo Ming Wah, Vincent Wong, Mimi Chu, etc revolves on a coffee shop named ‘Mr. and Mrs. Bean’ run by Grace with her biological mom, Marcia and her stepmom, So Mei, her friends and particularly her new found love, Bao Chi Tai. The characters eventually encountered issues like indecisive problem, conflict between biological mom and stepmom, friendship, huge gap between mother and daughters, responsibility, workaholic attitude, etc.

Since I had not much expectation, hence I didn’t get any disappointment from this series. The story just develops smooth and steady, and all I was thinking is to get it done till its final episode aired yesterday. The series first started out to be quite refreshing, especially when I have not seen Bosco and Michelle for quite a while in drama. But then, despite there are quite a number of hilarious scenes (especially the scene where Vincent kissed Mimi Chu while he was drunk, mistaken her as Nancy) to give us a good laugh, the story still develops in quite a boring pace. But it is still not that bad and is in acceptable situation. The drama tells us quite a number of coffee knowledge, as it stays to the series’ theme.

BcJH-vjCMAAmBzU

Koo Ming Wah is getting popular nowadays after winning ‘Best Supporting Actor’ not long ago. He is cast into any supporting roles easily and gaining more screen-time. Well, his role is very bad and appears useless in ‘The Hippocratic Crush II’, but not for this one. He had a very interesting role here which is quite substantial to pull the story along. As for Eliza Sam, I thought that she is improving after watching her performance in ‘The Hippocratic Crush II’ that pushes her to win ‘Most Improved TV Female Artiste’ last year. But then I was wrong. She is getting back to her poor form in this drama. Her acting is still not up to the level, and I prefer her to stay back to just supporting role first. She still couldn’t handle major role. Even her younger sister in this drama acted better.

4921d0eae7ccae257f8570b943ef74f7

Other casts generally contributed solid performance. I also do like the scenes between Vincent and Nancy that had Leslie Cheung’s song playing in the background as the late star had been a very important part of their relationship in this drama. The final episode yesterday shown a happy ending. That’s not a surprise. Generally, this series is worth to kill your time off, and is still a good piece of entertainment. Just that there is not enough excitement or excellent substance going on. Don’t expect much from this light-hearted production and you will have a fine time watching it. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘Coffee Cat Mama’ a total of 6.6. And by the way, this series has a very awkward name when translated to English.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)


‘Outbound Love’, a Hong Kong series shot mostly in Malaysia.

$
0
0

‘Outbound Love’ is a 2014 TVB romantic comedy series of 22 episodes that starred Ruco Chan, Aimee Chan, Samantha Ko, Benz Hui, Mary Hon, Vivien Yeo, Tony Hung, Lin Xiawei, etc. What is the main reason that had me interested to watch this from the very beginning? The answer lies at this post’s title itself already. Principal filming of this series took place in two countries; Hong Kong of course, and the other one is Malaysia. Yes. That’s my country.

Overall, this series is very light-hearted. It all started when a travel agency employee, Law Sik Sik (Aimee) travels to Malaysia for work and encountered a playful tour guide, Luk Kung Zi (Ruco). She had a lot of misunderstanding and is always annoyed by his character until finally, she realized the good nature of this man. Then, love sparks as expected, and yup, another happy ending for a typical TVB drama.

Outbound Love

I will not write a long review of this series. I will just list down what are the pros and cons of this series in point form. Quick and straightforward to keep this short.

Pros:

1) Refreshing location of shooting. It’s nice to see new background for drama scenes. And Malaysia do offers great stuff as shown in this drama (mural paintings in Penang, KLCC, Pavilion KL, Batu Caves, durians as king of fruits, beach, Penang’s heritage town, etc) of which some elements are essential or linked to the story’s development. And sorry for those annoying BN flags everywhere as the time of this series’ shooting nears our country’s general election.

2) Ruco Chan as lead. He is known to portray strong acting skill, and he as the main lead here had no problem on carrying the series, or even helped to enhance the series. A very interesting character for him to take on, and he did it exceptionally well.

3) Many new faces in this series which can be good or bad. Luckily, the newbies managed to work on their character well too.

2402

Cons:

1) Lack of attention to details, particularly sense of geography. In a moment, the characters are at Penang, then the next scene shows that they are in KL. Distance between these two places are over 300 km. Also please be reminded that Malaysian Chinese seldom speak Malay among themselves. We will speak Chinese; Mandarin, Cantonese, or own Chinese dialects, or English, and last option would only be Malay Language).

2) There isn’t exactly any much drama going on throughout the series. No intensity. The storyline isn’t engaging. Quite boring at certain point.

3) Aimee Chan’s character. I know in the series that she had to get annoyed by Ruco’s character most of the time. However, her way of overdoing it, turns out makes me annoyed of her in the end. Her acting is still not solid or convincing enough as first female lead.

3 pros and 3 cons. Hence, I can only say that this series was just average. Not poor but also not great. Worth watching to spend your time every weekdays after work. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘Outbound Love’ a total of 6.5. A relaxing drama that disappointingly comes with not much drama. Luckily, the ending didn’t turns out bad and looks good, but things are a bit rushed to conclude the story as seen in the final episode.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)


Gilded Chopsticks; my review to this food-themed palace drama.

$
0
0

‘Gilded Chopsticks’ is a 2014 palace drama by Hong Kong’s TVB that starred Wong Cho Lam, Ben Wong, Nancy Wu, Joey Meng, Louis Cheung, etc. The 25-episodes series follows the adventures of a lazy but gifted “golden-tongued” imperial chef Ko Tin-po (Cho Lam), whose clumsy activities lead him to befriend Emperor Yongzheng (Ben Wong).

1

This drama somehow reminds me of another TVB series produced over a decade ago which sets in a dynasty and revolves around food and palatial chefs. The drama had Bobby Au-yeung in it. I couldn’t remember more. Of course, this ‘Gilded Chopsticks’ is on similar theme but with different storytelling. This 2014 drama tend to focus more on the political fight while Cho Lam’s character as the chef only acts to support the development of the main story and also to put a little comedic touch here and there. Quite a vital role also.

I am also surprised of how the story had Tin-po met Yin-Zhen (4th prince) before his innocence and kind heart helped the latter to rise to the throne over the rival, 8th prince. A very interesting plot to keep us engaged all along. Due to that particular emphasis in the plot, I find the need to look into more food-related issues. Perhaps, adding few more episodes to this drama with inclusion of more of such content would make it much better and stays true to the food theme.

0

The casts generally did a very good work here. I felt like ‘Inbound Troubles’ (a successful modern drama last year) was transported few hundred years back to Manchu-led Qing dynasty for this ‘Gilded Chopsticks’ because most of the casts from the former were here (Cho Lam, Joey Meng, Louis Cheung, May Chan, etc). Looking at Stephanie’s role as Mai Siu-yu here reminded me of Ivana Wong’s character from ‘Inbound Troubles’ too. Their first acting role, and some may find them performed very well, while some may get annoyed easily by the over-acting and fake expression. I’m on the latter side. Ben Wong contributed another outstanding performance here too as the 4th prince and later as the emperor. Also not to forget Power Chan’s great performance in the first few episodes.

Whenever Cho Lam is around, there must be many hilarious scenes going around. Yes. I’m happy he is here. But I had something in mind that Cho Lam’s acting couldn’t excel any further. Anyway, I had just watched its’ ending and I’m quite satisfied. The only bit of disappointment is that I can see TVB is trying to pull off some unpredictable twists particularly when the series nears its end, but it is quite obvious to know what they are planning. Hence, in the end, there is still no surprise or shock. But I still appreciate the effort on doing so to get things more interesting and climax-reaching. Generally, this is one of the very few good dramas by TVB in recent time. Out of 10 points, I rate ‘Gilded Chopsticks’ a total of 7.4.

(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)


Viewing all 127 articles
Browse latest View live