jasmine's drama blog

I've started following this drama last year but didn't finish because I couldn't find the other episodes in better quality. I've watched up to episode 16 and decided to wait until the drama secure an official broadcast date (will it ever see daylight?). Since the cast is not as popular and it's another Chinese adaptation, I don't know if this series will ever be officially released. Princess of Lan Ling Wang took two years to air --- perhaps this will be next?


Synopsis:

The story follows the struggle between fifth prince Feng Lin and crowned prince Feng Xun. Being the eldest son, Feng Lin plots with General Du to take back the throne, which was initially his. The empress dislikes that her son Feng Xun loves scholar Yuan's daughter Yuan Yuezheng so she arranges Feng Lin to marry Yuezheng. Although he is in love with Du's daughter Du Siyu, Feng Lian marries Yuezheng to quell the empress' suspicions of his plans for power.

Feng Lin plans to use Yuan Yuezheng even though she sincerely loves him. Sent away from the capital, the couple goes through thicks and thins and Feng Lin eventually falls for Yuezheng. However, with the death of the emperor, Feng Lin becomes the new emperor and their love is tested with Du Siyu coming into the picture.

The Cast:

The Chinese drama Princess of Lan Ling Wang, which is currently airing, stars Peng Guanying as Yuwen Yong, Baby Zhang Hanyun as Yuan Qingsuo, and Andy Chen Yi as Lan Ling Wang. Aired only twice a week, the drama will take awhile to finish.

My favorite TVB actress for years is finally tying the knot with her boyfriend Him Law. They registered their marriage in England in March and decided to hold their wedding today: October 2nd at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Many people have described the star-studded wedding ceremony (hosted by Bob Lam) even grander than the TVB award ceremony itself, seeing many old faces that vow to never return to TVB.

Tavia's bridesmaids: Natalie Tong, Cheung Meini, Akina Hong, Claire You, Griselda Yeung (her sister), Sire Ma

Him's groomsmen: Ron Ng, Kenneth Ma, Vincent Wong, Pal Sinn, Quinn Ho

Guest Celebrity Couples:

I've written this review over three years ago for my now non-existent book blog. Instead of scrapping all of the reviews, I think it is a good idea to incorporate it into my drama blog especially the ones I've made movie references to.

After I finished reading this lengthy novel, I've become so captivated that I insisted to watch the movie right away (I actually got the chance to watch it after I've finished the novel). I didn't like it right away since I dropped the novel for awhile before actually finishing it in one go. The beginning was a bit slow-paced for me. However, the pace quickens when Chiyo finally understands her role; all of her family members are gone. So her only option now is to become the most renowned geisha. She almost lost her opportunity but she luckily met her savior. He encourages her and becomes her motivation to rise as one of the most successful geisha in Japan.

I actually enjoyed this drama although I haven't watched any of the series with the similar cast (The Great Eunuch and Overachievers). It was very relaxing to watch this since it is a no-brainer. The chemistry between the cast is great and the whole Kam family reminds me of the family dramas produced back then (Moonlight Resonance, Heart of Greed, Can't Buy Me Love). There are villains in this drama but they are a joke so they don't get you pulling your hair out when you know they will not succeed.


Synopsis:
Eunuchs Lee Suk-gung (Wayne Lai), Dan Tin (Power Chan) and Chan Siu-fung (Raymond Cho) served the last Qing emperor Puyi and the royal family in the Forbidden City until Puyi's distrust in eunuchs led to the release of all eunuchs from the Forbidden City. Life outside the Forbidden City was miserable for the three since eunuchs were constantly berated so they had to keep their identities a secret. The three befriends Chiu Jun-sing (Edwin Siu) a fake Eunuch after encountering revolutionist Yip Ching-yee (Ram Chiang) and decides to escape to Tianjin.

Another TVB drama review (Fist Within Four Walls) --- TVB is on a roll this year, putting out good-quality productions.

Currently airing are two completely different series with totally different genres and tone. Daddy Dearest, geared more towards family with kids, is actually not gaining as much praises as Fist is. I am hearing lukewarm reviews on this series but many are praising Candice Chiu's portrayal of a mother and Jason Chan's improvements as an actor. The plot can't be compared to the action-packed Fist since it is after all a light-hearted series for kids to watch.

Since I've only followed Fist Within Four Walls, I am only going to review this series.

Fist is definitely on my top five TVB series of the year. This action-packed miracle brought the cast to new heights of popularity and boosted TVB ratings. They have to at least win something at the awards even though TVB awards doesn't mean much. The only reason why this isn't a 10 is because it has a semi-happy ending. If you like the main lead, then you will like the ending. But like other viewers, I was upset my favorite characters were being killed off for the sake of drama. I would still re-watch this for the dynamic characters and the suspenseful plot.


Synopsis:

After the death of Bajiquan masters Duen Tung-Tin and Chiu Mang-San, the Kowloon Walled City has been overtaken by triad organization The Association led by Or Man-Cheung, Fung Chun-Mei, and Fuk Luk-Kam. Fifteen years later, Chiu's son Chor Au-Kuen returns to the now triad-ridden Walled City to look for his long-lost sister Chiu Ha. Eventually, Chor, along with hair salon owner Tiu Lan and dentist Duen Ying-Fung, started the Welfare Association to go against The Association. Mysteries continue to plague the Walled City as a triad leader dies under the hands of a Baijiquan master and nightclub dancer Fa Man enters the picture as Fung Chun-Mei's left-hand helper.


The Cast:

I can't believe I actually finished this series! I genuinely recommend this family comedy because trust me, you will not regret it. Although it is 28 episodes long, the series didn't drag like last year's Ghost of Relativity. It's purely a comedy so there is no need to take it too seriously --- in some parts, it did slow down but it picked up the speed pretty quickly.


Synopsis: 
After retired cheung-fun master Po Luk suddenly passes away, his eldest son Po Foon informs his three estranged siblings Po Yan, Po Yue, and Po Yi that their father left behind a will. The will says that the siblings have to live in the family house for nine months before they can sell it and split the profit equally. Realizing how valuable the property is, the siblings ungrudgingly moved back. But they are in for a surprise as Po Foon finds out that the ghost spirit of renowned celebrity couple Bak Wah and Yi Lan have been residing in their home for decades. Po Foon also befriends Po Yan's childhood friend Chu Chan Chan after a series of bickering. As the story continues, the Po family learns to mend the hole in the family formed years ago when Po Foon chose to leave the family.

This was recently released and has finished airing. After reading the synopsis, i gave it a try and decided to continue on. I like how each 701 member has their own skills and how they work together for the missions. And of course, the main lead is also doing an excellent job so I want to finish the drama. (It's also a happy ending - I skipped forward to check out the ending). 

If you like Republican-era series like Disguiser, then you should check this series out!

Synopsis:
The story revolves around autistic mathematical genius Rong Jinzhen and six others Zhai Li, Zhao Qirong, Han Bing, Meng Xiaoyun, Yan Shi, and Pan Shen, who are recruited into the top-secret Chinese agency 701 to decode the unbreakable "Purple Code". Initially unable to join the rest in continuing on to the main branch of 701, Rong gradually proves his ability and deciphers the code.


Cast: 

The baby girl that actor William Chan is holding in the Weibo post is his niece. In the photo, he is seen carrying the crying baby while he, on the other hand, couldn't resist from laughing. Many netizens left him messages, joking that he looks like a child trafficker.

Dating for almost close to a year after collaborating in movie The Third Way of Love, Mainland Chinese actress Crystal Liu (刘亦菲) and Korean actor Song Seung-Heon (宋承宪) were rumored to have broken up. Since both parties didn't respond, many speculated that the pair wasn't a couple from the start and just got together for promotional purpose.

Let's look into this week's fashion statement:

The Goods:

1. Cecilia Liu
Cecilia attended a Rebecca event, handsomely sporting a Vivetta white blouse paired with Givhshyh bell bottom pants.

2. Yang Mi
Yang Mi was spotted at the airport wearing a Saint Laurent striped cardigan paired with a simple white t-shirt and a mini brown skirt, with a cap and sunglasses on. The casual outfit was casual enough to be stylish and greatly defines her long legs.

3. Fan Bing Bing
Fan Bing Bing wore a Ralph and Russo 2016 Fall collection silver-white long gown, emitting a mermaid vibe. Her youthful hair-do and on point makeup contribute to the style success.

Celebrities Ruby Lin and Wallace Huo will soon be married at the end of July in Bali. What's better to do, then to take beautiful photos and make people anticipate how Ruby will look at her wedding.

Urban Dictionary
Definition of May-December Relationship:
"May/December relationship refers to a relationship between two people where one partner is in the "winter" of their life (old) and the other partner in the relationship is in the "spring" of their life (young). This can go either way such as the woman is older or the man is older."

Definition of Cougar:
"An older woman who happens to find herself in a relationship with a younger man." --- I hate this term a lot. 

Celebrity Couples:

1. Tavia Yeung (36) and Him Law (31)



The two began dating after their first collaboration in TVB series The Hippocratic Crush. In the series, Him's character harbors feelings towards Tavia's character but it was only one-sided. Ironically, the two ended up together in real life, writing a new ending to the original Hippocratic Crush.

After the "car-shaking" scandal, the two held a press conference to clarify and also admitted that they were still in the process of getting to know each other. There have been numerous cheating rumors revolving Him but their ongoing strong relationship prove these rumors to be wrong. The couple shared wedding photos taken in England and has officially announced that they registered their marriage on March 22nd. Their wedding will be held on October 2nd in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel with an estimate of 40 to 50 tables. Tavia has chosen good friends Christine Ng and Sharon Chan as her bridesmaids while Him has invited Ron Ng and Vincent Wong as his groomsmen.

Tavia Yeung: The Hippocratic Crush, Moonlight Resonance, The Other Truth
Him Law: The Hippocratic Crush, L'escargot, Fashion Wars


2. Ruby Lin (40) and Wallace Huo (36)



These two actors have stayed lifelong friends since their first collaboration in Taiwanese TV series Sound of Colors in 2006. Their careers both diverged and it wasn't until recently that their paths once again converged in Mainland China after establishing a stable position in the Chinese entertainment industry. With more quality time spent together, it is no surprise that the couple actually worked out! It was rumored that Wallace has started liking Ruby since then but this has not been verified. The two officially announced on May 20th (Chinese Valentine's Day) that they have been dating for three months.

It was recently announced that the couple will be getting married on July 31st in Bali, which led to speculations of Ruby already being with child.

Ruby Lin: Princess Returning Pearl, Scheme of a Beauty, The Glamorous Imperial Concubine
Wallace Huo: Journey of Flower, The Glamorous Imperial Concubine, Strange Heroes Yi Zhi Mei


3. Michelle Chen (33) and Chen Xiao (29)

TVB has a good start this year --- some pretty decent dramas that are actually watchable. I didn't plan on giving this a try since it was led by newbies Vincent Wong and Tracy Chu. Many liked Tracy but I have yet been impressed by her until this drama came along. I love this drama over the first two 2016 dramas I've seen. With a new concept, newbies that can act, and great chemistry between the leads, this is a must-watch TVB series!


Synopsis
While on patrol duty, EU sergeant Ling San-fung and her team are called to assist a criminal chase. A gun battle erupts and San-fung loses her father, who dies from a stray bullet to the head. San-fung continues the pursuit, but a strange natural phenomena suddenly turns her away, taking her back to April 1st—three days prior to the incident. Realising that she has traveled back in time, she uses this opportunity to save her father's life.

Village chief "Ditch", an informant for the ICAC, discovers San-fung's special ability and teams up with her to investigate a corrupted cop. Unfortunately, their persistent disruption to the timeline causes severe butterfly effects, with unsettling consequences. San-fung learns that her power to change the past does not make her able to control the future.

Synopsis
Ban Shu, a girl who grew up in the west frontier, traveled to the Han capital to meet her father, but he died before they could be reunited and his family did not approve of her non-Han ways. In order to be accepted by her father's family, she entered the palace to learn noble lady etiquette and was hired to be a royal teacher. Her lack of understanding for the Chinese culture caused a stream of comedic ruckus in class, but at the same time her outgoing and unconventional ways broke up the dullness of learning. At the palace she met and fell in love with her co-worker -Wei Ying, a man who still grieved for the lost of his fiancé.

(Credit to DramaWiki)

The other side characters are not too annoying and it is a joy to watch them especially Fu Xinbo's Huo Heng and Deng Sha's Yao Juan.

The Cast

Upcoming Dramas:
Dramas that are not released yet but might be release soon or has a TBD date of release

1. Singing All Along


Chinese Title: 秀丽江山之长歌行
Episodes: 52
Cast: Ruby Lin, Yuan Hong, Li Jiaheng, Kenny Kwan, Wang Yuanke, Mao Zijun, Yu Bo
Tentative Airing Date: June 2016

Synopsis: Under the rule of the Xin empire, Liu Che met Deng Yu, Liu Xuan, Feng Yi, and the young Yin Lihua. Years later, rebels rose to overthrow the Xin empire in order to restore the former Han dynasty. After successfully overthrowing the Xin, Liu Xuan was named the emperor by the people. Although he is the new emperor, he views Liu Yan as a threat and therefore executed him.

Witnessing this, Liu Xiu and his wife Yin Lihua leaves to a territory not under Liu Xuan's control. Liu Xiu begins building a military awaiting the opportunity to overthrow the current emperor. However, he soon realizes that he needs the help of a powerful warlord and for him to extend help, Liu Xiu is forced to marry his niece Guo. With the warlord's help, he successfully becomes the new emperor and he takes both Yin and Guo as his consorts. Even though the struggle for power has ended, conflicts within the palace has just began.

Reason to Watch: I like the cast, the historical backdrop, the true romance between the lead couple, Li Jiaheng after Legend of Ban Shu, and also the costumes.


2. Princess of Lanling King


Chinese Title: 兰陵王妃
Episodes: 47
Cast: Zhang Hanyun, Peng Guanying, Andy Chen Yi, Lin Weichen, Shen Jiahong
Tentative Airing Date: TBD

Synopsis: Duanmu Ling (Zhang Hanyun) is tasked with safeguarding the two valuable treasures that gives people the power to become the ruler of a nation. As fate has it, she gets involved in a relationship with Lan Ling Wang and emperor Yuwen Yong.

Reason to Watch: Wasn't a big fan of Lan Ling Wang, so really wanted to watch another version!

This is the one of the only time I've watch a TVB drama without Tavia Yeung in it. But due to rave reviews, I gave it a try and it deserves the ratings it received! I was not disappointed at all!


Synopsis 
Executioner Yip Sheung Luk (Kenny Wong) has shed blood too many times to count. To protect his savior’s pregnant daughter-in-law Yuen So Sam (Elaine Yiu) from danger, Sheung Luk sends So Sam to the capital, where she is to stay with renowned midwife Fa Yui Hung (Maggie Shiu).

A series of strange murders soon take place, and Sheung Luk saves a little life with his blade. But this baby boy of unknown origin gets Sheung Luk and Yui Hung in trouble with the imperial court. Step by step, the unlikely duo overcome obstacles together, developing a close relationship.

Meanwhile, young couple Chik Chi Chau (Mat Yeung) and Chuk Siu Moon (Katy Kung), both who have lived in a brothel for most of their lives, suddenly arrive at Yui Hung’s home. Siu Moon begs Sheung Luk to accept Chi Chau as his disciple when Chi Chau got into trouble, but reckless Chi Chau wants nothing more than to use this opportunity to escape from his punishment.

Sheung Luk’s life changes forever after the appearance of mysterious magician Sze Ma Chau (Joel Chan). The baby boy’s identity is uncovered, putting everyone one step closer to their own deaths.

For more information on this drama, please visit this link to the introduction.

I'm up to episode 32 so three more episodes to go but I've skipped to episode 35 and SKIMMED IT to see how the ending is and I had a WTF moment just like everybody else who saw it.

Everything went smoothly like Qi Sheng abdicating the throne to elope with Zhang Peng Peng.

Recently, instead of watching full-length episode dramas, I've started watching mini web dramas instead. The episodes usually range around 15 to 20 minutes in length and the production budget is low so it is incomparable to large budget dramas such as Nirvana in Fire and Legend of Zhen Huan.

To balance things out, the production would either lack in one area such as a good-looking/talented cast, eye-catching sceneries, extricate costumes, or a superb script.

Web dramas allow low-budget production teams to film entertaining dramas for their audience and also give them a chance to do something they enjoy even if it doesn't get the attention that many grand productions receive.


Noble My Love



Number of Episodes: 20 episodes
Episode Length: ~15 minutes
Link to Review: Noble My Love Review

Watching Point:
- The good-looking main leads
- The fast-pace storyline
- The lack of secondary characters that hinder the fun of a drama

What It's Lacking:
- The budget for a realistic set such as the office of a CEO
- The jewelry/clothing for a noble/high-class feel



Go Princess Go!