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:


Main Cast/Protagonists:
Ruco Chan as Chiu Yeung
Nancy Wu as Tiu Lan
Benjamin Yuen as Duen Tung Tin/Duen Ying Fung
Grace Wong as Fa Man
Philip Ng as Lung Shing Fu
Moon Lau as Audrey Or Tak Lei
Yuen Qiu as Yuk Bo Fung

Walled City Citizens:
Jazz Lam as But Tak Liu
Zoie Tam as Lau Teh
Jimmy Au as Yeung Juk Lu

Antagonists:
KK Cheung as Or Man Cheung (never fails to deliver)
Carlos Ng as Fung Chun Mei (did an awesome job - especially with the makeup!)
Vincent Lam as Fuk Luk Kam (never fails to deliver - liked his role in Overrun more)
Oscar Li as Fung Ha Moon (usually plays a villain, hope to see how he does in a good role)


My Thoughts:

TVB relationship diagram

1. The plot is intriguing itself with a mystery that stands to be unveiled as we approached the later half of the series. It also helps that this time the question TVB asks in the beginning of each episode actually makes me ponder.

The first question was: Who were the three killers in prison? My mother guessed two out of three correctly --- she thought Or Man-Cheung wouldn't be one of the killers since he didn't seem like he knows any kungfu. But guessed he hid it well!

The second question is: Who is the mastermind behind the entire plot? This one is quite difficult. Although there are obvious choices, I am hoping the scriptwriters won't be cliche.

2. The plot drives character development. Each time something happens, we understand more of a character based on the actions they take and the things they stand up for. So far, the first two events have been resolved and we begin to watch how some characters unfold as their secrets begin to unfold as well.

3. The women are not just romance fillers, GO GIRLS! Nancy's Tiu Lan isn't your average hair dresser and Grace Wong's Fa Man isn't just a sexy, provocative nightclub dancer. From the opening theme, you can easily guess that they do know kungfu and that they will play a role eventually later on in the show.

4. After watching an ending theme video released by TVB and a user-produced opening theme video, it seems like Ruco's Chor Au-Kuen will become blind and it seems like Grace might die. Hopefully what I saw is wrong and just a way TVB used to mislead their viewers.

This is the most pathetic question ever asked: It is basically asking - who is the Final Boss? TVB must believe their viewers are stupid idiots Geez, I wonder if it's that dog in the bottom right corner --- wonder what kungfu he knows

(thoughts after I finished the drama):
5. I didn't like the "Final Boss". I just dislike villains that pretend to be the good guy but is actually not. That way, they can easily cause the deaths of viewers' favorite characters. He has top-notch kungfu but lack brainpower --- why is he even hiding in the Walled City when he could have controlled it with his assassination group and power? Anyways, kudos to the actor for making me hate the character. Also what is the point of making him the real father of Audrey --- what purpose does it serve? I think the writers were on a roll so they were "Hmm, let's see what else we can add to increase the shock factor?"

6. I love the bromance between Ruco and Ben (when Ben and Nancy cleaned up Ruco's mess in Episode 13) --- though there were some bumps especially towards the end. I thought Ben actually had a plan against the final boss but guessed I was wrong; I really wished he was one of the wise one that had a plan under his sleeves the whole time.

7. But if TVB had ended at the part where the three known antagonists were killed, would the series have generated much discussion? Probably not ...  I guess it's by making it dramatic that's when viewers will remember this series.

8. My Favorite Scenes:
-When Ruco and Ben team up against Carlos, who was seeking revenge for his brother
-Nancy became furious and showed off her kick-ass kungfu (Loved this scene!) --- she totally shocked Ruco and Ben
-When Grace reveals who she is and kills Fuk Luk-Kam and Fung Chun-Mei
-When Grace and Ruco reunites and clears up their father's name
-When Grace and Ben finally got together!
-Bickering scenes between Ruco and Nancy especially when Nancy had a crush on Ben (aka Nancy being flirty)
-The cute scenes between Audrey and Lung Shing Fu

Music:
I am not hooked to the music yet but I think I am starting to like the opening theme by Ruco. However, I don't think it would be a song that will end up on my playlist. I take back my words, I think it might actually.

Opening Theme: "Siege" (围城) by Ruco Chan


Ending Theme: "Never Knew You Were The Best" (从未知道你最好) by Nancy Wu & Ruco Chan