jasmine's drama blog

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 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.

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.

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.

Synopsis:
This drama takes place in Tong Sai during the 1930s, an era of corruption and human trafficking. Kam Wah (Louis Cheung) is a corrupted officer from the start who takes bribes and collects tributes from commoners. But he begins to change when he meets righteous cop Sum Yat Yin (Matt Yeung) and gets embroiled in the investigation of human trafficking. As he finds his conscience, he gets closer to and develops a crush on Leung Sam (Tavia Yeung) who has taken a vow of celibacy yet fell in love with Yat Yin. Leung Sam and her childhood friend Fa Ying Yuet (Rosina Lam) were both victims of child trafficking who became separated from their family but each went down a different path. Ultimately, the four joins together to counter the mastermind behind the human trafficking organization.





Cast:
Louis Cheung as Kam Wah
Tavia Yeung as Leung Sam
Matt Yeung as Sum Yat Yin
Rosina Lin as Fa Ying Yuet
Lau Kong as Chong Ngou Shan
Akina Hong as Ho Wan Fong
Joe Tay as Chong Man Tou
Timothy Cheng as Lui Kwok
Hugo Wong as Lui Yu Wai
Koo Kung Chung as Ng Sai Cheung
Willie Wai as Shek Gau
Candy Chang as Lam Choi Dip
Brian Burrell as James Charlton
Amy Fan as Gu Sau Hing

Synopsis:
Former undercover police Pau Kai Chung (Chin Siu Ho) escapes to the Wudang Mountains after experiencing a severe setback in life. His senior Mo Yee Shan (Yuen Qiu), whom he has known since his youth, hires him as a chef for her lodging establishment in Wudang. She also takes in the mysterious and mentally ill Ho Ching Tung (Derek Kok), who was brought to Wudang by Kai Chung.

Originally known for being a land of spiritual calmness, Wudang enters a state of chaos after a group of new Hong Kong students are taken in to learn Tai Chi. The new students include Yee Shan’s daughter Lok Yeung (Tavia Yeung); the fighter Cheung Ka Kong (Timmy Hung); son of a wealthy businesswoman Lok Yik Hin (Jonathan Cheung), Yik Hin's private female bodyguard Yeung Ching Wu (Toby Leung), model Siu Yuk (Regen Cheung), accompanied by her mother Chin Yam Yam, and rebellious student Mia Lau (Rainky Wai).

The appearance of Lok Yeung triggers a painful memory in Kai Chung. Lok Yeung’s purpose in staying in Wudang is to convince her mother to sell her lodging establishment to a Hong Kong investment group. Yee Shan promises to give up the establishment only if Lok Yeung manages to win a competition in three months. Meanwhile, Yee Shan purposely injures herself so Kai Chung can teach her Tai Chi class.

Eventually, Ching Tung overcomes his mental illness and becomes well again. He reveals Kai Chung’s true identity, and danger shrouds the Wudang Mountains.

Synopsis:
To Zan Feng is the illegitimate second son of wealthy banker To Co Nan. He operates a bank that loans out equipments and lands rather than money, hoping that people can grow their own food and support themselves by selling the food as well as eventually return the money. One day, he meets nuns-to-be Wai Lam and Wai Yu who are trying to pawn off their temple's land for money to treat their head nun's illness. Eventually, they are forced to become Zan Feng's maids in order to repay the debt that Wai Yu scams from him. After escaping death, he encounters the brother of the Kangxi emperor Fuk Qun and becomes an official that fights corruption with the help of Fuk Qun. Being well-equiped with martial arts, Wai Lam and Wai Yu soon become his bodyguards, protecting him on his journey fighting against the corrupted officials. He soon goes head-to-head with his brother To Zan Ming who is a student under the guidance of his mentor Wing Bak Hin, who is the mastermind behind all the corruption. Zan Feng soon discovers the truth behind Wai Lam's background and his father's death being associated with Wing Bak Hin.

I haven't watched TVB dramas for a long time - I've watched one or two episodes of a new series time to time when my parents watch them but this is the only drama recently that I've actually begun watching from the start and have been catching its new episode every day.



Cast:

Myolie Wu as Cho Ching
Ron Ng as Kai Chun
Him Law as Chin Tung
Eliza Sam as San Cha
Gigi Wong as Cho Cho Bi Yue
Koo Ming Wah as Chin Jong
Alice Chan as Chin Sheung
Jade Leung as Kai Sho
Derek Kwok as Fu Sam Yan
Koni Lui as Nang Choi Ji

Synopsis: 

Cho Ching (Myolie Wu) and her mother Cho Cho Bi Yue (Gigi Wong) travels around as beautifying conmen in search for her father Cho Dai Kung. They decided to return to their town when Cho Ching falls in love with Chin Tung (Him Law). She successfully marries into the Chin family but

Seeing her husband's close relationship with personal servant San Cha (Eliza Sam), Cho Ching becomes jealous and attempts to matchmake San Cha and her buddy Kai Chun (Ron Ng). However, her plan backfires and leads Chin Tung to realize his feelings towards San Cha and marrying her as his concubine. How will Cho Ching deal with this?



My Thoughts:

Some parts are actually kind of cheesy but I really like its comical part. The comedy is not exactly over the top so I enjoy watching it. I especially loved the part when Myolie's father returns back to town as a eunuch. Ron asks one of his buddy to pretend to be his son which unexpectedly helped Myolie's mother to be released.

Eliza's character is the third-party but since her character is kind and caring, it is really difficult to hate her. There isn't any characters that I dislike and the series is actually hilarious. I do sympathize with Myolie's character because no one in the Chin family likes her especially Him's aunt and grandmother. Since the grandmother doesn't like her, the maids and servants doesn't respect her as well. Even Eliza is more respected than Myolie is. Marriage is not only between two people, but also between the two's family. Without Him's family acceptance, the marriage was doomed from the start. I was partially excited that Myolie finally left the Chin family because then she can get together with Ron's character especially since he is by her side whenever she is upset or gets into trouble.

Music:

I really love the theme song! They've collaborated two times before, the first for Lost in the Chambers of Love, and the second for A Chip Off The Old Block.

The theme song represents the relationship between Myolie and Ron's characters in the series.

2005: Marriage Attire (嫁衣裳) by Myolie Wu and Ron Ng

The title of the song comes from the phrase "为他人作嫁衣裳" which literally means to help another create a set of marriage attire. This saying talks about a person helping another be with the person he or she loves. In this case, Myolie is the one helping Ron and Michelle Ye's characters get together even though she secretly loves Ron. The story of the plot is based on a fable about Ron and Michelle's characters falling in love but her parents disapprove with the marriage. With the help of of the maid, they end up together. However, in this adaptation, Myolie as the maid ends up with Ron's character instead. She does not expect her love to be requited so she tries her best to help Ron and Michelle get together because she believes Ron likes Michelle and will be happy if they get to end up together.


2009: Don't Say I Didn't Mind You (咪话唔就你) by Myolie Wu and Ron Ng



2014: Is It You? (是你吗?) by Myolie Wu and Ron Ng

During this month-long winter vacation, I've nothing better to do then watch dramas. I've recently finished watching Beauties at Crossfire (Chinese Title: Feng Huo Jia Ren). Currently, I am watching TVB's Coffee Cat Mama, Japan's Trick, Taiwan's In a Good Way and Deja Vu and Mainland China's Shining Days.

Well, I haven't been watching all the episodes in Shining Days since it's mainly my parents that are watching it. Once in awhile, some scenes caught my attention. When I went home from college for the break, I realized my whole family has been watching this drama. Coincidentally, I've watched the beginning largely due to its impressive trailer. The child actress that plays the young Yu Fei is incredible. I cried just by watching the trailer because of the child's magnificent acting skills (and probably emotional storyline too). After watching past the childhood parts, I kind of gave up. However, my family, particularly my dad, continued on with this lengthy (82 episodes, no joke) drama. Current Status: Episode 76 (6 more episodes to go...)

I'm haven't been catching Deja Vu weekly premieres because I am entirely engaged by Taiwan's other drama In a Good Way. The cast chemistry, the storyline, the actors and actresses, the music, etc are superb! If I have to choose, I would recommend In a Good Way more.

I don't really watch many Japanese dramas but since I am learning Japanese, it would benefit a lot to watch them. After watching Galileo, I've found recommendations that suggested checking out the drama Trick. Luckily, I found it with English subs on gooddrama.net. Pretty good so far but wouldn't recommend watching it all alone at night because I was freaked out at some parts.

TVB's Coffee Cat Mama is actually watchable. I have to say TVB comedies are usually watchable. Their other dramas are either a hit or a miss. I think the success of this drama derives from the cast.

Out of all the dramas I'm juggling right now, I know I will definitely complete In a Good Way, Trick, and Shining Days(this mainly because my family is watching or else I wouldn't devote hours to it --> Legend of Zhen Huan has 76 episodes but I have no regret watching it).