I have probably watched TVB for 19 years by now, and within all these years there were many classics and favourites. This post is dedicated to highlight my favourite TVB series of all time (to be updated and elaborated each time I watch an outstanding drama that I decide to add it to this list).
War of the Genders (2000)
Reasons: I have only started to re-watch this series and it is no doubt a classic. Carol Cheng potentially gave a perfect performance of Francis Mo who is bossy, demanding and you can think of her as shallow yet has a heart and cares for those close to her. Dayo Wong was a star in this series with great comedic timing. This series is also fabulous due to its role to act as a social commentary on the issues back then, such as AIDS, sexism, gender equality, concern for animals and many more. It explores those issues, sometimes rather distastefully and politically incorrect, but nevertheless makes me laugh. To me this is a golden production of comedy.
Rosy Business (2009)
Reasons: This series was stellar because it had golden lines such as 'How many ten years do we have in our lives? Let's live life to the fullest!" which of course was by Chai Gau. Sheren Tang gave an expressive performance where she deserved her Best Actress Award.
Journey to the West
TO BE UPDATED and CONTINUED
Friday 27 November 2015
TVB 2016 Sales Presentation Thoughts
Had a look at TVB's 2016 Sales Presentation, which of course is the preview of upcoming series projected to be broadcast next year, and my overall thoughts is that year will not be a TVB's shining year, at least not with the bunch of series being shown. I will accumulate my thoughts on each incoming tvb drama.
Anticipation Level: High
Anticipation Level: Medium
Anticipation Level: High
Anticipation Level: Low
Anticipation Level: Low
Anticipation Level: Medium
Anticipation Level: Medium
Anticipation Level: Medium.
| Triad Boss Under the Line of Fire 火線下的江湖大佬 | Leung Choi-yuen (producer); Ng Lap-kwong (writer); Kent Cheng,Kingdom Yuen, Tommy Wong, Alice Chan, Eliza Sam, Joel Chan, Li Shing-cheong, Amy Fan |
| Comedy |
Anticipation Level: Low
Thoughts: Probably will give this a miss. I long for Kent Cheng and Kingdom Yuen's comeback but the story seems a bit silly to say the least. Who knows it might be very funny.
| House of Spirits 一屋老友記 | Dave Fong (producer); Bobby Au-Yeung, Nancy Wu, Law Lan, Wu Fung, Lau Kong, Joyce Tang, Jonathan Cheung, Bob Cheung, Koni Lui |
| Comedy, Supernatural |
Anticipation Level: Very High
Thoughts: One of my most anticipated series for next year is House of Spirits. The preview at first was very engaging - the three veteran actors anticipating their young ones to come back visit for a Halloween Party and they get scared by their appearance with Bobby, Nancy and etc. But the end came with a revelation that the veteran actors were in fact already dead and were ghosts. The rhyming during the trailer was very catchy and memorable and it is refreshing to see Bobby and Nancy to work together (don't seem to remember the last time they collaborated). That being said, the cast, story and theme seems highly appeals to me.
| The Last Healer In Forbidden City 末代御醫 | Nelson Cheung (producer); Wong Kwok-fai (writer); Roger Kwok, Tavia Yeung, Ngo Ka-nin, JJ Jia, Jazz Lam, Law Lan,Jonathan Cheung, Rebecca Zhu |
| Historical period medical drama |
Thoughts: Am keen to watch this series purely for Roger Kwok, Tavia Yeung and my fascination for the mystery of Guangxu's death. The preview itself seemed promising but looks like Tavia has a poor character and typecasted as someone who has pre-judgement and is aggressive and annoying. Don't know how this series will last 25 episodes long but I do think it will be a decent series.
| Fashion War 潮流教主 | Dave Fong (producer); Wong Wai-keung (writer); Moses Chan, Sisley Choi, Him Law, Leanne Li, Ali Lee, Vivien Yeo,Hanjin Tan, Joel Chan |
| Comedy, Drama |
Thoughts: Don't know how I feel about this series. Couldn't care less about fashion but I don't mind some cat-fighting. What appeals to me is the rather large flow of female cast such as Leanne Li, Venice, Jacequline and Vivien Yeo all in one drama, yet I am unsure how Sisley Choi is going to perform. Just by looking at the preview itself, Him Law seems to be nicely cast and promising and Moses looked a bit out of place. What if Dayo Wong replaced Moses Chan in this series?
| You Who Came from the Kitty Star 來自喵喵星的妳 | Kristal Tin, Nancy Wu, Moses Chan, Vivien Yeo |
| Comedy, Sci-fi |
Thoughts: I truly enjoyed Ghosts of Relativity and for sure I think this spin-off series won't fail to disappoint either. That being said, the preview hardly showed anything and used clips from Ghosts of Relativity and then making Kristal Tin have a cat face. What a way to ruin an opportunity to promote what the story will be about. One reason is maybe they planned nothing about the story yet. I am giving this series a go because of the great compatible co-leaders of Nancy and Kristal.
| Legal Strongman 律政強人 | Marco Law (producer); Alex Fong Chung-sun, Liu Kai-chi, Raymond Cho,Mandy Wong, Ali Lee, Kelly Cheung |
| Legal drama |
Thoughts: The previews tries to promote this series as something potentially extraordinary and that it will be phenomenal. When I watched the preview it did look like a HKTV production and in my opinion was nicely filmed with a movie feel. That being said, I am not a fan of Macro Law's productions and none of the cast appeal to me. The theme about 'justice' and how it can either be corrupted/ persevered sounds repetitive from previous series and does not interest me. Will probably give this a miss.
| Peculiar Taste 味想天開 | Chong Wai-kin (producer); Wong Bing-yee (writer); Tony Hung,Sisley Choi, Hugo Wong, Rebecca Zhu, Stephanie Ho, Maria Cordero |
| Historical period comedy |
Thoughts: Everything about this series from the preview was peculiar, just like the title. The cast looked off and out of place, the story about food doesn't seem to interest me. Sorry but Tony Hung is a competent actor but he has a long way to go before being a lead. Will probably give this series a miss.
| K9 Cop 警犬巴打 | Wong Wai-sing (producer); Chan Kam-ling (writer); Bosco Wong, Linda Chung, Raymond Wong Ho-yin, Tracy Chu,Oscar Leung, Angel Chiang |
| Comedy, Drama |
Thoughts: It looks ok. Bosco Wong, Raymond Wong, Linda Chung all look convincing from what I can see. It seems to be a light-hearted series that is worth a look. Will see how it goes.
| Presumed Accidents 純熟意外 | Andy Tan (producer); Lam Lai-mei (writer); Lawrence Ng,Sisley Choi, Selena Li, Lai Lok-yi, Chow Chung, Joyce Tang |
| Detective, Thriller |
Thoughts: Story at first looks exciting and promising. Are accidents always coincidence or is there a way for us to control these accidents from happening? It is the cast that doesn't appeal to me, but if the characters are nicely written and the actors such as Sisley will make a breakthrough performance, then why give this series a go?
Other series not featured on the Sales Presentation:
| 使徒行者2 | Michael Miu, Charmaine Sheh, Benz Hui, Elena Kong, Sharon Chan |
| Crime, Thriller |
Thoughts: Line Walker itself was a decent series but had so many plot-holes.
TO BE CONTINUED>
Friday 20 November 2015
A look at 2015 TVB's Anniversary Awards confirmed nomination list so far...
From TVB's 48th anniversary gala show, they released a list of the nominations for the Best Actor and Actress in a Leading Role.
9. Moses Chan — Ghost of Relativity - Managed to watch the whole series and I think Moses should have been nominated for his other roles this year instead, because he wasn't the focus at the series nor did the script allow him to give any breakthrough performance. In essence, he didn't have much to do.
11. Chin Ka-lok — The Fixer - Watched parts of this series and as usual for Chin Ka-Lok acting isn't something second-nature to him.
12. Louis Cheung — Momentary Lapse of Reason - Watched some parts of this series and Louis Cheng scored well with his role as someone kind-hearted and caring for others. Deserved this nomination.
14. Tony Hung — Captain of Destiny - On the other hand, Tony was a rookie compared to Ruco. His performance was unremarkable for such a remarkable character on paper. I think he should deserve a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Eye in the Sky instead.
15. Bosco Wong — Under the Veil - Hardly watched the series so no comment.
16. Bobby Au-yeung — With or Without You - Bobby is always a competent actor. Best Actor for this role though? Maybe not.
17. Anthony Wong — Lord of Shanghai - Anthony excelled as Kiu in Lord of Shanghai. He gave a subtle performance. Highly deserved this nomination.
18. Wayne Lai — Lord of Shanghai - His performance there was a bit OTT in my opinion but I think Wayne did well for most parts. Deserved this nomination.
19. Kent Tong — Lord of Shanghai - Kent Tong was good. I guess deserved this nomination.
20. Kenneth Ma — Lord of Shanghai - Didn't quite expect this cameo performance to get a nomination for Best Actor but I think Kenneth serves the young version quite well, in particular the dubbing enhanced his performance. Deserved this nomination.
2. Elaine Yiu — Raising the Bar - What a joke, Elaine for Best Actress for this role?
3. Grace Chan — Raising the Bar - I was afraid she would be nominated for Captain by Destiny but nice step by TVB for to nominate her in Raising the Bar instead. I think Grace did very well in this role as Giselle who gave a sense of integrity even though she became annoying and was blinded by her own prejudice. Deserved this nomination.
4. Nancy Sit — My “Spiritual” Ex-Lover - Didn't watch her performance.
5. Sisley Choi — Young Charioteers - Didn't watch her performance.
6. Kate Tsui — Smooth Talker - Kate did well. Deserved this nomination.
7. Elena Kong — Smooth Talker - Elena did well too. Deserved this nomination.
8. Liza Wang — Limelight Years - Liza did well three. Deserved this nomination.
9. Linda Chung — Limelight Years - Linda was too shaky in my opinion.
10. Kristal Tin — Ghost of Relativity - Yes! Kristal for the win. She was spectacular as May and I never knew she could be that funny at times. Highly deserved this nomination.
11. Nancy Wu — Ghost of Relativity - Yes for Nancy as well. I pitied her character. Deserved this nomination.
13. Mandy Wong — The Fixer - Same goes for Mandy.
14. Myolie Wu — Every Step You Take - Something about Myolie, maybe the walk she speaks unstably or her same expressions or set number of emotions she can give, that never makes my convinced of her characters. Sorry a no for this one.
15. Tavia Yeung — Momentary Lapse of Reason - Tavia was fine. Deserved this nomination.
16. Rosina Lam — Momentary Lapse of Reason - Should be for supporting instead.
17. Eliza Sam — Under the Veil - Should be for supporting instead.
18. Joey Meng — With or Without You - She did well. Deserved the nomination.
19. Louisa So — Lord of Shanghai - Deserved it. 20. Alice Chan — Lord of Shanghai - Deserved it!
“Best Actor” nominees:1. Mak Cheung-ching — Come Home Love - I watched Evergreen Mak's performance in Come Home Love and he was serviceable, nothing outstanding but decent enough for me to watch.
2. Johnson Lee — Officer Geomancer - Didn't watch his performance.
3. Edwin Siu — Madam Cutie On Duty - Didn't watch his performance.
4. Ben Wong — Raising the Bar - Watched Ben's performance and he was convincing as a lawyer but again nothing spectacular.
5. Him Law — Young Charioteers - Watched an first episode of this series and he was good from what I saw but don't know about the nomination.
6. Kevin Cheng — Eye In the Sky - Ok finally someone I think deserves this nomination with Kevin's rather impressive performance as Szetou Sir. He flattered a bit towards the end but for the most part I think he improved heaps.
7. Joe Ma — Smooth Talker - Watched parts of this series and Joe was ok.
8. Damian Lau — Limelight Years - Watched less than an episode and Damian was ok.
9. Moses Chan — Ghost of Relativity - Managed to watch the whole series and I think Moses should have been nominated for his other roles this year instead, because he wasn't the focus at the series nor did the script allow him to give any breakthrough performance. In essence, he didn't have much to do.
10. Vincent Wong — Brick Slaves - Watched parts of the series and from what I saw Vincent Wong is indeed a very good actor and a very versatile one. Deserved this nomination I say.
11. Chin Ka-lok — The Fixer - Watched parts of this series and as usual for Chin Ka-Lok acting isn't something second-nature to him.
12. Louis Cheung — Momentary Lapse of Reason - Watched some parts of this series and Louis Cheng scored well with his role as someone kind-hearted and caring for others. Deserved this nomination.
13. Ruco Chan — Captain of Destiny - What more can I say? Ruco gave a masterful performance as the 11th prince in Captain of Destiny. There were many great moments in the series by him and he definitely deserved this nomination.
14. Tony Hung — Captain of Destiny - On the other hand, Tony was a rookie compared to Ruco. His performance was unremarkable for such a remarkable character on paper. I think he should deserve a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Eye in the Sky instead.
15. Bosco Wong — Under the Veil - Hardly watched the series so no comment.
16. Bobby Au-yeung — With or Without You - Bobby is always a competent actor. Best Actor for this role though? Maybe not.
17. Anthony Wong — Lord of Shanghai - Anthony excelled as Kiu in Lord of Shanghai. He gave a subtle performance. Highly deserved this nomination.
18. Wayne Lai — Lord of Shanghai - His performance there was a bit OTT in my opinion but I think Wayne did well for most parts. Deserved this nomination.
19. Kent Tong — Lord of Shanghai - Kent Tong was good. I guess deserved this nomination.
20. Kenneth Ma — Lord of Shanghai - Didn't quite expect this cameo performance to get a nomination for Best Actor but I think Kenneth serves the young version quite well, in particular the dubbing enhanced his performance. Deserved this nomination.
My Top Picks: Kevin Cheng, Vincent Wong, Louis Cheng, Ruco Chan, Anthony Wong, Wayne Lai, Kent Tong and Kenneth Ma.
Who Should Win: Anthony Wong.
“Best Actress” nominees:1. Priscilla Wong — Madam Cutie On Duty - Didn't watch her performance.
2. Elaine Yiu — Raising the Bar - What a joke, Elaine for Best Actress for this role?
3. Grace Chan — Raising the Bar - I was afraid she would be nominated for Captain by Destiny but nice step by TVB for to nominate her in Raising the Bar instead. I think Grace did very well in this role as Giselle who gave a sense of integrity even though she became annoying and was blinded by her own prejudice. Deserved this nomination.
4. Nancy Sit — My “Spiritual” Ex-Lover - Didn't watch her performance.
5. Sisley Choi — Young Charioteers - Didn't watch her performance.
6. Kate Tsui — Smooth Talker - Kate did well. Deserved this nomination.
7. Elena Kong — Smooth Talker - Elena did well too. Deserved this nomination.
8. Liza Wang — Limelight Years - Liza did well three. Deserved this nomination.
9. Linda Chung — Limelight Years - Linda was too shaky in my opinion.
10. Kristal Tin — Ghost of Relativity - Yes! Kristal for the win. She was spectacular as May and I never knew she could be that funny at times. Highly deserved this nomination.
11. Nancy Wu — Ghost of Relativity - Yes for Nancy as well. I pitied her character. Deserved this nomination.
12. Selena Li — Brick Slaves - Sorry she still has lots of room for improvement.
13. Mandy Wong — The Fixer - Same goes for Mandy.
14. Myolie Wu — Every Step You Take - Something about Myolie, maybe the walk she speaks unstably or her same expressions or set number of emotions she can give, that never makes my convinced of her characters. Sorry a no for this one.
15. Tavia Yeung — Momentary Lapse of Reason - Tavia was fine. Deserved this nomination.
16. Rosina Lam — Momentary Lapse of Reason - Should be for supporting instead.
17. Eliza Sam — Under the Veil - Should be for supporting instead.
18. Joey Meng — With or Without You - She did well. Deserved the nomination.
19. Louisa So — Lord of Shanghai - Deserved it. 20. Alice Chan — Lord of Shanghai - Deserved it!
My Top Picks: Grace Chan, Kate Tsui, Elena Kong, Liza Wang, Kristal Tin, Nancy Wu, Tavia Yeung, Louisa So and Alice Chan.
Who Should Win: Kristal Tin
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