Sunday, March 30, 2008

Tavia Yeung, Shirley Yeung, and Linda Chung



Tavia, Shirley, and Linda took a picture together for "Heart of Greed 2" catwalk in the traditional Chinese red wedding chi pao on 3/28/08, and posted it on their TVB Blog. They also took a pic together during the TVB Anniversary Celebration or Awards in November 2007. I wonder if they are really good friends? I thought they look beautiful together despite me not being a Linda Chung fan. Kinda like Charlie's Angels right? lol Anyway, I just made a little fanart of them above. For the real pictures, go to their blog sites.



Since I quite adore Shirley and Tavia individually, I love this pic of them. Hope they would be able to star in another serie and have many friendship or sister scenes together. It is impossible in "HOG2" since Shirley plays the young Lee Sze Kei and is guest starring, while Tavia is part of the main cast.

*Above pics are all found from Shirley and Tavia's TVB Blog:
Shirley Yeung TVB Blog
Tavia Yeung TVB Blog
All pictures owned by TVB and respective artists. Please visit their blog sites for more pictures of them for this event.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

TVB plots inspired by Literature & Plays?

We always compared series to other series or movies, but how about series and literature/books?

American Tragedy & Looking Back in Anger



This possibility first came across my mind when I read An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser in high school. I have watched Looking Back in Anger when I was a little kid, so when I read this novel, I noticed some familiarity with some of the characters and plots. In An American Tragedy, the main character was Clyde Griffiths, and in Looking Back in Anger, the character to be compared would be Ding You Hong (acted by Deric Wan).

Familiarity-

#1 - Both Clyde Griffiths and Ding You Hong were from a poor family.
#2 - Both of them are ambitious and wanted to achieve a better status.
#3 - Both envies those who are wealthy and able to have fun.
#4 - Both of them tries their best to make themselves appear well-to-do.
#5 - Both of them were involved with an automobile accident in which their car hits (and possibly killed someone) which is the start of their problem (though Clyde wasn't behind the wheel though).
#6 - Both wooed a girl (for Clyde, Roberta Aldens; for Ding You Hong, Ka Mun played by Maggie Siu) that they later got pregnant, and the girls forced them to marry or they would exposed the affair.
#7 - Both met a rich girl they were interested in during this time (for Clyde, Sondra Finchley; for Ding You Hong, Cindy played by Kiki Sheung).
#8 - Both murdered their pregnant girlfriends in which the girls would least expect after promising them marriage (Clyde hit Roberta in the face, causing her to fall off the canoe and drowned; while Ding You Hong pushed Ka Mun off the train)
#9 - Both were executed at the end (Clyde by electrocution; Ding You Hong by hanging)


The Counte of Monte Crisco & The Great Vendetta



The second serie that came to mind was actually a very old Adam Cheng series called The Great Vendetta. I have watched this when I was a little kid, and my memory of it is very vague, but I’ve remember only bits and pieces of it . From what I remember, this serie was about a guy (Adam Cheng) who got framed and got put in either prison or some sort of tunnel , and he was able to find a way to lots of treasure somehow, so he used the money, and came back with a different identity and seeked revenge for all those who have hurt him in the past, including the guy who took his wife/fiancé while he was locked up or gone. Now, I never heard of The Counte of Monte Crisco before this serie, but when I found out the plot from the movie promos, the plot sounds sort of the same isn’t it?

Taming of the Shrew & Taming of the Princess



A third serie I think may be similar is the Taming of the Princess with Bobby au Yeung and Esther Kwan, which I believe uses pretty much the same concept as Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, though I could be wrong though. However, I believe in both the guy marries the girl, who is spoiled and verbally blunt, but yet they both fall in love with each other. Correct me if wrong.

Thus, it is very interesting to pick up bits and pieces of these plots from literature and plays. I once read a comment on Spcnet forums, and a poster there commented on how older TVB series were successful because partly the TVB writers followed the same type of storytelling as Shakespeare and other playwrights. Really interesting post, but it is a shame I can not find it.

Do you know of any TVB plots that are similar to literature or novels?

Friday, March 21, 2008

Discussion About Artistes and Managers


*Picture from: Asian-gossip.blogspot.com

The latest HK scandal brewing was the Isabella Leung-EEG relationship being on the rocks. A discussion was held with several managers of well-known artistes about manager and artistes relationships. Mani Fok is the manager for a number of artistes at EEG, including Twins, Joey, Nic Tse, and Isabella Leung. Wong Jing is a movie and series director, producer, screenwriter, etc. Virginia Lok is TVB production executive. Paco Wong is CEO/Manager of Gold Label Entertainment which includes artistes like Leo Koo, Stephy, and Alex Fong. Miriam Yeung used to be under his management/label.

It was quite an interesting news article to read about several managers' perspectives from the HK movies, series, and music industry. It seems like the people there were making jabs at each others' companies. I would've liked it if we could see the whole discussion on tv to see their facial reactions while they made the comments!

On the Issue of Signing Contracts:

"First, I am against signing long term contracts. Like the long contracts at EEG; I am against it. Fifteen years is too long. Normally it is eight to ten years.” - Wong Jing

“If it is that short, then they would easily leave after they become famous.”
- Mani

"If you are still investing (in the artiste) in the seventh year and there is no contract extension then you are stupid! Actually, if you have a long term contract in your hands then you are powerless in their betrayal."
- Wong Jing

On the Issue of Freezing:

"Wong Jing smiled and pointed out that Ng Yu’s company (EEG) has the biggest freezer.

Mani believes that during freezing, it can give the artiste time to think things over more clearly. They are more conscious and aware when they come out.

Ng Yu points out that Virginia’s company, TVB, has the largest freezer. They froze people like Chow Yun Fat, Andy Lau and others.

Virginia joked: “We moved already. It was taken down! Actually artistes should be rewarded and punished because the buffer period gives them time to think.”

My Thoughts on the Two Issues:

I think I have to agree with Wong Jing there about signing long contracts. I think a shorter contract gives the artistes some room to breathe so that they can evaluate their potential and plans further down the road. It is also like saying, we care about you, but you have the right to choose another company because we respect and value you as an artiste.Plus, at the beginning, a newcomer will be excited to become a star so they most likely will sign anything, but when it comes time to actually fulfilling the term, it might be a different story.

As for the freezing issue, I am 50-50 about it. In some ways, freezing can be a good thing because like Virginia Lok says, it gives time for the artistes to reflect on their behavior and direction. However, some of the reasonings behind freezes, as reported by media, are silly....such as for people dating, saying the wrong things according to the company. If the artistes are doing their jobs well, then they can have their fun and be blunt all they want. Freezing an artiste is probably only justified if whatever they are doing/have done negatively affects their work such as partying/drinking so much that they are constantly late to work or making NGs, stuff like that.

The Source of the Article:
- Asianfanatics: Discussion About Artistes and Managers
*Credits to Serena from Asian-gossip.blogspot.com
(Please click on links above to read whole article. I have only reposted some parts.)

Other Interesting Articles to Check out:

-Asianfanatics: TVB executive Virginia Lok: Must not be softhearted towards artistes

-Wikipedia: Gold Label

ATV Concubines Of Qing Emperor Themevideo (2006)



【大清後宮】主題曲
曲:張兆鴻 詞:楊紹鴻
唱:劉雅麗 (Alice Lau)

冷冷看著人間恩怨情仇
笑笑問誰知曉我感受
跌進了深溝 難容易看透
深宮只有痛苦定不會回頭
有了那份權威將會無愁
那怕是桃花不再依舊
要靠這雙手 無情來利誘
成功背後 計謀

天 你可知否我傷口
你可知否我憂愁
回望過後太多荒謬
天 那天不需再擔憂
那天方可以罷休 要追究 前路已沒法等候
怎麼可覆舟 來換取寵愛但是現實亦接受
干一杯清酒 何用懼怕命運要自我保祐

*Lyrics found here: Alice Lau Official Forum posted by anubis

*Ripped Cantonese themesong here: Sang by Alice Lau
Found from here: Asianfanatics post by bella_sky

*****
Supposely this serie was similar to TVB's War and Beauty. I have not watched this serie, and I do not know if I would later, but I saw the themevideo on Youtube, and I just love the themesong so that's a good start for this serie. The lyrics and the singer's voice is very captivating, and I thought she sounded a bit like the late Anita Mui. Anyway, later on, I found out it was sang by Alice Lau thanks to one of her fans posting the lyrics at her official site's forum.

*For those who want to watch the Mandarin version: Crunchyroll

*For those interested in purchasing the Cantonese ATV version: YesAsia Cantonese ATV version

Sunday, March 16, 2008

"Rumors"


*Really old pic of them I have saved

The post is about the viewpoints of rumors before and after this sex scandal was "proven" to be true indirectly.

Before this incident was exposed, five or six years ago, there were many rumors of Edison and Gillian floating around. There were rumors they were dating, attracted to each other, fell in love with each other, and etc. At that time, I did not buy their rumors together. For one, I thought "they" were a couple EEG is trying to put together for promotions since well they are very good looking people. For two, they seem like they don't really like each other with their answers to the media. They would either avoid or get mad about questions concerning the other party. For three, they just do not seem like a couple that is interested with each other. Edison always gave me the impression he likes outgoing girls, and Gillian seems quite opposite of that. The most I thought of them was they were attracted to each other due to media reports/influence but attraction died when the negative publicity came floating in after the Shawn-Edison fight, and fans, popularity, and probably management got in the way. So when this incident came out, I was quite surprised to learn that hey, this rumor of them was probably real back then!

In a way, this rumor of Edison-Gillian back then being proven to be true, it made me think about other rumors that the paparazzi or media have written or will write. I am starting to think that there is some truth to some of these rumors given that there is extensive media coverage. With constant media report, then there seems to be a higher probability of it being true. Otherwise, why write about it for so long? However, that is just my opinion. What do you think?

Please vote in polls below.

Edison & Gillian Rumors in the Past
Did you believe their rumors before their intimate pictures came out?





"Rumors"- Is there any truth in it?
Has the Edison Sex Scandal change your mind about the "Rumors" paparazzi write?


Enhance Your Vocab with HK entertainment- Lesson 4

1.) adumbrate- to foreshadow

Ex: In A Change of Destiny, it was shown that although the book, Chinese Prophecy (Twei Bui To) was rumored to adumbrate the future of the next destined emperor to reign, the interpretation varies from different perspectives.

2.) complaisant - desire to please

Ex: After Wan Wan fell in love with Tzi Ling in Twins of Brothers, she offered and made many complaisant actions, in hopes that he will one day feel the same for her.

3.) ingenuous - naïve and trusting

Ex: In Dicey Business, it was frustrating to watch the ingenuous character of ah Fu “wake up” because it took a long time before he realized his Sifu had bad intentions and was using him.

4.) banal - predictable

Ex: Watching so many TVB series, there are many banal plots that are reused over and over again, for example, the “opposites attract” storyline.

5.) archaic- outdated

Ex: It was demonstrated in Revolving Door of Vengence that Ella Koon’s character was old-fashioned when she still uses archaic technology such as tape cassettes to listen to her favorite Hackan song.

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Want to Share Your Thoughts/Opinions On This Blog??

I want this blog to consist of interesting thoughts or ideas on TVB and Asian Entertainment by me, but yet there are times I run out of things to talk about (or I get lazy and tired), so I would like to reach out and share what others are thinking so that this blog can be a blog with not only my thoughts, but a gathering of other people's thoughts or interests on TVB and Asian Entertainment as well.

Do you have something you want to write about or you feel strongly about regarding TVB, HK and or Asian Entertainment, and you want to share but maybe you don't have a blog? Maybe a review for a serie, albums, or movies? Or perhaps you want to share a song or pictures relating to Asian Entertainment (NO Edison sex pictures please) or fanart?

Or you want to know what I think about something? Or are you looking for something and want me to write about it? Or a suggestion?

Any writing, article, or picture that you write or share would be appropriately credited to you, but will be posted by me. There would be no monetary compensation, just the satisfaction of seeing your writing online and comments from me and maybe other readers. Not every writing or article would be posted, but I'll try to answer all emails or comments.

If you want to submit your writing, article, or suggestion, please email me at Jadedreams@gmail.com

Enhance Your Vocab with HK entertainment- Lesson 3

1.) opprobrium- disgrace, dishonor

Ex: The Edison sex pictures scandal was considered an opprobrium, not only to Hong Kong people, but also for the Chinese community as well, since Chinese people tend to hold a conservative view on sex.

2.) erudite - scholarly

Ex: Ron's erudite character in Lost in the Chamber of Love was a romantic gentleman, but with too much focus on studying, I find his character a little boring.

3.) foment - arouse, promote

Ex: Whenever TVB wants to foment hype for big productions, a lot of promotions and publicity events with the cast would be held.

4.) misanthrope - person who dislike other people

Ex: Always filled with rage and vengeance, Jin Yong's character, Li Mo Chou (李莫愁) in the Return of the Condor Heroes, would be a good example of a misanthrope.

5.) perfidious- disloyal

Ex: In Where the Legend Begins, Yan Fok's (Ada) son finally realizes Kwok Huen's (Sonjia) perfidious character when Yan Fok's maid revealed how Kwok Huen treated his mother after death.

Goodbye- L2M

I don’t know what to say,
and why I feel this way.
And when I think of you,
I know it’s sad but true.

Now that the bond is broken,
due to all the words that were spoken.
And now I got to let go,
This is what I want you to know.

Goodbye (goodbye~)
My friend (oh my friend~)
This time, this is the end.
So long (so long my friend~)
I hope that one day, we will meet again.

I don’t know what to do,
cause now I’m here without you.
How can I heal this pain?
When all there is, is blame.

I’m looking for a new sky,
so I can mend this broken heart.
And now I got to let go,
this is what I want you to know.

(Repeat Chorus )

*Bridge
I cannot wait, for these tears to dry.
I must move on right now and leave the pain inside.
Give me the strength, cause I cannot wait.

(Repeat Chorus x2)

I don’t know what to say,
and why I feel this way...

*Lyrics Translated by bebexd at AF:Wish To See You Again Thread

**DL link:http://www.sendspace.com/file/rrrr39

***Can be purchased at: Wish to See You Again TV Soundtrack

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This song is a song that is part of a soundtrack for a Taiwanese series call Wish to See You Again. I thought it was very soothing to listen too. For those who don't like boy band songs, you are warned lol.

In older TVB series, there used to be some really good English songs they play once in a while, but nowadays, the English songs they choose aren't really up to par in my opinion, at least with the series I was able to catch lol

As for this song, which couple from TVB series do you think it relates too? I haven't watch On The First Step, but reading about Tavia and Ron's relationship, I thought this song would fit them. Any thoughts?