spotlight “tvb 41st anniversary”

Spotlight 2 Comments »

It seems like time flies by so quickly. Because I’ve been extremely busy for the past few weeks, the anniversary arrived unexpectedly. As I was surfing the net this morning, I came upon SPCNET.TV forums where netizens were discussing their thoughts about the winners! At that moment, I just knew I had to watch it!

Most Fashionable - Myolie Wu

This award was unexpected for me, but Myolie is definitely one of the deserving candidates. I love Myolie’s styles as they appear very unique to me. Just the fact that she decided to dress up in a tuxedo to the anniversary ceremony is a surprise already!

Most Improved Actor - Wong Cho Lam (Best Selling Secrets, D.I.E.)

Totally deserving! He is not only a great supporting actor, but a wonderful host as well. Cho Lam gave the most humorous thank-you speech!

Most Improved Actress - Nancy Wu (War of In-Laws II, D.I.E., The Silver Chamber of Sorrows, Legend of the Demigods)

Nancy’s win certainly demonstrates that TVB is not playing favoritism this year! I screamed upon her name being called. The tears she shedded proves how much efforts she placed into portraying each character. I truly hope her win will increase her acting opportunities in the years to come.

Favorite Male Character - Raymond Lam (Moonlight Resonance, Gam Wing Ho)

I am a bit disappointed because his character was one of the least fascinating. I think his friend, Ron who played Cold-blooded in The Four deserves this award much more.

Favorite Female Character - Louise Li (Moonlight Resonance, Chung Siu Hor)

It’s not surprising that Louise will win an award again this year; however, I didn’t think her character deserved the recognition. It was too angelic and all too nice! Christine was a much better choice.

Best Supporting Actor - Wayne Lai (The Gentle Crackdown II)

I think I screamed the loudest when Wayne won! He must be the most deserving actor for this character because when his name was announced, not only applause was heard, but all the nominees — yes, both female and male — stood up and either hugged or shook hands with him. I can’t wait for his two upcoming series where he finally gets to play the lead!

Best Supporting Actress - Tavia Yeung (Moonlight Resonance)

Kudos to Tavia! She didn’t win Best Actress, but at least she didn’t leave empty-handed. She definitely deserves more recognition. I didn’t think Tavia did any worse than Lee Heung Kam.

Best Actor - Ha Yu (Moonlight Resonance)

I’m not surprised, but am a little disappointed that Raymond did not win.

Best Actress - Michelle Yim (Moonlight Resonance)

Definitely deserves it! Michelle is a much more deserving candidate than Louise.

Lifetime Achievement - Paul Chun

Paul has been a great veteran actor and has been acting for TVB for more than 25 years. Thus, his win is justifiable!

Overall, I am quite impressed with the winners this year! It displays that not only Moses Chan, Kate Tsui, Linda Chung, and Fala Chen are favored, but the awards is a fair game!

Stay tuned for another issue of fashion tease for “TVB 41st Awards Ceremony”!

first impression “the gem of life”

First Impressions 14 Comments »

After two weeks, the post for my first impressions for one of the most anticipated grand productions, The Gem of Life, is finally here! Sorry, for this delay as this should have happened a week ago.

An opening with a fashion show overhelmed with vivid lights under a dark atmosphere, designer clothes, and the upper-class elite is quite eye-catching — especially for those who have been curious about the wealthy lifestyle. Despite its status as a modern blockbuster, the premiere was not quite as successful as this year’s War of In-Laws II and Moonlight Resonance. Garnering a 35-point average on its premiere night, In-Laws II still holds its spot as a success. While Moonlight gathered a 33-point average on its first week, Gem on its premiere date only received 32 points and for the next two weeks, it maintained 31 points. Does this suggest that Gem will not be a hit like many hoped — or wanted — it to be? Will it live up to the expectations of War and Beauty cast?

Whether or not Gem has a interesting, gripping, and intense plot is still too early to judge as we have only when one-eighth through. For now, lets explore through the personalities of the three uncompromising sisters.

Maggie Siu presented as Sylvia Hong
Like the trailer promised, Sylvia’s character is overhelmed with her workload and her life ultimately relvolves around actresses, actors, singers, hosts, and the entertainment circle. As an agent, she is constantly on the phone trying to make negotiations to best benefit her company; moreover, the extent of her work ethic is portrayed by the fact that her husband (Patrick Dunn) finally announces a divorce with her!

Gigi Lai presented as Constance Hong
Romance. Loving, sensitive, vulnerable, and the least classy among the three sisters is Constance. While she easily yields, a part of her is strong and will fight until the end. However, on the other hand, she is constant denial as to whether or not her husband (Rocky Cheng) has been cheating on her for the three years they have been together. Compared to her older sister, Constance, is a rather financially dependent and emotionally liable. However, when family issues arise, she lets go of everything and will stand by her sisters side.

Ada Choi presented as Jessica Hong
Always the most glamous to any one event, Jessica is obsessed with materialistic objects like shoes, purses, and dresses. The extent to which her hair is always permed to suit those to fancy balls is portrayed in her desire to be pretty and maintain her youth. The negative side of Jessica is characterized by vanity, money, lies, and jealousy. However, just like her sisters, family can be important to her when she loses everything else.

The difference in personalities among the three siblings is definiately an attractive factor for viewers. However, the constant quarrelings between the sisters becomes cacophony when shouting and screaming is sounded in every episode; TVB after forty-episodes of Moonlight Resonance, please no more arguging!

I hope Gem lives up to its title as a “gem”.

announcement “polls”

Announcements 1 Comment »

From now on, polls will be an ongoing feature at Emotionless. For now, there is an active poll: How often do you visit this site? As the end of the year is coming up, like last year, there will be the votes for your favorites. Although I am still deciding on what polls to add, here is a general idea:

  • Best Actor/Actress
  • Best Supporting Actor/Actress
  • Most Improved Actor/Actress
  • Favorite Male/Female Character
  • Favorite Theme Song
  • Best Series
  • Best Cast
  • Best Newcomer
  • Favorite Couple
  • Best Villain
  • Favorite Poster
  • thoughts “best series 2008″

    TVB Anniversary, TVB Serials, Thoughts 6 Comments »

    Here are the 24 official nominations for Best Series. Read on to see who deserves to win and who will win.

    Best Selling Secrets, The Building Blocks of Life, The Money-Maker Recipe, The Speech of Silence
    Since these are the series that I decide to skip, it would not be appropriate for me to express my thoughts on them. Furthermore, because all these are low-productions with mediocre stars with the exception of Esther Kwan from Secrets, their chances of winning are low.

    Wasabi Mon Amour, The Seventh Day, The Master of Tai Chi, Your Class or Mine
    These are the series that I began watching because I was bored; however, I either never managed to finish them or I just fastforward certain parts. Wasabi was a worthwhile series for those who enjoy culinary; furthermore, its Japanese style resturant and sushi looks delicious and quite professional. Also, the pairing of Michael Tao and Louisa So was not a bad idea as they did not chemistry. The climax of Louisa’s character was the best part to the series.

    With the numerous praisals and expectations for a second collaboration of the rumored couple, Kevin and Niki, I tried Seventh. However, I was a disappointed. The story was once again a typical romantic relationship between two individuals who compose of diverse personalities. The prince this time is a mysterious, dangerous, yet compassionate and carefree man while the princess is the usual kindhearted, sympathetic, and pretty girl. We all expect them to fall in love sooner or later and because of a terminal disease, the princess dies. While the idea of a narrator was refreshing, the Japanese backgrounds and scenery were splendid, the serial lacked the basic components of intensity and realism. After episode sixteen, I believe I skipped all the way the ending.

    When was the last time TVB filmed a purely philosophical series? Well, Tai Chi is not a show about fighting and kung-fu. Indeed, it is one that explores and digs deeper into the genre and how tai chi is associated with real life. Although the series was meaningful, passionate, and serious, it lacked the fundamentals of comic relief that usually keeps the audience motivated to watch a series. Sure, the scenery may be spendid with nice cataracts and beautiful blossoms, but when more than half of the characters are annoying, it may be difficult to finish the series. I have to admit that I stopped halfway and even before I stopped, I was fastforwarding some parts.

    Class is a series that is only worth watching if you’re bored. While the prominent stars of the series are only Bobby and Sheren and perhaps veteran supporting stars like Derek and Benz, the newcomers who not weak. For one, I enjoyed Oscar’s acting. Instead I was not as fond of Him Law who played Benz’s son on the show. The script was not grasping and the horribly written characters for Bobby and Sheren did not help boost the morale of the show either. I stopped after episode twelve.

    Word Twisters’ Adventures, Marriage of Inconvenience, Survivor’s Law II, D.I.E., Love Exchange, When a Dog Loves a Cat
    These series were okay and recommended for comedy purposes.

    Twisters’ was a purely comical story based on a single women, Lap Lan Ching Ching, who dares to challenge male lawyers’ at court. While enjoyed every bit of the comedy here, it has a low chance at the anniversary simply because series aired in 2007 is usually forgotten.

    Marriage again is comedy which explores the lifestyle of a single man with two women: one who he just divorced, but loved and the other who he treats a daughter and agrees to help him. However, despite Bobby as lead, I would not recommend the series nor does this series stands a chance against the popular grand productions at the Awards Ceremony.

    After five years, TVB decided to release a sequel — or not– to the famous Survivor’s which boosted the career of fadan Myolie and siu sang Raymond. Even Bernice received more attention from audience as a result of a rather poor performance of Jessica. However, this time around, TVB seems to be boosting Kenneth’s career to the next level after winning the Most Improved Male award in 2006. With singer Ella Koon, rising star Selena Li, and returning star Sammul, TVB united the cast to film the sequel. Though the results were not as intended as chemistry was lacking in the four leads and cases were less interesting, it received enough exposure to the audience to prove Kenneth a capable actor.

    D.I.E., surprisingly, shocked everyone its spectacular ratings during its last week. Though its second under Moonlight Resonance, I think both series are overrated. While D.I.E. definately has what it makes to be a true comedy with stars like Roger, Sonija, Derek, and even returning veteran Margie, it was in no way memorable nor did it develop a great impact on the audience. I enjoyed watching the series, but only because of Margie and Derek’s chemistry. Of course, let’s not forget Kitty Yuen who plays the cute little ghost!

    TVB lied about Love being a romantic thriller. How was it thrilling? Where is the romance, by the way? Sorry, but even with one of my favorite actors, Michael and returning star, Anita Yuen, the story failed to capture my heart. Even Power and Krystal’s love turns out to be not as strong as I thought it would be. Seriously, what is TVB thinking with the pairing of Power and Tracy and Michael and Mandy? The story about Eddie and Angela dying in a car accident — or not an accident, perhaps — was dragging on for twenty episodes. No offense, but I did not even watch the last episode even though it was only going to take forty-five minutes to find out how and why everything happened. By the time, I was just exhausted and wanted to end it.

    I’m not at all suprised that Dogs turned out to be as trashy as its title sounds. Initially, I did not understand how a story about a cat and a dog falling in love will capture the audience. If the series were not to satisfy the thirst for craving Gallen fans, I didn’t think the series would have any viewers. Myolie, who usually receives tons of support from fans, failed to give a memorable performance with her indecisive and emotional character. I am not at all surprised on how Dogs did in its ratings.

    The Gentle Crackdown II, A Journey Called Life, The Silver Chamber of Sorrows, Legend of the Demigods, Last One Standing
    Hidden gems!

    I had no plans to watch Crackdown simply because I’m not a big fan of comedies. However, I am suprised to see myself watching the series two times in half a year. The story for Crackdown may be exaggerated to a certain extent with the five officers speaking their lines and Johnson’s love for Elaine may be lame, but Wayne’s character saves the show with his logical arguments against the high-position corrupt Ming officials. I simply loved the way he had a passionate attitude towards justice and fought against the greedy lords. The last five episodes were the best part of the show even though the ending was quite predictable!

    The title Journey itself was enough for me to keep away from the series. The cast did not interest me except for Steven (I do not consider myself a Steven fan, but I like him more than Moses). However, I was wrong. If you are the type who loves Heart of Greed, then this might not be the ideal serial for you since it lacks the nonsensical quarrels about money and the golden words Louise speaks at the end of each episode to rescue the family. Journey is a more natural, simple, and less draggy version of Heart; it can be heartfelt at times and in all ways, it is better than the overrated forty-episode drama.

    Sorrows was not a grand production with a jammed-packed well-known cast, but it was sufficient for me. Perhaps it did not appeal to the audience as TVB was not over promoting the series nor were they attempting to make it as popular as Heart, but if you are the type who loves family dramas, then you couldn’t miss out on this one. Sorrows ultimately explores the lifestyles of inferior women during a period after the Qing, in the 1920’s. The title perfectly suits the series as all the women will go through tears and sorrows at one point in their lives in their constrained lives that are supposedly less superior to men’s.

    Demigods is a lightheated fantasy tale about three friends who eventually makes a name for themselves as heavenly gods/goddess. As Linda’s first costume drama, she was better than I thought. Great acting was also seen in Benny and Sunny’s acting. The only shortcoming with the series is its background, CGI effects, costumes, and hairstyles. Well, it’s more than one. I lied. The CGI effects were excessive at some point, backgrounds were fake, costumes were not attractive, and hairstyles looked like tornados.

    Although I would not consider Standing a superb series, it is certainly better than the typical comedies TVB likes to make. Some claim that this is the male version of Phoenix Rising and I do hope that is true. Phoenix was one of my few favorites last year and I thought the series was gripping and heartfelt. Unfortunately, I was more interested in watching the three sisters than two guys, both who are selfish in their own ways. While Standing was good, I thought the series can be depressing at moments. It creeps you out with Roger’s character coming into the picture, especially she dropped her mother on the floor!

    If at one point you are looking for a series to watch, I would definately watch one of these!

    Forensic Heroes II, Moonlight Resonance, The Four
    Are the sequels better? Perhaps a bit overrated are the following:

    After twenty-five episodes of hype over murders and forensics, the audience tried patiently to await another thirty-episodes of intense mysteries. With the addition of TV King Kevin and TV Queen Charmaine, you might think the series would be better this time around. Of course, that’s why they’re crowned right? Well, I guess not since the series gets boring as it is relvolved around Charmaine. And only Charmaine. While Bobby and Yoyo’s scenes were significantly lowered, Frankie and Kevin’s scenes were signficantly increased. What a disappointment for non-Charmaine fans!

    Last season, TVB presented the audience with forty-episodes of non-stop arguing and quarrels! Since everyone loved it so much, lets brainwash them again and this time, we don’t even need to have a well-thought out script. Let’s simply rush the production so we can release it in time in August to satisfy the hungry Heart fans! But remember, we need the ludicrous arguments to capture everyone’s attention. And don’t forget Louise’s golden words! Just throw a few at the end of each episode so the angel can rescue the day. We don’t even care if the script connects.

    The Four has been my most anticipated series of the year. I was thrilled when TVB decided to release it. Unfortunately, just a few episodes into the series, I knew it was not as interesting as I thought it would be. Originally, the series was thirty episodes planned; but, unfortunately, TVB cut it to twenty four instead. I think the length of the series matters as its impossible to develop four characters and five relationships in such a sort amount of time. Even thirty episodes may not be sufficient, but perhaps forty. Most wuxia series have around forty episodes. Thus, all the relationships were shallow and everything lacked connection and development into the story was weak. Fortunately, one of the best things about this adaption is the four’s dissimilar personalties. That is definitely something to look forward for those of you who haven’t watched the series yet.

    War of In-Laws II, Catch Me Now
    My favorites! I’m saving the best for the last!

    In a comedy series, there are bound to be some exaggerations; but I did not mind. War is definiately worth watching especially for those who miss the Boscolie pairing. Once again, TVB reunites the threesome — Lisa, Myolie, Bosco — to film to a War sequel. Unlike its prequel, I believe that there was a moral and theme to the series which makes the series meaningful; Lisa learned her lesson of being bossy and there was a sufficient amount of screentime to develop the three major characters. Also, the replacing of Shek Sau for Benz was just a great move! Benz has the charismatic nature of an actor while Shek Sau bores me out by the way he speaks his lines.

    Originally, Catch was not an exciting series for me. I simply thought it would be a small production despite the fact that it was Idy’s comeback production. Furthermore, I’ve never been a fan of Damien (no, not even with his veteran status), Joe, or Fala. Overall, I did not like the casting for the series. However, I cannot be more wrong as the series was captivating especially with the scenes of Damien’s team versus Joe’s team. While the series was interesting, I thought it had potential to be better and dig deeper into the theme of the series. As much as I hope that Idy would get an interesting role, and maybe one that is more than Damien’s girlfriend, that did not happen. At some point, I was even fed up with the character and thought it was annoying. Aside from this single character, the series is worth your time and I have to applause Koni Lui for her well done performance on her debut. For sure, more will be coming!

    Overall, if I were to chose best series, the award would definitely not go to Moonlight Resonance and please don’t kill me for this. The series simply had the most flaws amongst all series because TVB rushed the production. I think there is a distinguishing line between “liking” and “best”. If you like a series, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is a “good” series. I chose War of In-Laws II.

    Okay, now which is your favorite series this year? Are you one of those who prefer fantasy tales? Or silly comedies?

    thoughts “tvb 41st lighting ceremony” iv

    TVB Anniversary, Thoughts 3 Comments »

    The final and most antipicated installment of TVB’s Lighting Ceremony is here at last. Every year, the greatest amount of eagerness comes from the last two awards — the Best Actor and Actress, respectively.

    Best Actor
    Ha Yu - Moonlight Resonance
    A strong and lasting impression was once again delivered by one of the many Moonlight cast members, Ha Yu. Though originally disappointed the audience in being a faithless father and husband by divorcing Louise and leaving his children behind, the last episodes of the series revived Jo Bao’s negative actions that seemingly destroyed his family.

    Kenneth Ma - Survivor’s Law II
    No matter how wonderful a debut Kenneth may deliver in his first lead role, this year is definiately not his year to win Best Actor. With Moonlight competitors in all corners fighting for this award, Kenneth is simply a “dark horse”.

    Raymond Lam - Moonlight Resonance
    After failing to win this award last year, there are rumors that TVB intends to promote Raymond to TV king status with the release of the ever-popular modern drama Moonlight Resonance. With a typical character that clearly proves Raymond is capable of much more, I sincerely hope that Raymond will not win because of such a chessy character.

    Kevin Cheng - Last One Standing
    Physically good-looking, but never outstanding in performances, Kevin underservedly won this award back in 2006 for his typical Prince Charming role, co-staring Niki Chow. Once again, we see a mediocre actor playing a impulsive, uprighteous-oriented, and hopeless Cheung Sing Hei fighting for justice! Fortunately, improvement is seen in his acting.

    Michael Miu - Love Exchange
    One of the best TVB veterans that landed in on one of the lowest-rated and so-called modern romance thriller. Love Exchange along with romantic tragedy The Seventh Day still remains on my list as two of this year’s worst series. If Michael even stands a chance in winning this award, I hope it is not for his tedious performance for such a dull character!

    Damian Lau - Catch Me Now
    Does anyone still remember him? Yeah, he did not appear in Moonlight, but his acting was no worse than those who took part in the forty-episode ludicrous show. Impressive acting skills, the “mastermind” of all Catch characters, Damien is definiately one of the best actors in the running for this year’s Best Actor award. However, with barriers from the Moonlight cast, whether or not he wins is still in debate.

    Moses Chan - Moonlight Resonance
    Never have been able to fulfill the promises of an actor, Moses undeservingly brought home this award last year; once again, I hope he does not disappoint me in winning for his forceful, unnatural, and silly acting skills that tortured me in the forty-episode serial.

    Bobby Au Yeung - Your Class or Mine
    Given the title of Best Actor a few years back, Bobby still remains as one of the most promising veterans who garners high ratings in every series. Nevertheless, a low-production with a typical character, there is nothing Bobby has to offer here.

    Frankie Lam - Forensic Heroes II
    Though the hype of Frankie’s character was gone after the first four episodes, Frankie still mangaged to pull off his role that he was given two year’s ago.

    Roger Kwok - D.I.E.
    After winning this award two times for the same character, I have lost interest in Roger’s acting completely. Even his villainous role in the lastest Last One Standing did not revive my hype for him.

    Best Actress
    Lee Sze Kei - Moonlight Resonance
    Reprising his angel-like and all-knowing character in Moonlight’s prequel, there was basically no dividing line between the two characters — only that Dai Kai was a rather wealthy woman while Hor Ma lived in poverty. With some saying that her characters represent her true self, I hope she does not bring home this award.

    Susanna Kwan - Moonlight Resonance
    Speaking these long and twisting lines eloquently, I think Susanna is very capable and played Chung Siu Sa wonderfully. A mix of humor and self-indulgence, Auntie Sa’s character was simply one of the best in the series with character development and dynamics who changed from a money-hungry monster to family-loving!

    Michelle Yim - Moonlight Resonance
    Presented as an upper-class women, Michelle was stunningly beautiful even with the hideous mushroom hairstyle. For a women in her early fifties, not only her appearance, but her convinning and manipulative personality lived with the audience. While Susanna can be a dumb villain at times, Michelle was definately ten times her slyness.

    Liza Wang - Wars of in Laws II
    Simply brilliant! After a nonsensical and ridiculous prequel, I was glad to see a refreshing, well-written script. Lisa’s Ophelia was definiately the star of the show, garnering a 35-point rating on its primere date. Although she won with ease in 2005, her character and acting has everything it takes to be Best Actress again.

    Nancy Sit - Silver Chamber of Sorrows
    Suffering a tragic fate of marrying into a tyrannical atmosphere, Nancy Sit was a victim like all the other women. However, forceful and unnatural at times, I did not find Nancy playing to full potential.

    Linda Chung - A Journey Called Life
    Surprisingly natural and realistic, Linda plays a dynamic character: from one who rebels against her family to one whose filialty touched the whole. Journey is definiately Linda’s best production this year — much better than a weak and fragile Yu Su Sum who shed tears every ten seconds.

    Charmaine Sheh - Forensic Heroes II
    It’s surprising how TV King and TV Queen not only did not enhance the ratings for Forensic Heroes II, but allow it to drop? Is it possible that with Linda gone, the series no longer has potential? Does that question Charmaine’s acting abilities?

    Sheren Tang - Your Class Or Mine
    Though nominated once again, TVB simply loves to give hope to Sheren fans in thinking she’ll win. Though she had clearly deserved this award in 2004 for a phenemonal performance in 2004’s hit series, War and Beauty and 2006’s La Femme Despeardo, TVB loves to reward another actress for Sheren’s efforts in gathering high ratings for a series.

    Kate Tsui - The Speech of Silence
    The most overrated and unworthy of this award must be Kate. After an undeserved win in last year’s anniversary, Kate is surprisngly — or not — nominated for Best Actress while Tavia is placed in the category of improving!?

    Sonija Kwok - D.I.E.
    Never outstanding in her performances, D.I.E. is definiately one of those series in which we see a fresh, tomboyish Madam. However, time has not come that she makes everyone think she deserves this.

    Depending on time, there is a high possibility that I will write about this year’s Best Series.

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