3.07.2010

Sakura Memories: 7 (END)

Unbelievable. It took slightly over 6 months for me to recap this very, very, very SHORT travel show. I can’t fathom how some bloggers do this almost every day, writing extremely detailed summaries for dramas over 20, even 30 episodes long. (If you follow Korean dramas, you’ll know exactly which bloggers I’m talking about.) Me? I officially suck at recapping shows episodically. I wish I was *that* dedicated. But nevertheless, I made it and we’re here, at the very last chapter of Sakura Memories. Banzai!!

Have you figured out what "happiness" is? Did Niki Chow manage to show it to you or tell you where it can be found (in Japan)? Are you able to see it, taste it, touch it, feel it … in your own life?

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1.30.2010

Cupid Stupid: 1

Fate, it is a philosophical concept and no proof exists to support or defy its existence. Yet, the majority of us believe in it. We believe there is an invisible thread tying our paths together. We believe there is someone out there meant only for us. Nevertheless, because we cannot control what is in store for us, we look for ways to tell us what to expect, to foresee our fortune, search for our success, and find our love. Depending on your culture and exposure, you can choose to believe in the zodiac, horoscopes, tarot cards, numerological signs, or fortune cookies. Personally, I’m not one to hunt for my daily horoscope or lucky number, but the romantic side of me does take interest in zodiac readings and astrology, and I do believe in fate, which I think Cupid Stupid uses implicitly well to build up its background story and budding relationships.

In a nutshell, Cupid is a refreshing cliché. I know it’s a contradiction, but let me explain. I say it’s a cliché because well, the premise of the show is a destined love triangle involving one woman and two men. How many times have we seen that before? Maybe not as the spotlighted central story in a TVB series but often enough, right? However, Cupid stands on its own (so far). The script manages to carefully lead one character to know another without making it appear forceful. The directing gives Cupid a nice atmosphere, and the three main characters are all very likeable. Albeit my praises, I don’t think Cupid will be any sort of long-living masterpiece or addicting drama drug. But it will probably serve as good lighthearted entertainment.

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1.29.2010

Sakura Memories: 6

You thought I’ve forgotten about this, didn’t you? Fear not. Though I am lazy and take forever to update my blog, I will not forget about Sakura Memories and leave it hanging, especially when this chapter was so sweet. Thus far, Sakura Memories has succeed in showcasing the beautiful landscape of Japan and its unique food and culture through the dining and exploration of our host, Niki Chow. I also commend the camerawork. The angle and lighting present captivating stills that almost look like paintings. But what this episode offered was a little bit more, making a travel show more than a mere travel show. Similar to the second chapter, there was underlying emotional appeal, but in a more day-to-day perspective.

Do you remember your days in high school, your friends and the time you spent studying together, eating together, playing together? If you’ve graduated, have you been back to visit that place where many of your memories reside? I think high school is a period in which a teenager truly grows and learns to be more mature. (This explains why so many anime focus on school life.) The process is hard and sometimes, when you realize what you’re going through, it is startling. But that’s why there are teachers around to guide you, family to support you, and friends to walk with you. Some of what you’re taught may not be practical for real life, but that’s not important. What’s important is your growth throughout the process.

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11.09.2009

Sakura Memories: 5

Right after I complained about last chapter’s randomness, Sakura Memories strikes back with an engaging emphasis on apples. That’s right. This entire chapter is dedicated to the red, juicy (Fuji) apples we all know and love.

When you see an apple, what do you think? What do they represent?

We often hear the phrase, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," and from that, we often relate apples with health. However, the color of an apple, its shape, taste, and size can make an apple mean much more. It can mean love, cherishment, good luck, or in the perspective of Niki Chow, happiness.

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11.05.2009

Sakura Memories: 4

Random traveling is so random. The storyboard (if any) for this chapter of Sakura Memories is beyond sporatic. There is no focus, no special touch, no true meaning. The crew and dear Niki Chow are all over the place.

Moving on to the next destination, Niki is on the road again, somewhere around Akita. The weather is generally wet and rainy, with temperatures below 10 degrees C.

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11.03.2009

Sakura Memories: 3

The hometown of folklore, Touno City, here we come!

The start of the episode shows Niki Chow spending most of her time in the big city and again, eating Japanese cuisine and viewing Japanese sakura trees, while wearing an ultra cute hat! However, the big city only took up about 5 minutes of the chapter. For the remaining time, Niki goes to Touno City in the Iwate Prefecture to experience the life of an average middle class Japanese family.

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8.22.2009

Sakura Memories: 2

Living in Happiness (身在福中) by Niki Chow

Continuing her travel, Niki visits a cherry orchard at the beginning of this chapter before making her way to a temple. At the temple, she meets the temple’s caretaker, an old lady at the age of 86. The granny takes Niki around the temple and shows her how prayers are done. Through their conversations, Niki learns about the granny’s past. (It’s something about her husband. I’m not sure.) The granny gives Niki a charm to bless her love life, hoping she will find happiness in her next romance, and they make a promise that the next time Niki visits, she will bring her partner along.

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8.08.2009

Sakura Memories: 1

Living in Happiness (身在福中) by Niki Chow

As I’ve already mentioned, I absolutely love the theme song for Sakura Memories. Only the chorus is played for the opening portion of this travel show, but getting to listen to some of the song in a high quality clear-cut version was simply a blessing to the ears. With enchantingly captivating scenery, sparkling cherry blossoms, and the gorgeous sunny smile of Niki Chow to go along though? The wonderful feelings building up within the heart enhanced tremendously.

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7.26.2009

The Threshold of a Persona: 3-30 (END)

When Ah Kit (Roger Kwok) and his wife Ah Man (Claire Yiu) are finally together in Hong Kong, Ah Man’s past as a prostitute haunts them as she encounters triad leader Wu Kit Sum (Kenny Wong) who had once helped her. It also did not help that Ah Kit’s so-called friend Cheng Pak Yue (Raymond Cho) stopped at nothing to arrest Wu Sum in order to get his longed-for promotion. As bad stories spread quickly, Ah Kit and Ah Man are pressured by their surroundings. Although Ah Kit’s family remains supportive, Ah Kit never truly believes Ah Man. His actions and expressions showed the doubts in his heart, leading to a hurt Ah Man leaving to prevent him and their family from breaking.

While Ah Man is gone, Ah Kit receives help from his close friend On Kei, also known as Angel (Yoyo Mung) in taking care of his son. Through time, Ah Kit learns to have more confidence in himself in times of crisis. He is soon transferred to work under Mak Sir (John Chiang) and later promoted to I.O. Meanwhile, Angel develops feelings for Ah Kit after her second painful experience in breaking up with Ah Yue. Before she could ever express her feelings, Ah Man returns. Although Ah Man is back to ask for divorce, Ah Kit is keen on making it up with her and reuniting his family. Ah Man refuses at first but is later moved by Ah Kit’s persistence and sincerity. Their family is together again, but no happiness in life lasts forever …

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7.11.2009

Burning Flame III: 2

Leon (Bosco Wong) and Ah Lung (Oscar Leung) are looking through the pubs for the kennel arsonist Ah Mo to clear their names. They get into a petty argument and Ah Lung leaves. Leon finally finds Ah Mo and asks him to admit to the crime, but of course, Ah Mo declines and they get into a fist fight. At the same time, a fire breaks out in the karaoke a floor below. Leon and Ah Mo hear the fire alarm and try to run but a stack of chairs fall on Ah Mo.

Ah Shing (Wong He) and his team arrive at the scene of the fire. He meets Ah Lung, who quickly tells him that Leon is trapped in the building. The firefighters rush into the building and rescue any remaining patrons. When the fourth floor is cleared, Ah Shing heads up to the fifth floor where Leon and Ah Mo are still struggling. He finds the two guys and helps get Ah Mo out. However, the smoke reaches gas cans that were left in a storage room from the last safety checkup and an explosion occurs. The three had a brush with death but luckily got away by going into an elevator, which does not work. Hence, Ah Shing has to climb out to manually operate the lift.

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