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I wonder who tries to buy love in this show. Title fail, orz.

I do not like how TVB used Beyond the Realm of Conscience to promote Can’t Buy Me Love (in the first trailer above and another highlight clip not uploaded here). It gives me a short tingly moment of bitterness, an urge to bite someone’s head. Sure, the two shows are somewhat related—the new being a spin-off of the old and made because the old garnered high negative ratings. But one, Buy is not a sequel to Beyond and two, the themes and genre are complete opposites. In any case, both do have big casts and very grand costumes/sets. So even though I hated Beyond to bits, it gives Buy that plus side of beautifying in order to not blind my eyes too much.

I have also mentioned some time ago somewhere that Buy reminds me of TVB series A Colorful Life (Frankie Lam, Annie Man) and Hong Kong movie The Lion Roars (Louis Koo, Cecilia Cheung). Therefore, with fingers crossed, it is extremely easy for Buy to get on my good side. I like lighthearted romantic comedies a lot. As long as the family members and couples have good chemistry, there’s not much that can go wrong with a 99% plotless show. Other than a few moments of ridiculous rapping and myriad moments of 21st-century-in-the-Tang-dynasty dialogue, I think Buy will be entertaining if you’re not expecting much (like me) and save yourself from being too picky (hard to do I know).

Finally, let’s hope there are no viburnum trees, leaves, and/or flowers this time around.

Enjoy!

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence alone is omnipotent.

An image caught my attention yesterday at the hospital. It was one of those boxed-in-black pictures you see everywhere nowadays that can be inspirational or humorous depending on the quote under it. I captured the quote above with my phone and now note it here …

Because Wayne Lai popped into my mind.

See? I think about TVB and their artists too much.

That said, I think the quote above (although mostly true) is imperfect because it’s missing two very important factors. It fails to mention luck and passion. I would add luck in a “will not” line because lucky people who don’t prepare themselves eventually falter. Such people don’t put in the effort nor appreciate the opportunity and hence, luck can only take them so far. As for passion, that is what’s really omnipotent, because it is what drives one to persevere.

Wayne is a great example. There’s no doubt he is extremely passionate about acting and that is what urged him onward in all these years, to keep pushing hard and polish his skills without thinking too much about the physical rewards. He was satisfied with pushing to do his best, but it is precisely that desire to continue improving himself that propels him to the top and makes him exceptional. Of course, everyone needs an opportunity at some point that allows them to show their craft. Wayne was handed that chance of recognition in Rosy Business and he skyrocketed it with everything he had. The opportunity was a sort of luck, but it was up to him to deliver. If he had not been prepared, if he had not practiced hard in all these years, if he was any less of an actor, his success would not be as big and perhaps even none.

Ha Yu is another great example. Sheren Tang, Bobby Au Yeung, Michael Tse, Angela Tong, Tavia Yeung, and the list probably goes on. (Some day Steven Ma will rise!)

In contrast to the people who persevere, there are those who give up for whatever reason. They may have lost the passion, couldn’t wait any longer, or wanted to pursue something else. Here, I immediately think of Annie Man. At one point, she had everything going for her but she lost her chance and that was it. I hate that she’s fizzled to nothing and probably no longer cares. If Annie decides to come back one day, I hope she finds it in her heart to continue fighting. The same applies to a few other stars who didn’t get anywhere with TVB and can’t get anywhere far outside of TVB. But, but, but look at Raymond Wong and Ngo Ka Nin. Who knew they would ever be granted the chance to climb up the ladder?

The point is passionate persistence triumphs. Don’t think too much about what you should be doing, but what you want to be doing.

Following TVB artists can help you see something inspirational too.

Before I get into the focus of this post, also known as the thrilling accident scene that made me stop eating my ultra delicious spicy beef noodle (I dine while watching TVB series by the way, because it’s a waste of time not to, haha!), I want to address the angsty narrated documentary opening sequence—the one that tried extra hard to grab my attention with Kent Cheng and his bloody head and chubby cheeks thrown on a car’s broken glass window.

Like holy banana, am I supposed to be feeling something here? Sure, I get that the educational theme of Lanes is "on the road, safety first or else". That’s saintly and dainty and all, but golly! I don’t know these people, these characters! They’re strangers to me. I don’t know the dynamics of the story yet. Why should I care?!

Okay, I know! I’m supposed to care because lives are at stake here. However, I’m not watching a documentary, you know? I’m watching a freaking TVB drama! Make me care first! What you editors thought was a creative, eye-catching, passionate sequence is no more than a bunch of jammed together shots with noisy noises of people shouting seemingly important dialogue in the background. Me? I rolled my eyes the whole time. Then again, the sequence lasted only 15-20 seconds so it managed to not turn me away. Kudos, editing team … NOT!

Now, let’s talk about the best part of our first episode and the hook that’s holding my neck tight, pulling me toward future episodes to see how our father and son duo deal with the terrible crash that will haunt them forever …

I honestly can’t remember the last time I watched a TVB car accident. Nevertheless, they definitely went out of their way to make this car crash leave an impression. It was powerful. I knew it was coming. Turbo (Raymond Wong) was drunk and STILL drinking while speeding. I wanted so much to stop the inevitable. I wanted so much to slap the guy and wake him up. I kept shaking my head and fist at him. Then, I saw his neighbor Fat (Kwok Fung) on the sidewalk. I knew it was coming. Fat started to cross the road. Turbo approached the same intersection. Turbo noticed Fat and slammed on his brakes. It was coming! No, Turbo twirled his steering wheel and BAM! He smashed into another car and they both go flying upside down. It did come. The driver died. Turbo became a murderer.

While the accident was awesomely filmed, the aftermath was truly heartfelt. I think TVB will benefit from promoting Raymond Wong. No doubt he is not extremely popular but the guy has a well of acting talent, and his chemistry in Lanes with Kent Cheng is undeniable. The two of them really anchor the show. The emotions they displayed were raw. Raymond had a hint of regret in his eyes but the stubbornness of Turbo remained in his firm face. He clearly wanted to say that he was sorry and that he hated himself but those phrases were meaningless at that time. Kent had disappointment all over his face, wondering why Turbo didn’t listen to him or why he didn’t teach his son better. There was also a speckle of concern. Words were completely unnecessary, but I could feel that they were trying to reach one another and I wanted so much to help them rewind. (Possible in dramas but not real life, mind you.)

From there, their lives got worse and worse. I like how everyone involved don’t forget the accident and it just continues to pop back into their everyday interactions and relationships—not only that between Taxi Gor (Kent) and Turbo, but also between them and the neighbors. I could only ask, "How could you ever pay back for ruining someone’s life?" Seriously, how? You can’t, right? It’s impossible to revert an effect that has already been caused. You can only do your best to support the victims and assist them in moving on, but it’s not easy to stomach the blatantly, rightfully painful accusations. And no matter what you do, you will always be guilty.

Jail was not hard for Turbo. Life is.

Comments

I don’t have much to say about this production. To be exact, I actually don’t know what to feel about it because it could go either way. Most shows based on Wong Fei Hung that are made seriously can be very good, but even then, the name is still overused. The last time TVB made a series about Wong Fei Hung, the main males here Bosco, Kenneth, and John were in it. Deja vu much? In addition, I’m watching Dicky Cheung‘s somewhat comedic version right now. I mean, to what extent of creativity can they reach to produce a Wong Fei Hung drama that’s potentially different and fresh?

Synopsis

Rushing along the road every day with a vibrant mix of passengers of all kinds, what taxi drivers see and hear are far more varied than one can ever imagine. Retired taxi driver Ho Kau (Kent Cheng) returns to the job after his son Ho Ka Po (Raymond Wong) is convicted of causing death by dangerous driving. The incident has exacerbated the already fractious relationship between the father and the son. Po works for Kau after his release from prison. Before long, he has another serious road accident, in which Kau is also involved and severely injured, both mentally and physically.

Po feels so guilty towards his father and comes to understand the importance of careful driving. He maintains a high degree of vigilance while driving but still gets picked on constantly by female traffic police officer Ko Lai Sam (Kate Tsui). As time goes by, the pair have gradually developed a strong attachment to each other and finally become lovers. But Po’s ex-girlfriend Cheung Hiu Man (Sonija Kwok) and Sam’s grandmother Ko Li Shuk Ching (Lee Heung Kam) turn out to be the biggest obstacles to their relationship, leaving the pair stranded in dismay along the tunnel of love …

Source: Astro on Demand

Comments

I might have expected too much after the sales clip. The real thing definitely has a different vibe, for better or worse. The female roles seemingly have more "meat" than the males. That will be interesting to see. But the costumes suck. THE WIG!!!

• Ngok Wah as Cheng Long Wan (鄭朗軍)
• Susan Tse as Cheng Long Hei (鄭朗喜)
• Sheren Tang as Cheng Cau Mui (鄭九妹)
• Wayne Lai as Lau Sing (劉醒)
• Elena Kong as Chiu Tung Ni (趙冬妮)
• Evergreen Mak as Leung Fei Fan (粱非凡)
• Raymond Wong as Yeung Yeung (楊楊)
• Ngo Ka Nin as Tong Gat (唐吉)
• Fala Chen as Lau Ching (劉睛)

Synopsis

A rich woman Tseung Tin Ngor (Maggie Shiu)’s beloved dog Candy has got behaviour problems since Ngor is being kidnapped. After her released, Ngor takes Candy for various medical treatments but none of them is helpful to cure the illness. Desperate, Ngor finally finds Lai Tsun Sing (Kent Cheng), a retired police canine officer, who has just opened a kennel in the walled village. Ngor asks Sing to give Candy training. But it creates discord between both of them. When Candy’s condition gets better and better, Ngor is pleased and shows deference toward Sing. Ngor feels obscured of the kidnapping and she misconceives that the landlord of the kennel, Chow Yung Kung (Steven Ma), is one of the kidnappers. Sing gets his trained dog Bingo to carry out an investigation. They finally prove that Kung is innocent. Kung appreciates Sing’s efforts and he joins the course for learning how to be a dog lover. Lai Sin Yue (Linda Chung), Sing’s veterinarian daughter, is aware of her feeling towards him since then.

• This will be a cop series involving the use of trained police dogs to solve cases.
• Steven Ma plays a rude and perverted man from a walled village. The role will be somewhat similar to Johnson Lee from Just Love I and II but a lot more perverted in the sense that Steven will enjoy looking at porn magazines and girls with large breasts.
• Linda Chung will be a trainer for police dogs and a tomboy.
• Koni Lui plays the secret lover/mistress of a married wealthy businessman.
• Kent Cheng and Maggie Siu will be involved in a relationship.

Source: Astro on Demand

Capturing attention immediately with fast-paced, gory vengeful action and ending with a bang, the possibility of TVB actually living up to its “Good Show” motto is high in 2010. The overall feeling of the sales presentation is grand. Other than a miss here or there, many shows appear promising. I am excited!

COPS 刑警 Felix Wong, Michael Miu, Jessica Hsuan, Nancy Wu, Kenny Wong An even better version of E.U. mixed with some Last One Standing, and actors 10 times more experienced? I totally dig it.

Mou Gai Monk 武偈大師 Bosco Wong, Sunny Chan, Michael Tse, Kate Tsui Three people in a struggle for power and love because of greed and thus, their lives are full of sins. In a battle of life and death, a monk intercepts. Somewhat fascinating but I have a feeling it will turn out like Slicing of the Demon, which I dropped.

Seven Days of Love Next Door 隔難七日情 Sammul Chan, Myolie Wu, Bobby Au Yeung, Bowie Lam, Sonija Kwok, Chan Chin Pang, Kristal Tin, Evergreen Mak, Ram Tseung, Yoyo Mung Everything from love affairs, business meetings, diamond conning to murders and suicide all happening in one hotel. Hilarity ensues. If I can laugh so much in 1 minute, I will be cracking up hard with this series. Will be watching.

Five Flavors of Life 五味人生 Roger Kwok, Esther Kwan, Michelle Yim, Derek Kwok, Oscar Leung, Mimi Lo The food!! As long as TVB doesn’t preach using this series, I’ll gladly tune in.

The Mysteries of Love 谈情说案 Raymond Lam, Tavia Yeung, Kenneth Ma, Bernice Liu, Jack Wu Fungyi, Berming, and science? Heck yeah!

Pou Chung Ling 蒲松齡 Steven Ma, Linda Chung, Fala Chen, Sunny Chan The theme song sounds so tragic. I generally love tales of "liao zhai" and I’ve watched just about every adaptation. Can’t miss this one. Fala and Linda look beautiful and very fitting for their roles. The ending of the sales clip is almost a spoiler for the ending of the series. Way to go, TVB.

Female Fist 女拳 John Chiang, Liu Xuan Not interested in kungfu, not watching.

Twilight Investigation 囧探查過界 Wong He, Raymond Wong, Linda Chung, Johnson Lee, Power Chan, Kingdom Yuen What a cutesy comedy this is going to be! It’s tacky and wacky. Linda might be overacting a bit but her character is adorable. If anything, I’ll be watching this for Wong Hei and Raymond. Oh, on the thought of Raymond, "Lam Fung! Ah!! So handsome …" (LOL!)

Growing Through Life 摘星之旅 Damian Lau, Raymond Lam, Bosco Wong, Toby Leung A fuel between father and son, and many family, love, friendship conflicts. Boring.

Here Comes the Princess 公主嫁到 Charmaine Sheh, Moses Chan, Fala Chen, Linda Chung, Susanna Kwan, Raymond Wong, Kenneth Ma, Louis Yuen The Lion Roars starring Cecilia Cheung and Louis Koo is what I immediately thought of when I heard about Princess. Charmaine is taking on a sassy role and Selena Li will be in this. I’ll hop on the carriage for a ride.

Forensic Heroes III 法證先鋒II Kevin Cheng, Frankie Lam, Bobby Au Yeung Didn’t watch the second part, not watching the third part.

Righteous Sea of Heroic Love 義海豪情 Sheren Tang, Wayne Lai, Raymond Wong, Fala Chen, Ngo Ka Nin, Kara Hui, Susan Tse, Nancy Wu, Ben Wong Star-crossed lovers facing off in a battle of morals. Will he be able to save her? The answer will be shown next year. This is so my priority series. I hope TVB doesn’t make it an anniversary series because the sooner I can see it, the better. However, if TVB does make it an anniversary series, I petition them to give the same treatment as Beyond the Realm of Conscience and move the awards to December.