Thursday, November 27, 2014

TVB Anniversary Awards 2014 Nomination List

This year's Anniversary Awards will be held on December 15. A new award - Best Theme Song - as been added. As with last year, the audience will have a chance to vote for the winners.

How the voting will work:
- Best Actor, Actress and Series will be voted by committee and public.
- My Favourite Character awards and Best Theme Song will be voted 100% by public.
- All other awards will be voted by committee and TVB artists.

Below is the nomination list (my predictions in bold, my choices in blue italics):


Best Actor
You think you can beat me?
Wong Cho Lam (Gilded Chopsticks)
Ben Wong (Gilded Chopsticks)
Steven Ma (Storm in a Cocoon)
Ruco Chan (Ruse of Engagement)
Bosco Wong (The Ultimate Addiction)
Kenneth Ma (Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain)
Roger Kwok (Black Heart White Soul)
Ron Ng (Black Heart White Soul)
Michael Miu (Line Walker)
Raymond Lam (Line Walker)
Lawrence Ng (Tomorrow is Another Day)
Joe Ma (Tiger Cubs II)
Him Law (Tiger Cubs II)
Wayne Lai (Overachievers)
Raymond Wong (Overachievers)
Winner: Roger Kwok



Everyone else can kiss my ass.
Best Actress
Michelle Yim (Coffee Cat Mama)
Aimee Chan (Outbound Love)
Nancy Sit (Queen Divas)
Joey Meng (Gilded Chopsticks)
Tavia Yeung (Storm in a Cocoon)
Priscilla Wong (Swipe Tap Love)
Selena Li (Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain)
Kristal Tin (Black Heart White Soul)
Louisa So (Rear Mirror)
Charmaine Sheh (Line Walker)
Linda Chung (All That is Bitter is Sweet)
Kate Tsui (Tomorrow is Another Day)
Ivana Wong (Come On Cousin)
Maggie Siu (Overachievers)
Nancy Wu (Overachievers)

My choice (not nominated): Carman Lee (Never Dance Alone)
Winner: Charmaine Sheh


My Favourite Male Character
Ruco Chan (Outbound Love)
Steven Ma (Storm in a Cocoon)
Bosco Wong (The Ultimate Addiction)
Kenneth Ma (Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain)
Roger Kwok (Black Heart White Soul)
Ron Ng (Black Heart White Soul)
Louis Cheung (Black Heart White Soul)
Michael Miu (Line Walker)
Raymond Lam (Line Walker)
Benz Hui (Line Walker)
Lawrence Ng (Tomorrow is Another Day)
Vincent Wong (Tomorrow is Another Day)
Joe Ma (Tiger Cubs II)
Wayne Lai (Overachievers)
Winner: Benz Hui


My Favourite Female Character
Can I break free from my good girl roles?
Michelle Yim (Coffee Cat Mama)
Aimee Chan (Outbound Love)
Nancy Sit (Queen Divas)
Tavia Yeung (Storm in a Cocoon)
Priscilla Wong (Swipe Tap Love)
Selena Li (Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain)
Kristal Tin (Black Heart White Soul)
Louisa So (Rear Mirror)
Charmaine Sheh (Line Walker)
Josie Ho (Tomorrow is Another Day)
Linda Chung (Tiger Cubs II)
Mandy Wong (Tiger Cubs II)
Ivana Wong (Come On Cousin)
Susanna Kwan (Overachievers)
Nancy Wu (Overachievers)
Winner: Charmaine Sheh



Best Supporting Actor
Evergreen Mak (Return of the Silver Tongue)
Tony Hung (Outbound Love)
Elliot Ngok (Storm in a Cocoon)
Eddie Kwan (Swipe Tap Love)
Lawrence Cheng (Never Dance Alone)
Louis Cheung (Black Heart White Soul)
Benz Hui (Line Walker)
Oscar Leung (Line Walker)
Vincent Wong (Tomorrow is Another Day)
Kenny Wong (Tomorrow is Another Day)
Pal Sinn (Tomorrow is Another Day)
Ram Chiang (Come On Cousin)
Power Chan (Overachievers)
Edwin Siu (Overachievers)
Raymond Cho (Overachievers)
Winner: Ram Chiang


Best Supporting Actress
What I want to do if Sharon wins Best Supporting Actress.
Lin Xia Wei (Outbound Love)
Nancy Wu (Gilded Chopsticks)
Louise Lee (Ruse of Engagement)
Eliza Sam (Never Dance Alone)
Becky Lee (Black Heart White Soul)
Leanne Li (Black Heart White Soul)
Oceane Zhu (Shades of Life)
Sharon Chan (Line Walker)
Elena Kong (Line Walker)
Samantha Ko (Line Walker)
Natalie Tong (All That is Bitter is Sweet)
Josie Ho (Tomorrow is Another Day)
Mandy Wong (Tiger Cubs II)
Susanna Kwan (Overachievers)
Grace Chan (Overachievers)
Winner: Josie Ho 



Most Improved Actor
Sammy Sum, Tony Hung, Louis Cheung, Jason Chan, Matt Yeung
Winner: Louis Cheung

Did you say Most Improved Body?
Most Improved Actress
Lin Xia Wei, Samantha Ko, Grace Chan, Jacqueline Wong, Priscilla Wong
Winner: Priscilla Wong


Best Series
All TVB dramas that were aired this year, starting with Return of the Silver Tongue, up until Overachievers, are nominated. This includes sitcom Come Home Love and both Sunday series (Shades of Life and Tiger Cubs II). Journey to the West and Lady Sour are not included. A Time of Love is considered a special and thus not included

My choice: Never Dance Alone
My prediction: Line Walker
Winner: Line Walker




Best Theme Song
Please stop looping Jinny Ng!
Overachievers - Real Lies (Susanna Kwan), Surrender (Fred Cheng)
Come On Cousin - World Boy (Louis Yuen)
Tiger Cubs II - Blood and Sweat (Joe Ma)
Tomorrow is Another Day - Battle Again Tomorrow (Alfred Hui), Shackles (Alfred Hui)
All That is Bitter is Sweet - Heart Medicine (Teresa Cheung), Big Love (Linda Chung)
Line Walker - Walker (Justin Lo, Wilfred Lau), More Difficult, More Love (Jinny Ng)
Rear Mirror - Climb (Hubert Wu)
Shades of Life - Our Sky (Hoffman Cheng, Ronald Lw, Yao Bin, KT)
Black Heart White Soul - Grey Fate (Hoffman Cheng, Ronald Law), Like the Beginning (Louis Cheung)
Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain - Journey Back (Fred Cheng), She is the Best (Grace Wong)
The Ultimate Addiction - Test (Fred Cheng), Equally Matched Opponent (Hubert Wu, Kate Tsui)
Journey to the West - Convoy (Alfred Hui)
Never Dance Alone - Star Cluster (Shirley Kwan, Mag Lam), Friendship (Alvina Kong), Let's Dance (young M Club)
Swipe Tap Love - Leave a Message (Jinny Ng)
Ruse of Engagement - Nick of Time (Ruco Chan, Ron Ng)
Storm in a Cocoon - Fate (Steven Ma), Thinking of You (Jinny Ng)
Gilded Chopsticks - Loyal Subject (Wong Cho Lam, Stephanie Ho), Tears of Departure (Louis Cheung)
Queen Divas - Joyous Every Year (Nancy Sit & cast)
Outbound Love - Really Want to Dislike You (Lin Xia Wei), Missing Half Step (Ruco Chan)
Coffee Cat Mama - Race (Hubert Wu)
Return of the Silver Tongue - Two Sentences (Kristal Tin, Fred Cheng)
Come Home Love - Embrace Love (Joyce Cheng), Little Angel's Words (Auston Lam), Don't Lie (Auston Lam)
Winner: "More Difficult, More Love" by Jinny Ng (Line Walker)


Best Host
Big Boys Club - Bob Lam, Oscar Leung, Penny Chan, Jonathan Wong, Ricky Fan
I Am Boss - Sammy Leung, Wong Yi-hing
Good Cheap Eats 2 - Maria Cordero, Luk Ho Ming
Pilgrimage to Football Meccas - Priscilla Wong, Tony Hung
Street Sorcerers 2 - Bob Lam, Oscar Leung, Whitney Hui, Anjaylia Chan
Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk - Nancy Sit, Wong Cho Lam
Queen's Feast - Liza Wang, Amigo Chiu
Neighbourhood Treasures (Sr. 6) - Sammy Leung, Kitty Yuen
Guardians of Life 2 - Lawrence Ng
The Voice 4 - Sammy Leung, Louis Cheung
Winner: Nancy Sit & Wong Cho Lam (Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk)


Best Variety Show
The Conquerors, Street Sorcerers 2, Walk the Walk Talk the Talk, Queen's Feast, The Voice 4
Winner: Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk


Best Informative Programme
Good Cheap Eats 2, Pilgrimage to Football Meccas, As I Drift, Guardians of Life 2, Working Golden Holidays
Winner: Guardians of Life 2


Best Special Programme
JSG Awards Presentation 2013, A Time of Love, Miss Chinese International Pageant 2014, Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2014, TVB Anniversary Gala
Winner: A Time of Love


Prediction Success Rate: 12/14 (86%)


Noblesse Oblige Promo Clips

Overview - Noblesse Oblige

Promo #1


Promo #2


Promo #3


Promo #4


Promo #5


Promo #6


Promo #7



Monday, November 24, 2014

Lady Sour Theme Song

The theme song for Lady Sour is a duet by Myolie Wu and Ron Ng, called "Is That You" (是你嗎).



Theme Song MV:



Sunday, November 23, 2014

TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2014 Results



Best Actress: Charmaine Sheh (Line Walker)

Best Actor: Roger Kwok (Black Heart White Soul)

Best Supporting Actress: Sharon Chan (Line Walker)

Best Supporting Actor: Benz Hui (Line Walker)

Most Improved Actress: Samantha Ko

Most Improved Actor: Sammy Sum

My Favourite On-Screen Couple: Ruco Chan & Aimee Chan (Outbound Love)

My Favourite Enrichment Programme: Wellness on the Go 2

My Favourite Variety Show: Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk

My Favourite Host: Nancy Sit & Wong Cho Lam (Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk)

My Favourite Theme Song: "More Difficult, More Love" by Jinny Ng (Line Walker)

TVB Most Rising Star in Malaysia: Fred Cheng

TVB Star Achievement Award: Helena Law, Lau Kong

My Favourite Character Awards:
The Ultimate Addiction - Bosco Wong, Nancy Wu
Tomorrow is Another Day - Kate Tsui
Black Heart White Soul - Roger Kwok
Line Walker - Charmaine Sheh, Sharon Chan, Benz Hui, Michael Miu, Raymond Lam
Tiger Cubs II - Him Law
Outbound Love - Ruco Chan
Storm in a Cocoon - Tavia Yeung
All That is Bitter is Sweet - Linda Chung
Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain - Kenneth Ma, Selena Li


Thursday, November 20, 2014

TVB Inventory Levels 2014

The number of series each artist has on hand.
As at November 20, 2014

Legend
Purple = Ancient
Green = Pre-modern
Yellow = Modern
Blue = Professional
White = Unconfirmed




Thursday, November 13, 2014

New Blog!

Hi everyone!

I have decided to create a new blog exclusively for HKTV dramas. It is called Casual HKTV (so creative, I know).




Hopefully it can become a place for fans to get information and discuss about HKTV dramas.

Please continue to support both my blogs! :)

P.S. If someone with more artistic talent than me (in other words, anyone) would like to create a banner for my new site, I would appreciate it very much.


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Overview - Lady Sour



Travelling around to practise medicine, Myolie Wu and her mother Gigi Wong successively encounter a man with a skin disease (Ron Ng) and someone from their hometown (Him Law). Myolie falls in love with Him at first sight and does everything she can to marry him. Unfortunately, the boss of the vinegar brewery (Alice Chan) tries all possible means to prevent the marriage because of a grudge against Gigi. Having been cured of his disease, Ron helps Myolie achieve her wish.

Myolie thought everything would settle down after the marriage, but unexpectedly, Him falls in love with his maid Eliza Sam. Myolie tries to disrupt them, but this causes Him and Eliza to accidentally have a relationship instead. Him takes Eliza as his second wife, arousing intense jealousy from Myolie, adding oil to the fire. Suddenly, a corpse is discovered. Gigi is accused of murdering her husband and sentenced to death. To protect the family reputation, Him's family demands that Myolie sever her relationship with her mother. At this time, Myolie finds out that she is pregnant, yet this begins a campaign to divorce her...


Saturday, November 08, 2014

TVB Sales Presentation 2015



Lord of Shanghai - Produced with rigorous standards, the crew travelled to Shanghai for filming. They construct a grand historical stage that details the style of the Republican era. During this momentous period, the lords each pull out all stops to get what they want, whether it is for personal gain or for the benefit of society. Although some people break their faith, there are still some that will hold tight to their beliefs and fight passionately, demonstrating the glory of humanity in these turbulent times.

Anticipation Level: 4/5. These epic dramas never fail to be exciting. 




Captain of Destiny - Based on the legendary story of the pirate Cheung Po Tsai. Modern CGI effects are used to create a refreshing action stage for television, presenting magnificent pirate ships, naval battles and the natural phenomenon of a waterspout. Advanced computer effects, a professional team and a free budget combine to make this story of a modern female police officer travelling through time, only to be ensnarled in the battle between the Qing court and pirates, all the more spectacular.

Anticipation Level: 4.5/5. Cringing at the thought of TVB's CGI, but love the plot and cast.




Young Charioteers - The post-80s and post-90s generations are full of passion and dreams, but they will inevitably encounter challenges in their work and allow life to grind away their edge. With an accounting firm as the background, the series shows the cruel reality of office politics, turning the workplace into a battlefield. The series adds a cycling aspect, touring around the island of Taiwan to express how young people chase their dreams and love. Finding a balance between real life and dreams is the ideal way of living.

Anticipation Level: 2/5. Idol dramas are not my type.




Quid Pro Quo - Justice, rule of law and equality are Hong Kong's core values. The barristers, solicitors and trainees in this series are the backbone for defending these values. The current state of the justice system is shown through the different cases. The trainees, with passion and energy, overcome many challenges and experience growing pains and pleasures. The barristers, solicitors and prosecutors work faithfully in their positions to defend justice and equality. With great determination and perseverance, they vow to protect the judicial system and the spirit of the law.

Anticipation Level: 4/5. Aspiring lawyer here.




Wudang Rules - Shaolin and Wudang are seen as the birthplace of Chinese martial arts. In particular, Wudang martial arts contains philosophies that can be appreciated. Through the inspirational story of a group of Hong Kong people travelling to Wudang to learn martial arts, this series illustrates the long-standing, unique, martial arts spirit. Besides cleansing our soul, it can also be applied in modern society, to help us deal with the challenges and setbacks in our daily lives.

Anticipation Level: 2/5. Martial arts theme is okay, but yawning at the philosophical preaching.




Limelight Years - The story of a pop queen; behind the glamour, how does she balance her career, love and family? A light-hearted series that is also heart-warming, filled with laughter and tears, and will make people reflect. Travelling to Taiwan to film with beautiful scenery, the series presents a pleasant picture, along with moving original soundtracks.

Anticipation Level: 3/5. I'm always curious about the behind-the-scenes of the entertainment circle. 




Smooth Talker - As Mencius said, "Time is not as good as place, place is not as good as harmony." Hence, the importance of harmony is clearly seen. But as long as there are people, there will be conflicts and a need for a middle-person to help resolve the dispute. In the past, there were "peacemakers"; recently, the judicial system has introduced the method of mediation to settle civil cases, giving rise to the role of mediators - the modern peacemakers. This series will allow people to understand the concept of mediation, which can be applied to daily life to settle conflicts.

Anticipation Level: 3/5. Mediation is a new angle.




Brick Slave - In order to find a home in the tiny area of Hong Kong, some people will give up their dreams, be willing to work hard and live frugally to pay for their mortgage. These people are known as "brick slaves". Through several standard brick slaves, the series will discuss the real meaning of responsibility and bearing responsibility. Some people pursue stability and allow themselves to be tied to a mortgage for their whole life. Others will seek freedom and choose to be like a snail without its shell. Which is the wise choice?

Anticipation Level: 2/5. Sounds similar to L'Escargot.




With or Without You - So Dong Po is a distinguished historical figure; his poems and artwork have been passed down and his biography is well-known. His intelligence, humour and concern for the country and citizens are admired by both his peers and future generations. The series makes use of his famous works and revolves around So Dong Po's family, along with the wars between the Song and Liao. It depicts the love between family, friends, couples and society and illustrates the joys and sorrows of life.

Anticipation Level: 3.5/5. Look forward to the historical stuff + Bobby always makes good comedies.




Ghost of Relativity - Ever since humans discovered the system of "going to work", workers have been stuck in endless misery. They frequently have to work overtime for meagre compensation. In addition, they have to deal with superiors who only engage in office politics, making the situation even more despairing. Through a human and a ghost, two women fighting in the workplace, the series shows the various people and attitudes in the office, to help express the frustrations of all workers.

Anticipation Level: 2.5/5. Refreshing cast combination, seems like a decent comedy.




When Race Car Meets the Bicycle - Patrolling on motorcycles and unmarked vehicles, traffic officers can be said to be the coolest team in the disciplined services. With the bright uniforms and using real cases as reference, this is another dynamic and sentimental work in TVB's "uniform" collection.

Anticipation Level: 2/5. I like police dramas, but there doesn't seem to be much excitement with traffic cops.




Empress Lu - Power is known to corrupt people, so imperial power, which can be used to command the world, can certainly distort humanity. For this power game, there are many people who are willing to sacrifice their lives. Some of them are not just in pursuit of personal glory, but also for the prosperity of their clan, or even as a reflection of motherhood. Motherhood has always been an inherent motivator. Whether it is humans or animals, rich or poor, if their children are being threatened, the mother will ignore their own safety to protect their offspring. This is true of Empress Lu and of Concubine Qi. Their initial motivation for participating in the bloody power struggle comes from the inherent instinct of a mother to protect her son.

Anticipation Level: 5/5. So glad TVB picked up the Empress Lu idea again!




Vampire - The classic vampire genre is reinterpreted from a new angle, using dazzling effects to create a modern urban legend. Vampires and immortals are natural enemies, but fate has them falling in love, leading to an intensely passionate story. Modern wuxia elements and demon slaying are combined to present a splendour magical world.

Anticipation Level: 1/5. Bleh, vampire movies. 




Eunuch Leaves the Palace - After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the eunuchs are dismissed from the palace. Having always been servants, they must learn how to live as ordinary citizens. With newfound dignity, freedom and self-worth, how do the eunuchs go about their new lives? This series talks about how four real and fake eunuchs use the survival tactics they learned in the palace to overcome challenges and find a place to settle down.

Anticipation Level: 3/5. This idea for a The Confidant spin-off is worse than last year's. 




Last Imperial Physician - An imperial physician, as the name suggests, is responsible for treating the emperor, ensuring His Majesty's health and longevity. Being an imperial physician is supposed to be a medical practitioner's highest honour. But accompanying the emperor is like accompanying a tiger, not to mention that the imperial physician holds the survival of the emperor in his hands. If he can fend off illnesses for the emperor, he can rise rapidly. However, if, in case he cannot cure the emperor, he might be to put to death at any time. The job of an imperial physician is like trending on thin ice, stepping on the tip of a knife. Because of this, inside the palace's medical institute, there are many people who are after fame and fortune.

Anticipation Level: 4.5/5. It will look into the mysterious death of the Guangxu Emperor.




Corrupt Cop's Conscience - During the 1930s, Hong Kong was evolving from a quiet fishing town into a bright metropolitan. Behind the flurry of prosperity, the law enforcers were colluding with criminals, turning a blind eye to their illegal activities, such as prostitution, gambling and human trafficking. It was like a sin city! But beneath the greed, a human conscience still exists. A formerly corrupt cop is awakened by a lowly maid and rekindles his conscience that was never fully extinguished. He fights to bring the rule of law back to the city. At the same time, a love that breaks taboos emerges.

Anticipation Level: 3/5. Corrupt cops are cool, forbidden love is not so much. 




Spare the Blade - Humans will always search for the wisdoms of life in between life and death... Some people live like the dead, wasting away because of a hurtful experience and seeing no way out. Others spread love through charity, illuminating people's hearts; although they may be dead, they are still here in spirit. Through the themes of life and death, the choices made by the characters at life's crossroads and their learning of how to balance between gains and losses, supplemented with Buddhist philosophies, the audience will be able to reflect on the meaning of life and take away their own gains.

Anticipation Level: 2/5. Story about executioners reminds me of The Slicing of the Demon.


Monday, November 03, 2014

Overachievers Theme Song

The theme song for Overachievers is "Real Lies" (真實謊言), performed by Susanna Kwan.


Theme Song MV:


The ending theme song is "Surrender" (投降吧), sung by Fred Cheng.


The sub-theme song is "Place" (地方), also sung by Fred.



Sunday, November 02, 2014

Tiger Cubs II Theme Song

Joe Ma sings the theme song, "Blood and Sweat" (血與汗), for Tiger Cubs II



Theme Song MV: