Overview - Bet Hur

Twenty years ago, in a gambling match between two masters, Patrick Tse suddenly appears to help his senior win and then disappears. The desire to avenge the loss plants the seeds for a longstanding grudge that extends to the next generation. Patrick's two disciples, Natalis Chan and Monica Chan, used to be lovers, but they separated after a misunderstanding. They each train disciples who are proficient in various gambling techniques and skills. Kenneth Ma, Raymond Wong and Dominic Ho are taken in by Natalis, while Monica carefully cultivates Charmaine Sheh, Samantha Ko and Connie Man. After multiple exchanges, Kenneth and Charmaine's feelings for each other turn from loathe to love. Later, they even combine forces to battle against the camp headed by Joseph Lee and his son Carlo Ng. Unfortunately, Raymond suddenly switches allegiances. Natalis passes the baton to Kenneth. Although he secretly has the help of good friend Matt Yeung, Kenneth cannot avoid the misfortune and is forced to step into the ultimate revenge battle with injuries. At this moment, Patrick reappears...

Upcoming Movie: Line Walker

Release Date: August 11, 2016
Cast: Charmaine Sheh, Francis Ng, Nick Cheung, Louis Koo, Benz Hui

Undercover agent Charmaine Sheh receives a coded message from someone named "Blackjack" who claims he is an undercover agent that has lost contact with the police. Charmaine reports this to her superior Francis Ng and a search mission promptly begins. In the process, Charmaine is lured to a casino and discovers that Benz Hui, who had supposedly been killed, has "resurrected". Meanwhile, Francis finds out that a certain corporation is involved in a Brazilian drug deal. Blackjack's location is narrowed and the people involved in the deal include: the president of the corporation, strategic adviser Nick Cheung, Nick's top assistant Louis Koo and Benz, who is looking to make a comeback. Soon, everyone becomes aware that there is an undercover agent, making them all suspicious and threatened.







Theme Song - "Walker" (行者) by Grasshoppers

A Time of Love 2 Promo Clips

Germany Promo


1:30 Germany Promo


TVB USA Promo

Upcoming Movie: Return of the Cuckoo

Release Date: November 20, 2015
Cast: Julian Cheung, Charmaine Sheh, Nancy Sit, Joe Chen, Michael Tong

After more than a decade of separation, Julian Cheung and Charmaine Sheh reunite in Macau. Charmaine's husband, Steven Ma, and children have died in an accident. Looking back, Julian, who has always deeply loved her, is still silently waiting for her. The pair finally allow the feelings that they have buried in their hearts to come to fruition. At this time, Julian is diagnosed with a terminal illness and his life enters the countdown stage.


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Theme Song MV:

Upcoming Movie: Triumph in the Skies

Release Date: February 19, 2015
Cast: Louis Koo, Francis Ng, Julian Cheung, Sammi Cheng, Charmaine Sheh, Amber Kuo, Elena Kong, Kenneth Ma, Oceane Zhu

Pilot Louis Koo is the son of a wealthy businessman and takes over Skylette Airlines from his father. He is particularly caring towards one of the air stewardess, Charmaine Sheh, who is his ex-girlfriend. A few years ago, they were forced to separate when Louis had to go to New York to manage his family business. Though they do not voice it, both of them have still kept each other in their hearts.

Looking to establish a new image for the company, Louis invites rock star Sammi Cheng to film a promotional clip. Francis Ng serves as the aviation consultant during the filming. Coincidentally, he and Sammi had a conflict earlier due to the flight schedule, creating an awkward environment. However, throughout the filming, they discover each other's merits and develop romantic feelings.

Julian Cheung leaves Skylette for the better-paying job as a private flight instructor. During one flight, he meets the youthful Amber Kuo. Initially, he think she is a selfish gold-digger, but they soon fall in love as their characters mesh perfectly together. Just when they get madly in love, Jayden discovers the reason behind Amber's living-in-the-moment spirit.

Three relationships that do not develop as planned. However, once you realize that nothing is perfect, being able to find happiness in the rush of things is already enough.

Fans in North America, Australia and New Zealand have a chance to watch the movie in theatres! See here for details.

Line Walker Review

Producer: Man Wai-hung
Genre: Police
Cast: Michael Miu, Raymond Lam, Charmaine Sheh, Elena Kong, Sammy Sum, Sharon Chan, Benz Hui

Review:
Move aside, Lives of Omission. Line Walker is taking the title as the ultimate undercover series. With the 10000000 UCs, I’m wondering why it took so long for the police to catch up to the bad guys. Oh, that’s because all the bad guys are cops and all the good guys are with the triads. Yikes!

Line Walker does a better job than Lives of Omission at exploring the life of an undercover. Their sacrifices and hardships are played out on-screen and can be felt by the audience. Line Walker also wins with its thick plot, which is laid out nicely with the way it keeps the suspense, from the 5th UC to the black cops to the final big boss. (insert momentum-killing comedic moment). Characters come and go, making up an insanely high death toll. (insert slow-motion action scene with sub song). Yes, there are logic flaws, but don’t you know you’re watching a TVB series?

Charmaine Sheh puts in a lively performance. I love her during the comedic moments. Even though I hated how the comedy ruined the serious atmosphere at the wrong times, Charmaine is cute during those moments. However, I did not enjoy her crying and screaming scenes. I did not feel sad for her, just annoyed. Is this a TV Queen performance? I concur Charmaine may be the most suitable candidate to take it, but I do not agree that her performance was the best of the year.

Raymond Lam can be a good actor when he’s not hiding behind his chok image. His character in Line Walker reminds me of Highs and Lows. He’s playful in the beginning, which is fun to watch, but then he starts losing control as his character becomes more serious. He sways his body too much when he’s talking and when he’s screaming, his eyes grow infinitely larger.

Next we have our lovebirds, Sammy Sum and Sharon Chan. It would have been so lovely if they had realized their love for each other earlier and eloped together, far, far away from this series. Actually, I didn’t mind Sammy too much. Handsome man and has the poise of a finance whiz when he's not being so lovesick. Sharon is the real problem here. Her character is supposed to be an intelligent madam-turned-unofficial UC who ends up saving the day.  But Sharon does not fit into this type of role. Watch The Ultimate Addiction and watch this and you will know what I mean. She doesn’t carry that brilliance on her and she only ends up looking pretentious.

Michael Miu and Elena Kong’s story was the truly touching love story. Not overbearing, not dumb, but a mature relationship, portrayed by two fantastic veterans. Michael, ever so fit at his age, is perfect for this type of good cop perhaps turned bad cop role. Michael can do what Raymond cannot, that is, look chok while still not forgetting to act. Elena also does a fine, fine job. Completely believable as an abused woman and then finding her strength as a lawyer standing up against injustice.

Never imagined Benz Hui could pull off this kind of role. Samantha Ko succeeds at being icy, but not much else. Her face looks really plastic in HD. Oscar Leung was trying too hard to act cool with the way he walks and holds out his arms. All Patrick Tang had to do was perpetually squint his eyes in anger until he died. Same old Toby Leung, whose status at TVB seems to be falling rapidly. They could have cut her out completely and no one would have noticed. Ankie Beilke appears to have taken the role as TVB’s new seductive heiress.

Rating: 4/5. That’s the number of UCs in a room at any given time.

Seeing Double?

Ghost Dragon of Cold Mountain – Selena Li plays a naïve housewife living a happy life with her husband Kenneth Ma until her twin sister, a famous prostitute, emerges and tries to steal Kenneth away.
 


Triumph in the Skies II – Myolie Wu reprises her role as "Zoe" from the original series, appearing in flashbacks. She also plays "Summer", an aircraft technician who resembles Zoe.




A Change of Heart – Bosco Wong is a heart surgeon who becomes a heart donor after he is killed in an accident. His twin brother returns to Hong Kong and ends up working for the man who received his brother's heart.
 


Bullet Brain – Natalie Tong plays a mother and daughter. The mother is mentally ill and commits a gruesome murder. Meanwhile, the daughter was abducted as a child and survived by being a con-artist and courtesan.



Relic of an Emissary – Kate Tsui plays a pair of sisters who were separated during a flood. The older sister becomes the owner of a brothel while working as a secret agent. After she dies, her younger sister takes on her identity to continue spying.




The Gentle Crackdown II – Wayne Lai is initially a lowly court adviser, but he later impersonates his higher-ranking brother in order to fight against corrupt officials.




Maiden's Vow – Charmaine Sheh and Joe Ma portray successive generations of lovers. Each generation examines the prevailing attitudes and status of women during the different eras.



The Academy/E.U. – Michael Miu is a strict instructor at the Police Training School in The Academy, but is killed in the line of duty. He makes a comeback as a triad boss in the third instalment of the series, E.U.





Upcoming

All That is Bitter is Sweet – Raymond Wong plays twin brothers. The younger brother returns home after his brother dies from an illness. He becomes involved in a love rectangle that includes his brother's fiancé.

No Reserve – Wayne Lai plays two brothers who were separated and end up on opposite sides of the war. One brother is a Japanese agent, while the other is a Chinese guerrilla fighter.

Under the Veil – Many of the cast members will have two roles in the series to demonstrate different perspectives in life.

Line Walker Promo Clips

Overview - Line Walker

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Astro Promo


Extended Trailer

Overview - Line Walker

Following the mysterious death of his colleague, CIB Chief Inspector Michael Miu discovers that the five undercover cops under his colleague's watch have gone missing. As the undercovers hold highly confidential information concerning the police force and society's safety, Michael is determined to find them. He finally tracks down one of the missing agents - Charmaine Sheh, posing as the owner of a foot massage shop. In order to recover her identity, Charmaine agrees to infiltrate the triads. She manages to get close to Raymond Lam, a member of an illegal gambling group. The two begin an elusive relationship built on lies. But just as Charmaine edges closer to the truth, Michael suddenly halts the operation. This is when Sharon Chan from the ICAC intervenes into the case. Through Sharon, Michael meets her elder sister, Elena Kong. Meanwhile, the triad leader Benz Hui has been released from jail and his assistant Sammy Sum's actions is catching Michael's attention. The relationships between the police and the triad become increasingly complex; with everyone claiming to be fighting for justice, who truly dictates justice?

Overview - A Time of Love

Malaysia



Cast: Kate Tsui, Chris Wang (Taiwan), James Wen (Taiwan)
Airing date: January 26

A car accident causes Kate Tsui to lose all her memories. She cannot even remember the people she once loved. The only thing she knows is that Chris Wang risked his life to save her in the accident, leaving him crippled and ending his auto racing career. Kate and Chris fall in love and live sweetly together. Kate believes that Chris is the right man and they prepare for their wedding. But then she encounters a Taiwanese man (James Wen) who claims that she is his girlfriend. He brings her to many places to try to revive her memory. Kate has a strange but familiar feeling at these places. Could he have been her boyfriend before the accident?



Singapore



Cast: Charmaine Sheh, Kenneth Ma
Airing date: February 2

Charmaine Sheh, a senior executive at a creative agency, receives a wedding invitation from her ex-boyfriend. Using her position as a superior, she coerces her subordinate, Kenneth Ma, to accompany her to the wedding. A series of crazy coincidences along the way leads Kenneth to believe that Charmaine is bringing dangerous substances to the wedding and they end up at the police station. This is where Kenneth sees a weaker side to the normally strong-willed Charmaine. By the time they leave the police station, the wedding is over, but Charmaine still insists on going to see her ex-boyfriend. Kenneth has no choice but to follow along.



Korea



Cast: Linda Chung, Yeon Jung Hoon (Korea)
Airing date: February 9

The illustrator Yeon Jung Hoon teaches Korean to foreigners as a part-time job. Linda Chung, from Hong Kong, hires him as a teacher, as she is preparing to move to Korea with her boyfriend. Yeon is initially disgusted with Linda’s spoiled attitude, but continues on with the lessons for the sake of making a living. As they interact more frequently, he discovers her adorable side and his impression of her slowly changes. At the same time, Yeon learns about a secret between Linda and her boyfriend.



Japan



Cast: Wong Cho Lam, Aaron Yan (Taiwan), Naomi Watanabe (Japan), Ben Wong
Airing date: February 16

Aaron Yan, from Taiwan, travels to Japan in search of the heiress (Naomi Watanabe) of a famous Japanese restaurant and her secret formula. When he finds her, he is surprised to find that she is actually an obese and unattractive woman. It turns out that in accordance to family tradition, Naomi must marry before the age of 30, otherwise the restaurant will fall into the hands of her uncle! To retain the rights to the restaurant, Aaron and Naomi agree to fake a marriage until she turns 30.


A Time of Love Theme Song
A Time of Love Promo Clips

A Time of Love Promo Clips

Overview, Theme Song

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Malaysia Promo


Singapore Promo


Korea Promo


Japan Promo

A TV Queen Indicator?

Is this the best predictor of who will win TV Queen?

 
2011 - Myolie Wu won TV Queen and Wish and Switch aired.


 
2012 - Tavia Yeung won TV Queen and Friendly Fire aired.


 
2013 - Kristal Tin won TV Queen and Return of the Silver Tongue aired.


 
2014 - The trend was officially broken when Charmaine Sheh won TV Queen, but Officer Geomancer, starring Joey Meng, was aired after the awards ceremony.


Another predictor for award winners: TVB vs Astro Awards
Nomination List & Predictions for TVB Awards 2014

Common TVB Pairings

 1.       Michael Tao & Kenix Kwok

 {1}

The first on-screen couple that I can remember. Absolutely loved them in the Detective Investigative Files franchise. By their own estimates, they have filmed in 200 episodes together.

1994 – CATWALK俏佳人

1995-1997 – Detective Investigative Files I – III

2004 – Shine on You

2005 – Love Bond

2.       Joe Ma & Jessica Hsuan

 {2}

Jessica has recently been named “Hostage Queen” for being held hostage 24 times in her filming career. Joe has probably saved her countless times. Joe said he enjoys working with Jessica because of her professionalism and punctuality.

1999 – 寵物情緣

2004 – Lady Fan

2004 – 一屋兩家三姓人

2007 – Drive of Life

2012 – Tiger Cubs

3.       Moses Chan & Charmaine Sheh

 {3}

Being the big brother and sister of TVB, Moses and Charmaine certainly has amply opportunity to work together in big productions.  They are both favourites of producers Mui Siu Ching and Jonathan Chik. With Charmaine’s reputation as “姣佘”, it’s surprising there are no rumours about this pair.

2004 – War and Beauty

2005 – The Dance of Passion

2009 – Beyond the Realm of Conscience

2010 – Can’t Buy Me Love

2011 – When Heaven Burns

2012 – 4 In Love

4.       Steven Ma & Linda Chung

 {4}

Steven is always paired with younger actresses to mentor them. His most frequent partner has got to be Linda. Despite a 10+ year age gap, they have surprisingly good chemistry. Of course, working together so many times doesn’t hurt. From Linda’s first series, Virtues of Harmony II, to Steven’s last series at TVB, Daddy Good Deeds, this pair has been together five times.

2004 – Virtues of Harmony II

2007 – A Journey Called Life

2009 – A Watchdog’s Tale

2009 – Ghost Writer

2012 – Daddy Good Deeds

5.       Ron Ng & Kate Tsui

 {5}

Best-friends on and off the screen. Their close interactions reportedly made Ron’s (now-ex) girlfriend Viann Zhang unhappy. To me, it seems they are like good “brothers” instead of lovers.

2005 – On The First Beat

2007 – Brink of Law

2011 - 你們我們他們

2011 – Wax and Wane

2011 – Forensic Heroes III

6.       Him Law & Mandy Wong

 {6}

These two seem to be TVB’s next golden couple. I personally don’t like Him too much because of his off-screen scandals, but I find Mandy to be quite an actress. Both are being heavily promoted and have collaborated many times, though not all of them as a couple.

2010 – Suspects in Love

2012 – L’Escargot

2012 – The Hippocratic Crush

2012 – Tiger Cubs

Upcoming – A Chip Off the Old Block II