HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1 [O]

Written by Funn Lim



"But I would have hoped another 20 minutes on the above scenes would have made this movie into a brilliant one. Do read the book to fill in the gaps."







SPOILERS ... SPOILERS ... SPOILERS

RELEASE
2010

THIS IS ...
An opinion/review on the 1st part of the movie on the 7th and fina; Harry Potter book

MORE INFO
Here at imdb.com

COMMENT
I just rushed to watch Harry Potter & The Deathly Hollows Part 1 and I am very very impressed with David Yates who in movie 6 managed to show the scale of Hogwarts and in Movie 7 managed to show the urgency of the situation at hand. It is a scary loud movie and at times tender and incredibly manages to be funny as well thanks to Rupert Grint. I believe he has taken the essence of the book or half of it and made it almost as good as the book. Luckily this last book has 2 movies treatment because 1 movie does it no justice. Most scenes in the book are in this movie. So I am very very pleased. However a few major problems or rather details in the book not included, therefore made the movie less than the book and sometimes incoherent;

1. I believe Wormtail's death in the movie is different, if he is dead. He should be since in the book he is dead in that scene except he didn't die the way he did in the movie. By changing the way he died changes the entire relationship between Wormtail and Harry and the ruthlessness of Voldemort, that he will even kill a loyal servant, that Wormtail died because of a moment of mercy he showed on Harry. In the movie he died very very differently and rather meaninglessly.

2. After being taunted by Voldemort who appeared out of Regulus Black's locket, Ron actually destroyed that Hocrux and cried. He actually cried and wept as Harry told him quietly that he loved Herminone as a sister and he heard Hermione crying sometimes, missing Ron. That's when Ron knew for sure Hermione and Harry didn't have any relationship as taunted by Voldemort. The significance of that scene is Ron's real feelings, and how he was taunted so cruelly and how Harry responded. However the movie for whatever reason did not show Ron crying or Harry's consoling words. I find it a bit cold. It was Ron's moment, and he should have had that moment.

3. In the beginning when Dudley was leaving, his unrepentant parents did not bother to say goodbye to Harry, but Dudley rushed over and in his way apologised for the years of abuse of Harry. It was a closure for Harry and for his only living relatives, one of whom Dudley. It also shows to us a changed Dudley, capable of good things perhaps, we may never know since we never heard from him again. It was Dudley's big scene and this movie for whatever reason decided to summarise this and totally cut that out. I find it terrible, that in the Dudley remained the same when in the book he changed after the Dementors attacked him.

4. The entire back story of Regulus and how he betrayed Voldemort and stole the Hocrux from the cave and his relationship with Kreacher which shows Kreacher somewhat in a good light was cut out totally. We know who was RAB but we don't know how Regulus got the Hocrux and I doubt part 2 will explain that. This is significant because Regulus was like Sirius, born into a dark arts pure blood family but chose to sacrifice themselves for goodness. I hope part 2 retains the scene how Kreacher is treated with respect and in one of the best scene in the book, how Kreacher led the fight against the pure bloods.

5. I am not sure if it will be in part 2 but I hope the conversation with Ollivander and the role of Griphook will be given justice. I am not happy how Griphook's role in denying the Gryffindor sword in Bellatrix's hands is fake and not the real one. There is a significance since Griphook being a goblin would not have helped a wizard to lie but he helped Harry. That was cut from this movie.

6. I am sorely disappointed the scene where Harry saw Luna's bedroom and saw her sketched of Harry, Hermione, Ron and I think Neville with the words like best friends or something was cut out. That scene was touching to show Harry felt an enormous gratitude to Luna for believing in him and he felt a rush of affection for Luna hence his closeness and friendliness with Luna. I would have wished Harry ended up with Luna.

7. The most significant of all, Harry's anger when he saw Mad Eye's fake eye on the door of Delores Umbridge's office. How his cover was broken was when angrily he ripped the eye out to take with him, angry at how Mad Eye was killed. That scene was missing and the eye remained there on the door. I find that cold and not very like Harry.

8. The entire story of Bill and Fleur just sort of appeared. Might as well just write them off.

9. Why the significance of the visit of Rufus Scrimgeour to Harry is cut out is beyond me. The great thing about this book is it shows how even supposedly people on the good guys' side will use ruthless means to a desired end. Rufus was supposed to get Harry to stand on the Ministry of Magic's side as their poster boy, but Harry rightly refused. This scene is significant. And Rufus' death is even more significant since he knew where Harry was but supposedly he was tortured to death but he didn't betray Harry which made Harry realised he may have been too harsh on Rufus Scrimgeour. I love Bill Nighy but he played this character like an insane sort of guy. The guy in the book described as lion like would have been more formidable looking.

I still feel Harry is lacking the anger and emotional turmoil although Daniel Radcliffe was funny when he had to be different characters. He has a gift for comedy. But the dramatic acting is still lacking. Rupert Grint lacked some anger in some pivotal scenes but frankly he is the best actor of the younger actors. He has serious talent in comedy and I think he did well. Emma Watson improved and I love the fact that the scene of her wiping out her memory from her parents was included in the movie, shows the urgency of the situation and the sadness. However she is way too serious to be the level headed Hermione I know from the books. Good thing is that in Book 7 Hermione has to be so serious looking. But I still don't like Emma Watson who still doesn't seem where to stand in a room full of people; she looked awkward. The adults were all great even if their role is reduced. Helen McCrory was a miscast and also terribly underused.

Anyway I felt some scenes were great, like when Harry, Ron and Hermione drank Polyjuice potion and entered Ministry of Magic as 3 adults and these 3 actors portrayed the 3 younger actors' personalities perfectly! I love how Snape appeared. I love all those scary scenes were not deleted but in fact played out in full. I really love how the 3 brothers' story were told in animation and I find that creative and artistic. I love Dobby! And when he died I was very sad, I was sadder reading his death but the movie did the scene justice. When Hedwig fell from the sky I was in shock eventhough I knew that was coming. I like the fact that Fred and George are given something to do than to just stand around like in previous movies. I dread Part 2 because of what is coming for the twins. I cannot stand Ginny so I am glad her role is minimal. The most waste of space of the role of Narcissa. No dialogue at all, just wallpaper. Draco had some scene but not enough. And I thought Dumbledore was buried standing up instead of laying down. And most of all, the last scene should not have ended with Voldemort getting the elder wand, it should have been a long or far shot of Hogwarts since Part 2 will deal with the great battle at Hogwarts and the destruction of further Hocrux and a major revelation.

I have a feeling the director will manage that well but I hope Neville will be given his day of glory and Ron as well. Very significant roles as well for Mrs Weasley. But I really want Neville to have his day. And more importantly, Snape. This will be Snape's moment and I hope this movie, after 7 movies will not screw up Snape's big moment and the answer to why he did what he did.

Anyway for all my complaints, Part 1 is a great adaptation. You can't have it all, especially for such a rich book as this one. But I would have hoped another 20 minutes on the above scenes would have made this movie into a brilliant one. Do read the book to fill in the gaps.

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HEAR ME [Mov][Chi]

Written by Bridget Au

"The movie manages genuine surprise in its final act and because we’ve grown to care about the characters so much that by that time, something poignant, maybe even magical, is felt."




SPOILERS ... SPOILERS ... SPOILERS

Chinese Title
“Ting Shuo” (I heard)

Genre
Romance

Year
2009

Origin
Taiwan

Cast
Eddie Peng
Ivy Chen
Michelle Chen
Lo Bei-an
Lin Mei Shiu

Foreword
It’s been awhile since I cried at a movie. An excellent example of when less is more.

Review
Recent entries in Taiwanese cinema have been impressive (Cape No. 7, Secret and this year’s smash hit Monga) and now Hear Me can add itself to the list of reasons to watch Taiwanese movies. There’s nothing that new in here, but the movie is well-made enough that you think you are watching something new.

Eddie Peng is Tian Huo, a local delivery boy who meets and falls in love with Yang Yang (Ivy Chen), a girl who is working numerous jobs to raise funds to send her sister to the Deaflympics. Tian Huo is immature and not that bright, but his unconditional love for Yang Yang and the way he interacts with his parents – who clearly dote on their only son – is pleasant to watch and makes him a very likeable male lead.

The sister relationship between Yang Yang and Xiao Peng was equally engaging. Well-written and thoughtful, their relationship offers the opportunity to present revelations about the barriers that people with hearing disabilities face, such as the sisters living in a flat with basically no rooms, as deaf people prefer to be able to see everything in their surroundings. The movie never tries to fish for audience sympathy, but they get it anyway, as the way these barriers are presented in a way that is simple and unpretentious.

Hear Me reminds me a bit of Korea’s …ing, where nothing really happens in terms of plot until later in the movie, but the simplicity of the story, heartfelt performances and portrayal of Taiwan’s underprivileged urban charm is honest and genuine, which is appreciated in today’s world of brouhaha film-making. The fact that the movie manages to affect even though most of the story happens in silence (since most of the dialogue is communicated via sign language) is even more impressive.

For some reason, Asian actors are ace performers at portraying people with disabilities who use sign language (Yuko Fueki in Wuri’s Family, Julian Cheung in Return of the Cuckoo, and Fala Chen in Moonlight Resonance), and Hear Me is no exception. Michelle Chen delivers her best performance to date as the deaf Xiao Peng, although there is a bit too much head-jerking in some scenes. Eddie Peng continues to improve and he is charming, cheerful, and aw-shucks likeable as the juvenile but optimistic Tian Huo.

The big plus is Ivy Chen, who performs admirably as the timid, thoughtful Yang Yang. Her acting is infused with a total lack of pretension and raw emotions, and it also helps that she looks like she walked out of an anime production. And Lo Bei-an and Lin Mei Shiu, who portray Tian Huo’s parents, are warm and funny, and although their characters are sometimes nagging and long-winded, they clearly consider Tian Huo’s happiness their chief priority, which is refreshing.

The movie manages genuine surprise in its final act (and for once I won’t ruin it for you in this review) and because we’ve grown to care about the characters so much that by that time, something poignant, maybe even magical, is felt. All you need is love.

To Watch or Not to Watch, That is the Question
Highly recommended.

Rating
5/5

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LOVE IN DISGUISE [Mov][Chi]

Written by Funn Lim




"And if you ask me, this is not a Wang Lee Hom movie. Nope. It is a Wang Lee Hom DOCUMENTARY."









SPOILERS ... SPOILERS ... SPOILERS

Chinese title
Lian Ai Tong Gao

Let me guess, literally translated as "A Notice/Order For Romance". I like the English title though.

Released in
2010


Directed by
Leehom Wang

Writing credits
Hung-chieh Chen, Xin Yi Du, Leehom Wang

Cast-Character
Taken from IMDB.com

Leehom Wang ... Du Ming-Han
Yifei Liu ... Song Xiao-Qing
Joan Chen ... Joan
Han Dian Chen ... Wei Zhi-Bai
Khalil Fong
Zhenyu Qiao ... Mu Fan
Na Xie
Yike Zeng ... Xiao Tao

Summary
From GSC movies

Du Minghan (Wang Leehom) is a famous celebrity pop star and with the help of his agent, Joan (Joan Chen), his career took off amazingly.

When he accidentally met the plain looking Song Xiaoqing (Crystal Liu), he immediately fell in love with her and decides to disguise himself as a student, Ah De, together with his best pal (Chen Han Dian).

Will Xiaoqing ever find out the truth of Ah De's real identity? Will she be able to accept him for who he is?

Comment
I hope the above is not the official summary because reading that summary I felt like I was watching a different movie.

Let me say this out clearly; I do not doubt Wang Lee Hom as a musician. I admire his musical abilities, I was his fan until he became like every Taiwanese pop star with the melancholic love songs, I really miss his earlier works. I may have doubts over his lyrics writing skills but I do not doubt his voice and his melodies so to speak. But I wonder who suggested to him that he can write, direct AND star in a movie that I believe he himself feels strongly for (as he should as this is his baby) and I believe his fans will eagerly watch and buy and keep and promote and praise till no end in sight but the general populace like myself may just feel the only reason he got this weak script made into a movie and directed by himself, a first time director and directing himself no less is purely because of his popularity as a musician. I will not even call him a singer, he is above that and again that I do not doubt. It is obvious if this script came from a Mr Up And Coming Nobody, it would not have been made into a movie without at least a complete overhaul of the plot plus a few rewrites. Not that it was awful.

For a first time director, and an occasional actor, Wang Lee Hom did a fair job but that is me being kind because I like him. Truthfully the movie is incoherent at times, inconsistent mostly and uniformly messy. Oh yes, it can be messy and yet organised mess.

I will save my breath over the story; it is simply a pop star meets ordinary pretty girl, goes looking for her, falls for her, juggles between 2 identities and realises the times he was in disguise is his real self, and in the end manages to get the girl and saves the music university from total and absolute annihilation due to unpopularity of Chinese music instruments in the face of modern R&B and hip hop and what nots. In the middle he crammed some stuff on the difficulties of being a pop star like constantly surrounded by rumours that are not true, paparazzis as well as snotty classically trained musicians versus famous pop stars seemingly without musical credentials. And above all that he crammed in as well the meaning of music, the making of music and the flow of music through visuals and some imagination sequences.

And if you ask me, this is not a Wang Lee Hom movie. Nope. It is a Wang Lee Hom DOCUMENTARY. Take away Crystal Liu and the half baked love story and what you really have is a musician's take on a musical journey through the eyes of a musician that is Wang Lee Hom.

And that is what I like about this movie. Everytime he sings, he plays the piano, plays the Chinese violin, performs or in Du Ming Han mode, he is at his best because that is not acting; that is Wang Lee Hom being Wang Lee Hom. But when he is far away from a musical instrument or a stage or not in a performance, quite frankly I have no idea what he is doing onscreen. As an actor, he must work on his diction. I can understand Joan Chen and Crystal Liu and everybody else perfectly but Lee Hom gave me problems; half the time I have no idea what he was saying. He sounds lazy and he speaks like he sings. Which is why I said I doubt his lyrics writing ability quite simply because half the time I can't understand him. You can compare him with the other musical thespian more famous than he is who wrote, directed and starred in his own movie that is Jay Chou except these days I can understand Jay Chou better. I think working for Zhang Yimou really helps with his music and acting performances. Of course Lee Hom can boast he worked for Ang Lee too but seriously, in that movie that shall not be named, I didn't quite bother with his presence.

That is not to say he isn't charming. There are some funny scenes; like how one overeager designer dressed him in various impossible fashion to disguise his real identity. That scene is funny but in the end meaningless and darn ridiculous. Such an image consultant/designer will not get hired for those ridiculous fashion. And the actress was way over the top in her performance which for a moment made me wonder if this a slapstick comedy?

And yet the whole thing came crashing down to earth when he entered the university and had his I suppose first taste of Chinese music eventhough his concert at the beginning incorporated those elements already. Was he playing the Monkey God in the beginning? Anyway the improptu performance he gave to the headmaster together with his best friend guitarist showed that his Du Ming Han is quite well versed with Chinese instruments. And that was this movie's best scene. What a fun musical session! So I wonder, what motivates him to join the university? To get the girl? And yet he said he just wanted to be her friend, somewhere along the way he felt jealous when he saw a fellow student touching her and so there began the very short courtship.

And then the movie changed mode and focused on the troubles of the university; like some statement given by a serious musician, that youngsters today have no appreciation for classical music, in this case the Chinese classical music being our roots and our culture and so the musical event organised by the headmaster (who so happens to be the father of the girl of his dreams) was heading into trouble as the headmaster lamented the lack of students. And yet in the beginning when Du Ming Han was walking amongst the students I see plenty of students, many of them quite young. So if there is a lack of enrolment I wonder is the headmaster hoping for 200% enrolment? The solution to the headmaster's problem is Du Ming Han himself performing at the event to draw in youngsters but as far as I am concerned, apart from perhaps 2 modern music blended with the chinese classical music, he then performed his love ode to his dream girl on a piano in a rather modern sort of way, with lyrics written by her of course. She felt moved and so ran back to him. The anger, the pain, the rejection, the confusion, the betrayal, the humiliation, all solved with 1 song and I suppose in 1 or 2 days. I find that rather simplistic.

And that is why I find this movie lacking. It thrives to be important, expounding his views on classical music versus modern music and the amalgamation of these 2 different worlds into great tunes and yet at the same time filled it with nonsense such as needless slapstick and confusing visuals that made me think "are they on drugs?" and some surface wise heavy themes but looking deep down is just touch and go issues. All wrapped up in a friendly fan pleasing love story that neither advances his musical theory or impeding it; just that it was that. It is like as if the musician him is struggling with the popular him; do I make a movie about my passion or a movie to please others? Hence the confusing script.

You know a production that better illustrate this point? The Korean dramedy, Oh! My Lady. That series made the love affair between a hot young pop star and an older woman with child more believable, probably because it has a better script, better acted and a few more hours to tell the story properly. Or maybe, just maybe it doesn't pretend to be some social commentary and is just what it is.

However I like some visuals from this movie. The sequences where Ming Han was very seduced by the music played by Xiao Qing or the masters at the university. Lee Hom filled that with butterflies and the best of course a painting being painted, Chinese style as his character flew in it. There is promise in the visuals, you can feel his passion for this sort of music. And then the love story had to butt into that part and I felt rather ambushed by it.

There are however some visuals I didn't get. Like when Xiao Qing heard her lyrics being turned into a song in the hall, suddenly rain fell on her as she walked. She was wet. When she went back to Ming Han on the stage, she was still very wet. So when the whole sequence of rain falling on her and her alone, it was real?! And then they hugged, happily and immediately his fans roared with approval. Seriously, really? Why not try and get Wang Lee Hom to do that to rumoured girlfriend Crystal on the concert stage for real and let's see if the roar of approval is instantenous because I will bet it won't be. At least a 10 seconds silence or shock would be more realistic. His manager, Joan Chen crying alone when she found out he lied to her and willing to abandon his pop star status for love and I was thinking is she in love with him or is she just crying her rice bowl may break? When his car hit Xiao Qing she stayed on the road underneath the car to play the Chinese piano to which Ming Han heard and saw butterflies. I was like again, seriously? How cliche is that? And then he went in search of her, calling her an inspiration when I never got the impression he lacked inspiration at all. Maybe showing him as a talented but somehow down on his luck musician may better illustrate his need to find her or maybe a talentless pop star who actually has talent buried underneath when he heard her music and was inspired by it. As it is I don't see the motivation except a pop star on a self indulgent spree.

And that is basically what this movie is; an indulgent.

Performances wise, Joan Chen was wonderful as she should be.

Crystal Liu is mesmerising. I find her beautiful, intelligent looking and graceful. She gives me an impression she is classically trained musician herself because she was convincing when playing the chinese piano. A pity her character is so poorly written. No doubt she is in almost every single scene and yet I felt unsatisfied; I thought she was underused. She may be in each scene but she really had nothing much to do. Even when she had something to do like looking at the snotty classical trained senior, I was thinking if Xiao Qing in awe of him? In love with him? She lacked expressions thus making her a competent mesmerizing actress but not necessarily a great one. Something was missing. And in the end at the final concert I was hoping she would duet with Lee Hom's Ming Han like in earlier scenes but she was reduced to an angry jilted lover seduced by his love song and so rushed to him to love him back. I find that nonsensical. How great it would have been to have them as equals in music; she in classical music, he in modern music, both finding a common thread in music as the basis for their love and devotion for one another. Except it ended with them kissing, lamely if I might add with the whole paparazzi looking on. And frankly that is one message Lee Hom can bear in mind next time he is kissing someone he doesn't want her seen; just let them take the pictures. However one can't always live the life one preaches. I quite detest him for reducing Crystal into a prop; a prop that is sometimes dressed in her I suppose most famous role, Xiao Long Nu.

Lee Hom himself is not terrible. Some reviewers did note that he had no problems parodying himself or rather making himself as the joke and for that I applaud him. But I didn't like how he imagined he strangled the paparazzi who dared ask him about his rumoured relationships after a successful concert. That is not funny and I feel a tad crass. I don't believe Lee Hom is such a person. I find him classy and intelligent and very patient looking. Whatever anger issues he harboured, I believe this is the first I see, on screen. And since this is to be a documentary or a biopic on him, that may be his real feelings. But what do you expect from a life as an entertainer? You're public property, whether you like it or not. Your musical abilities confirms your talent but what fuels you is your popularity and that is derived from press' opinion of you. As they always say, bad publicity is better than no publicity at all. He tries very hard in this movie of his; he cast the right people, he writes the right music, he chooses the right subject but in the end as a director he was inadequate. Sometimes another person may be able to realise one's own vision so to relinquish the baton of directorship may have been the movie's best move. It is just silly how he narrates the movie, lost the narration half way, ends it with narration again, all those dream sequences (some well done and quite relevant) and the worst move, adding title sequences between scenes ala Babe to make a point, of which I really didn't quite care. His performance is ok but his story and directorship is everywhere. Which makes this movie nowhere.

You know what would have been a better movie that would serve his purpose of the debate of classical versus modern music and explaining his views why it doesn't matter? A real documentary. A documentary of a famous musician cum pop star from Taiwan called Wang Lee Hom on a journey of musical discovery through Chinese classical music and how in the end he discovered himself along the way, showing in visuals how he sees classical music, sequences on how he merges these two mediums and ends with a mini concert and an album. In between he can talk about his approach to music, why Chinese classical music, his vision, his hopes, his dreams. Like a 2 hour special, except with widescreen treament in the cinema with premieres and stuff. That sort of documentary can be released in cinemas and if well directed, could also be submitted for considertion of the Academy Awards for Documentaries. Rarely do I see a pop star approach in classical settings and moreover, who better than Wang Lee Hom, himself I believe has classical roots? After all he is not just a pretty face or a pop star, he is a serious musician who writes good music. That would have been a great "movie", one I would gladly watch in the cinemas.

A great pity of the potential this could have been.

Verdict
Musically, heavenly. Acting wise, hit and mostly miss thanks to a poor predictable superficial script. Entertainment wise, the music works, the movie itself failed. Overall, the full movie is strictly for fans but some parts are worth a watch. Now hoping someone would just cut out those musical parts and that 30 minutes or so would have my seal of approval as one of the best "musical" ever.

INTERESTING MUSIC
Frankly I can't differentiate between hip hop and R&B so to me an addictive tune is a good tune.

My favourite from the movie is not the main ballad which is to me typical Wang Lee Hom but the other one, the one he sang with the Chinese orchestra. Found it! Thanks to chriztna and juljin79 for the tip. The title is 十八般武艺 which is the title of his album. The chorus is awesome with his falsetto but the starting not quite. I hate the woah! and I wish he uses less autotune because it does sound like autotune and quite mechanical at parts. If it is not autotune then I am not sure why he sounds too manufactured. English, Chinese lyrics all here. Did he sing all that?! By the way the English translation I believe is literal.



CLEAR VERSION
Click the embedded player to listen. If there is one great thing about Love In Disguise, it is this song, 十八般武艺 which becomes better with each listen. I was curious what the title means and the translator just says "Be Versatile" although the literal translation is 18 Martial Arts. I wonder is that actually meaning "Be Versatile"?

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A GREAT WAY TO CARE [TVB]

Written by Bridget Au

"There’s a lot of stigma associated with mental illnesses and while this series teaches us what the different disabilities are called, it didn’t quite address the societal stigma"




SPOILERS ... SPOILERS ... SPOILERS

Chinese Title
“Yan Sum Kai Ma” (roughly translates to deciphering the human heart)

Released In
2009

No. of episodes
20

Theme song
Juno Mak

Cast
Alex Fong as Ko Lap Yan
Kate Tsui as Man Yee (Monkey)
Cheung Chi Kwong as Dr. Lin
Raymond Wong as Chun
Vivian Yeo as Ka Bik
Supporting Cast
Ellesmere Choi
Michelle Chan
Ngok Wah
Lee Kwok Lun
Suki Tsui
Yoyo Chen
Hung Tin Ming

Foreword
May not have the A-list cast and media buy, but a well-paced plot, intriguing subject matter, and better-than-expected performances make A Great Way to Care much better than say… Healing Hands. One of the better series of 2009.

Review
A Great Way to Care was reportedly frozen due to the broadcast of Sweetness in the Salt after the success of Rosy Business, and I have to say, TVB could have picked some other series to banish to the warehouse. A B-list cast, previously unexplored territory and a May-December romance usually spells doom for a TVB series but in this case, things work out just fine and the result is an affecting, accomplished little drama.

Looking for a Miss HK to don a fat suit in TVB might have been a ridiculous thought prior to this series, but thanks to the brave Vivian Yeo, look no further. I’ve never liked Vivian in the past but she gives a winning performance as Ka Bik: sweet, cute, and genuinely likeable and she had good chemistry with Raymond Wong as well. She is definitely one of the highlights of this series.

I like Monkey because she is ballsy, good-hearted, and tough. She makes an interesting and I would say fantastic couple with Dr. Ko, and not just because of their age difference. I like how they tell each other off half the time, but beneath the no-holds-barred “Shut your mouth!”, there’s a genuine mutual respect between them. Monkey, for example, calls Dr. Ko ‘Ko Yan’ (the first and last character of his Chinese name which also translates to something like a deity-type expert, someone you go to for advice). I also like how the growth from mutual respect to mutual love is portrayed realistically.

While questionably talented, I’ve always suspected Kate Tsui had this untapped potential to play a total psychopath (she’s got those “I’m gonna kill you” eyes) and AGWTC gives her an opportunity to portray a schizophrenic girl. Unfortunately, she only gets to play that for a total of 2 episodes. She was downright terrifying in those sleepwalker scenes. If I worked in that hospital I would have believed she was guilty for murdering that guy too! I like her as the gutsy Monkey because she seems similar to Kate Tsui’s real-life personality, but otherwise her performance is just adequate.

Alex Fong, Cheung Chi Kwong, and Raymond Wong would probably top my list as the least likely casting choices for a trio of good buddies, but they have this oddball chemistry that works and brings back memories of the good-old TVB camaraderie days such as the Bobby / William / Cheung / Michael quad of Files of Justice. They also each excel at their role. Raymond is consistently a B-liner, but his performance as the unambitious, low-tension Chun was enjoyable and entertaining to watch.

Cheung has always been one of TVB’s dependable secondary actors and this series is no exception. While he doesn’t look like a doctor per se, he does convince as the research / medical journal writer type and his portrayal of the filial son, good father, and even better husband is agreeable though underwhelming.

At first, I did not know what to think of Alex Fong as the mouthy, sarcastic but very bright Dr. Ko. I thought he looked convincing as a doctor, although age-wise he is a bit too old since Dr. Ko is supposedly only 34 (which makes no sense given his supposed breadth of experience). Alex usually strikes me as oh-so-serious, but I was pleasantly surprised by his performance. His deadpan delivery of Dr. Ko’s acid wit and make-no-mistake instructions to the trainees at the hospital were hilarious. An excellent performance – who would’ve thunk? He’s got chemistry with Kate too. Their tearful breakup scene was one of the best acted since the Fei / Quin breakup from Detective Investigation Files IV.

Pierre Ngo was fantastic in his cameo performance as the religious cult leader in the earlier part of the series. Yoyo Chen continues to impress in her secondary roles. With a bit of voice training she can probably be one of the next fa dans along with Vivian Yeo. Lee Kwok Lun was also great in his role as the wimpy older brother to Dr. Ko.

Michelle Chan delivers one of the weaker performances and I find her contrite, somewhat manufactured, and even irritating as Dr. Lin’s wife. Maybe she should stick with hosting. Suet Lei was even worse; she is one of the few veterans who you can always count on for a terrible performance. Ngok Wah wasn’t too much better as his voice tends to be monotone.

This series has some more rough spots. While well-intentioned in its goal to raise awareness about mental disabilities, like many TVB profession series, they simplify matters to the point of ridicule. Mental illnesses are complex. They require a hefty dose of research and investigation into one’s background and circumstance, and still are very much misunderstood by your Average Joe on the street. But nope, one conversation with these super doctors and they’re diagnosed. Another 2-3 conversations and they’re cured! Isn’t TVB great?!

I also thought this series didn’t make full use of the opportunity to dispel the myth that people who have mental disabilities are just “crazy”. There’s a lot of stigma associated with mental illnesses and while this series teaches us what the different disabilities are called, it didn’t quite address the societal stigma. It’s also bizarre how involved Dr. Ko gets in the investigation of the cases, to the extent where it begins to seem as if the cops don’t do anything and just wait on Dr. Ko to enlighten them as to who the real culprit is (shades of The Mysteries of Love – yikes). But I should remind myself that this is TVB, and not everything needs to make sense.

To Watch or Not To Watch
Recommended as one of the underrated efforts of 2009. A pleasant surprise.

Rating
4/5

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PILGRIMAGE TO THE WEST [O][Chi]

Written by Funn Lim



"But those who wants a JTTW series will be severely disappointed. Wukong seemed out of character, Pig never changed in character, the Buddhas were strange and I find some storyline offensive and it didn't have the spirit of JTTW. I won't rush to rent or buy this one."

PREVIOUSLY POSTED ON 14.10.2010 AT THE MAIN BLOG


RELEASED IN
2009 (I think)

PRODUCTION
Mainland China

REVIEW

There is something not quite right with the new Journey To The West adaptation from Mainland China called Pilgrimage To The West. So many not quite right that I can't quite list them all so if I sound like I am rambling, that is because I am.

First and foremost, the Master seems rather friendly with his disciples, even taking a bath with them as they reflected back their experiences in the journey like 4 best friends in a tub, except 4 different tubs. I find that very odd because in all other adaptations that I have watched (so far, I admit about 3) the Master do keep a distance from his disciple. He is ultra serious, never lie but forced to do so often by his disciples for the greater good and often conduct himself with the greatest dignity, and his disciples treating him with utmost respect, like a son to a father, a very honoured father. So to see him in a tub chatting like some slumber party is very very odd.

Then there's the rush of all female demons wanting to marry him, male demons wanting to eat him. That is usual, except I kept thinking Master didn't look one bit offended when touched by the female demons at all. In fact he seems expressionless, rather enjoying it. In most versions he is often pushed and persuaded to do something contrary to his beliefs, including fake marriages but this one seems quite happy to go along with the plan.

But the worst had to be the conduct of Buddha himself. That is near blasphemy and I don't care what the book says, it didn't seem right.

First of, when they reached India and the place to collect the sutras, I thought it was the end. The journey they said 14 years which I read is true although the book(s) covered 9 of those years only. But it wasn't the end. Buddha first said that the unwritten sutras are the sutras but since many can't understand that, the monk and disciple will bring back the written sutras and spread to China. So He ordered the expensive and rare and honoured and holy sutras to be given to the Monk which the monk went to collect only to be told "These sutras are rare and expensive. Took us a long time to create them ourselves and to just give them to you, that will be a loss to us. So what have you to give us?" so asked Buddha's disciple. And I was like shocked! WHAT?! Corruption within Buddha's company so to speak? That must be fake but it was darn real. So monk gave up his golden bowl, took the sutras and went before Buddha. Weird thing is not only did Wukong did not say one word of that corruption, he later even said it was reasonable since they took a long time to collect the sutras! Eh! That's not the Wukong I know! The Wukong I know will make a fuss to Buddha since his master was bullied into giving his golden bowl. The Wukong I know will ask what then is the purpose of the travel to collect sutras that they have to pay for! It wasn't even part of the test mind you! And then Buddha said to Monk that only those who are strict vegetarians that have not killed or eaten meat or whatnots can open the sutras to read and our Monk like eagerly nodded and said yeah yeah yeah. No! Of course not! Buddha ain't that selfish and so rank minded! He ain't so snobbish! Worst to come! Monk said nothing! Wouldn't that be against every principle of his learnings and teachings? Nope, not one word. Technically even Wukong can't open the sutras. And Monk left without asking Buddha to release Wukong from his servitude or give enlightment to his 2 other disciples since journey is completed!

Guess what? Journey isn't completed yet! 8 more days to  go, 1 more test to go and they're thrown into the wild for one final test. Since they already got the sutras which they had to pay for, answer me this; what then is the point of 1 more test? Is this version trying to tell us beaurecracy and red tape still exists and is alive and well even amongst Buddhas?

And dear Guanyin, she said nothing. In fact I thought maybe the demons pretended to be Guanyin and all and playing a trick on them but nope, that's Guanyin. And Guanyin looked like any other goddess frankly.

And I will not forget the interesting story of Princess Paro and her imitator. The problem with this story is after it is done and over with, we have to endure some more to learn the background of the imitator. Why? Why not just say it earlier and finish with it? That imitator is a rabbit on the moon, under the care and supervision of Chang Er. And Chang Er even gave orders to the 3 disciples on what to do as she flew around beautifully. Sorry, but it was as if Chang Er was on the moon on a vacation. I thought in one of the versions she was on the moon as a punishment?

Whilst I am ok with Pig, but after goddamn 14 years surely he must be on good terms with Wukong by now and not backstab him? Only Wujing seems quite ok, seems in character as a simple minded man albeit a hot looking one in my personal opinion. Wukong really had me wondering what is wrong with him? The whole entire corruption scene was weird, to have Wukong not make one fuss at all is weird. Most weird of all sometimes he is just monkey and sometimes too human, the performance is inconsistent. The most disappointing of all is his golden fighting pole. It was just a pole. No personality, no life. But then maybe just for the last 6 episodes, probably earlier it was alive and well.

Whilst I enjoyed some part of the story, I feel this is not a true adaptation, not in spirit anyway since I haven't finished the book(s). It can't be the worst since that Mainland China Dicky Cheung with Edmond Leung as the monk ranks as the worst but this can't be any good either. Everybody seems so heartless, so businesslike, Buddha seems un-Buddha, Guan Yin too hands off and too distant and the Monk, he's like sleepwalking with a permanent smile and the rest aren't themselves. The fighting scenes like it's opening theme goes on so long, I finished one bowl of rice before the fighting stops or the song finishes. The more I watch this, the more I appreciate TVB's version which is true in spirit and I went away from that series entertained, enlightened and definitely in deeper understanding of Buddhism than a story about Buddha. In truth, TVB's version is very spiritual, despite the comedy and the cuteness. Let's not even talk about the original JTTW China adaptation. This Pilgrimage To The West, the title itself is wrong. It isn't Pilgrimage, strictly speaking. But that's nitpicking. My problem with it is I went away with nothing; I learnt nothing; I got back nothing. It is just a story but no more than that and even that the story is well started but badly ended.

The acting is strange. Generally they're ok except spoilt by dubbing but frankly the monk... he lacked that wisdom and gravitas to play this role. Being handsome is not the only criteria, it is one of the criterias! He just seem like a man in a robe instead of a monk who went through centuries of being monks in all his reincarnations. Joan Chen was terrible as Guanyin and she looked like she was struggling to stand still. Buddha was shockingly young! I can't remember the rest except the girl who played Nezha was good and Chen Derong was good. The costume were good, the scenery a winner but then that is China's credit and not the director's. I was sort of impressed they found Indians to play Indian guards in I suppose border of India but in actual fact still in China?

It is just one weird adaptation. Hopefully the 2011 adaptation will fare better, at least in the spirit of the story. By looking at the pictures, I must admit Wukong looks scary. Maybe he is meant to be scary, at least this is a departure from the previous adaptations. And I hope there will be live sound recording. I am tired of hearing dubbed voices which somehow has a lot of "Eh eh eh eh eh eh eh" sounds for god knows why with the girls with high pitched voices and the men all sounding very masculine. For once I must take my hat off to TVB for making JTTW accessible, fun and a deeply spiritual experience. And Kong Wah is the BEST monk with Mimi Kung so far in JTTW the best Guanyin. Dicky Cheung made Wukong cute and lovable even if kinda dangerous who showed change from ep 1 till the end but yes, Liu Xiao Ling Tong owns Wukong. No doubt about that.

[UPDATES] The last episode was broadcast on 14.10.2010 and it was the weirdest ending ever. I find myself not really finding much faults in performances generally, although some are terrible but it's the story or rather the presentation of the story. JTTW basically has the same core and elements as any remakes, updates, etc. But this one, the ending was very badly written. It would show they went home to China, pondering how to spread the words of the Sutras which is ok, but most of these scenes which is supposed to be very emotional reunions like the Monk with his sworn brother the Emperor of his rather grown up disciples or people they have rescued before or Wukong with his family and clan. However they just kept talking and emphasises the Monk has traveled 10,800 miles (may not be miles but you know, the distance) and all I could think of was "Oh come on, after 10,800 miles, for heaven's sake, let them sit down and then talk!". In fact, the monk didn't look like he went through hell for 14 years. Hardly any time passed at all on his face. He should be thinner, looked like he suffered and basically look older. He didn't. And then the Monk had to go back to India and to get their rewards. I was thinking why go back and forth? What is the significance of that? And here comes the worst part because first of Buddha was badly portrayed and when their rewards were given, as in promotion, etc I felt rather empty. I don't feel involved with that scene and I was telling my sister why; TVB's JTTW 2 may have been god awful, it at least stayed on the right path and represented the story well. The emphasis was not on getting promotion, as this China production spent precious minutes just to show all that but rather like the sifu in TVB version said; the journey was about garnering life's experiences, that being the true teaching of the sutras. I agree. And their ending didn't really drag on with the rewards scene and in restrospect I appreciated the brevity. In this current series, it was darn boring. And the final scene was not an emotional good bye between the dragon horse (yes, in every JTTW adaptation, they will forget about the horses) or disciples and the Monk but just well, moving on. 14 years together and the sifu never looked at them and feel teary eyed. And last scene was Wukong going back to find I suppose his original sifu/teacher and then finally to Faguo Shan to be with his clan and family. And that was the final scene. I felt very detached and I thought the entire series being told the way it was told in the last 2 episodes did the earlier episodes great injustice. It simply didn't feel like JTTW, it felt like any other series.

But I admire the actors' dedication. The last bit showed the NGs and the actor playing Wukong had a tough time. He did the stunts himself, which includes flying around and he hit the wall, he hit the roof, he hit every. And the way he had to do sommersaults whilst on wire seemed so dangerous, I was fearing he looked like he was about to snap his neck several times! Also interesting was he looked mighty pissed when he couldn't get things right; very Wukong of him to throw temper tantrum, not at others but at himself and he even threw the pole roughly onto the floor one time! But again I admire his dedication to his art. It is not easy playing Wukong and he was ok but he would have been helped with a better coherent script. Even the ladies were having a tough time, Chen Derong doing her own stunts, funny moments like forgetting scripts, etc was really funny. Even the actor playing the monk, Vincent Chan, handsome brother of Kelly Chan had a scary moment when he was tied to a pole or something, dropped into the river and looked like he could have drowned and be looked almost panicking and quickly the guys came and pulled him up. I don't deny their dedication, but the script was poor. Vincent Chan was worse. But the scenery was beautiful.

VERDICT
Any JTTW fan would probably want to see a new adaptation, and I suspect liberties have been taken with the story as well so those who read the book may wish to compare and contrast. But in the end this series didn't feel like JTTW to me. It felt like a series about supernatural beings and if you see it that way, despite the long unending dialogues, the dubbing which irritated me or some poor acting, you may enjoy this. But those who wants a JTTW series will be severely disappointed. Wukong seemed out of character, Pig never changed in character, the Buddhas were strange and I find some storyline offensive and it didn't have the spirit of JTTW. I won't rush to rent or buy this one. I'd save my money for the original adaptation or TVB version if TVB ever bothered to release the full episodes instead of butchering it to fit a number of VCDs for maximum profit. Now I am eager to watch the 2011 adaptation because I am sure the cinematography would be excellent but I suspect yet again the director may just go off tangent when it comes to the story. But at least stay true to the spirit. Pilgrimage To The West failed miserably in that department.

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