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Friday, June 08, 2007
"in love with drama" cd download
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Track 01. Susanna Kwan - Speechless (Themesong from TVB series Heart of Greed) :: download - 3.58 MBs - 3:49
Track 02. Shirley Kwan - Only Once (Subsong from TVB series Best Selling Secrets) :: download - 2.97 MBs - 3:14
Track 03. Kevin Cheng - The Most Beautiful Seventh Day (Themesong from TVB series The Seventh Day) :: download - 3.53 MBs - 3:51
Track 04. Charmaine Sheh - Forbidden Love (Subsong from TVB series Maidens' Vow) :: download - 3.63 MBs - 3:52
Track 05. Liza Wang - The Last Empress (Themesong from TV series The Last Empress) :: download - 3.21 MBs - 3:30
Track 06. Raymond Lam & Linda Chung - Appreciated (Subsong from TVB series The Heart of Greed) :: download - 4.18 MBs - 4:34
Track 07. Bowie Lam - Right or Wrong's Grey Area (Themesong from TVB series Misleading Track) :: download - 3.55 MBs - 3:52
Track 08. Bosco Wong - Which Day (Subsong from TVB series Dicey Business) :: download - 3.01 MBs - 3:13
Track 09. Bernice Liu - I'm So In Love With You :: download - 2.98 MBs - 3:15
Track 10. Ron Ng - Golden Strong (Subsong from TVB series Men in Pain) :: download - 3.75 MBs - 4:06
The 2007 grand production Heart of Greed started off shaky, but gradually kept increasing and gaining buzz. In the last half of the series, it was the hottest series to hit in a long time. TVB finally had another big hit in their hands. Ratings were no longer in a slump. Everyone was chatting about it and the cast all got nice boosts in popularity (besides a certain someone). Ultimately, ratings peaked with an impressive high of 48 pts (3.1 million viewers).
TVB announced that they would film another series with Heart's cast to reunite everyone in hopes of another hot series.
It was revealed on May 31st by Louis Yuen in Moses Chan and Linda Chung's chat room session with fans that the entire cast hoped to film a comedy. Moses and Linda both thought it was a really good idea. In today's news, TVB revealed that the new series would have a completely new storyline in a different genre. This confirms that TVB plans to film a grand production comedy.
It's been years since TVB has done a grand production comedy. These days, there are no longer series like A Recipe for the Heart, Happy Ever After, The Legendary Four Aces, and so on. Comedies these days are low-budget with only a few A-list names in the main roles. Only grand production dramas get big A-list cast members.
I love the idea of a comedic Heart. TVB is producing too many grand production dramas these days. The Brink of Law, Dicey Business, The Drive of Life, The Gem of Life... does the audience really need any more big-budget dramas? There's only so much "rich people fighting" storylines and drama that can be created before it gets tiring. After the 60-episode Drive and 80-episode Gem, I think the audience will feel oversaturated with heavy drama. It's time for a change - bring back the grand production comedies!
Besides, if the Heart cast and crew did a drama again, it might seem repetitive and bore the audience. Also, everyone would be comparing the two. It just would be a bad idea.
The cast of Heart is my favorite A-list cast that TVB has put together, so I am thrilled everyone is going to be reunited for a new series. Everyone seems to get along really well and have great chemistry together. They just elicit a very warm feeling and the acting is spectacular. Everyone in Heart cried so much and went through so much drama. A comedy from them would be very refreshing and I think it will also be a hit.
Now, will it be modern or ancient?
I think it can go either way.
If it's modern, I think it would be perfect if TVB did a version of the 10-years-running American classic sitcom Friends. Friends is a hilarious and sometimes heartwarming sitcom about six friends (3 guys, 3 girls) who live in the same apartment building and follows their entertaining struggles through relationships and life's tribulations. Ultimately, four of the six friends become couples. Heart has 6 young leads to fill in the roles (Moses, Linda, Raymond Lam, Yoyo Mung, Bosco Wong, Tavia Yeung) of the 6 friends and the veterans can be their parents. [I'll do a separate post on who I think should play which part in a Friends recast later.] It would be refreshing to see a grand production comedy revolving around the lives of 6 friends [who together are essentially a family] rather than a modern "big family" comedy.
If it's ancient, I think it would probably be a costume "big family" comedy like Virtues of Harmony and Colourful Life.
Personally, I'd want a modern grand production comedy because TVB hasn't done one in a long time. However, I'd be happy and satisfied either way.
Filming most likely won't start until 2008. Moses, Bosco, Linda, and Lee See Kei are working on Gem until October 2007, Bosco will be working simultaneously on the modern version of War of In-Laws until the fall, Linda (who may or may not be filming in addition with Gem) and Yoyo are busy until November 2007 with Forensic Heroes II, and Raymond is tied up with the grand production wuxia adaptation of the novel The Four Great Constables by Wen Rui An.
This comedic Heart will be my most anticipated release in 2009 for sure. It would be great if TVB airs it as an anniversary series for that year too.
How about you guys? Are you liking the comedic Heart idea? Would you rather it be a costume or modern comedy?
Off-Stage Drama is a new on-going feature that tells the stories of drama that goes on behind-the-scenes. Stars are people and with people involved, there's bound to be jealousy, rivalries, and clashing personalities. The press feeds on these conflicts. [Please note that this feature is not 100% factual. They are based on rumors as reported by the media.]
Nancy Sit versus Lee See Kei
Rumors of disharmony between these two veterans date back to their collaboration on TVB's longest running production and only true soap opera, A Kindred Spirit. For whatever reason, the media reported that they didn't get along. Perhaps a rivalry of some sort existed between the two. I'm not clear as this is dating back to ten years ago. Kindred came to an end mainly because Lee See Kei, who played the main mother on the show, was diagnosed with cancer. Aside from that, ratings were becoming stale and TVB wanted the show to go out with a bang. It's also said that Nancy and Lee See Kei's conflicts led to Kindred's end.
After the series concluded, Nancy directed a stage show for Kindred, focusing on real-life issues and untold stories of the cast members. The storyline takes place years later and it's reported that the story revolved around Lee See Kei and Nancy coming to terms with their issues and making peace. I'm not sure if the storyline is about their characters in Kindred or their real life drama. In any case, the disharmony between the two of them finally came to an end and they made nice. [As it should, cancer trumps everything else.]
Now, seven years later, new bitter seeds have been planted again...
The role of "Dai Kai" The grand production Heart of Greed is currently the hot topic of Hong Kong with high ratings and rave reviews. It is red hot in Hong Kong and overseas, with much discussion. Everyone in the cast is seeing a boost in their popularity. In particular, Lee See Kei, who makes her comeback to the entertainment industry after defeating cancer, is being most well-received. She hasn't appeared in a series since Kindred, so people are happy to see her back. People rave at her performance and love her character. Indeed, "Dai Kai" is a special role and touched many hearts and left a solid impression for Lee See Kei. Lee See Kei also has the 80-episode blockbuster The Gem of Life to even further her popularity. Things are looking very bright for this comeback star.
However, it turns out that Lee See Kei wasn't the first choice for the role.
In fact, "Dai Kai" was originally given to Nancy! It was reported recently in a Canadian newspaper (when Nancy was there to do some promotion) that TVB gave the role of "Dai Kai" to Nancy in the beginning. However, Nancy had to go do a health promotion and needed to take a few days off. It is directly because of these "few days" that TVB re-casted "Dai Kai" and gave it to Lee See Kei. Consequently, Nancy lost the chance to play "Dai Kai" - a role TVB had promised to her but ultimately took away.
Nancy says she is happy for Lee See Kei, but you can tell she is upset. Aside from her radio show The World's Family ("Ga Tin Ha"), Nancy has faded away from the limelight after ending her beloved role as "Yau Nim Chi" in Virtues of Harmony. She has filmed one series since then, but Heavenly In-Laws was upsettingly warehoused. Nancy has been with TVB for many years, but doesn't have the "big sister" position as do Liza Wang, Dodo Cheng, and even Lee See Kei. It's a wonder when Nancy will make her comeback at TVB. [On a side note, she doesn't want to film that much since filming series is hard work.]
It is a shame that Nancy lost the chance to play "Dai Kai" and reap all of the benefits of such a portrayal. You really cannot blame her for being bitter or upset over such a loss.
And such... is the off-stage drama between Nancy and Lee See Kei.
You Speak! Was it wrong of TVB to just recast "Dai Kai" like that because Nancy Sit had other arrangements to attend to? Who would you rather have play "Dai Kai?"
Transforming in her growth, Linda Chung unceasingly makes every effort to improve in her bright future
Behind Linda Chung's Glamour - Depression Becomes Crazy
[Mingpao 24/05/07]
In other people's eyes, 23 year-old Linda Chung Ka Yan is a lucky girl. The 2004 "Miss Chinese International" pageant winner entered the entertainment industry and in three short years has filmed over 10 series, with a significant part in each series. She quickly became one of TVB's new 'fa dan' (leading lady) with a bright future. This causes people to be envious. However, behind the glamour, it turns out that Linda, who left Vancouver alone in order to develop in Hong Kong, experienced a time when she felt so helpless that she was depressed and ill! Luckily, everything smoothly passed and today Linda happily enjoys the success after the suffering.
In 'Best Bet'
Michael Tse Tin Wah describes Linda as an 'Iron Woman.' Soon after being crowned "Miss Chinese International," Linda received strong support to join Virtues of Harmony II and act as "Hung Bak Lam." In the next three years, she filmed series after series. She knows that opportunities aren't easy to come by. However, the Vancouver-raised, simple-minded girl said there was a time when she found it hard to handle the immense stress.
Enduring suffering makes success sweeter "At that time, I was alone in Hong Kong. Every day, after work, I'd come home and there'd be no one to talk to. I'd start thinking too much. It was painful and really useless! I'd open the refrigerator and it was empty. There was nothing to eat! Crap! In the early morning at 6 AM, I'd have to go to work all over again. I still didn't have a chance to wash my clothes yet! After I returned home, I'd try yelling loudly, 'I'm about to blow! Someone kill me!' At that point, I was really nearing depression. There are many artists who have similar experiences. They could go out drinking to loosen up. At that time, I was buried in work. The more changes that came, the unhappier I got. However, looking back now in the present, there's no doubt that it was painful, but actually, I should be happy because of my luck. Besides my many opportunities, my pairings were all good. From the start, no one suited or bothered me. There weren't any problems at work. Why should I be unhappy? However, if it wasn't for those days, perhaps right now I would be very haughty! I really appreciate and enjoy my accomplishments."
Self-watched to be a 'good' girl In the course of 3 years of acting, at first, people criticized Linda's acting as bad and that she had a 'chicken' voice. She gradually improved and gained the audience's approval. Every time she hears praises, Linda feels it is the greatest reward. "Right now the audience gradually thinks that I am improving. I am not too exaggerated or stiff. I hope I can be even more natural in my acting. I know my own issues. Presently I'm only at my progressing stage. I still have to work even harder." In the future, Linda hopes to have the opportunities to try out more different roles in movies and sing.
Linda is recognized as the entertainment industry's "good" girl with a pure nature. She hasn't had negative press to destroy her image. "I always watch over myself. I frequently chat online with my parents and will keep my roots. They don't like me drinking, going out late, or making weird friends. I listen to them. A stable person can make things more beautiful."
Hard to forget family of five Linda frankly says that her attachment to her family is great. Although her family's circumstances were impoverished in her childhood, the family's warmth was gathered in the same place. In her life, Linda will never forget her happy childhood. "I was born after my parents immigrated to Vancouver. At that time, we were very poor. With my older sister and brother, our family of five rented a very small room. We didn't have luxuries. The whole family slept in the same place, the feeling was so warm. Nothing materialistic could compare to it. My parents worked painstakingly to earn money to provide the best environment for my brother, sister, and I to grow up and study. I think it's already enough if us five have good health."
In 'Virtues of Harmony II'
It's dumb not to bargain buying fresh produce Her upbringing influences her, so Linda understands that it's very difficult to earn money. That's why she doesn't spend frivolously. She currently rides the subway and bargains when she shops, but she emphasizes that she only gets what is necessary. Newspapers have called her a "Thrift Sister" because she only spends $24 HK a day. "Sometimes I will take a taxi to work and buy a lunch box! Sometimes I will buy drinks, fresh fruits, and order a small plate to watch how other people act. However, I won't carelessly buy very expensive necklaces or garments. Unless it is practical, then I will consider it. Actually, I am very thick-skinned. I don't mind bargaining. It's like buying fruits, if you don't bargain, it's dumb! Being an artist is still a person, there's no need to make a division. People who understand clearest are inside the industry. There isn't a reporter who doesn't bargain!" Linda believes that being ordinary is happiness.
Simple-minded and genuine 'Dak Dak Dei' gives people a feeling of security
Liking "Dak Dak Dei" One is a pure and sympathetic "Dak Dak Dei" (Moses Chan Ho) and one is "Ching Leung" (Raymond Lam Fung), who has deep feelings, but actually endures arguments. If you were Heart of Greed's "Seung Joi Sum," who would you choose? In real life, Linda would pick "Dak Dak Dei" because she is a girl who strongly needs a sense of security. She hopes there is a man who allows her to be at ease and she can rely on.
Doesn't seek fame and fortune, doesn't need luxury "I am quite passive, so I need someone who can push me and take care of me. It's not important whether or not he has money, in my eyes it's all the same. I don't need fame, fortune, or luxuries. The most important thing is that he has to care about me. 'Ching Leung' can easily touch his girlfriend with sweet actions. However, there are times when he is very cold. I don't want someone who is so cold. 'Dak Dak Dei' always appears in times when I most need him. He's quite good."
'Shui Mak Mak' offered herself up to 'Ching Leung' and annoyed the audience and was criticized as a slut
Before, the plot talked about Yoyo Mung Ka Wai's "Shui Mak Mak" becoming a third person by invading the relationship of "Ching Leung" and "Seung Joi Sum." Carrying on, the villainous "Sai Kai" Susanna Kwan Guk Ying is cursed angrily by audiences as a vixen. Linda says, "It's acting! If it were me who experienced this kind of thing [as my character], I would be very upset. I would break up. However, if I know that he feels remorse, then perhaps I will give him another chance. If it happens a second time, I won't."
'Ching Leung' and 'Seung Joi Sum' always argue, causing people to feel fed up
"Seung Joi Sum" has once been criticized as being very annoying, cries whether or not she's moved, and being too obsessive. Linda takes "Seung Joi Sum"'s defense: "In fact, 'Seung Joi Sum' represents very much many girls' experiences. Once they've invested in a relationship, they will lose logic. For no reason at all they are angry and unreasonable. Furthermore, if they find out there's another party, [you expect that] they won't cry? I've had a number of girlfriends who became so thin after they've been heart-broken. It turns out that the pain of losing love is very big! For the time being, Linda has only experienced love once in Vancouver. She still hasn't really understood the strong grip of love's charm.
In 'Always Ready'
Carefully selecting a boyfriend, scared to wrongly choose Linda frankly says that she longs for marriage. It is her goal in the future to have a happy family that is her propelling force. "I understand that 'fate' can be met, but not pursued. Although I really want to quickly have a boyfriend, but being anxious won't work. I don't want to choose wrongly, so I have to be careful in selecting." Usually, when she meets a gentleman who she has feelings for, she will observe him for quite some time. After understanding his character, she will then consider again.
"Miss Chinese International" 2004 Linda is a success story
Pageant winner, progressing in rank quickly Linda was born on April 9, 1984 in Vancouver and was a 2nd year student at UBC. She went from a "Cover Girl" to the pageant winner of "Miss Vancouver." In 2004, she represented Vancouver in the "Miss Chinese International" pageant and won. This was her path to becoming an actress. Her first series was Virtues of Harmony II acting as "Hung Bak Lam." She received great support and had a part to act in series which include Always Ready, Forensic Heroes, Heart of Greed, The Gem of Life, and many other major series. In 2006, Linda was branded as "Queen of Newcomers." In that same year, she won "Most Improved Actress" at the TVB Anniversary. Her future is full of endless potential. In terms of her love life, she was once rumored with Ekin Cheng Yi Gin, Moses Chan, Raymond Lam, and so on by the press. Linda says that none of it is true. Her love life is still a white, empty sheet.
Linda hasn't let the entertainment industry corrupt her
My thoughts: I never imagined that Linda would have another full-length interview/article so soon. I have to say that these long articles don't scare me anymore. In fact, I find translating them easier the more I do them. It's all worth it for Linda's sake. Heart of Greed is really doing wonders for her career and is boosting her popularity and credibility in many different areas - and I'm loving it! She's starting to see the harvest of all of her hard work.
This was another good article. It's again quite positive and representative of her career thus far. However, I am getting a bit tired of how all of the articles on her so far are so similar. It's like rehashing and repetitive. Still, it's a nice piece regardless because there are some pieces of new information. Besides, you can never complain about 'too much' good press. I love the interview pictures that Mingpao shot of Linda for this interview. She looks really good. The one thing that I like about this article that sets it apart is that it truly does expose what's behind the "glamour" of being a star (in this case, with Linda). People think that celebrities have it so easy, but from Linda's recounts, it is a difficult job. To stay in this business, you have to be at the top of your game at all times because very little people are "irreplaceable."
Linda surely has a good head on her shoulders. She hasn't changed one bit since entering the industry three years ago. She's still so sweet to us fans. She is truly a humble girl and it shows in all of her interviews. She isn't haughty and continues to work hard to perfect her craft. I eagerly wait what the future has to hold for her.
P.S. - Linda, if you don't mind a brother/sister relationship, hit me up. I fit your descriptions of your 'dream boy' exactly... well besides the height thing. But that's okay because we can work things out. Haha I'm just kidding! I feel content enough having the chance to 'know' you by being your fan.
English Title: Heart of Greed Cantonese Title: Tong Sum Fung Bo Vietnamese Title: Tham Vong Casts: Moses Chan, Bosco Wong, Raymond Lam, Linda Chung, Tavia Yeung, Yoyo Mung, Ha Yu, Lee See Kei, Susanna Kwan, etc. Length: 40 episodes (Cantonese) // 30 tapes (Vietnamese) Release Date: April 2007 (Canto) // May 2007 (Viet) Genre: Modern Drama/Grand Production/Family
Note: Please credit "MetalAZNWarrior" and/or this site if you should use my translation of the series' plot! I worked hard to translate it, so please don't just steal or use it for another site without my permission and/or credit. Thank you!
Synopsis: The "tong sum seung tau" abalone is a family heirloom A family fortune worth six hundred million, Everyone frantically wants a share of it
There's a big seafood store that enjoys a great reputation. A big family always preserves the idea that a business must be kept and passed down within the family. There are people who endure humiliation. There are others who are arrogant and conceited. Some feign brotherhood and friendship. Others are greedy and sneaky. There are some who use feelings to advance. There are those who wholly feel gratefulness...
When relatives encounter hatred amongst themselves...
The family changes... Head of the family Tong Chi Gai (Ha Yu), his wife Ling Hau (Lee See Kei), and his adopted son Tong Chi On (Moses Chan Ho) try to keep their family warm. However, Gai's concubine, Wong Sau Kam (Susanna Kwan Guk Ying), secretly plots in order to gain a proper title within the family. Hau's little sister, Ling Lei (Michelle Yim Mai Suet), manages the Tong family's business rationally. Furthermore, for Gai's sole sake, Lei has protected an earth-shattering secret. Once the secret is out, the Tong family will immediately be broken beyond repair...
True feelings... Gai's son, Chi Yat (Bosco Wong Chung Chak), wants to marry Cheuk Man Lai (Tavia Yeung Yi), who is already married. Lai repeatedly causes the brotherly relationship between On and Yat to become estranged. On becomes acquainted with the pair of sworn sisters Seung Joi Sum (Linda Chung Ka Yan) and Shui Ming Ha (Yoyo Mung Ka Wai). On has deep feelings for Sum. However, Sum only has lots of love for the lawyer Ching Leung (Raymond Lam Fung). "Born to be crazy in love" Ha suddenly flees from her marriage...
My thoughts: I liked the synopsis. It was to-the-point and intriguing without giving too much away. Heart is a soap opera - there's no doubt about that. We can expect lots of crazy moments, complicated relationships, heavy drama, back-stabbing, plotting, and all of that good stuff. TVB seems to be bringing the "soap opera" back onto the screen this year with productions like Heart, The Brink of Law, and upcoming epic blockbusters The Drive of Life and The Gem of Life. However, one has to wonder whether TVB is over-saturating the audience with this genre and whether or not this will play a dire effect on their soon-to-be-released blockbusters.
But anyways... getting back to Heart, I absolutely love everyone in this cast (as I've repeatedly mentioned). I was excited about this series since the very beginning. Heart truly exuberates a "grand" feeling that is lacking from most TVB productions these days. The storyline is nothing new, but I believe the cast will make Heart charming and memorable. Besides, I'm a sucker for family dramas, so I think Heart is right up my alley, especially since it's from Producer Lau, who produced one of my most favorite dramas of TVB's as of late - 2006's heartfelt When Rules Turn Loose.
Linda says that Heart is her favorite series out of all that she's done so far. She loves the script and says it's very touching, especially her relationships with Moses and Raymond. Linda has so much faith and love for Heart, so I don't think the series will be a let-down at all. I can't wait to watch it and see just how good Heart truly is.
Characteristics: Tong Chi On's nature is very playful. Especially with girls, he doesn't know how to say the right words. He often causes people to can't help but smile. It could be said that there are no other matches like he and his father, Tong Yan Gai (Ha Yu). They are extremely similar. In truth, On has a good heart and is conscientious. Furthermore, because he has a relationship of being an adopted son, he feels very grateful.
Seung Joi Sum - Linda Chung Age: 25
Characteristics: Seung Joi Sum is stubborn, keeps her words, and individualistic in every way. Strangers may see her as someone who values money like her life and as an extremely stingy and peculiar girl. Actually, every family has things that no one knows about. In reality, Sum is a girl who takes on the responsibility of her family. She has an older brother who causes trouble and further adds to the load which Sum must carry. Sum always carries herself with a strong exterior and endures insults. She will help her family resolve difficulties. However, in actuality, underneath it all, Sum is fragile. She longs for others to look after her. Indeed, she is a girl who is hard on the outside, but soft inside.
Tong Chi Yat - Bosco Wong Age: 26
Characteristics: Tong Chi Yat is the Tong family's spoiled son. He is arrogant, hot-tempered, loves to win, and is strong-hearted. The Tongs all have great expectations of him. Yat just came back from studying overseas. He has read business books and has ambitions for his family's business. However, his family, with their conservative attitude, rejects his plans. Later on, Yat has a feud with his family.
Cheuk Man Lai - Tavia Yeung Age: 26
Characteristics: Cheuk Man Lai is hard-headed and individualistic. Once she has decided on something, she will do it her way. She dares to love and be ruthless. Lai wrongly marries into a rich family for the sake of her family's hardship. She suffers from the cold treatment of her husband, Yeung Siu Chi. In her life, Lai desires a passionate love. After she meets Yat (Bosco Wong), she realizes that he is her ideal lover.
Ching Leung - Raymond Lam Age: 27
Characteristics: Ching Leung is impulsive and self-confident. Once he sets a target, he will work towards it courageously. He dares to challenge authority and deeply believes in justice, that's why he decided to become a lawyer. Leung's manner is carefree and bright. He has a respectable air and treats people neither with arrogance nor modesty. Leung is charming and was born with a lot of feelings. In regards to relationships, he easily falls in love. His nature is romantic and he gives people a carefree feeling, which is hard to describe. Leung also has a mysterious aura, which is very attractive.
Shui Ming Ha - Yoyo Mung Age: 25
Characteristics: Shui Ming Ha is happy-go-lucky and bright. She's like a silly older sister and always smiles. Furthermore, she was born to be crazy in love. Ha stands by her friends unconditionally. She is only more rigid towards love. If she meets her ideal lover, she will strive for him. Every time she's in love, she will invest herself into the relationship. Sometimes, she is involved in several relationships and becomes upset since it's hard for her to breathe.
Appreciated by Raymond Lam & Linda Chung (Subsong from TVB series Heart of Greed)
R = Raymond Lam L = Linda Chung T = Together
English Translation by MetalAZNWarrior R: Perhaps with love, there's just fire and smoke that marks passion, If it's this simple to be happy, it won't take more than one night Within the heart, there are boundaries. How can I not be frightened? Then, I discovered that perhaps the feelings have faded
L: Even more, I beg you to exchange the many nights of sadness, pain, and tears with me If you want to play all of the time, Being tired of the old and greedy for the new, my heart grows weary Is it destined that being caring will not receive praises Fearing the passionate love has already diminished
Chorus *T: Who is willing to cherish this love, Not willing to change yourself because of me, Actually, after understanding this process, Realizing that sacrifices won't lead to happiness, It's been appreciated*
R: Any love left has reached its expiration, What the heart desires is not just you With so many reprisals, it forces me to humor you In truth, throughout, I still absolutely love you
L: Likewise, don't suggest that the feelings from early on were extinguished Thanks to you, starting today, I also won't hold on to waiting for you, The pleasures of being single, even if unafraid of holding the air, I will not bother to remember
Repeat Chorus
R: Never meant to be cruel, never meant to hurt you...
T: Who is willing to cherish this love, Not willing to change yourself because of me
(Simultaneously) R: Actually... clearly... I know No use bothering me, No use inquiring again, It's been appreciated L: Actually, after understanding this process, Realizing that sacrifices won't lead to happiness, It's been appreciated
T: Senselessly, perhaps we discovered that feelings fade, Senselessly, perhaps we discovered that feelings fade
Pinyin R: Waak hui yue ngoi doh ji yau yin foh na hak dik chui chaan Yu chi gaan daan fai lok bat doh yue yat maan Noi sum chung yau haan chuk bok jam hoh bat ging taan Yin hau faat yin ching waak hui juen taam
L: Yuet to ho nei jau woon loi seung sum tung huk doh yat maan Yu chi taam waan, yim gau daam sun ngoh sum taam Si fau jo jue ding tai tip doh bat wooi dak doh ching jaan Pa yit ngoi yi tui gaam
Chorus *T: Sui yuen hei hon je ngoi ching Chung mei gam sum yan ngoh juen sing Kei sat ching chor je gwoh ching Jau suen hei sang bat wooi ko hing Yi sum ling*
R: Sam moh luen ngoi dik gam gok chi chung yau ta dik haan kei Chui sum foon hei, fong yam sum chung bat ji nei Sau jung jung jaak bei bik ngoh fong si foo hin nei Kei sat chi chung chuen lik hei foon nei
L: Yik bat bit am si gam gok yat jo yi sik Doh dak nei, chung gam tin hei Ngoh yik bat hei hon dang nei Duk san dak chui mei bat pa jik si po yung hung hei Ngoh yik laan hui gei hei
Repeat Chorus
R: Never meant to be cruel, Never meant to hurt you...
T: Sui yuen hei hon je ngoi ching, Chung mei gam sum yan ngoh juen sing
(Simultaneously) R: Kei sat ching... chor... Ngoh jee Mo wai hui chin jue ngoh Mo wai joi hui da ting Yi sum ling L: Kei sat ching chor je gwoh ching Jau suen hei sang bat wooi ko hing Yi sum ling
T: Mo wai faat yin ching waak hui juen taam, Mo wai faat yin ching waak hui juen taam
Analyzing the song I'm not going to do a Deciphering Themesong for this song because I'm basically doing an abridged version of it right now. Based on spoilers that have leaked pertaining to Heart and how clear the message of this song is, I don't think it's premature to analyze it in the context of the series.
Summary of their relationship In Heart, Seung Joi Sum (Linda Chung) and Ching Leung (Raymond Lam) get together and then break up a total of three times. Sum and Leung initially feel really happy being together. They get along well and everything is great. However, Sum feels that Leung doesn't offer her a sense of security. He doesn't tell her anything, thus making her worry. One time, he had a really big case, so Sum secretly went to watch him. Unfortunately, he lost the case (his first defeat since being a lawyer) and Sum was there to witness it. Leung decides to break up with Sum consequently.
However, the two still love each other, so they eventually get back together. Not long afterwards, Leung begins to treat Sum coldly again and she begins to suspect him of cheating, so she calls for a break-up. Then, Leung's mom passes away and Sum discovers the reason why Leung acts the way he does. Leung didn't have a good relationship with his mom and was forced to keep everything to himself; therefore, he doesn't know how to open up to others. Sum feels sympathy for Leung, so they get back together again. However, Sum doesn't know whether she still has feelings for him or if she just pities him... nevertheless, they date once again.
Sum starts to spend more time with Tong Chi On (Moses Chan) and the two begin to develop feelings. Later, Leung cheats on Sum with her good friend, Shui Ming Ha (Yoyo Mung). Sum is totally devastated...
Appreciated basically sums up this turbulent relationship that Leung and Sum have with each other. Leung is scared of letting others into his heart while Sum is tired of Leung's "playboy" ways and how he doesn't share anything with her. They slowly begin to realize that their feelings have begun to fade. They're not willing to change themselves for the other person and they realize that sacrificing won't lead to happiness. Sum and Leung are completely right. In a relationship (at least one that can be sustained), it's crucial to "be yourself." Changing yourself just so you can be with other person is just painful and not long-lasting. You cannot change your nature.
Although Leung and Sum still care for one another and have loved each other throughout the whole ordeal, their hearts have led them away from this unhealthy relationship. They realize they cannot continue to do this (be together). By the song's end, Sum and Leung finally admit that they understand that feelings can and do fade. It's a final, mutual break-up.
Despite the tumultuous and heart-breaking relationship, they both appreciate the experience of being together. It has helped them grow.
Comments: This song was written specifically for "Sum" and "Leung" as it summarizes their relationship so well. I think it's a bittersweet song because they finally come to an understanding that they've moved on from each other, that the passion is gone, and their feelings have faded, but at least they can both be happy now - so it's a good thing. It's sad to admit that feelings can change and that most couples don't stay together (in particular, I'm talking about the "dating" scene), but it's something that people have to accept. I think the song offers a good message. You can still care about a person (that you've dated) but you do not have to be together in order to love that person. Being together for the sake of being together isn't healthy. In the end, the heart will lead everything to how they should be.
I really do enjoy seeing Raymond and Linda together (they look so compatible) but from the sounds of the relationship between "Leung" and "Sum," it doesn't look like they are as compatible as they think. It will be interesting to watch them get together and break up three times. I will enjoy their sweet moments while they last at the beginning of each "get together" because it looks like each break-up just gets worse and worse as the two end up hurting each other over and over again... However, it's really premature for me to make any judgments as I haven't seen it played out yet.
The lyrics of the song make me appreciate and like it more because of its meaning.
Note: Please do notdirectly link the download link to any other site. Also, do notstream the song either - please save the file into your computer! Thank you!
Who could have imagined that 3 weeks before Heart of Greed's release, we would have heard not only the full themesong but also the full CD version of the subsong as well? This is beyond insane. When Linda told us that she had recorded a duet for an upcoming release, I had thought it would be for Best Bet. Never did it cross my mind that the song was for Heart - let alone with Raymond! I was extremely thrilled at the news and couldn't wait to hear it.
I really hoped the song would be like Love Bond's subsong - soothing, warm, and magical. Appreciated (Sum Ling) is a bit different from what I had hoped or expected, but it's a good song nevertheless. I've always liked Ray's vocals, so no surprises that it sounds great in this song. I think he overpowers the song a bit during the chorus (when he and Linda sing together) because he's a more experienced vocalist. Linda did pretty good with her own parts.
The themesong is sung by Susanna Kwan; it is not a duet by Moses Chan and Bosco Wong as previously reported. I like the themesong. It really fits the series and it's nice to hear a themesong sung by a "real" singer.
I am so surprised the themevideo for Heart of Greed (let alone its full music video) leaked so soon! However, I'm not complaining. I love everything that I see. Linda Chung looks great in this series! I think it's the best she has ever looked. I really like how sophisticated and pretty she is in here - simply glowing! Her performance seems quite good too. I love the scenes between Linda and Raymond Lam - they look really sweet and I can't wait to hear their duet - I believe it will be really good. Surprisingly, I'm liking what I see of Moses and Linda as well. They seem like they will be cute and funny together! Tavia Yeung looks so pretty as well and all of her crying scenes look so well done! Heart looks like it will have plenty of melodramatic moments. It is a true soap opera.
I think I will like Heart - a lot. Producer Lau's When Rules Turn Loose was a heartfelt and touching family drama and one of the best from 2006. I'm not a fan of his ancient comedies (The Gentle Crackdown), but I love the work he did for Rules (even though his specialty really isn't modern drama). If Heart has "heart" like Rules did, then I will definitely be falling for it. I think it should. The cast is just awesome!
The first TVB Programme Highlights for this year is out! (The last Programme Highlightspost actually wasn't the first issue, but just a booklet with an overview of most of the 2007 series.) Much thanks to Ron Online for the great, high-quality scans! Now, let's go through the nine series included in this quarter's installment...
Without-a-doubt diamonds...
Heart of Greed (Moses Chan, Bosco Wong, Raymond Lam, Linda Chung, Tavia Yeung, Yoyo Mung)
In my opinion, the best cast of the year. I love all of the main players in Heart. TVB's design for the poster is really nice - very mysterious and it just exudes the whole "grand production," "must-watch" feeling. Everyone looks great! I'm a sucker for family drama. However, I have to say that the soap opera genre with feuds over money and relationships is really getting over-played this year by TVB. I just hope Heart will have something special to make it stand out otherwise it may be forgotten and overshadowed by The Drive of Life and Jewel's Splendor. Nevertheless, I will probably enjoy it more than Drive (if I even decide to watch it) as I'm just much more fonder of everyone in Heart. I'm a little worried about Linda's performance, but she looks amazing in the poster, so I'm sure it won't be too bad. I can't wait for all of the sweet Raymond and Linda scenes. He crushes her and totally breaks her heart, but good thing she will have Moses. I'm not too thrilled that she's officially listed as the female lead, but it all depends on screen time since this is a "huge" 40 episode series, so it doesn't really matter. Tavia looks gorgeous - this girl has really been cleaning up and looking so beautiful since getting "bigger boobs" (not that I'm implying there's a direct correlation between the two events).
Best Bet (Michael Tse, Linda Chung, Wayne Lai, Anne Heung, etc.)
Great producer, great cast, and just the perfect series for the New Year! From what I've seen, Bet is funny and entertaining and Michael and Linda actually make a good pair - their interactions are so funny and sweet. Hopefully the momentum is maintained throughout and Producer Li will have delivered another classic.
Oh, possibilities...
The Family Link (Sheren Tang, Kiki Sheung, Cecilia Yip, Kenneth Ma, etc.)
The poster is hilarious! TVB is really taking the "army" in the Chinese title literally, huh? TVB declares this to be their version of Desperate Housewives, so we'll see... Sheren is in this series, so it cannot be too bad. I'm so glad Michael and Sheren get to play husband and wife in this series. Their chemistry from La Femme Desperado was great. I'm skeptical about the storyline and am not that keen on the other cast members, but I will keep Link on my radar.
A Change of Destiny (Steven Ma, Benny Chan, Shirley Yeung, Selena Li, etc.)
Producer Tsui, Producer Tsui... what am I going to do with you? He just hasn't delivered a great series since ending Virtues of Harmony, so I'm very doubtful that Change is any different than the mediocrity of The Biter Bitten. I have yet to see The Price of Greed, but I don't hold much hope on it judging from the rather poor reviews... I'm just so disappointed in Producer Tsui. However, I wonder if it's the "curse of Shirley" that's causing him to have bad series back-to-back? Seriously - Biter, Price, and Change all have Shirley in them... Haha. He has two male and female leads for all of his series lately and messy love triangles among the four, so it's getting a little tiring and predictable. Nevertheless, I have to compliment whoever made this poster! It looks really good and makes Change seem like a good series. Still, I'm not sold on the series because the theme seems like nothing new (fighting for the throne, messing with fate)... Please improve Producer Tsui! Where did the magic and creativity go? Better yet, just get back to doing the sitcom and then "everyone is happy."
On The First Beat (Ron Ng, Sammul Chan, Joey Yung, Michael Tao, etc.)
The Academy blew me away. No, it wasn't a spectacular or stunning series. I had absolutely no expectations from it, so when I actually watched it and liked it a lot, I was very impressed. It is much better than Triumph In The Skies. It's kind of like Always Ready; I expected the worst and got much, much better than I could have imagined. I'm very iffy about Beat though. They changed most of the cast on us! Also, the "poster" is horrible. I really doubt this is the final one. If it is, it's really bad... To be honest, Michael Miu was the reason why Academy was so great, so I'm doubtful that I'll enjoy the sequel as much (or if at all). I do like Sonija though and you know, I've seen "Chung Lap Man" and "Li Pak Kiu" go through their 27 weeks of training, so I kind of want to see the next chapter of their lives... I'm sad that Tavia Yeung and Fiona Sit are "written off" in the beginning. We'll see, I guess...
The Slicing of the Demon (Sunny Chan, Bernice Liu, Michael Tse, Angela Tong, etc.)
The poster makes Demon look appealing. I'm not into horror or supernatural series, but this series has potential to be interesting if it's anything like Dark Tales. [I don't remember much of it since it's been so long and I wasn't allowed to watch a lot of scenes, but I recall vaguely liking it.] I just don't like series that are too "out there." The plot and reviews will seal the deal whether or not I give it a try. I like the leads - and that's always a good start.
Series I'm passing on...
Life Art (Kevin Cheng, Gigi Lai, Natalie Tong, Paul Chun, etc.) - Gigi looks great in this series... but the plot seems way too simplistic and predictable for my taste. I do like the whole "art" and calligraphy theme that this series will focus on, but nope.
The Ultimate Crime Fighter (Yuen Biao, Moses Chan, Gigi Lai, Yoyo Mung, etc.) - This series doesn't interest me at all and 35 episodes is too much (for a series I'm unwilling to watch).
Exclusive news concerning Jewel's Splendor, Best Bet, and Heart of Greed straight from Linda Chung herself! This is the reason why I love Linda. No matter how hard she works or how busy she is, she will find a way to get in touch with her fans. She just sent a 3 page letter to Linda's Cottage to update us on what she's been doing and what's coming up. The letter is in English and hand-written from Linda herself, so do visit the site to read her entire message.
About her series...
Filming for Jewel's Splendor begins in mid-January. It's an 80 episode series about diamonds. Linda says, "I play a super rich girl that's very spoiled. I have to always court men too... that's funny... I don't even know how to do that." Haha. Linda is so funny. She is such a modest and reserved girl that it will be very refreshing and interesting to watch her be flirtatious. She has never had a true boyfriend and is quite shy in real life, so she is truly pure and innocent as her image makes her out to be. I knew her character was going to be spoiled - I just knew it. It was inevitable considering her age. I think the role will be challenging and fresh for Linda. I can't wait to see her image for it and to watch it in 2008. Spoiled and flirty Linda sounds fun!
Heart of Greed is said to release in March 2007. However, things may change, so don't quote Linda on that. [After all, she told us that she and Moses Chan were going to have a romance in Greed and that the series was going to release in October (of 2006), but the script changed and the series didn't even wrap up production until November.]
Best Bet has finished filming [at least for Linda's scenes anyways] and is in post-production. It will release on February 12, 2007. I absolutely cannot wait to watch that series. Linda looks so adorable in it and it seems really funny and cute. I hate to see her get pawned because of her gambling husband, but it's a hilarious concept and should be an excellent series.
About her singing...
"I have 2 new songs coming out too... both are duets and songs for the 2 series I've been in," announces Linda. Hmm... what two series could they be? I'm certain that one of them is Best Bet - after all, she and Michael Tse are the leads in that series. Michael's singing is very good. He used to be in a band and if you watched La Femme Desperado or heard Virtues of Harmony's CD, you will know that his voice is nice. I am so excited to hear new songs from Linda. Swear has been played so many times now that I've lost count. I've been dying to hear Linda sing again since hearing her debut in Lady In Red. I don't know what the other series is, but I am anxious to find out.
Finally, news on Linda! I just love reading her messages. Her handwriting is so cute. I am happy and excited about TVB again. Obviously, all it took was a little Linda to rain and saturate TVB's dry spell for me. 2007 is looking better and better. There are so many things that I look forward to - including ending my "teen" years. Yep, the big 2-0 is coming up next year for me.
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