Tuesday, 18 December 2012

My TVB Awards 2012



I shouldn't be doing this with the amount of work I have but I need some serious procrastination so here goes. I didn't do one for 2011 but I did for 2010, if you are interested in reading it here's a link

http://just-chen.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/my-tvb-awards-2010.html


I haven't been following all the series so my post comes with a bit of biased.
Haven't watched: Let it Be Love, Queens of Diamonds and Hearts, Daddy Good Deeds, 
One episode of: House of Harmony and Vengeance, Witness Insecurity
Very Little of: No Good Either Way, Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles, Master of Play
Haven't finished: Three Kingdoms RPG, When Heaven Burns, Ghetto Justice II


Now that's not very good is it! But besides Let It Be Love, Queens of Diamonds and Hearts, Daddy Good Deeds and House of Harmony and Vengeance I should have a good enough basis to award the other series.


Best Theme Song

This year has been a great year for themesongs, it's one of the things that has defined the year I think with a number of really good tunes to start off or end the series. Here are my Top 10.


擁抱愛 Joyce Cheng (Come Home Love)


It is a very heartwarming song and fits the series quite well, it is a nice simple melody and sung well by Joyce. I'm not sure I like the bridge though.


朝花夕拾 Teresa Cheung (Bottled Passion)



The opening has got to be one of my favourites, the whole song fits the series so well there's a melodramatic romanticism about the song that is in line with the drama. Teresa's more old-school performance of the song also works wonders to this which sounds like a mini classic.


一生一心 Hubert Wu (The Last Steep Ascent)


I've always liked Hubert and I find his voice actually nicer to listen to than Mag's but Mag obviously is more distinctive. This song personifies The Last Steep Ascent to me and I guess that's all you can wish for in a themesong.


天與地 Paul Wong (When Heaven Burns)


I love Paul Wong and this song works so well for When Heaven Burns. It is very fitting to the series and the thing it this song works on its own as well.


年少無知 Bowie Lam, Moses Chan and Kenny Wong (When Heaven Burns)


Vocally this isn't great but I think what works for this song is it really feels like a song about brotherhood and life. It is also the defining song of When Heaven Burns, the chorus is also very defining.


連續劇 Joey Yung (The Hippocratic Crush)


This is a beautiful song, Joey really brings life to it. However I sometimes question whether it truly fits the series however it is now part of what The Hippocratic Crush is.


最幸福的事 Linda Chung (Witness Insecurity)


The only thing that really caught my attention with WI was Linda's quite enchanting themesong. In a way the song does fit my opinion of the series. The change in tempo into the chorus is beautifully transitioned, this is definitely Linda's more successful songs despite it being a themesong.


沒時間後悔 Hanjin Tan and MC Jin (Ghetto Justice II)


This really personifies Ghetto Justice, it's quirky and alternative. Even though Ghetto Justice II was a huge fail this song has really grown on me.


幼稚完 Raymond Lam (Highs and Lows)


This song doesn't really fit the series but that's why it's an ending theme. This is one of Raymond's nicest tunes and I just love the chorus of it because it now is also part of my image to Highs and Lows.


相濡以沫 Shirley Kwan (The Confidant)


Shirley's performance is very captivating here. The track fits very well with what The Confidant is and it is beautifully sung by Shirley




TOP 5
朝花夕拾 Teresa Cheung (Bottled Passion)
一生一心 Hubert Wu (The Last Steep Ascent)
沒時間後悔 Hanjin Tan and MC Jin (Ghetto Justice II)
幼稚完 Raymond Lam (Highs and Lows)
相濡以沫 Shirley Kwan (The Confidant)

...

3rd - 相濡以沫 Shirley Kwan (The Confidant)
2nd - 幼稚完 Raymond Lam (Highs and Lows)
1st - 朝花夕拾 Teresa Cheung (Bottled Passion)


Not a themesong but this cover of Separate Lives for Divas in Distress was so perfect in some scenes between Mandy and Him, with engrish and all!






Most Annoying Character

May I just clarify getting this award is not good! It's not really because of the actor/actress, but it could, it's more the stupid writers who create these despicable characters who don't even make you sympathise with them. This year scriptwriters seemed to be relentless with creating very annoying characters and here are 10 which made my list this year, oddly enough the same actors seem to come up more than once.




Katy Kung - Bottled Passion
Michael Tse - L'Escargot
Linda Chung - L'Escargot
Ben Wong - The Hippocratic Crush
Raymond Wong - Gloves Come Off
Katy Kung - Gloves Come Off
Power Chan - Gloves Come Off
Edwin Siu - The Last Steep Ascent
Ben Wong - Highs and Lows
Raymond Wong - The Confidant


Katy Kung - Bottled Passion - Ko Yee Nga
OK, ok I don't remember much of Bottled Passion or Katy Kung for that matter but when I think about the series Katy's immature and spoilt character always annoys me.

Michael Tse - L'Escargot - Ko Wang Chim
L'Escargot has got to be one of the most annoying series this year simply because of Michael Tse and his aforementioned love interest. The love aspect of his character was written so despicably that there's just no forgiving this stubborn entrepreneur who loves himself more than anyone he thinks he does.

Linda Chung - l'Escargot - Kwan Ka Lok
For her indecisiveness, for her constant crying and for her stupidity Kwan Ka Lok has to be the most annoying "nice" character this year. Her love triangle was just so annoying, she was written quite ok at the start but why did she have to get embroiled with Ko Wang Chim and then persistently say she doesn't love him and then give him chances! urgh...

Ben Wong - The Hippocratic Crush - John Chong Pok Man
For being such an important figure in the hospital he was unbelievably petty in his work and personal life. Ben always plays these antagonistic characters which typecasts him. However in his defense his character did see the light at the end but still Ben Wong and Chong Pok Man are just the perfect match for 'annoyingness'.

Raymond Wong - Gloves Come Off - Buddy Pat Ka Sing
For the majority of the show Buddy was a great character played well by Raymond Wong but then lo and behold the scriptwriters had to add in some pointless drama and Buddy became this idiotic character that annoyed the hell out of me. If you thought L'Escargot was an annoying series then you haven't seen the last 5-10 episodes of Gloves Come Off. By the end of the series I was glad that it had all ended but very disappointed that what could have been my favourite series of the year got sabotaged so badly. I still can't understand Buddy and his love triangle with Po Kei.

Katy Kung - Gloves Come Off - Chong Po Kei
Nothing annoys me more then a homewrecker who just does it for fun. Katy's character was written so unsympathetically it was unreal. How could anyone be so twisted! I would have kind of understood if she actually loved Buddy but she just created all this drama because she enjoys attention! The introduction of her character was the start of the downfall for Gloves Come Off.

Power Chan - Gloves Come Off - Chu Sai Cheung
3 in one series! Are you kidding me! Now you understand how annoying Gloves Come off was. Power's character was so illogical, his transition was so unexpected and his thought process was so twisted it did my head in just trying to justify his actions. And then he killed Bo Bo (Natalie Tong)! Sorry but no matter how the scriptwriters try to salvage this one it won't work.

Edwin Siu - The Last Steep Ascent - Ho Sai Ho
Edwin has managed to play a plethora of annoying characters in this year but whilst the others I've managed to sympathise with in the slightest I really couldn't with this one. I guess it also boils down slightly to Edwin's acting as well - the way he does things annoys me (in a good way I guess). The most despicable characters are the ones who are totally selfish and Ho Sai Ho was definitely that.

Ben Wong - Highs and Lows - Poon Hok Lai
Ben Wong again! Poon Hok Lai was annoying from start to finish - bravo to the scriptwriters for that! He started off only slightly annoying, I always thought he was annoying but a good guy at heart until his true self came out and his seriously twisted ego rose to the surface.

Raymond Wong - The Confidant - Yiu Sheung Hei
For most of the series Yiu Sheung Hei was only boring and with a stupid love story with the princess but then when the princess said she didn't love him anymore (which was equally as odd) he became this very very annoying character who was totally out of character. His sudden change was so illogical, it was one of the many things which brought The Confidant down. How his character was nominated for My Favourite Male Character was ludicrous.



Top 5



Michael Tse - L'Escargot - Ko Wang Chim
Katy Kung - Gloves Come Off - Chong Po Kei
Power Chan - Gloves Come Off - Chu Sai Cheung
Ben Wong - Highs and Lows - Poon Hok Lai
Raymond Wong - The Confidant - Yiu Sheung Hei

What an annoying bunch of characters!

...

3rd - Ben Wong - Highs and Lows - Poon Hok Lai
2nd - Raymond Wong - The Confidant - Yiu Sheung Hei

1st - Power Chan - Gloves Come Off - Chu Sai Cheung




Best Couple

There weren't that many to choose from this year in my opinion. Maybe because TVB are trying to change the style of dramas they produce.


Raymond Wong and Niki Chow - Bottled Passion

Their love story was quite sad, very Kdrama-esque. However they were quite sweet even though some of their backstory was a little cringe!


Kevin Cheng and Selena Li - Gloves Come Off

Another pair of star crossed lovers, their story was a tad stupid - what century are we in now TVB! But Kevin and Selena's chemistry really worked and the ending to their love was very sad.


Raymond Lam and Kate Tsui - Highs and Lows

Another similar pair of lovers who are fated not to ever be together - come on TVB more variety please! Anyway I liked the chemistry between Kate and Raymond especially their more casual scenes.


Kenneth Ma and Tavia Yeung - The Hippocratic Crush

You can't have a list this year without the jade boy and girl this year can you! Anyway they had a sweet relationship that is the first in my list that lives happily ever after, til Series 2 that is! Though they too faced very cliched obstacles to get where they were.


Him Law and Mandy Wong - Divas in Distress

And the cliche's of all cliche's is when one believes they do not suit the other. But still Mandy and Him have the chemistry despite Him's character being oddly dominant i.e. the more you hit me the more you love me kind of way.

...

3rd - Kevin and Selena
2nd - Raymond and Kate
1st - Him and Mandy


To chose the winner I decided chemistry and how the character's were written was important that's why Him and Mandy won because they have a natural chemistry and their characters had a lot of screen time to develop.



Most Improved Actor





There are actually a lot of new line actors in TVB's crop that can really refresh TVB, more than these five actually but these five are the most prolific at the moment I'd say.


Oscar Leung - The Confidant, Tiger Cubs, L'Escargot
I think the most obvious series we can see Oscar's improvement is in Tiger Cubs, he is truly developing into someone who can comfortably take a supporting role rather than be one of many.

Him Law - L'Escargot, The Hippocratic Crush, Divas in Distress, Tiger Cubs
Him's most impressive role this year has got to be in The Hippocratic Crush. He embodied that character and it really paid off as it was a great series and he was a memorable character.

Benjamin Yuen - Til Love Do Us Lie, The Hippocratic Crush, Tiger Cubs
It's quite sad that unlike his counterparts in Tiger Cubs Ben hasn't been rewarded because out of the four he really has grown into a strong supporting actor this year. His most prolific role probably being in the series Til Love Do Us Lie. Hopefully he'll be rewarded next year.

Vincent Wong - Wish and Switch, Tiger Cubs, Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles
SSSS was my favourite role of Vincent's even though I've only watched 7 episodes of the drama. I'm really intrigued as to where Vincent goes from this as he's a very talented actor.

Sammy Shum - King Maker, Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles
Sammy is probably the least promoted out of the five by TVB but he really has a charm about him in his acting that really showed in Lives of Omission and somewhat in the King Maker. I would love to see him in a meatier role in the future.


...


3rd - Vincent Wong
2nd - Oscar Leung
1st - Him Law





Most Improved Actress




Compared to the guys there aren't as many up and coming females. My list is vastly different than that of TVBs so I think most of these actresses won't even get considered in the future.



JJ Jia - Ghetto Justice II, Tiger Cubs

This has been an up and down year for JJ but in Ghetto Justice II and Tiger Cubs you can really see a vast improvement especially GJ2. If she continues her effort as in GJ2 I wouldn't mind seeing more of her.


Queenie Chu - Come Home Love, Sergeant Tabloid

She is forever forgotten in TVB awards, despite still having a certain stiffness she really comes into her own in professional roles like in Come Home Love and Sergeant Tabloid (yes I'm counting this as it's my own awards).


Mandy Wong - L'Escargot, The Hippocratic Crush, Divas in Distress, Tiger Cubs

Mandy has received attention above and beyond this award this year. Most actresses win this because of one character but whatever Mandy has been in this year she has been memorable and that's what defines a Most Improved Actress.


Samantha Ko - The Last Steep Ascent

Her portrayal as Joel's wife in the Last Steep Ascent was refreshing. Despite a few rough edges it was definitely an eye catching portrayal.


Kaki Leung - Three Kingdoms RPG, The Last Steep Ascent

When she sprung out of nowhere people were reluctant but after a few years she has in fact dropped a few steps from her debut level but she is actually getting better. I would like to see Kaki in a meatier role next year as she has potential


...



3rd - JJ Jia

2nd - Samantha Ko
1st - Mandy Wong




Favourite Character


Because TVB has a hard time writing good characters I have merged male and female characters together to create one award, here are my Top 5.


Helena Law - The Last Steep Ascent - Mrs. Ho

All too often TVB like to have annoying mother in laws but Mrs. Ho was far from that. Her relationship with Sun Yuet was so sweet. I really liked how Mrs Ho was so supportive of Sun Yuet and those scenes she had with Maggie left a smile on my face whenever I saw it.


Leung Chi Ho - Gloves Come Off - Tong Kat

When cute Tong Kat left the series it was the start of the downfall for Gloves Come Off. His character led Sap Yat. Without Tong Kat there was basically no Sap Yat for me. Leung Chi Ho did a very good job and is definitely the best child actor in TVBs roster right now - TVB actually have quite a few good child actors now.


Nancy Wu - Gloves Come Off - Ting Yan Chi

Amongst the awful characters in Gloves Come Off Nancy's was one of the saving graces of the series. Her character was forthright and a great role model.


Him Law - The Hippocratic Crush - Yeung Chung (Yeung Pui Chung)

Yeung Chung was the sunny and happy go lucky character that every series should have. He eventually matured but still kept his likability right till the end. Him really suited that role and I'm happy to see him in THC2.


Power Chan - The Confidant - Pang Sam Shun

Rounding out my list is Pang Sam Shun in The Confidant, his character developed into a very lovable and forthright role which at the start didn't look that reasonable. He was definitely one of the highlights of the series.

...

3rd -Him Law - The Hippocratic Crush - Yeung Chung (Yeung Pui Chung)
2nd - Leung Chi Ho - Gloves Come Off - Tong Kat
1st - Helena Law - The Last Steep Ascent - Mrs. Ho



Best Supporting Actor


Chris Lai - Come Home Love
Him Law - The Hippocratic Crush
Pierre Ngo - King Maker
Oscar Leung - Tiger Cubs
Koo Ming Wah - Divas in Distress
Joel Chan - The Last Steep Ascent
Ben Wong - Highs and Lows
Vincent Wong - Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles
Power Chan - The Confidant
KK Cheung - The Confidant


Chris Lai - Come Home Love
It's a shame Chris hasn't been promoted at all. He's a decent young actor and can really benefit from a few more roles. 

Him Law - The Hippocratic Crush
As said previously Him really embodied his role, that's why he deserves a nomination.

Pierre Ngo - King Maker
Pierre is really a character actor defined when his role had post traumatic disorder. He was really in role and that left a strong impact in my memory.

Oscar Leung - Tiger Cubs
As previously said this was probably Oscar's first role where he truly became a strong supporting actor.

Koo Ming Wah - Divas in Distress
I applaud Koo Ming Wah for giving it his all and successfully gaining acceptance from the audience but as I have said before I feel that is has been a bit blown out of proportion. Nonetheless Koo Ming Wah makes my Top 10 because he created such a buzz.

Joel Chan - The Last Steep Ascent
Joel Chan really was one of TVB's potential shining stars, it was a shame he chose Florinda over TVB! I wonder if the rumours are true that Joel is thinking of returning to TVB and if so will the audience accept him with open arms.

Ben Wong - Highs and Lows
Ben really manages to play these roles well. This was a very believable performance even though he annoyed the hell out of me!

Vincent Wong - Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles
Vincent is one of my favourite new line actors. He really deserves recognition.

Power Chan - The Confidant
I wouldn't say this is Power's best performance but it has been a career defining one and therefore I'm happy to nominate Power for this role even though it's more his body of work I'm recognising.

KK Cheung - The Confidant
If I'm to be honest it's the lack of competitors which really left me to nominate KK Cheung but then he provided us with a competent performance.


Top 5


Him Law, Oscar Leung, Joel Chan, Vincent Wong, Power Chan

So who out of these five is my Best Supporting Actor?

...

3rd - Joel Chan
2nd - Him Law
1st - Power Chan


It's not simply for this performance but Power should long have been considered and awarded Best Supporting Actor that's why he gets my vote.


Best Supporting Actress


Joyce Tang - Til Love Do Us Lie
Florence Kwok - Come Home Love
Rebecca Chan - Bottled Passion
Mandy Wong - L'Escargot
Nancy Wu - Gloves Come Off
Elena Kong - Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles
Elaine Yiu - King Maker
Ella Koon - Highs and Lows
Helena Law - The Last Steep Ascent
Mary Hon - Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles


Joyce Tang - Til Love Do Us Lie
Joyce has been severely uncredited by TVB and very underused. I don't even know if she has any future projects right now. Anyway I hope to see more of Joyce in the future.

Florence Kwok - Come Home Love
Another underused actress who was however nominated this year. I feel that Florence really should be considered for this award in the near future because she is one of those actresses who could really carry a series despite having a supporting role.

Rebecca Chan - Bottled Passion
Rebecca's forte is strong, powerful female characters and in Bottled Passion she once again displayed her abilities albeit in an evil role.

Mandy Wong - L'Escargot
A very strong performance from Mandy, it created such a buzz that Mandy has to be recognised in this list I believe.

Nancy Wu - Gloves Come Off
I was one of few who actually liked Nancy's performance a lot in Gloves Come Off. Nancy has continued to perform well and really should be promoted by TVB over some more questionable candidates.

Elena Kong - Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles
Whilst I haven't seen much of SSSS Elena still captivated me in those episodes and from feedback it sounds like she's one of the most interesting characters on the show that's why she receives a nomination here.

Elaine Yiu - King Maker
Another underused actress. There's a certain bias in me nominating Elaine because I think she needs to be promoted a bit more but nonetheless she provided a solid performance in the King Maker.

Ella Koon - Highs and Lows
I find Ella one of the most natural actresses and that's why it's a shame she might not be able to shoot more TVB series in the near future. I think her forte are light hearted characters.

Helena Law - The Last Steep Ascent
Helena is just such a great veteran actress, she really brought her character much more depth and interest.

Mary Hon - Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles
Another great veteran actress. I'm liking her in SSSS and her chemistry with Elena Kong is great to watch.


Top 5


Rebecca Chan, Nancy Wu, Elena Kong, Helena Law, Mary Hon

A very varied list with actresses representing different stages in an artistes career, who out of these will receive the award?

...

3rd - Elena Kong
2nd - Helena Law
1st - Nancy Wu


It was a tough decision but I feel that Nancy inevitably deserved this the most because she had a great year and a great few years before this so finally it should culminate with an award.


Best Series


The first series of the year in which I wanted to watch all of, I wanted to know what would happen and some of the characters were really engaging. I don't know if The Hippocratic Crush 2 could really do the same as the story has pretty much rapped up.


I still haven't finished this series but the filming, the plot, the style have all interested me. The series was also well cast, there are a few blips but all in all it is very engaging.


Highs and Lows is a good series though it does suffer from a lot of the usual TVB cliche's. The chemistry between the artistes is obvious and the acting has been very good throughout.

So my favourite series this year is...


The Hippocratic Crush


Best Actor


Michael Tse - Sergeant Tabloid
Raymond Wong - Bottled Passion
Kenneth Ma - The Hippocratic Crush
Kevin Cheng - Gloves Come Off
Moses Chan - Master of Play
Joe Ma - Tiger Cubs
Michael Miu - Highs and Lows
Raymond Lam - Highs and Lows
Damian Lau - Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles
Wayne Lai - The Confidant

Michael Tse - Sergeant Tabloid
Michael Tse isn't having much luck with TVB, Sergeant Tabloid was warehoused, L'Escargot aired very early and now his latest series is airing in the graveyard slot. Looks like Michael will have a tough time next year as well. But he performed well in Sergeant Tabloid.

Raymond Wong - Bottled Passion
Raymond Wong really showed he's capable of leading a series and what better than to do it in a Lee Tim Shing series.

Kenneth Ma - The Hippocratic Crush
Kenneth is a very versatile actor and once again I applaud him for his acting in THC.

Kevin Cheng - Gloves Come Off
I actually found Kevin to be quite ok in this series despite the numerous rumours of him being arrogant and a diva in this. I prefer him in this much more than in GJ2 with his robotic movements and rehearsed lines.

Moses Chan - Master of Play
I can't remember much of it but any actor among TVBs roster who can play a serial killer with a degree of realism deserves a nomination. I applaud Moses for trying to create a breakthrough.

Joe Ma - Tiger Cubs
This was a perfect casting and Joe really does lead this series well. I'm very happy he got a nomination.

Michael Miu - Highs and Lows
I'm beginning to like Michael a lot and this was definitely one of Michael's more memorable and sophisticated roles.

Raymond Lam - Highs and Lows
This has definitely been one of Raymond's best roles in the past few years and Raymond really performed well here. I wouldn't say it was Raymond's best performance or a career defining one but it finally broke the typecast image he has had for the past few series.

Damian Lau - Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles
From the few episodes I saw Damian is really the one that is carrying the series. Damian portrays this character very well and should be considered for this award.

Wayne Lai - The Confidant
I think Wayne is a great actor and in The Confidant it is no less however I think Wayne really needs a breakthrough because for the past few series I just don't see his character I see more of Wayne being this typecast Lau Shing 2.0.


Top 5


Kenneth Ma, Michael Miu, Raymond Lam, Damian Lau, Wayne Lai

...

3rd - Damian Lau - Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles
2nd - Kenneth Ma - The Hippocratic Crush
1st - Raymond Lam - Highs and Lows



I think Raymond should have got it this year because it is his time. I guess TVB delayed it an extra year by Wayne winning but in terms of who deserves it next it really should be Raymond.


Best Actress


Niki Chow - Sergeant Tabloid
Sonija Kwok - L'Escargot
Tavia Yeung - The Hippocratic Crush
Selena Li - Gloves Come Off
Myolie Wu - Ghetto Justice II
Jessica Hsuan - Tiger Cubs
Kristal Tin - King Maker
Kate Tsui - Highs and Lows
Maggie Cheung - The Last Steep Ascent
Michelle Yim - The Confidant

Niki Chow - Sergeant Tabloid
Sergeant Tabloid was a good series and really changed my opinion of Niki so I wonder when it will be aired in Hong Kong considering there were even talks for a sequel.

Sonija Kwok - L'Escargot
This is one of Sonija's most natural performances, she is becoming a very decent actress.

Tavia Yeung - The Hippocratic Crush
Whilst not Tavia's best performance or most defining role in her career THC is one of her most prolific roles and considering all her past efforts Tavia should really be considered not only for her performance here but also her body of work.

Selena Li - Gloves Come Off
Selena was very underrated in this series perhaps because she only served as the love interest to Kevin rather than being a more integral part of the story however she performed well here and I can't wait for her to find her career defining character.

Myolie Wu - Ghetto Justice II
Myolie really fits this role and last year this role helped her solidify her win. Whilst this year GJ2 has been a flop Myolie still manages to capture our interests.

Jessica Hsuan - Tiger Cubs
I haven't seen enough of her here but Jessica is one of the best actresses who still films for TVB on a regular basis so I hope TVB doesn't sour their relationship.

Kristal Tin - King Maker
Whilst I'm not always agreed with fans over Kristal's performance I think she did well in the King Maker.

Kate Tsui - Highs and Lows
This has definitely solidified Kate's status as a leading actress. She has started off on the right track since last year and Highs and Lows is really a peak from that process. I hope Kate continues to develop into a more natural actress.

Maggie Cheung - The Last Steep Ascent
It's a shame Maggie is now at CTI and TVB tries its hardest not to show or mention her at all but she was a real asset to The Last Steep Ascent and despite the rather flailing plot towards the end she still performed well, it's always a joy to watch her.

Michelle Yim - The Confidant
Whilst we didn't really see enough of Michelle's variation in The Confidant she really personified Empress Cixi. I can't imagine anyone else in TVB right now who could portray Cixi in the way that The Confidant wanted her to be portrayed because it mixed a stubborn playfulness with a strong minded woman besotted by internal struggles. It was a very low-key performance but should be recognised and enjoyed.


Top 5



Tavia Yeung, Jessica Hsuan, Kate Tsui, Maggie Cheung, Michelle Yim

...

3rd - Kate Tsui - Highs and Lows
2nd - Michelle Yim - The Confidant
1st - Tavia Yeung - The Hippocratic Crush


Tavia deserves this award fully, despite a career slow down as of late she really is one of the best fadans of TVB.

Watch Out For

These are some of the artistes among TVB's younger roster who I think have potential to shine and showed potential this year. They range from those with more series under their belt to those who are newbies, from those that are not really promoted to those who are being shoved down our throats!


William Chak, Matt Yeung, Nathan Ngai, Matthew Ko, Ronald Law
Oceane Zhu, Rebecca Zhu, Lin Xia Wei, Angel Chiang, Eliza Sam

William Chak, Matthew Ko, Oceane Zhu, Rebecca Zhu and Eliza Sam all came out from pagentry. I really think William has potential to be a rising star in the future, he is a very natural actor. Matthew Ko has been flailing for a few years but with more development he can potentially improve. Oceane Zhu is one of TVBs most natural young actresses the only problem with her is her accent which she really needs to improve ASAP. Rebecca did surprisingly well in her first series, if TVB continues to promote her she could develop very well. Finally Eliza is the person of the moment right now. She is overrated but actually she does have potential and if TVB goes for a more steady pace in promoting her she could develop into a good comedic actress.

Matt Yeung has been one of those actors who I would like to see more of. He is slowly getting more roles. Nathan Ngai was a breakout hit in THC, he hasn't had as much success lately but I wouldn't be shocked to see more of him in the future. Ronald Law recently came out of TVBs acting class I believe and has been one of the more prolific of those graduates. I see potential in him to be the next rising star in a few years.

Lin Xia Wei is definitely being promoted next year so people better be ready to see more of her face! However her debut in Til Love Do Us Lie was refreshing, one of the best debuts of any actress as of late. Finally Angel, she has been around for a few years but this year she stood out for me. She has this snarl which affects her expressions but if she can improve on that I can see potential.


And to rap it up here are a few of the future series that I'm looking forward to!
Beauty At War - No matter what people say about this I'm still excited to see a War and Beauty sequel with Sheren and Ada.
Triumph in the Skies II - simply because of the cast, I wonder how it'll turn out.
AND of course the reported dramas directed by Wong Jing and Eric Tsang, no matter what they become I'd be interested to see the development.

Monday, 17 December 2012

TVB 45th Anniversary Awards (2012)

Currently watching it in the UK, haven't cheated by looking at the results so here is my first hand reaction.
note: there seems to be less people coming this year, don't know why.


Lifetime Achievement Award - Liza Wang
She had to get it sometime so not shocked.



Most Improved Female Artiste - Mandy Wong
Can't believe they still tried to give Eliza more screentime by making her look like the 2nd favourite. urgh... it was obvious Mandy was getting it if she didn't I would revolt!



Most Improved Male Artiste - Oscar Leung
Where was Edwin? I'm very happy Oscar got it, though I would have wanted Him but both were my favourites this year. Very happy for Oscar but still I want to know where Edwin was because I thought he was a favourite? Did he not come because he knew he wasn't getting it?

I kind of knew Oscar and Mandy would win it right when I saw their positioning. From positioning it also looked like Nancy and Power would get it.

When King Kong mentioned this has been his third consecutive year in this category I just thought to myself - stop complaining look at Tavia she was nominated in this category even after she won it in 2003. That must be the biggest insult to her and she is the only artiste to have been nominated in this category for 4 times.



Best Presenter - Maria Luisa Leitao
Haven't watched the show but it was obvious she'd get it. Very happy she now has recognition from TVB after many years in the industry. Loved her teary speech.



Outstanding Artistes Award - Chin Kar Lok, Benz Hui, Sunny Chan, Henry Lee, Dodo Cheng
Cool, it's good that TVB is giving this award for a reason rather than as a pork award but then is this like a young lifetime achievement award? 
Benz was so funny. 
Very happy for Sunny as well but shouldn't TVB consider him for Best Actor first?
Very happy for Henry, it's great they are awarding these green leafs who have done so much for TVB.
And wow they awarded Dodo! Happy for her and I love how surprised she was.

Probably the most meaningful awards of the night.






My Favourite Female Character - Kate Tsui (Highs and Lows - Pat)

I agree Kate should win this as her character has gotten such good feedback. Very happy that Kate has finally got the support from the audience you could see she was actually very happy for the award unlike others who might think this is a sub award meaning they might not get the Best Actress/Actor.



My Favourite Male Character - Kenneth Ma (The Hippocratic Crush - Yat Kin)

Yet again a deserved win but I do hope it means Tavia and Raymond win the other two awards. Very happy for Kenneth.



Best Supporting Actress - Nancy Wu (Gloves Come Off)
2nd - Mandy Wong

I am extremely happy Nancy finally won it! She really deserves it and winning so many other awards definitely helped boost her chances. I'm shocked that Mandy came in 2nd. I'm very happy for Mandy but if I'm honest she is not ready for this award. I'm saddened Elena left empty handed again because this has happened to her for three years in a row, considered but not recognised.



Best Supporting Actor - Koo Ming Wah (Divas in Distress)
2nd - Power Chan

Well it was always between Koo Ming Wah and Power Chan and in the end I thought it could go either way but I thought they would give it to Power since there was more reason but I guess TVB gave it to the popular vote.


*When they were interviewing Eliott Ngok he said something like this is his first time being nominated (can't remember because I was distracted then) but does he not remember being nominated in 2009 for Gem of Life?

Best Information Programme - Pilgrimage of Hope



Best Variety Programme - Map of Happiness



Best Actress - Tavia Yeung (Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles)
Top 5 - Michelle Yim, Charmaine Sheh, Linda Chung, Kate Tsui

When they all came out to talk it sounded almost like they were vying for Miss Hong Kong! I was very happy for her she really deserves it. It was not only her performance this year but her overall performance throughout her career which deserves recognition. It was quite funny when they panned to Him Law all emotional (for probably 10 times!)



Best Actor - Wayne Lai (The Confidant)
Top 5 - Damian Lau, Moses Chan, Raymond Lam, Kenneth Ma

This is like the nth time Moses has made the Top 5

In all honesty I'm very disappointed. The Confidant was not Wayne's best performance by any means, it's very disappointing that Hong Kong voters decided to give this to Wayne rather than Raymond, Kenneth, Damian or even Joe! It means that he equals Gallen's feat.
Quite funny that Mingpao's poll had Wayne last but he won!



Best Series - When Heaven Burns
Top 3 - The Confidant, The Hippocratic Crush, When Heaven Burns

I really can't say much as I haven't watched this properly but this has really been the series with the biggest impact this year despite the awful ratings. The Hippocratic Crush was probably the 2nd best despite Witness Insecurity being the highest rated.



Overall this was probably one of the best overall outcomes of TVB but I feel really sorry for Raymond Lam for not winning anything as he's now on only one series per year. Amazingly the seven main awards went to seven different series! When Heaven Burns, The Confidant, Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles, Divas in Distress, Gloves Come Off, The Hippocratic Crush and Highs and Lows!