Fang Yang De Xing Xing

“My Lucky Star” (Fang Yang De Xing Xing in Mandarin) is now included in my favorite list of dramas with its logical plot, carefully crafted scenes, good looking actors, great camera shots and wonderful soundtrack…you could not ask for more. It is a story of a fake jeweler named Xia Zhi Xing (Yoo Ha Na) and how her life turned when she bumped into the rebellious young master of a jewelry empire, Zhong Tian Qi (Jimmy Lin).

I didn’t know that Ha Na is Korean until I read the forums. That’s why in the beginning I was wondering howcome her voice seems not in sync with her appearance and lip movements. At any rate, her acting was great to think she is a newbie in the industry. She can be “kikay” (funny) to lighten the mood yet be serious when the scene needed it. She also had a chemistry with Jimmy in spite the fact that they have a 12-year gap.

As to Jimmy, this is the first time that I encounter him...he's cute with his boy-next-door appeal. I thought his character (even in real life) is serious type, but in the process he loosened up and I find it cool. I also like the way his character turned 360 degrees in the latter part of the story, which is very unusual for a drama.

Leon Jay Williams plays the elder Zhong brother, Tian Jun. Here, like his other roles, he's the goodie-goodie type.

Lee Wei plays Han Zhi Yin, the happy-go-lucky half-brother of Tian Jun and Tian Qi who became a celebrity. Actually, it’s my first time to see him act in a drama but I heard of him before because of actress Tammy Chen. His character is tough outside but soft inside. Having this kind of character coupled with nifty hairstyle and fashionable attire made him a hottie. I also commend his acting here, it's superb...

Dong Zhi Cheng as Guang Ming, is Ah Xing's uncle. He gave the most comic relief in the story. I like his brand of comedy since “Meteor Garden” days as Shan Cai’s father. His acting has been effortless. Go Uncle Guang!

Hong Xiao Ling, the former fiancee of Tian Qi, is very effective as the anti-heroine. You can really feel the angst and greediness in her. Though in the beginning I mistook her for Yoo Ha Na because they have resemblance but as I went along, I realized they really don't look alike.

It's a pity that Ehlo Huang had only minor role here, he played the fiance of Ah Xing. I believe he is great actor; I hope next time he would be given juicy roles.

There are many scenes that I love in this drama but what I love most is when the songs "Ai Mei" and "Perfect Lover" were sung. Remember, they are the theme songs of "Devil Beside You" and "Magicians of Love", respectively. It's very unusual for a certain drama that one of the characters will sing other's theme. I also love the racing scenes...it added more thrill to the story. On top of that, the OST is great, as expected actually.

This drama is filled with excitement at the same time, light moments. It is complete in itself. At first I said I will not enjoy watching it but in the end, I was wrong, I felt really good…so addicting.

* photo credit to AF

Ying Ye 3 Jia 1

“Ying Ye 3 Jia 1” is drama series where Joe Chen Qiao En and Ming Dao teamed-up once again after their hit “Prince Turned into a Frog.” If in the latter I didn’t enjoy their tandem, this time I was able to feel the reel and real love between them. This drama is about four college students --Xia Tian, Jia Jiang, Fang Wei and Bulu--who grew up in westside street and study in Ying Ye school. Trouble ensues when the gun of Xia Tian's father was misplaced, a day before his retirement as a police officer.

Seeing Ming Dao once again in a drama feels good and being paired with her rumored girlfriend, Qiao En, is heaven. In fact, I am also one of their ardent followers. Ming Dao, as always, can connect well with his leading lady. His acting here is satisfactory as well. As to Joe, the way she giggled is very natural for a girl who is tickled by her crush. Her eyes were also glowing, I bet for Ming Dao, who else?!

Jason Hsu, who played Bulu, had the smallest part among the three lead guys. The angle between him and Wen Hui (Achel Zhang) didn't thrill me at all. Better if he was cast as Fang Wei because he and Qiao En do also have chemistry since they already teamed-up in other series. Huang Zhi Wei who played Fang Wei is not suited for the role because of his mature looks and stocky built to think his character is a college student. If not Jason, Ehlo Huang (Ming Dao's co-member in 183 Club) should have played the part or other actor who has this boy-next-door appeal.

Well, this is typical T-drama with the presence of a powerful third party to stand between the main lovers and one of them will be having a threat in his life or will drift away later on. But it is refreshing to see Ming Dao and Joe Chen doing some stunts.

To sum up, all I can say that this series is a must watch for Ming-En fanatics...

* photo credit to baidu

Gong Zhu Xiao Mei

Another Taiwanese drama based on Japanese comics, that is “Four Steps to Romance.” The story goes…adopted by middle-class parents, Xiao Mai (Angela Zhang) has this dream to be an heiress. Who knew that one day this dream would come true. Xiao Mai’s biological grandfather is the head of the biggest firm in Asia and after many years of searching, he finally found his long lost grand-daughter. As she starts her life as an heiress, Xiao Mai never imagined that she will also meet her prince charming, Nan Feng Jin (Wu Zun).

I thought this is a fabulous series basing the title, "Romantic Princess," but it wasn’t. First, I was hoping to see his and her Majesty in their royal court but there was only the so-called “Emp” short for Emperor who doesn't look a bit majestic. Second, the conflict of the story is shallow…Jin, the successor of the so-called empire does not want to take the responsibility. And lastly, the scenes lacked in drama and excitement.

Now on the actors, let me start off with Angela Zhang. In my opinion, she is not fit to be cast as Xiao Mai because she is not regal looking with her thin frame. Yes, she was an ordinary folk in the beginning but her transformation as an heiress should have an impact especially with how she carries her dress. Plus her acting was not cute here to think this is a romantic-comedy.

Wu Zun is a good choice as Jin because he really looks like a Prince with his good looks and way of carrying his clothes. His character also asked him to be reserved and he did it very well. I was just bothered with the tattoo on his upper right arm because it does not look neat and a “Prince” should be devoid of any marks on his body.

Calvin Chen as the playboy brother of Jin really transformed here. In “KO One” he wasn’t that cute but in this drama, he looked like Japanese singer-actor Jun Matsumoto with his hairstyle and clothes. I just noticed that in some parts, his acting is just acting, he couldn’t get into his character.

Their two other siblings played by George Hu (Lin) and Li Ang Lin (Ying) should be played by Chun and Calvin’s two other bandmates in Fahrenheit--Jiro Wang and Aaron Yan. Because Lin is kinda hilarious which is fit for Jiro and Ying who is silent-type is appropriate for Aaron. Moreso, the scenes where they drink together reminds me of F4 in “Meteor Garden.” The producer instead made this series for Fahrenheit since in “KO One” their good looks were not highlighted and they didn’t have scenes altogether. Well, just wishful thinking…

Gu Bao Ming as Emp was not frightening compared to Dao Ming Feng (who would forget her as Dao Ming Su’s mother) so I couldn’t feel the excitement. I guess, that’s because he acted funny at times.

Genie Zhou as Gong Moli added fun to the story. I love her cute reactions as the anti-heroine. She is very effective.

To sum up, the actors are acceptable but the plot eerrr...terrible...

* photo credit to apple daily

Huan Huan Ai

This drama is the next project of Rainie Yang, Mike He and Kingone Wang after their hit “Devil Beside You.” Here, Rainie Yang played Tong Jia Di who badly needed money to pay her family’s debt. So in order to pay back, she entered into odd jobs. While working for an event, her best friend Jiang Xiao Nan sneaked in a “love” coupon in Jia Di’s raffle box praying that the lucky guy who draws it will sweep Jia Di off her feet. Fortunately, a handsome and rich guy named Huo Yan (Kingone) happened to get the coupon. But the problem, his devilish younger brother Hou Da (Mike), is determined to exchange his “Master/Angel” coupon for Jia Di’s service.

I agree to what others say that this is like a sequel of “Devil Beside You” having the three again in the lead with the same characters as before. But DBY's story is cute because it is a school drama with a touch of surrealism. Nonetheless, seeing Mike once more in a drama feels good regardless of the story and his role so I did not mind it. Plus the fact that he looked more manly and handsome this time.

Okay, as to the acting…Mike has been always in character and could connect well with her leading lady. As to Rainie, her acting hasn’t improved…I didn’t find her funny and couldn’t feel the “love” in her eyes for Hou Da. With Kingone, he is becoming more and more debonair compared to his earlier dramas. But his role here was not that challenging so his acting was so-so. Judy Qiu as the anti-heroine was raw in her acting. I think she has the most challenging part but you could not see the angst in her face, she lacked in reactions…

With some raw acting and so-so storyline, this series is definitely for Rainie-Mike shippers...

* photo credit to AF

Xing Ping Guo

I watched this series using the fast forward mode, promise! I just didn’t like Ming Dao’s leading lady here, Achel Zhang…casting her in this production is one big mistake. To begin with, she is not a leading lady material...her sweet baby face works against her and the worse, her get-up and hairstyle were like that of a child. She was already 20 during the series and in the story but the people behind the production didn’t do something about her appearance. So physically, she didn’t match Ming Dao, they look like siblings. And second, she did not connect with him so there was no “kilig” (tickling) factor to watch for. I guess the leading lady role would suit Esther Liu (who played Sophie in “Green Forest’) better. She is two years younger than Achel but looks mature for her age. And Rui Rui’s good-humored character matches Esther well, like that of Sophie. Then I believe this drama would be much better.

The story begins with Tao Si‘s (Ming Dao) suppose wedding to Meng Zin (Yang Ya Zhu) but Rui Rui (Achel) screwed it up. He didn’t know that 15 years ago, Rui was the one he made a vow with for saving his life. How they would end up with each other is where the story revolves.

Actually, the plot is good ‘coz it’s light-hearted. Whereas, the farm setting gives me this warmth feeling. But then again, sorry to say, it’s only Achel who messed up the drama.

But in fairness to Ming Dao, he did an excellent job, as always. Here, his character is kinda' comical which suits him and he did establish connection with Achel.

By the way, Johnny (former 183 Club member) was also here playing Tao Si’s business rival. I think he is type-cast as the antagonist forever, maybe because of his “stern” looks.

Nonetheless, this series would eat-up most of your time because it has 30 episodes. Watching it in a normal mode would make you feel as if you wasted 1/3 of your life! Quite bad…

* photo credit to yesasia

Zhong Ji Yi Ban

This is another school drama with a touch of fantasy, comedy and romance wherein the members of the Taiwanese boy group, Fahrenheit, play the lead. Adapted from a popular Japanese manga, “KO One” is about a bunch of notorious and delinquent high school students who are only concerned with fighting and keeping their fighting ranks.

Jiro Wang plays Zhong Ji Yi Ban’s class leader, Wang Da Dong. As the son of church ministers, he acts as an innocent boy until he gets to school where everyone fears him. But I am not used to Jiro having a supercilious character, I like him more as wild and wacky like in "It Started With A Kiss.".

Calvin Chen as Wang Ya Se is the son of a Syndicate leader who acts arrogantly yet loves quoting literature passages. He looks mature for a high school student, but he looked good when he wore the hip hop attire in one scene.

Aaron yan as Ding Xiao Yu, the quiet type, is reminiscent of Hua Ze Lei and even resembles Vic Zhou. Hence, this role is like tailor-maid for him.

Wu Zun as the KO One holder matches well with his muscular built and sporty personality. But I like him more as Liang in “Tokyo Juliet” where he plays the soft-spoken and loving boyfriend of Sui.

Danson Tang plays the two-faced KO2 rank holder, Lei Ke Si. He is at his the best when playing the bad guy.

Na Wei Xun plays the mystery vendor Duang Chang Ren whom Da Dong, Ya Se and Xiao Yu approach when they are in quandary. For me, he is the most funny character in the story. Principal Qian Lai Ye (Ba Ge), School Dean Jian Yong (Hsia Ching Ting), Drillmaster Su Bu Qi (Jian Han Zhong), and Chinese Teacher Gu Wen Jing (Ye Hui Zhi) tend to be corny and trying hard. Actually, everytime their part comes, I tend to fast forward.

If there is a B movie, this is like a B series because of the overall quality. It seems you’re watching an old kung fu movie, waiting for Bruce lee to come out, hehehe, no offense meant. I guess, this production would have been much livelier if there are more students and fun-filled scenes because the life of the story is the class.

This one is more intended to the teen segment. But if you adore Fahrenheit, this is the chance to see them act together.

* photo credit to AF

Lu Guang Sen Lin

Green Forest, My Home” in English is basically not a love triangle drama but love quadrangle because the four main characters are romantically linked to one another. The story started when they were still kids. William (Leon Jay Williams) is the son of the founder of Spencer Royal School who promised his classmate Sophie (Liu Ping Yan) that he will protect her forever. However, her envious adoptive sister, Susan (Song Zhi Ai), gets in the way and pretended to William that she is Sophie. While Owen (Ruan Jing Tian) is Sophie’s childhood friend who also loves her. After 20 years, their paths crossed again at Royal Spencer School of Music and complications ensue, compounded by the closure of Green Light Elementary School, which is within Spencer Educational Foundation.

Shall I say, the story is delightful and unpredictable, with the right balance of drama and humor. The choice of songs “Wu Fa Kai Kou” by William So and “Lu Guang Chuan Shou” by Ah Bao made the scenes even more heartwarming and tender. While the skillful camera movements gave the drama more “drama.”

As to the actors, Leon Jay is like a Prince Charming with his Western looks and attire though sometimes he looks stiff. Ethan Ruan is not that adorable and charming as the supporting role but his being a virtuoso in violin suits him physically.Esther Liu is surprisingly only 17 years old during this drama but she looks mature for her age. So playing the 24-year-old Sophie fits her. Acting-wise, she did a good job. Whereas, Zhi Ai’s acting is still raw. She is the antagonist here who harbors the feelings of inferiority and inadequacy yet you cannot feel the angst in her.

Meantime, there are three things that I don’t like in the story first, the children. I tend to fast forward when it comes to their part. I dunno but they seem kinda annoying rather than cute. Second, Sophie’s love-hate relationship with William is a typical scenario in Chinovelas. And lastly, Sophie’s disease called pseudomonas. Life threatening diseases especially cancer are common in movies/dramas and this story is not even spared.

Except for these parts that I didn‘t like and Song Zhi Ai’s raw acting, this drama would merit a perfect score.

* photo credit to ent.sina.com.cn

Zhen Ming Tian Nu

“Zhen Ming Tian Nu“ or “Reaching for the Stars” is a 2005 series of Taiwanese girl group S.H.E (stands for Selina, Hebe and Ella). Selina plays Zhou Xin Lei, a stepdaughter of a wealthy man, Mr. Zhou; Hebe as Shen Xiao Rou is a strict policewoman who grew up with her grandmother; and Ella plays Ren Jie a vagrant who earns a living through odd jobs…these girls were born on the same day (February 14) and their lives will intertwine on their 22nd birthday.

What made me hooked to this drama is Guo Yan Jun who played senior manager Liang Zheng Hao. He is not that handsome but his character exudes certain charisma. His gradual attraction to Ren Jie is a surprise in the story. At first, they were just plain acquaintance with no hint of “magic.” But the difference in their status, instead of pulling them apart, drew them even closer.

Chen Zhi Kai as Xiao Ya Wei is also a revelation in the story. At first you would hate him because he is a gigolo and has this “care less” attitude. But when he met Shen Xiao Rou, his character turned 360 degrees and became a man that every girl would dream of.

Meantime, Ella Chen is suited for the role of Ren Jie with her boyish looks that matches with the character’s crass behavior. But it is otherwise for Hebe Tian, whose role as a policewoman did not suit her small frame. As for Selina Ren, she seemed stoic and pathetic all throughout the drama.

But then again, shall I say, the storyline is clever, the intricacies of the plot made sense, the opening and closing themes are perfect, and the story gave the three lead girls equal exposures. Ergo, this is something worth watching, especially to S.H.E.’s faithful fans.

* photo credit to dramawiki