“Ai Qing Xin Hu Xi”

“Ai Qing Xin Hu Xi” (Love Multiplication) is based on Wang Wen Hua’s novel "16 x 57,” a bestseller book in Taiwan. Honestly, I was forced to buy a copy of it because I could not find other Chinese drama. I was not even familiar with the actors so I thought the story would be very dragging, but later on, I found myself hooked to it.

This series is relatively new, I discovered it was only aired recently in Taiwan. The main casts include Tammy Chen as Lin Jin Hui, Raymond Lam as Xu Kai and Alex Fong as Huang Ming Zheng (take note, Tammy Chen was also the leading lady in “Lavander” and “Mouse Loves Rice”).

It is a story where three different worlds collide due to a series of events--one of a stock broker (Jin Hui), another, an artist (Xu Kai) and the third, an executive (Ming Zheng). Jin Hui is a conservative type, career woman who is looking for a mature and financially stable guy. Ming Zheng, who is in late 30’s, is looking for a woman to marry but he is always busy with work. Xu Kai is a young guy who is not used to “one-on-one” relationship and does not believe in marriage.

Unknowingly, Jin Hui’s mother and Ming Zhe’s aunt are friends and they want the two to date each other. When Ming Zheng decided to court Jin Hui, Xu Kai came into the picture and doomed their blossoming relationship. Xu Kai got interested with Jin Hui because he sees in her the image of her favorite painting by French artist Renoir called “Little Aileen.“ Little Aileen has moody eyes yet pale face, somber look yet full of thoughts which is a symbol of contradiction.

In the process, she fell in love with the latter and dumped Ming Zheng. However, Xu Kai hasn’t broke up with her long time girlfriend, Fan Li Sha. This is where the conflict sets in. Meantime, Ming Zheng’s ex-gf, Sophia, came back from Britain to make amends, but he only wants Jin Hui. Cheng Ling, Jin Hui’s friend, on the other hand, is being harassed by her ex-bf, Richard, who only wants money from her. Her another ex, Sheng Xiong Chou, came back as well to rekindle their old flame. Each of them will be tested and their lives will be intertwined with one another to play up different emotions.

At first, I hated Jin Hui’s character here because she chose a young unstable guy over a financially matured one who has lots of issues in his self. But in the end she was vindicated because Xu Kai has become a changed man.

I like how the complexities among the characters were presented but what I don’t like is the part on Jin Hui’s sister relationship with Jin Gao. It seems forced and there’s not much excitement on their romance.

As a whole, I can say that this drama is very touching and is intended for mature audience.


*photo credit to ent.sina.com.cn

“Ai Qing Da Mo Zhou”

This urban love soap, "Magical Love" in English, is the first TV work by Taiwan’s hottest singing all female group S.H.E. in 2001 and was praised for the participation of Gao Yi Ping and Lan Zhe Long.

The story revolves around three friends--Zhu Li Ye, Hu Sha Sha and Ya Qi and how to achieve their individual dreams after graduating from high school. Zhu Li Ye or Juliet dreams of meeting her friend Romeo whom she met over the net. That certain Romeo is a senior student at Taipei University. Hence, she aspires to enter the University as a student to meet him in person. Ya Qi’s dream is to become an idol/movie star and marry an actor before reaching the age of 20. As to Hu Sha Sha, her dream changes every now and then, and she’s not even sure of what to do next.

These three girls live in a house owned by the family of An Dong Hai who works as a photographer in an entertainment magazine. An Dong Hai will then be torn between Ya Qi and Hu Sha Sha. But with Juliet, she is constant with her dream of meeting her Romeo. In preparation for the exams at Taipei University, she enrolled in a review center. There her paths crossed with Ling Tao (played by Lan Zhe Long) who works for the said center. Eventually, they became the best of friends and developed feelings for him. But Juliet soon discovered that her “Romeo” is in love with his so called “sister,” Wen Li. When this “sister-brother” relationship turned sweet, Ling Tao’s mother meddled and asked Wei Lin to back off. After Wen Li, Ling Tao is chased by Xiao Lan, a classmate during high school days. Yet in spite all her efforts, Xiao Lan was turned down by him because his love remains for Wen Li.

I just noticed that Lan Zhe Long acting here is very much amateur. It seems that he wore that poker face throughout the entire drama, I can not decipher whether he is happy or upset. But in all fairness, I realized here that he is cute as compared to “Meteor Garden” days where he was lanky and long haired. I now realized why Hsu His Yuan was smitten by him.

Similarly, with Ella Chen who portrayed as Zhu Liye, I think she is not that effective for the role, I don’t like her brand of comedy. Maybe because both of them were still newbies that time, hence they don’t know how to “emote”. But in fairness, I like Ella 'coz she gives me the impression that she is a down to earth girl in real life.

I also observed that the musical scoring is bland, or I can’t even remember if there was a scoring at all. What I also enjoyed in Chinese soaps are the songs even though I can not understand it...but music is a universal language, you just have to feel it.

“Ai Qing Da Mo Zhou” basically, is a simple story of love and friendship which has a “feel good” effect. If you are looking for some plain entertainment, this soap is for you.

* photo credit to AF

“Ai Qing Mo Jie”

This fairy tale-like drama series, “Magic Ring” in English, released three years ago, tackles love and fate.

Its main casts are Zheng Yuan Chang, Xia Yu Qiao, Qian Wei Shan, Wu Zhong Tian and Guo Feng.

Peng Xiao Jun, played by Xia Yu Qiao, left her Dad and work when she caught the father of the baby she is carrying in a compromising situation with a girl. On board a train, she met Du Jun Yuan (Wu Zhong Tian), who is being accompanied by her new girl Li Yu Qing (who looks similar like Guo Keting, his first love). When Xiao Jun was talking to the two of them, she was stunned by the ring wore by Li Yu Qing and borrowed it from her. But when she tries it on, the train encountered an accident which left many passengers dead. Luckily, she survived the accident and woke up in a hospital losing all her memories. Because of the ring, Du Bai Cheng (Du Jun Yuan’s father) mistook her for Li Yu Qing. The ring is the proof of being the fiance of the eldest son of the Du family, and said to be mythical. According to a legend, there’s a fairy leaving beside Laiying Lake who protects the gold which can make a ring. A boy was able to get there, made a ring out of the gold and gave it to his beloved girl. However, the boy died. He was caught beside the lake by his enemies who stabbed him behind. When the girl knew it, she put on the ring, ride the horse and go into the fire ‘coz they made their vow to the lake that they will love forever and won’t be apart.

A twist of fate happened when Du Bai Cheng treats her and loves her as his own daughter, and brought her to their mansion. This made the pregnant Xiao Jun experience the feeling of a warm family that she never felt before. Soon, Du Jun Yuan’s lawyer brother Du Jing Hang (portrayed by Zheng Yuan Chang) fell in love with her. But not long after, he got mad with her because he discovered that she is not the real Li Yu Qing. For the sake of his father’s health, Du Jing Hang asked Xiao Jun to go on pretending until Du Bai Cheng’s health become stable and after she gives birth to her baby. When the baby came out, Xiao Jun abides by the deal she made with Jing Hang and leaves the mansion. But on Jing Hang’s part, he does not want her to leave anymore. In the end, they followed their hearts desire and lived happily ever after.

I realized that Zheng Yuan Chang is handsome as you watch him longer. As to Xia Yu Qiao, her beauty is like a breath of fresh air...she has a very refreshing face on screen.

So to all Joe Cheng's fans out there, this is a must see.

* photo credit to AF

“Yu Dao Ai”

Xin Lie (Hsu Hsi Yuan), a girl from a wealthy family in China, and Qin Lang (Luo Zhi Xiang), a guy who came to Shanghai to find his father and pursue his dream of becoming an artist, meet by accident in a corner when her car and his bike collide. Later, they meet again when Xin Lei’s goes to the restaurant where Qin Lang works as a chef. Their relationship has moved to another level when she asked him to teach her how to make shrimp omelet for her beau, Shan Dong (Chen Zhi Kai). Unfortunately, Xin Lei’s family owned company goes bankrupt and her parents suddenly go into hiding leaving her only a plane ticket and a key to their house in Taiwan. To make matters worse, Yin Shan Dong breaks the engagement to abide by his parents’ wishes. Having no idea where to go, she decided to head to Taiwan and find the house which her parents left for her to stay. In the course of finding the said house, she and Qin Lang’s paths once again crossed. Much to her surprise, she then finds out that Qin Lang’s family has been living in the house for years. After much controversy, Qin Lang’s grandmother finally agreed to let her stay. Thus begins a magical love story…

This series is the latest from Da S after “Mars”. It was shown recently in the early part of 2007 and got high ratings. It was based on a novel with the same title by Giddens.

I am glad that Barbie accepted this project and see her once again in a love story. But I am still used to her as the one being oppressed, like Shan Cai and Qui Luo and not as a refined lady like Xin Lie. As to Show Luo, I find him cute in some angles and like his antics very much. I also discovered that he is also a good singer ’coz he sang the ending song here entitled “Ai Zhuan Jiao” (Love, Next Corner). That’s why after watching this, I became curious about him.

Nevertheless, like Zai Zai, I also love their tandem because they “connect” which I guess, one of the reasons why it clicked. I thought I would not enjoy watching this one, but in the end, I was left hanging. Well, I just hope the sequel of “Corner With Love” will push through next year and it will still be a resounding success. More power to Producer Angie Cai!

* photo credit to asos.cn

“Shen Qing Mi Ma”

“Shen Qing Mi Ma” literally translated as “Love Code/Password” or “Silence” for international release is a story about love, life and hope…

It stars Zhou Yu Min, Cantonese Singer-Actor Andy Hui, and Korean actress Park Eun Hye known for her role in the much coveted drama “Jewel in the Palace.”

The story is about a girl, Zhou Shen Shen (played Park Eun Hye) who loses her voice after a bus accident, Zuo Jun (Andy Hui) a childhood friend who promised to take care of her but finding himself in love with her, and Qi Wei Yi (Zai Zai), also a childhood friend who fell for her. It started when Shen Shen hid a letter in a bomb shelter wall near the hospital where she was brought for treatment and was eventually discovered by her fellow “Martian” Qi Wei Yi. By the way, “Martian” is their term for an alien friend. Not long after, they got along well and became the best of friends. When Qi Wei Yi realizes that she has a crush on her, he told Shen Shen to give him a response through writing and will open it in the Christmas of 2006 when they reach the age of 25. When that time is coming near, they bumped on to each other but unaware that they already met before. Eventually, they became friends once more but the sad thing is, Qi Wei Yi finds out the he is inflicted with liver cancer. Meantime, Zuo Jun is deeply in love with Shen Shen and will do anything just to love him back.

The concept of “Lucky Star” here is brilliant. It is defined in the story as a place where people goes once they leave this world and at the same time, a code made by a certain hand gesture to tell our departed loved ones how much we miss them and bless us. In the first part of the story, Shen Shen mother died in an accident and she was crying hard every time she remembers her. To console her, Qi Wei Yi told her about this “Lucky Star” and liked the idea. But in the latter part, she was again in despair because Qi Wei Yi goes to that place. So she made the “Lucky Star” hand gesture to signify that she deeply misses him.

But the lines that hit me in the story is from Uncle Zuo, it goes this way: “As long as we are alive, there should be no regret. Regret is what the people who are leaving this world say. It doesn’t matter if you can accomplish your goal or not. It’s more the fact that you try your best to accomplish it then there will be no regrets…If you have no dream, then you have to walk to a higher ground…you can try jumping. Look at the world from a high place…you will find that this world is very different from what you think. Look at the sky above your head, look at the people at your feet. Even if you have no dream, you should still have responsibilities.”

It tells us that life is beautiful even we are hopeless...By going places, watching movies/TV, reading books, talking with people, observing our surrounding, we would be able to realize that life is indeed wonderful and maybe we can make it much better.

Obviously, this is not a "happy ever after ending" story but I assure you, it's a very enlightening drama.

* photo credit to sonymusic.com.tw

“Zhan Shen”

This is the first Idol Drama that I was able to watch in full length and in Mandarin. This story is adapted from Japanese manga “God Mars” by Fuyumi Soryo. And take note, it won the “Favorite Drama of the Year” category in the 40th Annual 2005 Golden Bell Awards.

The story is about a naive artistic girl, Qui Luo (Da S), who was raped by his stepfather and a carefree and playboy Chen Ling (Zai Zai), who is haunted by the death of his twin brother Shen. These two worlds will collide and their differences will bond them.

Though I was really scared watching this because it is mixed with suspense, I do love the series because the leading characters here are two of my most favorite artists, Zhou Yu Min and Hsu Hsi Yuan.

There are three lines that struck me most here…First, Ling telling Qui Luo about “Mars”. According to him, “Mars prophecy says that a terrifying king will control the world and the world be ruled by Mars.“ Then asked, “What kind of world you think it would be if the world is ruled by Mars?!” But he was also the one who made the response, “The world is messed up anyway. It will collapse sooner or later. I also don’t believe that there is a great future ahead. So why not just come to a flashy and glorified end, doesn’t it sound better?! Why it hasn’t happening yet?! I wonder how the world is going…to end.”

Like Ling, I tend to be philosophical at times. I agree with him that the world is now messed up especially when you hear news about hundreds of fatalities due to natural disasters, suicide bombings, rampant corruption, deaths brought about by different diseases and so on, leading me to believe that the end is imminent. I was amazed 'coz he was able to articulate my world view. Likewise, it reminds me about some texts in the Bible that before the so-called God’s Kingdom will arrive, the earth will be ruled by evil. And in this lines by Ling, he just used “Mars” since it’s associated with force, darkness and blood.

In the end, these lines became romantic when Qui Luo asked him if he still believes if the world is going to end someday. He answered: “It is inevitable. It’s only a matter of time but we need to go on. Qui Lou, you have to be with me.”

If a guy you love would tell you those lines, promise, it will melt any girl’s heart.

Same with this one, again Ling on Qui Luo: “Before I always thought there was nothing to be afraid of in this world. But when I met you, I’ve got lot of things to be afraid of. What I’m afraid most is when you’re riding at the back seat of my motorcycle. I absolutely can’t make any mistake, I cannot lose you like that.”

And the last, from Fan Tong Dao who is a psychiatric patient talking to Qui Luo: “Don’t you know the theory that happiness is actually built from other people’s unhappiness?! To pursue your dreams, your mother had to work harder until she got sick due to fatigue. All happiness comes from other people’s sacrifices. In the end, happiness is nothing but a scam.

Yes, I definitely agree to him not because I’m a psychotic (heheh) but it made me realize that in order to make one happy or achieve happiness for that matter, it entails sacrifice at the same time.

I am sure after watching this series, you will love it like I do. It is deeply moving...

* photo credit to AF

"Er Mo Tsai Shen Bien"

I am lucky because I was able to hold a copy of “Devil Beside You.” I got interested in this drama because I encounter a lot of comments and opinions about this and the actors as well every time I access Youtube and other forums. The sad thing is, the story is short, only 14-episodes. I was left asking for more after watching it! So what I do is, I play it every now and then in my DVD player. Me, I’m the type of person who easily gets tired of some things. But in this case, I don’t get pissed and the more I watch it, the more I crave for it. Ergo, I highly recommend this series, especially for teens and yuppies alike.

Anyways, this idol drama is based on Japanese manga “Akuma De Sourou” (Devil Does Exist) written by Mitsuba Takanashi. It was a hit in Taiwan when broadcasted over CTV in 2005. The story started with Qui Yue (Yang Chen Lin) who dreams of confessing her feelings to her school crush, basketball team captain, Yuan Yi (Wang Chuang Yi). She then finally found the courage to confess her feelings to him but by a stroke of bad luck, Ah Yi did not see and walked passed her. When she looked up, the person standing in front of her was the troublemaker and the son of the school owner, infamously known for his devilish ways, Jiang Meng (He Jun Xiang). The devil gets what he wants, and the object of his desire is Qui Yue. Although having a cruel exterior, Ah Meng’s heart is kind and caring which truly touched Qui Yue. However, the big problem remains…Ah Meng is the son of the man Qui Yue’s mother is going to marry. Even though they were not related by blood, the issue is that the future stepbrother and stepsister are in love with each other.

I love the story very much because it reminds me a lot of “Meteor Garden”. It has a touch of comedy, there was a group of boys who likes to bully, and a girl who fights back. Also, I love the scoring especially, “Chou Na Ren” which sounds tough yet sexy, especially when it’s played during fight or fighting mode scenes. I also like “Ai Mei” ‘coz every time I hear it, it sounds like love is in the air and and “Li Xiang Qing Ren” which is a happy love song…and take note, they are both sung by Chen Lin herself.

I can say that Rainie here suits the role of Xiao Yue and in fairness, she does well in comedy. King One’s role here is much better as compared in “Silence” ‘coz in the latter, his character is kinda’ annoying. But here, I also fell in love with him. Meantime, Mike was the best choice for this story. I mean, for a newbie that time, he was able to carry that bad boy image needed for the role albeit he has this “angelic face.” And his eyes here, very sharp and really scary. But I also think Zhu Xiao Tian can give justice to the character because not only they were linked with Chen Lin and somehow look alike, the latter has this “naughty image” that fits well with the role. In case he was Ah Meng, then Mike would better fit Ah Rang, his younger brother in the story who tried to make himself notice by him through evil ways.

At any rate, it’s my first time here to get to know Xiao Mei as an actor…and later I realized that he is the most good-looking Chinese guy I’ve ever seen in my entire life. For me, he’s so H-O-T , as in flaming hot here. And everytime he smiles, it melts me. My Gosh, I want to know who is his mother! Heheh! But when I tried looking up for his pics over the net, he doesn’t look a bit of Ah Meng, I must say I was disappointed. Well, in some videos he does. I guess, he’s only telegenic, hahah! Maybe Zheng Yuan Chang, his showbiz friend, was right when he said one time in their show that Xiao Mei is too handsome in TV but not in real life...so he warned people out there not to be fooled by his looks! Waaahhh!! As for me, he looks his best with long hair half-tied. Nevertheless, after watching DBY and reading several stuff about him, I became one of his big fans in the Philippines, I swear!

I just hope that there would be a sequel on this. I love it!

* photo credit to AF

"Bai Se Ju Ta"

“The Hospital” is a 39-episode drama series that deals with politics, corruption and struggle in a public hospital. The story is based on a novel “Bai Se Ju Ta” written by no less than a physician himself, Dr. Hou Wen Yang.

Dr. Su Yi Hua, played by Yan Cheng Xu, is one of the main characters in the story. He is a handsome, young and skillful surgeon who values relationships with his patients but displays weaknesses when dealing with love (Bao Long here is a far cry from the Dao Ming Si we knew in the phenomenal series “Meteor Garden” 'coz his character has more depth here).

The other lead character is Dr. Qui Qing Cheng, a driven and ambitious surgeon played by Dai Li Ren, who became involved with TV reporter Ma Yi Fen. His ordeal began when he got her pregnant. Dr. Qui wants her to abort the baby because he is afraid to lose his family, but on her part, she wants to keep it. When Dr. Qui started to evade her, she decided to expose his “dark side.”

On the other hand, Zhang Diao Qiao portrays the character of anesthesiologist Dr. Shi Guang Xi. She and Dr. Su both attended the same medical school and eventually, had romantic involvement. However, when Su Yi Hua entered military service before he starts his residency, Guang Xi got involved with their professor Fei Xiang whom she loved more than the former (I think this part is similar with Bao Long‘s experience with his gf before he became a star). But then, this guy left her unknown reasons and married another girl. Her dilemma, she continues to love this guy in spite of what had happened between them and at the same time, loves Dr. Su who is trying to win her back.

Anyway, to those people who have watched this series will agree to me that the first half of the story is dragging, the pacing was slow and not much developments on the characters. Especially if you are not in the medical world, like me, you will not be able to appreciate it. But when the character of Xu Cui Feng (played by Xu An An) entered the scene, I knew she will stand between Su Yihua and Guang Xi because she acts like a spoiled brat. As what his father Xu Da Ming said in the story, she gets what she wants without really trying. However, Dr. Xu used her for him to perpetuate his power. Yet she made the latter part of the story light because of her antics. In the end, I’m sure you will love her character here.

At any rate, I am happy how the story turned out because Dr. Su ended up with Cui Feng. I did not expect this. It’s my first time ever to encounter a drama or story where the leading man ended up with a minor character (But not bad at all, I really hate Guang Xi because she is very cold until the end, she’s lifeless…what Su Yi Hua needs is someone who will complement his personality, and that’s Cui Feng) At any rate, this part tells us that a thing once important to us, maybe not at all important in the end. So just learn to accept that some things may not work for us and move on.

Meanwhile, I would like to commend Wu Meng Da who played Dr. Tang Guo Tai because he gave justice to the character. I think he has the most challenging role in the drama. In the story, he competes with Dr. Xu Da Ming for the Deanship. But due to his arrogance and temper, he did not get the post. So when he received the news that Dr. Xu was the one chosen, he suffered apoplexy and became useless. Even though he cannot walk and talk clearly, he still tries to do his job because he wants to hold on to power. Actually, it’s very challenging for actors to play someone who was hit by stroke yet continues to be arrogant. But in his case, he performed it very well to the point that you will feel disgust and at the same time, pity for him. By the way, I was surprised to know that during the filming of this series, according to their director, Mat Ng does not bring his script. It’s because he found out that when he goes home, he memorizes his lines by heart. I salute him, he's very professional.

As to Bao Long, he is choosy when it comes to accepting offers. I am very happy 'coz he finally accepted the series "Basketball of Fire" where he will collaborate with Wu Zun and Show Luo. My gosh, three gorgeous men in one show. Swear, this will be a big hit. I'll watch for it next year.

Going back, the characters here gave a human face to the otherwise “cold” setting as the hospital. The story tried to combine the “power struggle myth” and the “love myth” in this another face of life. I bet it will teach you many things about life and love.

Anyways, this is a must see drama for mature audience. And I’m sure after watching this, you will have a big smile on your face. : )

* photo credit to AF