Sunday, October 14, 2007

"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

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