Monday, May 5, 2008

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

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