It's reading week and I've been typing up my construction textbook readings in preparation of my upcoming midterm...and on the side I've played New Breadth of Love (again), well not the entire series but the last 8 episodes (that is where the series really picks up). I play it sort of in the background on my ipod touch and set it next to my macbook screen and I put my headphones on and 'glance' over for the good parts. It works well, it keeps me awake while I read my textbook... The episodes (especially the final scene) are so classic that I could watch it again and again...The ending is a happy one for all except one pair and so it is satisfying to watch. And when you only see the last few episodes you sort of forget about those forgotten underlying problems that were unresolved :) I recently watched Slumdog Millionaire and the final scenes of both film and series takes place at a subway/train station and end just as happily with liplocking :D What a coincidence!
I was playing the final scene today in the car on my drive home...kind of sketchy and dangerous but my inability to watch it made me listen carefully and I realized that there isn't a whole lot of dialogue in the final scenes after discovering the magazine cover. The emotions were played out solely of their facial expressions, actions, and the background music. The only exception was the flashback. Otherwise the scene remains speechless until just before they meet with the stranger asking for directions. I have to say that that was well put together as it bought the viewer into the series and allowed the viewer (me) to cool down and clear my mind and deeply immerse myself into the series for the final lines.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Anxiously Anticipating...
It is sad to say that none of the shows recently broadcasted in HK are sparking my attention like last years when I was incredibly into the Seventh Day, Moonlight Resonance, War of In-Laws 2, Forensic Heroes 2 and even somewhat Survivor's Law 2. Of the series aired since September 2008, only Last One Standing is on my list...
However, there is a series that I'm highly anticipating to be aired... Burning Flame 3 with Kevin, Bosco, and Myolie...but no official release date has been set...probably (hopefully) in the spring...April/May
There are two Raymond Lam series that are to be filmed this year... Picking Star of Adventure which has just begun filming and will finish filming in May when Ray begins to film another series The Youth Grows Again
I'm more hyped for Picking Star of Adventure because Bosco is also in it. I read today that Ray is supposed to be the loyal lover and Bosco is the player...This series reminds me of New Breath of Love, but this time there will be more HK actors/actresses than Mainland but I like the crossover, a few familiar faces but also a few fresh faces. It supposed to be a 'Grand Production' so I don't think it will air until near the TVB anniversary (October/November) seeing how many series TVB still has to air. I can already say that Raymond will (finally) get "Best Actor" this year.
However, there is a series that I'm highly anticipating to be aired... Burning Flame 3 with Kevin, Bosco, and Myolie...but no official release date has been set...probably (hopefully) in the spring...April/May
There are two Raymond Lam series that are to be filmed this year... Picking Star of Adventure which has just begun filming and will finish filming in May when Ray begins to film another series The Youth Grows Again
I'm more hyped for Picking Star of Adventure because Bosco is also in it. I read today that Ray is supposed to be the loyal lover and Bosco is the player...This series reminds me of New Breath of Love, but this time there will be more HK actors/actresses than Mainland but I like the crossover, a few familiar faces but also a few fresh faces. It supposed to be a 'Grand Production' so I don't think it will air until near the TVB anniversary (October/November) seeing how many series TVB still has to air. I can already say that Raymond will (finally) get "Best Actor" this year.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Krawchuk Memories
After being empty for over 10 years, the old red building is coming down...
I did go back to take some pictures last Saturday of the school. It was so sunny and warm on Saturday, sort of the calm before our rain/ice/snow storm that you're getting now. I've uploaded the pics to my web album at http://picasaweb.google.com/RichardChiang1288/Krawchuk?feat=directlink
While I was there I met a few other strangers who either went to the school or had kids who went to the school. It was strange because I never really expected anyone else to be there. There were two men in their 30s who went to the school and there were two senior men who had children who went to the school. We talked for a couple of minutes and I guess cause it was in the paper, it was highly publicized and people knew about it. One of the seniors picked up a red brick as a souvenir. The place is supposed to just be flattened for a playground.
I was talking to my studio friend about the demolition and we were talking about those Scooters too! Totally unsafe as our fingers were run over and we did silly things on them (swinging each other around and letting go)...I think they ban them from elementary schools.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Building Blocks of Life
On Wednesday, I watched the finale of Building Blocks of Life...the series was okay, a 3.75/5...Of course, I was intrigued by the theme of architecture. I thought the design studios were very true and I liked the connection but I don't think the architectural ideas were portrayed very well and accurately. Perhaps it is because of the difference in cultures, I'm being educated quite differently from the ideas that they are presenting. Because North American cities are facing issues with sprawl, we are 'into' the densification of our cities and generating vibrancy. In the series, they encouraged low density housing in the new developments of China (near HK) because they are incredibly dense in HK. However, I don't think that is a good long term solution because in NA we are experiencing many problems due to sprawl. Also, the human population is only going to get larger and so sprawling is not a solution. Instead, they should be developing smart superstructures that minimizes the impact on the environment and maintaining quality of life. That is kind of the theme of my studio this year (over population and saturation) so I'm kind of biased. It is a challenge that we will eventually face.
Friday, January 2, 2009
The Ending...
Contrary to the pace of the entire series, the ending felt quite rushed as it had to tell the fate of all four couples and I think that is the reason why I gave it only a 3.75/5. Only the last 20-30 minutes were dedicated to Tsui Hoi and Jing Wei. That is plenty of time to resolve the unsolved issues but instead this time was wasted playing chase.
The series never revealed what they each wished for on the bridge. I presume that Tsui Hoi's wish would be about staying with Jing Wei together forever and that could have been used by him to win her back. Tsui Hoi did finish the painting of "Sui Ngai Lum" (Little Irene) with I presume the supplies that Jing Wei bought for him, however, he never had the chance to give it to her. Finally, what about Tsui Hoi's phobia or disbelief in marriage? I find that was the biggest problem that caused them to split in the first place and was never brought up again! There was no official 'point of realization' for Tsui Hoi.
"Finding your girlfriend?" - Jing Wei
"Yes, I am." - Tsui Hoi
"How dare your girlfriend let someone as handsome as you look for her for so long! What do you think about me?" - Jing Wei
"You are very beautiful and understanding, but most importantly you appeared at the right time." - Tsui Hoi
(HUG)
"Actually, having you in my arms is like having the entire world. I'll never leave you again." - Tsui Hoi
I guess, "I'll never let you leave me again" implies that Tsui Hoi is willing to have Jing Wei as a life long companion which sort of implies that he'll marry her :) Though it wasn't spelled out completely, I think the meaning of marriage is there. Honestly, there would be no point of marriage if one is not willing to commit to the other for the rest of their life. I think commitment is more important than the marriage itself.
All the ??? I had were more or less resolved indirectly in the ending rather than concrete...BUT this type of ending remained suspenseful up until the very last minute so there is appreciation to be discovered as I disected through this series. Just like The Seventh Day, New Breath of Love is a totally different series from what I've been accustomed to so it took me some time to discover the value in behind it. After disecting the ending, I've decided to bump it to 4/5 for the suspensful happy ending :)
The series never revealed what they each wished for on the bridge. I presume that Tsui Hoi's wish would be about staying with Jing Wei together forever and that could have been used by him to win her back. Tsui Hoi did finish the painting of "Sui Ngai Lum" (Little Irene) with I presume the supplies that Jing Wei bought for him, however, he never had the chance to give it to her. Finally, what about Tsui Hoi's phobia or disbelief in marriage? I find that was the biggest problem that caused them to split in the first place and was never brought up again! There was no official 'point of realization' for Tsui Hoi.
"Finding your girlfriend?" - Jing Wei
"Yes, I am." - Tsui Hoi
"How dare your girlfriend let someone as handsome as you look for her for so long! What do you think about me?" - Jing Wei
"You are very beautiful and understanding, but most importantly you appeared at the right time." - Tsui Hoi
(HUG)
"Actually, having you in my arms is like having the entire world. I'll never leave you again." - Tsui Hoi
I guess, "I'll never let you leave me again" implies that Tsui Hoi is willing to have Jing Wei as a life long companion which sort of implies that he'll marry her :) Though it wasn't spelled out completely, I think the meaning of marriage is there. Honestly, there would be no point of marriage if one is not willing to commit to the other for the rest of their life. I think commitment is more important than the marriage itself. All the ??? I had were more or less resolved indirectly in the ending rather than concrete...BUT this type of ending remained suspenseful up until the very last minute so there is appreciation to be discovered as I disected through this series. Just like The Seventh Day, New Breath of Love is a totally different series from what I've been accustomed to so it took me some time to discover the value in behind it. After disecting the ending, I've decided to bump it to 4/5 for the suspensful happy ending :)
The MOST...
Most Tragic - Jing Mun and Ah Gum
I think everyone agrees...
Most Enjoyable/Experiential - Jing Wei and Tsui Hoi
Everytime they were together, Tsui Hoi brought something new and exciting to Jing Wei's boring life.
Most Heart Warming/Romantic - Jing Wei and Tsui Hoi
Because of love, both began to change for each other as their relationship progressed.
Most Unrealistic - Ching Ling, Sing Hung and Richard
Why would anyone two time such a good boyfriend for such a loser? How could anyone accept someone who has betrayed them like that?
Most Annoying - Richard and Ching Ling
I think everyone agrees...
Most Realistic - Sophia/Ming Ging/Jing Wei/Tsui Hoi/Lisa/Johnson
The series portrayed the issues and problems that confront lovers; age, sense of security, family, illness, honesty. Contrary to most other series, I expected Lisa to use her heart disease to threaten Tsui Hoi to stay with her but she decided to let go and wished Jing Wei and Tsui Hoi all the best. Johnson who is her secret admirer stayed with Lisa without asking for anything in return. Too bad she never actually accepted him.
Most Resolved - Ming Ging and Sophia
Sophia was honest and told Ming Ging the truth though she was truly in love with him. She attempts to hook up Jing Wei with Ming Ging. Because of the fall of her family business, she felt that she was not fit to be his wife. Ming Ging finally realized that he cares for Sophia and uses his persistence and determination to win her back.
I think everyone agrees...
Most Enjoyable/Experiential - Jing Wei and Tsui Hoi
Everytime they were together, Tsui Hoi brought something new and exciting to Jing Wei's boring life.
Most Heart Warming/Romantic - Jing Wei and Tsui Hoi
Because of love, both began to change for each other as their relationship progressed.
Most Unrealistic - Ching Ling, Sing Hung and Richard
Why would anyone two time such a good boyfriend for such a loser? How could anyone accept someone who has betrayed them like that?
Most Annoying - Richard and Ching Ling
I think everyone agrees...
Most Realistic - Sophia/Ming Ging/Jing Wei/Tsui Hoi/Lisa/Johnson
The series portrayed the issues and problems that confront lovers; age, sense of security, family, illness, honesty. Contrary to most other series, I expected Lisa to use her heart disease to threaten Tsui Hoi to stay with her but she decided to let go and wished Jing Wei and Tsui Hoi all the best. Johnson who is her secret admirer stayed with Lisa without asking for anything in return. Too bad she never actually accepted him.
Most Resolved - Ming Ging and Sophia
Sophia was honest and told Ming Ging the truth though she was truly in love with him. She attempts to hook up Jing Wei with Ming Ging. Because of the fall of her family business, she felt that she was not fit to be his wife. Ming Ging finally realized that he cares for Sophia and uses his persistence and determination to win her back.
New Breath of Love - Select Scenes
Favourite Scenes
Train - Sleeping while listening to music together on the same set of headphones.
Footage of Jing Wei and Tsui Hoi's outing shown in the theater.
Concert - omg what was said had everything in it...see my translation.
Tsui Hoi's overtime - Jing Wei discovers that he wears glasses and they come up with an idea together.
Fitting Room - Jing Wei helps Tsui Hoi remove his shirt without ruining his hair and things happen while they were in there.
Scene in hotel - bed wasn't ready when Jing Wei finally was.
Tsui Hoi stays over at Jing Wei's and makes breakfast for Jing Wei in the morning.
Jing Wei stays over at Tsui Hoi's after she feels secure with Tsui Hoi when Ah Gum vomits.
- First scene on subway
- Tsui Hoi and Jing Wei wishing on the bridge
- Jing Wei almost gets run over and Tsui Hoi save her. Then they cook together.
- Tsui Hoi proposes to Jing Wei in restaurant - too bad it wasn't real
- Jing Wei goes to find Tsui Hoi only to discover he is with Lisa
- Shelf shot apologetic video
- "Baby I Love You"
- Sophia reveals her "true self" to drive away Ming Ging
- Final scene on subway
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