HK Communication Authority received 3 praises for SIAC

2014-04-01 08:25  kuangaitvb
HK Communication Authority received 3 praises for SIAC including: exciting script, Steven's and Tavia's meticulous acting skills.  So rare are praises from the nitpicking HK TV viewers any praise from them is massive. Can't remember why last any tvb artist received any praises from the HK tv audience for his/her acting skill and both Steven and Tavia had received praises twice for their series.  Congratulations! Quite pitiful really at how miserly HK tv audience are with their praises but quick with their complaints.


TVB Rating Reports (03/24/2014 - 03/30/2014)
Storm in a Cocoon - 2-hour finale (epi 31-32) (Sunday) - 32 pts (peaked 35 pts)
Storm in a Cocoon - epi 26-30 - 29 pts eaked 31 pts)

Steven Ma having dinner with co-stars to watch SIAC finale

《守業者》收35點 馬浚偉貼半裸照
The night before (Sunday) SIAC 《守業者》aired its 2 hour finale. Cast members including Steven Ma, Matt Yeung, Helen Ma Elliot Ngok, Katy Kung, Producer Leung,  etc  had a get together dinner to watch the finale.  It just happened that HK  was under a black rainstorm high alert on that day.  SIAC finale garnered an average rating of 32 points and peaked at 35 points (Note: the peak rating of 35 was wrongly reported, the actual siac peak rating was 36 points). To celebrate its high rating Steven yesterday  uploaded for the first time on his weibo a topless pix of himself to reveal the muscles he has developed from his assiduous workouts.  

credit:  singpao 2014-04-01 06:44:00

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related news here

credit pix as labeled
 link

Steven's topless selfie to celebrate high rating

2014-3-31 14:16
@材叔 告知昨晚平均32最高35，感恩，也為昨晚的天氣異常沒造成人命傷害而感謝主！p.s.從沒發過赤膊照，就當是感謝大家支持！遠一點、黑一點，感覺壯一點，抱歉抱歉嘻嘻！

Uncle Choi informed that last night's rating average was 32 peaked at 35. Thanks! Also praise the Lord that last night's inclement weather did not cause cause bodily injuries! P.S. had never uploaded a topless pix before, so consider this as my thanks for your support!  A little bit farther away, a little bit darker, will give a buffier illusion. Sorry, sorry, heehee!


Note: May I say coquetry in a grown man is so unbecoming?  If want to show off body then do so with confidence and not act bashful. Anyway sorry to say, Steven's torso in the pix looks soft and flabby, not firm and muscled.  Am surprised that Steven would actually resort to taking off clothes to 'reward' fans for their support -- what next to his fans pandering?

HK Sunday torrential rainstorm coincides with SIAC flooding scene

right pix: bing...bing bing bok (冰雹 (bing bok) = hailstone)

R-- Torrential (black warning alert) rainstorm causes serious flooding in TVB city studio; numerous temporary actors are being washed away.  Actor Steven Ma is stranded as he waits to be rescue.

For those who may not have read of Hong Kong freak black torrential hailstones rainstorm coinciding with the flooding scene in SIAC.



The black rainstorm warning advisory came on the left top corner, and Ka Yeung is looking at it.
Subtitle: Looks like this rain will last a long time.

credit pix as labeled

reposting comments on the ending for convenient reading

TC:
I also think it's fitting that SS returns in time for the "lui jo daan" celebration, which circles back to the very first episode when SS returns to the Poon village after leaving the army. It was that very celebration where SS first meets BB. I also like how BB discovers SS on the bridge that officially brought them together (in episode 21? and again in episode 24 where he found her on the boat). Did anyone noticed that it rains in EVERY episode (practically)? The rain is also symbolic to both SS and BB, as the rain brought them together as well (in addition to the "lok yu dai" song) - in a number of occasions they ran from the rain together, or have met up under some covering while escaping the rain, and they officially got together when they escaped the rain and sat on a boat under the bridge. While the rain and rushing waters parted them in the finale, the rain and the rain song helped SS to regain his memory. Even the song "Heaven's Will" talks about rain and weather. It all fits together in the end. I agree that it was the rain/waters that "cleansed" SS of all he has done (rightly or wrongly, depending on one's perception) and aids in bringing SS and BB together to begin a new relationship together.

Tamaya
Like I said last 2 episodes have lots of allegory and imagery. May I share your comment on Asianfanatic SIAC thread? It truly echoes my own feeling too.  Yes, I caught that Lui Jo Daan festival coincidence too, and the rain and water. That was a bit of a comedic relief when Ka Yeung is about to jump off the bridge on the boat that he thought BB was in. lol! But yeah, the double hard knocks on the head is also an allegory that Ka Yeung's strong fate can withstand BB's hard fate .  Maybe all this stuff would translate better in a book than on tv where audiences just wanted Stevia to have their long deserving in-your-face-no doubt-about it happy ending. We don't want any second guesses as to whether Ka Yeung's full memory would return or not and for those of us who are certain Ka Yeung's full memory has return we want the concrete evidence of that -- yep we want the full visual imagery of him recognizing BB and calling her name loud and of hugging her and their son. In other words, audiences don't want to intellectually dissect the ending, we want our clear-cut emotional happy ending - for once.  From the first day of their on location filming in Shunde, Steven in his weibo had been bemoaning the constant raining for days greatly affecting the filming progress. 

TC:
Did anyone notice that no one brought to light the fact that Ka Hin and Bing Bing are half brother and sister (same mother different father)? I really enjoyed the series and it's sad that it's over. Will miss watching Steven on TV. I like how they kind of leave it open to interpretation as to whether or not Ka Yeung regains his entire memory (although I feel like he remembers everything after hearing the rain song). I was so afraid that they would kill off Ka Yeung, but thank goodness he lives. How long did Bing Bing go to Suzhou for? Not sure how she got pregnant and had a kid when it was four years since Ka Yeung supposedly drowned, unless she was pregnant already at the river scene. The kid was really cute! Steven and Tavia have great chemistry!

Tamaya:
That Ka Hin and BB are half sibling and in-laws at the same time is quite awkward. lol! I too feel that Ka Yeung got his memory back. The last 2 episodes were rushed to wrap things up, most unsatisfactorily - what a shame. BB must have been pregnant at the flooding scene -- that may be one reason besides her worry for KY and her family's safety. So had she stayed put in Suzhou Ka Yueng would not have to go save her, and almost drown. Can't blame other people for thinking she is a most unfortunate person

Anonymous:
I guess this is what the script writers would call a happy ending. Cos BB never expected KY to be alive anyway. SO seeing him alive is already a miracle. To remember her and their past would be a bonus. Anyway, she has a whole life time to take him back into her arms to help him remember everything again and rebuild their love and marriage. So i guess that is to the script writers a happy ending... But yes, a very stingy ending which wouldn't even give us fans a hug from them! I love this series! I feel Poon Ka Yeung is Steven's best role thus far. He just became Poon Ka Yeung! With this series, he really has won Best Actor in my heart! And of course great credit goes to Tavia! Now I know what is real chemistry! Stevia!

Tamaya: A miracle indeed, but Stevia fans still want our SSBB's hug! lol!

Regal Nails
I was waiting for the last hug scene too. Darn director! =) Well, I guess we can call it a "happy ending" for stevia. I agree with you Anonymous, about Steven and Tavia's performance. They did such a superb job!!!

Anonymous: 
Perhaps the ending is made to leave for a possibility of a sequel? Or it could be the writers and producers wanting to tease and torture us knowing Stevia fans' fervent desire to see a happy ending? Regardless, I must say this was great series with many unexpected twists and character-driven plot lines. Ka Yeung is Steven's best role to date and tailor-made for him. The entire cast was excellent and you can see the cohesive bonding and ease of dialogue and interaction among them. Lastly, Steven and Tavia bring out the best in each other. Their little details with dialogue, hand holding, eye contact, albeit small are very intimate and lends to the great chemistry and adds more realism to their characters. Many times, I thought I was watching a real life couple and was transported into the scene with KY and BB. Love this series. The best in the last couple of years.

Akazukin: The flood scene is such a classic! So real, so touching. But I'm unsatisfied with the ending itself. When can Stevia have a true happy ending? Now I want them in a romantic comedy together.

Tamaya: Me too. I would love to watch Stevia in a romantic comedy together

Edited 3/31/2014 thoughts on epi31-32

related post: real time reporting of epi 31-32

A hug would be good; but overall when I re-watched the dl video in its entirely I'm actually quite satisfied with this ending but I do understand the disgruntled pov for this non closure open ending to SSBB's story.  Also, who is the real property protector in the end?

Since Sun Dak is a water village, the river is an integral part of the villagers' lives. In the last scene just how significant the river affects the villagers' lives is dramatically shown. Because Sun Dak is Producer Leung's ancestral hometown, filming SIAC was very meaningful to him as evidenced by how much heart he had put into to make it his own and also as a tribute to his old hometown. Indeed SIAC was a labor of love for Producer Leung.

The flooding of the town is symbolic and full of imagery to me. In the beginning Ka Yeung is said to have being ‘initiated’ by the flames of war transforming him from a naïve and idealistic young man to a cynical, weary and worldly man who has been through hellish life and death situations, and has seen the dark side of humans. To avenge his father's death he betrayed the trust of his beloved wife – a trust once broken hard to repair to its original state - a foundation imperative for a successful marriage.  Given BB's stubbornness and sense of righteousness, SS's betrayal will be forever a thorn in her heart no matter how deep her love is for SS.  The fact that BB came back home despite the danger to herself says she has forgiven SS for his deception, but the thorn remained inside her, so without the flood there the lingering doubt and hurt stay, never going away completely.

But in an instant the flood washes all that doubt and betrayal hurt away when the waters washed SS away from her sight, not once but twice. Symbolically, can be said that Ka Yeung is being ‘baptized’, or cleansed if you will,  by the water. When next they meet, symbolically Ka Yeung starts afresh, his betrayal of trust completely and unconditionally forgiven by BB – a new chapter for BB and SS to start all over again because the BB now knows beyond doubt that nothing is more important than having SS back in her life again. Their song has jolted Ka Yeung’s memory, and I believe before too long SS’s stimulated memory will come back in full. SS’s fresh as spring quizzical smile promises it.


Most importantly, this ending confirmed that though BB's fate may be too strong for other men - be they husband or father, that's why they got annihilated by being with her, but not Ka Yeung -- like he said her fate may be strong but his is stronger because he has lived while others  became corpses.  And indeed, Ka Yeung not only survived but he comes home to BB - it is a miracle in itself and in totally breaking the 'curse' of BB bringing bad fortune/death to her men. 

How else for Ka Yeung to regain BB's trust?
How else to break BB's hard fate curse?
Of course, I wanted that hug --- darn it, so stingy!

EDITED: My above commentary is all well and good a pragmatic view of the ending but as an emotionally attached viewer, I find the ending felt short of of my emotional expectation. How hard was to give Stevia fans a concrete happy ending/closure? I'd rather have the alternative ending(s) proposed by the audience.  So there BBSS are on the rooftop, and the after their harrowing escape, fast forward to the 4 years with the Ka Yeung as the property protector with his happy family of 3, and his extended. Now how hard was that? 

ETA:  TC's  comment board March 31, 2014 at 12:24 PM

I also think it's fitting that SS returns in time for the "lui jo daan" celebration, which circles back to the very first episode when SS returns to the Poon village after leaving the army. It was that very celebration where SS first meets BB. I also like how BB discovers SS on the bridge that officially brought them together (in episode 21? and again in episode 24 where he found her on the boat). Did anyone noticed that it rains in EVERY episode (practically)? The rain is also symbolic to both SS and BB, as the rain brought them together as well (in addition to the "lok yu dai" song) - in a number of occasions they ran from the rain together, or have met up under some covering while escaping the rain, and they officially got together when they escaped the rain and sat on a boat under the bridge. While the rain and rushing waters parted them in the finale, the rain and the rain song helped SS to regain his memory. Even the song "Heaven's Will" talks about rain and weather. It all fits together in the end. I agree that it was the rain/waters that "cleansed" SS of all he has done (rightly or wrongly, depending on one's perception) and aids in bringing SS and BB together to begin a new relationship together.

ETA: Tamaya to TC

It truly echoes my own feeling too.  Yes, I caught that Lui Jo Daan festival coincidence too, and the rain and water. That was a bit of a comedic relief when Ka Yeung is about to jump off the bridge on the boat that he thought BB was in. lol! But yeah, the double hard knocks on the head is also an allegory that Ka Yeung's strong fate can withstand BB's hard fate .  Maybe all this stuff would translate better in a book than on tv where audiences just wanted Stevia to have their long deserving in-your-face-no doubt-about it happy ending. We don't want any second guesses as to whether Ka Yeung's full memory would return or not and for those of us who are certain Ka Yeung's full memory has return we want the concrete evidence of that -- yep we want the full visual imagery of him recognizing BB and calling her name loud and of hugging her and their son. In other words, audiences don't want to intellectually dissect the ending, we want our clear-cut emotional happy ending - for once.  From the first day of their on location filming in Shunde, Steven in his weibo had been bemoaning the constant raining for days greatly affecting the filming progress. 

Producer Leung’s news report on Steven.
“He has his own personal viewpoint and creativity. One day, when filming this series, the director, Ma Jai and I were watching the surging waters in the river, just within three minutes we conceived a seeking-refuge-in-a-raging-river vision. These shots, whether filming or acting, were extremely difficulty to do but Ma Jai without so much as a word jumped into the river. He and I were already on the same wavelength, as soon as we said it we could immediately visualize the scene. I like thespians who take their work seriously. I like that Ma Jai has fire in his belly; only then will there be a fighting spirit, only then will there be creativity.”

---- below are sreencaps of the flood- the top left is from Steven's weibo------

with Peter Tsang

2014-3-29 21:03 Steven with Peter Tsang. Don't know who Peter Tsang is. Is he the same tvb executive producer, Peter Tsang Kwok Keung 曾國強 , implicated in this news report? Anyway his weibo intro says he has been working in TVB 36 years and going.  He introduces himself as a HK tv producer. 

epi 31-31 live broadcast -- spoiler

Missed the beginning portion cos' of serious buffering.

But Ka Yeung kills Boss Cheung in self defense.  BB is indeed Cheung's daughter and later through Lai Keun discovers Ka Yeung's deliberate deception to her.

Bedroom scene is cute but tame. Blackout when SS pushes BB onto the bed and lies next to her.

BB has left SS, as expected. SS wants to jump off the bridge again but no BB's boat to jump onto! lol! But yay! Ka Seng is home but will leave soon to help the poor in the remote places! Even Lai Kuen has reverted back to her demure and nice self, and of course the same with Ka Hin and Mrs. Poon too becoming nice people. The repentant Ka Hin is even nice to his wife. Should be a perfect happy ending except for the fact that the deceived BB is no way to be found. And torrential rain -- pre titanic scene a-coming. Apparently the flood scenes were snapshots of the real life flooding in Shunde. I guess SSBB's little boy is indeed called Big Rain/Rain Big to commemorate this rainstorm. haha!

BB came back home because she heard of the torrential rainstorm and is worried about SS. She's in the Tong's ancestral home. SS is frantically looking for her. Ka Yeung is swimming in the dirty flood and pounded hard by heavy rain. What a scene! Poor Steven! Commercial. buffering

SS finds BB on the rooftop. SS berates BB for risking her life to return home.  Flood keeps rising, see the floating Wing Tai Lung's signboard. Put Bing Bing on the board. SS is knocked semi-conscious by some floating debris. After  flashback he regains consciousness. But then SS gets knocked by a floating log and this time very seriously. He bleeds from his mouth and once again sinks into the bottom of the river.

So SS disappears. BB is now the big boss in Wing Tai Lun with Ji Qing, Yin Fung, and Lai Kuen as supervisors. Surprise BB did not suffer tongue wagging of her killing her husbands.

ohh! News break? Hong Kong suffering torrential rainstorm -- leaking in some mall ceiling.

I think the upcoming of BB coincidentally meeting SS in some place. Yes, BB spots SS and chases after him but he does not hear her yelling for him.  Their son also yells "Ka Yeung" instead of father. But of course going Ka Yeung has amnesia.  Ahhhhhhhhhh!

Crying 55555 at  lok yee dai!  SS sorts of remembers- his memory jolted by their son's singing of lok yee dai! Ahhh....the end......ahhh!

How about at least a hug?  Stingy Uncle Choi!!

Stream SIAC finale

For those who wish to stream SIAC live goto this site: 风云直播 But my video not only buffers but it keeps on crashing too!

Epi 24 Parting is such sweet sorrow, so why part?

It has been said that one's personality wholly or partly determines one's fate. What would Ka Yueng have done if he were put in Ka Hin's situation forced to marry another to save his father and family from ruin?  An interesting premise to ponder. But for sure, unlike Ka Hin, Ka Yueng would have actively, aggressively and persistently sought out Bing Bing to explain his situation, and even if she had left the village -- he would hunt her down to tell her he loves her no matter what. Ka Hin was too passive when he let the matter with Bik Wan slide. But Ka Yeung believes in taking matters into his own hands as depicted in epi 24.

Don’t ask how SS knew BB is leaving the village and where to look for her, he just does.

I will follow you wherever you may go. There isn't an ocean too deep, a mountain so high it can keep me away. I must follow you

So, how old is Steven really?

Notice: Watch SIAC with English subtitles

Thanks to Anonymous' info.  SIAC with updated English sub-titled episodes can now be viewed on
siac at www. tvbdo.org

Anonymous' comment  March 29, 2014 at 11:52 AM

The TVBDO website is back up with a different domain. English subs available up to Episode 30.

Thank you Anonymous, much appreciated

the devil's wheels churning in Ka Yeung's head

The precise moment Vengeance plants its insidious seed inside the chink in Ka Yeung's vulnerable mind.  The Poon men must have all inherited this subversive gene.

A son's unspoken promise to his deceased father -- rest assured his death will be avenged.  A 'calm' decisive Ka Yeung is deadly and to be feared by his enemy who crossed him.  He will use whatever means and ways to avenge his father's death.

epi 30

I'm totally confused as to whether BB is or is not Cheung's daughter.

Did SS intentionally lie to BB that she cannot be Cheung's daughter? Google says father blood type A+ mother blood B or AB can have a blood type B child. So it is possibly for BB to be Cheung's daughter.

And the last scene -- were BB and SS just playacting to trick Lai Kuen into think that BB and SS are in discord because BB is not willing to help SS see revenge against Cheung?

SS looks so youthful here, like a young man in his 20s.