AJCL

Just this afternoon read Producer Leung Choi Yuen’s comment on AJCL posted on weibo.
Seems AJCL is also a favorite series for both its producer, Leung Choi Yuen, and scriptwriter, 賈偉南.
Uncle Choi’s comment:
Q:(to Uncle Choi) AJCL is also a low budget series but both its review and ratings are extremely good.
Choi: The strength of AJCL’s script is very strong, the subject matter to communicate is also especially broad; it’s about problems faced in life; a very serious issue. Initially, I was filled with trepidation because I felt this would be a very dark story. Worried viewers while having dinner might be turned off by all this funeral stuff. So I communicated to the scriptwriter, 賈偉南, that he must make this series ‘sunshine’. Coincidentally at that very moment, we saw this wall painting inscribed with this writing: “Today though stormy, tomorrow will see sunshine.” (今朝雖風雨明日見陽光) So, we immediately found the answer. (smile) I encouraged Mr.Gu to incorporate this maxim into the story; it’s zen like. So we came up with the marathon as an allegory. Even though we are writing a tombstone story, about confronting live and death separation. But life still goes on, life must go forward, and to give everybody a hope.

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related item: Gu Wai Nam’s comment on how AJCL came into being. link

AJCL: Steven's favorite scene

So, what’s your favorite scene?
S: There’s this one scene that I’m really happy with. It’s with Mali jie, my mom. After our marriage, Linda conceived our baby, when previously she is thought to be barren. But heaven blessed us with a baby. But because my sister, Fala…she truly loves her brother, me. And she wanted me to get into high society. One day, she got drunk and drove the car into Linda and caused her to lose the baby. Thereafter, I disowned this sister of mine. There I was up on the patio by myself filled with despair; my mom came to talk with me….in the scene we couldn’t control our tears. Truly couldn’t contain them at all…running noses and all.

C: Real tears?
S: Real. The viewers will see that at that time I simply could not control my expressions at all. The sobs, the shudders…. I was sobbing so hard, I could hardly say my lines. That scene was in one take. The producer and director.. I was very happy.. they expressed their thanks to me. That to me was a huge honor –that ‘thank you’ expressed by both the producer and director, thanking us both for performing such a marvelous scene. Their thanks to me were an immense reward.

C: And you stopped crying immediately?
S: No. Still wept. Couldn’t stop at all. .

scriptwriter 賈偉南 -- updated with AJCL portion

UPDATED:  11/20/2012 11:49

賈偉南HK: I admit I favor these tvb artists. (The Fistful of Stances) 3 brothers, (Land of Wealth) 2 female leads, (A Journey of Life) brother and sister. 

 我承認我偏心某幾位TVB藝人，《鐵》劇的三兄弟、《滙》劇兩位女主角、《金》劇的兩兄妹。

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From their weibo interactions, Steven seems to have a good relationship with LOW scriptwriter, Koo Wai Nam (賈偉南) . Posting the below entries from Mr. Ka's weibo as tidbits.

From weibo 2011 Nov exchanges on AJCL: 

賈偉南HK:  Linda Chung almost did not become Ka Ka but in the end Catherine Tsang decided on Linda. Myolie was the first choice.

馬浚偉 : Sing Yat On's life philosophy is very similar to mine, even my family felt that way too. Thank you, Mr. Ka

賈偉南HK:  Steven, his character was written with you in mind.  


賈偉南HK:I still recall I was inside Uncle Choi's room watching AJCL scene whereby Steven was up on the patio offering different flavored ice creams to his deceased sister, Zhang jeh just happened to pass by and come into the room to watch that scene, and became teary eyed and coyly scolded me for making her cried. 

馬浚偉 : I couldn't stop crying in that scene because On Boy was so pitiful. Also I remembered my own mother... thank you, Mr. Ka for merging On Boy and me into one. 

 賈偉南HK:回覆@幕后军师shirly: AJCL this kind of subject matter because of its topic being too plain and simple usually is very difficult to sell its story.  Luckily Zhan jeh insisted on doing a solid story that does not deliberately seek out audience's favors with sensationalism, and also suggested using tombstone as the occupation storyline.  As so AJCL was born. 

 

賈偉南HK:回复 @一厘米微蓝的blog : Hopefully in the future will have an opportunity. Actually there is one remake subject matter. Pre-modern series, two siu sangs and two fadns. Steven Ma+李學慶**+Fala Chen+Tavia. The characters very right for them to portray. If ask me to write I would truly recommend them. weibo link

賈偉南HK: The story is quite extremem. Steven because of love deliberately break up Tavia's happy family with 李學慶 (?)  thus creating next generation bad karma, thus squandered Fala's deep love for him.  

陈法拉:  "Squandered Fala's deep love"? Want to reprise Pu Chung Ling and Siu Chui's tragedy?  

*************************************************

For those who can read Chinese, may be interested to read what 贾伟南 said in his interview. FYI, he is the co-writer of “Beyond The Realm Of Conscience” and more recently 《ATF反恐》. Excerpts are reposted in his weibo 2011 nov

When asked what series he is most satisfied with. He said although there is no one particular series that he is completely satisfied with, of those he is partially satisfied with are Land of Wealth, A Journey called Life and The Breaking Point. weibo link

Q: Which TVB artistes did you enjoy collaborating with?
賈偉南HK：TVB artistes that I would like to collaborate again include: Fala Chen, Tavia Yueng, Sonija Kowk, Linda Chung, Natalie Tong, Steven Ma, Kevin Cheng, Ron Ng, Kenneth Ma, Stephen Wong Ka Lok, and a group of veterans.  Have never collaborated but would like to include: Bosco Wong, Raymond Lam and Myolie Hu.


Q: The themes for TVB series are usually directives from above, if your assignment was on some theme that you are not interested in, how do you handle it?

Every year we have a special conference. Every script editor will propose two ‘ideas’. Everybody will then discuss which one would have a higher possibility of being produced. And afterwards report to the higher up with our decision.  It is not always the person who came up with the original idea would be the one to write it, though it might be, so now can’t remember if the original idea is mine or not.

And the rest is parachuted from above telling you to do it. Even though it (subject) is not my request but can make it into something I like. After all, it is just a topic; it has no detailed story or mission. So I can take the topic and create it into some characters or things I like. Like the series: A Journey Called Life. At that time Zhan jeh (Catherine Tsang) &  Uncle Choi (Leung Choi Yuen) were brainstorming on what series to produce. At one point, Zhang Jeh looking up, saw a rock. And so she suggested we should use engraving tombstone as a storyline. When Uncle Choi and I heard that we were both shocked. (smile) because didn’t know how to write a story around a tombstone. So we just took the suggested topic and slept on it. At first I wanted to make AJCL a comedy and moreover, Uncle Choi was worried that tombstone, such a weighty topic, may make story background too somber, so we both thought to make it a comedy but Zhan jeh disagreed and vetoed that idea. After discussing we decided to center the story on real life people and make it a family oriented drama, a story totally without embellishment. During the creative process, we did not even think of the issue as to whether the story would attract the audience or not, so it was done rather relaxingly. And I was very happy writing this script because I did not have to especially write to please the audience. There were not much constraints put on it. I myself like this series very much. Of course, not completely satisfied because there is still some wrinkle in it. Initially there was this one scene that was created for the lead but on second thoughts, worried the lead could not comfortably perform it so changed that scene onto another character, but in the end still felt that this scene handled by the lead would be much more effective, and so all this changing around caused some abruptness in between scenes. (tn: the stillbirth scene)

original Chinese interview report on

ratings

credit: asianfanatics
Broadcast period: 2008-Mar-31 to 2008-Apr-25
Air time: Monday to Friday 20:30-21:30 20 episodes
Main cast: Kent Cheng, Steven Ma, Linda Chung, Fala Chen, Raymond Cho, Elaine Yiu

Week 1: 28 Pts (Ep 01-05)
Week 2: 29 Pts (Ep 06-10)
Week 3: 30 Pts (Ep 11-15)
Week 4: 32 Pts - Peaking at 36 Pts (Ep 16 to 20)


 

Death's Outreach! part2

epi 20: Vicky's death
A phone call at night…Very cold, I want to come home….
Ah On rushes to find Vicky on a beach, with waves lapping over her. He pulls her onto the shore. His chest compressions revived her. Hope springs in his heart.

You'll be fine, you'll be fine. I'm taking you to the hospital.

But she is dying probably from the combo intake of pills and liquor, rather than from drowning by the look of the foam in her mouth. She stops Ah On from taking her to the hospital.

Gor, no need.
What do you want to say? asks Ah On, gently.
“I’m sorry!” Vicky asks for her brother's forgiveness, and dies.
“Sum!”

Ah On is shell-shocked. Can it be that death has taken yet another of his loved ones? After all , he did revive her? Didn't he? How could she die? How can lightning strike twice within such a short time? How? Inconceivable! No! This can’t be happening. Hugging her tightly in his arms, he begs, he pleads:

“Get up, Sum! Get up!

He is terrified, so very terrified. He thought he was already drained dry of emotions by the loss of his daughter but this devastation plucks his heart right out of him.

"Sum!" he wails.

He goes into shock. In a normal voice, he says gently to his younger sis as if soothing her:

Guai ya, Ah gor's not angry with you. Mom isn't either.

There he holds her, rocking her gently in his arms, and stroking her hair tenderly. How can he ever forgive himself? How?

Ah gor.....such connotation comes with a responsibility!

part 1 baby's death link
vicki's character

Vicki, Selfish?

.On the outside, some people may say she is selfish. Actually I don't think Selfish is the best word to describe her character. She's more 'materialistic'. From growing up, her aim was to climb on top of everyone- to marry a rich man and be set for life. ........ If it wasn't for her brother not believing her earlier, Vicki wouldn't have turned herself into alcoholic and involved herself in the accident- later ending her life. fungyifanatic, May 4 2008 asianfanatics

With all due respect, I think selfish is the exact word to use on Vicky, as well as these: vain, shallow, spoiled, self-centered, self-absorbed, and of course, materialistic. Her suicide is the ultimate selfish act that a person can do to her loved ones. Yes, she loves her family and Raymond, too, but all at her convenience and her love is very conditional. As much as she loves them, she can just as selfishly cut them off, quite hardheartedly I might add, like she did to her mother in the office, to Ah On, to Raymond and off course, to her unborn baby, when they interfered with her dreams of social advancement.

                                                     Vicki's death on the beach

Updated 2011 nov: Ah On - the Character

AJCL's scriptwriter, Koo Wai Nam, said he wrote Ah On's character with Steven in mind. link

gifs 939

Posted 28 April 2008 - 10:09 AM

Imo, Ah On is a tricky, as opposed to difficult, character to portray; reason being that Ah On is such a bland and mild character, and a goody-2 shoes at that, plus there’s not much gripping drama in his story to make him stand out. Ah On is just like a glass of milk, nutritious and satisfying but not intoxicating like wine. This kind of stock character is very easily overshadowed by the more colorful characters like Gaga or more quirky personalities like Fat Boss. The most attention grabbing characters, of course, are the villains like Susanna Kwan’s character in HOG who can arouse viewers’ intense emotions. (rhetoric rant on: How on earth did Susanna snag the most favorite female tv character award is still beyond me. A villainess - most favorite? Come on! rhetoric rant off. )

As such, Steven had his job cut out for him to not bore his audience with yet another portrayal of a good man genre. In addition, Steven also had the challenge on how to make a perfect character believable when in fact none can be found in real life. Like Fat Boss’ unreserved grading of Ah On on perfection: 100% as son, 100% as husband, & 100% as brother. It brings to mind the good son in The Prodigal Son parable in the bible whose goodness was so taken for granted that he was easily overlooked, if not slighted. Just like those copious remarks on Steven’s performance, “Steven? He’s good as usual." And left it at that. “Good as usual”, if a bit terse bordering on apathy, I guess is at least a kind of recognition, if not praise for his high acting standard. For me, Steven's performance never disappoints but in AJCL's last 2 episodes he was brilliant because finally he was given the chance to fully fledge out his acting talent.

Needless to say, I’ve enjoyed every moment of his screen time especially his heart wrenching scenes in the last few episodes. Thank goodness for a happy ending.

Rambling 2: A Journey Called Life

Posted 27 April 2008 - 11:05 PM

Initially, I had reservations about AJCL being a good series mainly because of its female cast, and Kent being an unknown actor to me. But now I love this series, a true keeper for my TVB series collection.

Its very title, A Journey called Life, sounds ponderous if not a little grandstanding, almost religious-like - a title more appropriate for a bible study group or a self-awareness group discussion than for tv entertainmet. Its Chinese title is even worse, so cliché, so uninspired.

AJCL indeed constitutes the theme of this series, but as a title it is far too broad and way too impersonal to reflect its very touching and intimate story. Conversely, the theme song, A Little Story, brilliantly captured the heart of the story; a story that is indeed little in the scheme of things but monumental to the cast of characters involved. Surprisingly, the series turns out to be both entertaining and thought provoking; a very rare combination in a low-budget tv series. Rarer still are its well-written script, its attention to character development and interactions, and last but not least, its marvelous cast.

Understand that first and foremost, AJCL was written to entertain, but if at the same time, the audience got more out of it than entertainment, then so much the better. What I like most about this series is how the series incorporated morality, society ills, and tragedy into a heartwarming and delightful series without resorting to pompous moralization.

Unlike most TV series which are plot driven, AJCL is character driven. The main characters are meticulously written with their own distinctive personalities & idiosyncrasies, ambitions & desires, morals and values. Even the two Kam Sek employees’ characterization was well sketched out. Why did the death scenes of the characters so heart wrenching to watch? Because the characters touched us, the audience. And when an audience is touched by the characters, the series becomes memorable, as AJCL is to me.

AJCL: Death's Outreach! (part 1)

epi 19
How does one pick up the thread of normal life when one’s world is shattered? Where to start, how to start? A vacation? But how does one get away from one’s thoughts of what could have been; Hoi Yin, a blessing so unexpectedly giveth that they named her Angel, and in a blink of an eye, so capriciously taketh away. How?

Diapers, milk formulae, crib, and musical mobile; all things of hope of what to come, now reminder of what they have lost: the baby that will never grow up to look like the computer image generated from her parents' blended looks. The first thing Ah On did upon stepping into the bedroom was kissed the baby image; so tenderly, so sadly. He is composed now, tearless; but his posture bespeaks his fatigue. He chatted ‘normally’ with his mother about the baby, even managed a smile; his abnormal calm alarms her. She would much rather have him railing against fate, against anything but be so..composed.

In a darkened room, an unshaven Ah On is chiseling an angel for his baby. Background music plays mournfully. His kisses the board, inside him lies an empty yearning for his little girl, lost. A forlorn loneliness envelops him as he thought of what could have been. His eyes, brimming with tears that refuse to fall.

part 2 on Sum's death 
when words just got in the way
from despair to recovery

From despair to recovery. Sometimes a miracle is needed.

Sum, get up!
Frightened eyes! Distraught!

I..I miss her, I miss BB. I know, we all miss them, but you must hang on, understand.

Yes, On, miracles can happen.

When words just get in the way, pictures can speak volumes.

Posted 25 April 2008 - 11:06 PM

A father's sorrow: Farewell, Hoi Yin, sweet daughter of mine, farewell.

Life's too unpredictable. Here today, gone tomorrow.

Stillborn birthing Scene in AJCL

The Birthing Scene

Steven has always impressed me with his crying performances. I thought his crying performance in this epi birthing scene was superb as was Linda’s. To better appreciate Ah On’s emotions here, the kind of person Ah On is must be taken into consideration.

Background: the shaping of Ah On’s personality
Ah On faces personal pain and loss like the person he is:
-- A first born who is not only the oldest son but also the only male in a family of females.
---Obviously, because of the incidence of his birth order and gender, much is expected of him. However, the expectation of him is even greater than most, when at the tender age of 16, his father died an untimely death; at which time, he duly became the man of his family.

His early burden has hastened his maturity; over the years, he has learned that tears are not for him. When did Ah On ever cry in the whole series before this? Not even when he was forced to break up with Gaga. His heart might break but his tears will not flow, not even a drop until now.

There’s a Chinese saying that goes like this: A man will weep only when grieving deeply. (lit. translation: A man's tears not easily shed, only because he is not in the pit of sorrows yet.  男儿有泪不轻弹,只是未到伤心处)

AJCL images

Epi 13

Saddened big brother and mother - thinking: Where did they go wrong? How did they fail to keep their loved ones from going astray in life?

Some favorite scenes

Simply one of my favorite scenes. If I didn't love Ah On then, I love him now for his unique..erm..way of showing affection for a girl. lol!

epi 11 more sweet than funny but still funny.
Gaga asks Ah On to get with the time - to use the online dictionary and chuck his dictionary at hand away. The topic segues to learning English. Ah On says he knows some English and proceeds to show off his grasp of it. He says ........and then unexpectedly says: You're so stupid! to Gaga. And of course Gaga will have none of that from him and so they wrestle each other on sofa. When the unexpected bodily contact with Gaga made Ah On's heart go thump thump, Ah On knows he has fallen for Gaga, despite himself.

And of course, nothing can escape a loving mother's eyes. She initiated a heart to heart talk with Ah On about his feelings for Gaga, and encourages him to pursue her. Haha! A 33 year-old man still blushes at the mention of the girl he loves. This kind of men still exist in this century??

And later Ah On did try to express his feelings to Gaga, but deliberately or unknowingly, the latter forestalled his attempts by declaring him her big brother. Poor Ah On was crushed.

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AJCL Theme Song

Posted 03 December 2009 - 01:37 PM  

 

《金石良缘》主题曲《小故事》(马浚伟、钟嘉欣主唱）
The themesong is a duet by Steven and Linda
song name: "A little story"

A Little Story
The road ahead sheds no light, only smoke.
Have learned to find a thread of vision while being drunk.
Looking back with bitterness striped, remembrance as life's marks.
Having existed, it must have meaning. If outcome deviates there is still tomorrow.

When hurt is deep, tears can't flow
Breathing becomes erratic, can't speak when face to face.
When eyes turn red, crying is not a shame
Male or female, who does not have grievances.

Even if outcome is known, even if one is sacrificed, will do so willingly.
The road ahead is tough, but not afraid of falling because you’re by my side.
Forget yesterday’s doubts, keep your course even in adversity
No regrets; this life is not long but neither is it short.
Ah..embracing each other, eye to eye.
Will you remember
My life on earth
Waiting for this little story

The full song. 3:12 mins
金石良缘主题曲 - 小故事

作曲∶邓智伟
填词∶二牛（马浚伟）
主唱∶马浚伟、钟嘉欣

女: 前路没灯只有烟　学会醉中找视线
回望剩低苦涩　 也可将人生的好纪念
存在过总有意义　若结果真分别了　还是有明天

男: 当伤到尽时　不懂淌泪
呼吸也乱　有口难言面对
女: 当双眼渐红　哭不算罪
男或女　谁没有苦水

合: 纵使结果早已知　就算牺牲都愿意
前路有多苦　未怕摔倒　全因你紧靠住
忘掉昨天那怀疑　在困境坚守路线
无憾了　这辈子未算长未觉短
啊　相拥对视
你　可否记住
我　生於世上
等　这小故事

A Journey Called Life

Eta:  Before AJCL, I was like oh no not with Linda again; that girl can't act. I had watched her in VOH2 & Always Ready (didn't know it was her first 2 roles and thought her performances were atrociously stiff and unnatural, and her shrill voice did not help either) and I fast forwarded her and Raymond scenes in HOG because I found them so boring. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well she did in AJCL, and her chemistry with Steven was excellent. Their birthing scene in AJCL is a classic for me.  AF 79

asianfanatics. 762 

Posted 28 April 2008 - 11:47 AM

I first saw Linda in VOH2 and to not mince words, she was terrible, so terrible that to date VOH2 is among my least favorite Steven's series, (In the Realm of Success being the least).  Her publicly acclaimed performance in HOG did not change my mind on her acting ability.  But, she sure did with her performance in AJCL.

That being said, this series is definitely scripted to make Linda's character shine, starting with the character role to scenes specifically to showcase her acting ability – reminiscent of Bernice’s case in Steps. Happy to note that both ladies rose up to the challenge. Bravo!

Undoubtedly, Gaga  is the central figure in the storyline, a catalyst; while other characters including Ah On, Hana, and Vicky are written as foils to accentuate her character. Whereas Steven had to share the male lead limelight with Kent’s character, Linda totally hogged the female lead limelight all to herself. Although Hana did unexpectedly steal some of her limelight with her surprisingly brilliant performance of a wayward girl.

Using the series theme on the journey of life; the series starts with Gaga’s journey colliding with Ah On's on a crossroad. At that point in time, Gaga and her best friend, Hana, were careening down an off beaten path with all its unexpected turns and twists. Conversely, Ah On’s road has always been bright and straight, therefore less eventful or exciting, as such Ah On comes across a bland character. At the crossroad, Gaga chooses to get on board the straight road with Ah On. Hana chooses to stay put, all the way to a self-destructive, tragic ending. Vicky (Fala) traveled the same straight road with Ah On up until she chooses to get off on a turn in search of glory, which ultimately leads to tragedy.

Of the ladies, only Gaga is saved because of her choice to walk away from a crooked road onto the straight. Traveling alongside her is Ah On, the ever loving, ever loyal good Samaritan/life companion, and her new found travel companions.

I don’t know how a real life Mongkok girl behaves, but to me, Linda’s performance as one seemed a bit forced, a bit unnatural; like she’s putting on an act rather than becoming the character. I found Elaine’s wet girl portrayal to be more natural and believable. Still that’s not taking away Linda’s great effort. Her crying scenes were well done, and her birth scene was phenomenal.

However, I found her transition from a social outcast to a good citizen a bit too smooth and too swift; although the scenes where Ah On reminds her to sit with her legs close and to mind her language were sweet. I guess Ah On just brings out the best in her; that a little kindness could do that to a love - starved person.  (Just like Steven brought out the best from Linda's acting skill.)

Linda has a sweet smile but when not smiling she usually has this pinched, closed look on her face, making her look uptight and stiff. This is very noticeable in VOH2 and HOG but not in this series. And oh yeah, she looks pretty hot in tank tops and those tight shorts, especially with those long legs of hers.

Eta: Like Ah On, I give Linda's performance in AJCL a thumb's up. My other thumb's up is for Ah On. Good job, both of them.

______________________________
The character of Ah On

Ah On's typical nice boy is very different from others like Ah Hing who is nice but has a rather dull personality who is easily bullied. What I like most, well, actually quite a lot about Ah On is that he is a mature man who possess self-confidence, self-esteem (aside from that lapse of being a faint heart in pursuing a fair lady..I forgive him. lol!) He is very comfortable in his own skin and has strong values and principle, not a man who would be easily swayed by outside influence. Besides he is quick in most things like: a quick learner, quick on his feet, and quick witted.

Ah On vs Gaga
Despite their different personalities, Ah On and Gaga got on like a house on fire especially when they ganged up to tease Fat Boss, earlier on his secret (since exposed) admirer, now persuading him to wear the garish boxer shorts they bought him.

Ah On brings stability to Gaga whose life has been anything but stable, whereas, Gaga brings color and excitement to Ah On's life, which until now was quite staid and filled with responsibility. And Fat Boss is their father figure, more friend than boss.

I like this trio's chemistry. In fact, the chemistry of the cast is pretty good. Linda still overacted but not too bad, overall. And Elaine was good as the pill popping, bimbo friend -- she is just a train wreck waiting to happen right in front of your face...sad to watch...what a waste. Elaine's Hana is definitely portrayed as a foil to Linda's Gaga. One can't help but root for Gaga to choose the right path in life, with the help of good people like Fat Boss and Ah On.

AJCL Radio Promotion - 1st public mention of steady girlfriend

http://www.tudou.com...ew/LzzJMlKkxh0/

雷霆881广播访谈 April 4th 2008

绯闻绝缘体-马浚伟

Hostess: Cha Siu Yan ©

Guest: Steven (S)

C: Hi, Ma Chun Wai

S: Siu Yan Jie, ni hou!

C: In your new series, A Journey called Life (AJCL), you collaborated with Fala Chen and Linda Chung. Don’t you think these 2 ladies’ magnetism is very strong?

S: They are both good. I had this interview in Beijing where I was asked whom I think have the most potential. I mentioned Linda and Fala.

C: Why do you think they have strong potential?

S: Linda is very hard working. I like how she constantly pushes herself for self-improvement.

C: She asked for your advice, right?

S: Not advice, more like discussions. Also, we had a veteran in the series, Kent Go. (brother) He hanged out with us constantly. In AJCL, because Linda and I are lovers, we discussed -- like you do this and I do that. That is, we discussed about everything…

C: Fala is your sister. I heard there’s an episode where she dies and you try to save her; it requires cpr. Instead of doing a chest compression, you did a stomach compression; was it because you were afraid of being labeled salted pig’s trotters? (a perv)

S: Because at that time, there were lots of visiting reporters on location. And they discussed (cpr) with me. Some media friends told me: “You should compress the chest area ma”. Actually..as far as I know, that’s not how it should be. It should be slight lower, right underneath the diaphragm, like 2 fingers space down. I learned this from filming Healing Hands.

C: I thought you learned it from a CPR seminar

S: Of course, they wished I would compress the chest area, more stuff to see. That’s not the way.

C: Yeah, like that time when you did the Latin dance with Rain Li, and your hand’s position was reported as …. So can it be that Mai Zai is being overly wary now after being burned once.

S: Not really. Fala and I had no problems communicating. I trusted her and I believe she trusted me, too.

C: But kiss of life was performed?

S: No. It wasn’t required.

C: It wasn’t even in the script?

S: No. The producer asked us if it’s necessary. We all felt it wasn’t.

C: So, did you have a tiny bit of regret for its omission? (laughter)

S: Both times Fala acted as my sister. Maybe next time when she acts as my gf.

C: You have a lot of (younger) sisters. Fala, Linda, Yumiko. Why did you collect so many?

S: I didn’t collect them. They all said I’m like a big brother. Those younger ones even said I’m like a father.

C: Who? So young?

C: How about Yeung Yi? (Tavia)

S: Ah Yi treats me like a relative. But she feels that I’m a good boyfriend…in the series.

C: In the series… You are very caring to your female co-stars.

S: Well, my attitude is that I’ll cherish every one of my co-stars. Because….well who knows when we will collaborate again, if ever. Also, my outlook on life has changed somewhat.

C: It has become grayer?

S: No, not that

C: Something like life’s perspectives….seldom hear Ma Chun Wai talks about this…

S: Actually because during CNY, our beloved Fei Jie aside, I’ve also lost quite a few friends very suddenly, all very young. In my company, this cinematographer who had collaborated with me in many series suddenly passed away. I felt… one day while chatting with Kara Hui 惠英红 (3rd daughter-in-law in Safeguards) when she suddenly told me, “Ngo sek ni.” (I love you) I was taken aback. What? She said whenever she had the opportunity she would tell people (people she likes, of course) that she cherished them. And it got me thinking - true, when we still have the opportunity we should express our concern or love for other people. When I can thank people, I’ll thank them.

C: You were thankful too in the past, only inwardly, but now you will express it outwardly.

S: Right. Now, I’m not shy to express it anymore. I will speak out. Like I’ll thank you for your glass of lemonade.

C: Won’t you scare people off? I’m real scared of this…so abruptly.. when there’s no need for such politeness…and then suddenly…very scary.

S: Well, it won’t be so abrupt. It’s like, “Wei, thank you! ng goi sai” I’ll say them to people - to show appreciation lo.

C: So that means that you’ll tell your girlfriend your feelings, that is, if you’re interested in someone right now.

S: Maybe not during dating, will not especially say it, will go with the flow. If she knows she knows; if she doesn’t, she doesn’t.

C: For sure, will not especially bring it up…just go with the flow

S Yeah, will not especially bring it up…go with the flow

C: So both can tell.

S: I guess when it reaches a certain stage and time, the person who doesn’t know yet will sooner or later catch on.

C: Of course. You’re being obvious here. Mai Chun Wai. (haha!)

So, what’s your favorite scene?

S: There’s this one scene that I’m really happy with. It’s with Mali jie, my mom. After our marriage, Linda conceived our baby, when previously she is thought to be barren. But heaven blessed us with a baby. But because my sister, Fala…she truly loves her brother, me. And she wanted me to get into high society. One day, she got drunk and drove the car into Linda and caused her to lose the baby. Thereafter, I disowned this sister of mine. There I was up on the patio by myself filled with despair; my mom came to talk with me….in the scene we couldn’t control our tears. Truly couldn’t contain them at all…running noses and all.

C: Real tears?

S: Real. The viewers will see that at that time I simply could not control my expressions at all. The sobs, the shudders…. I was sobbing so hard, I could hardly say my lines. That scene was in one take. The producer and director.. I was very happy.. they expressed their thanks to me. That to me was a huge honor –that ‘thank you’ expressed by both the producer and director, thanking us both for performing such a marvelous scene. Their thanks to me were an immense reward.

C: And you stopped crying immediately?

S: No. Still wept. Couldn’t stop at all. .

C: The way you told the story, the series is not light romance as I had first thought.

S: No. Actually, it’s a real life tale..very realistic, very Hong Kong people, like those of us who grew up in public housing. People will feel the familiarity. Because the drama itself will not involve high society. Nor will it depict something unreasonable like how come all the stuff were so expensive?

C: Like a house, poor but still looks that way.

S: Right! 1800 sq ft. How come? We were very insistent on this kind of things.

C: Poor but still watches Plasma (tv)

S: But I bought a cellphone that exploded on me. Linda tricked me and sold me a smuggled cellphone (水货电话) which later exploded inside my pocket, and ripped a hole in my pants .

C: Did you get hurt?

S: No. but it’s this kind of stuff. Very real life. Actually that incident did happen in real life, but the script was already written then.

C: Linda portrayed a Mongkok girl, and wore tank tops.

S: She and Elaine were ‘sisters’; buddies.

C: So, your eyes benefited. Did your heart beat faster? I guess you wouldn’t dare. You worry Raymond Lam would scold you.

S: Ah? What’s that got to do with Raymond?

C: You’ve a problem with your memory.

S: Yeah, many things would abruptly disappear from it. They did well in their portrayal. Like Linda coloring her hair.

C: So in this series, is there any person in it that's on the rumor girlfriend name list?

S: I don't think there is.
C: If really need to sacrifice you Steven, just to promote the series?
S: Don’t involve me lah, dai lou!
C: Just to get some rumors going.
S: No, no, I won't do it. I’ll not co-operate. They all know that, especially my manager..
C: Did you tell them of your own volition?

S: I told them, don’t involve me. For promotions, I’ll do the occasional interviews and chats. Anything that is outside work - if it’s real then it’s real; if not then it’s not. I don’t like to see too much of myself in the tabloids. I know it can be quite boring to just talk about work. But I’m totally against tabloid romantic rumors. ‘Against’- meaning I find it very bothersome. Some things are not true, everybody knows it, so why put on a show, and what? Pretend for 2 months or so?

C: It's never ending, it's not just for 2 months, but every time when something comes up the box will pop out.

S: That’s even more fake, ...(colloquial slang, can't decipher) making something out of nothing. Some that is genuine I will believe it to be true. But if because of work, you are paired with who and who, and this and that. Because it is all fake I don't see any meaning to talk about something that’s made-up.

C: Your collaboration with Kent, was it the first time?

S: Yes.

C: How was it?

S: Very happy. We have an affinity. Even though he’s of the older generation, we are like brothers. While at work, whenever we met we would chat nonstop. He talked about the time when he was a director, producer and actor. He talked nonstop about filming. I, myself, like photography, and eager to learn. He’s like an enlightening rod, teaching me many things; like how to write a script; how to direct, how to produce and how to be a better actor. He said he wanted to show me all these things. Truly, he has taught me a lot.

C: Then he is your sifu. (teacher)

S: Even though we don’t have a formal teacher student relationship, I consider him my teacher.

C: In AJCL you’re a marathon runner. You’re also a long distance runner in your career. What about love, also a long distance runner?
S: Well, there’s no point doing short, even though it can be exhilarating.
C: Long distance, meaning the path to the church is quite long, right? A long run before entering the church?
S: When two people have reached a certain stage in their relationship, whereby their separate existences have merged into one, and that person has become part of you, only then can these two live together—to me this is the stage when marriage can be considered.

C: So what stage are you in now? Do you feel a separate existence, a half-half existence, or one-third existence?
S: I guess it’s half-half
C: Her half and your half? Merged into one?
S: I especially value the spiritual connection in a relationship. My job is unfair to her because of my schedules; very hectic. Plus I have too many interests. Would you stand by me and help me in accomplishing my aspirations? Conversely, would I cooperate with you to achieve yours? The person you love, you cherish; can you support her to accomplish her dreams, I think this is so important….

C: You’re so serious, I don’t know how you date.. talking about aspirations.
S: I talk this way too with my friends.
C: Can’t imagine you speaking of love…your aspirations, my aspirations.
S: That’s what I talk about mostly. I’ll ask you how’s your business, how’s your work?
C: You’ve just learned how to be forthcoming with your feelings, you should say, “I love you!”
S: That can't be said too casually. But now I’ll remember to send flowers. Before didn’t remember..
C: So did you send any on last Valentine’s Day?
S: Yes!

C: People always say to do this, do that if the ratings are high, so if AJCL’s ratings are high, what will you do?

S: For me, all those stuff to do if the ratings are high are all bogus. I’ve never seen anybody do them yet. Like wearing swimsuits..

C: Just say for fun ma. Do some promotions

S: I feel that if said then should do it. So I’ll just say throw a dinner celebration.

C: For this too?

S: Yep, dinner for everybody

C: Another one? BBQ?

S: Na! Not BBQ again, Maybe something different

C: Hopefully won’t have to wait too long your dinner treat.

S: I hope so too

C: Thank you

S: Thank you.

SM buys health supplements to keep fit

2007/07/17馬浚偉買齊補品操fit

Steven Ma will protray a marathon runner in A Journey Called Life 《 金 石 良 緣 》.  Recently he visited the gym for track running to build up stamina and keep fit, and then dropped by a tanning booth for a tan, and later went on to a Tsim Sha Tsui health store to buy some health supplements.  Before going home he went to a congee place in Mongkok to buy a bowl of congee and cheong fan carryout.

When asked Steven explained to this reporter that he did not go to the gym to bulk up but was there to lose weight for for his upcoming AJCL series.  That day I bought some protein capsules as supplements lacking from my diet.