source
Showing posts with label series: SITS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label series: SITS. Show all posts
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sweetness in the Salt MVs
sweetness in salt Nip Ji Yuen & Sing Suet
Transferred some relevant discussion posts from asianfanatics Ji Yuen & Sing Suet thread
My thanks to Akazukin (have her permission for repost) and others for such an engaging discussion thread.
Akazukin: Does anyone think that it would have been better for Stevia to make a better impression in viewers' heart if they showed the story from the time they were together before the soldiers broke into the Tavia's salt village? I mean, it doesn't have to be long. One episode is enough to make an impression of what they were like before their sour and bitter reunion in Yangzhou. I think if they had shown it in a proper episode, I would have felt more for them rather than having the flashbacks.
My thanks to Akazukin (have her permission for repost) and others for such an engaging discussion thread.
Akazukin: Does anyone think that it would have been better for Stevia to make a better impression in viewers' heart if they showed the story from the time they were together before the soldiers broke into the Tavia's salt village? I mean, it doesn't have to be long. One episode is enough to make an impression of what they were like before their sour and bitter reunion in Yangzhou. I think if they had shown it in a proper episode, I would have felt more for them rather than having the flashbacks.
Tamaya: I personally like how it started. I like the anticipation of this one mysterious Yuen. Their lovey-dovey scenes will just dilute the excitement of opening episodes.
Akazukin: Well, perhaps AOD previews and media coverage of the series ruined it for me because I don't find his character that mysterious since I know before the series starts that he was the spy that got into Tavia's village to uncover their smuggling activity. Somehow I think they can still start off the mysteriousness of his character if they had shown what happened in Tavia's salt village, someone who seems so loving, good-natured, and innocent, yet feels that something is off with his unclear identity somehow. I was kinda imagining by the end of the episode, the soldiers already broke to the village. But that's just my opinion.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Sweetness in Salt images -- constantly updated
All banners by webmaster Hu of steven-ma.org unless otherwise stated.
Webmaster Hu of Steven-ma.org did a good job capturing the different aspect of Yuen.
Yuen, the awed godson/disciple who worships/reveres his 'heroic' godfather/mentor.
more at: sm baidu
steven-ma.org
SITS screencaps by Hu @ steven-ma.org
Webmaster Hu of Steven-ma.org did a good job capturing the different aspect of Yuen.
Yuen, the awed godson/disciple who worships/reveres his 'heroic' godfather/mentor.
more at: sm baidu
steven-ma.org
SITS screencaps by Hu @ steven-ma.org
Sweetness in Salt - Nip Ji Yuen (1)
For me I find Ji Yuen beyond sexy; I find him arresting with an irresistible masculine allure. check out the hundreds of Sits screencaps in this album
My favorite Steven's co-star is still Maggie Cheung in Better Halves. Absolute compatibility. But Stevia seems to have perfect their wordless mutual stares, poignant with unspoken meaning.
The viewers first got to know of him through Sim Suet’s constant worrying and pining for him, emphasizing her deep love for him. Obviously, JY has also ingratiated himself with her whole family, so much so that SS's father ponders over their (SS & JY's) future together even as they are on the run. Obviously, Ji Yuen, although an outsider, is much loved by her family. So how can such a ‘lovable’ character betray these simple folks who loved him so?
The sense of Ji Yuen, like a thin mist, permeates the episode. He has not appear yet but already his reputation precedes him, as images were formed of him from the other characters. As happier time flashes through SS’s memory, viewers saw him as a fun-loving lover; in times of danger, as someone who apparently did not know martial arts; as a suitor worthy of a Big Brother’s precious daughter's hand in marriage. And as a good man, liked by SS’s people. As SS floats on the river, her last conscious thoughts were of him just as her first were when she regains consciousness. Who is this Ji Yuen character who was so beloved by so many people?
Director Lee cleverly teased his viewers with a glimpse of this mysterious Ji Yuen right before credits roll, just enough to belie the carefully built up image of a nice, warm young man – the stealer of SS’s heart and the affection of her family. Instead a man with cold flat eyes on an impassive face walks into the screen, literally stopping the show. Although looking like her JY, his emotionless face and stiff posture assure SS that she must have mistaken a stranger for her JY.
Reel me in for I’m completely hooked.
My favorite Steven's co-star is still Maggie Cheung in Better Halves. Absolute compatibility. But Stevia seems to have perfect their wordless mutual stares, poignant with unspoken meaning.
More discussions in AF
For Chinese discussions goto: baidu 《碧血盐枭》
我就是喜欢聂致远喜欢他有过知错,喜欢他悔悟,喜欢他愁眉深锁的样子(他那种淡淡的忧愁,这种感觉只有马浚伟能表现得让他人感同深受,好多年没看到有他那 种散发着古典韵味的演员,这种感觉是某人至少是不能给我的),喜欢他遍体淋伤,喜欢他执着,喜欢真实,不管最后他和胜雪是否在一起都没关系,这不是我喜欢 他的原因,不管他完不完美都有让我折服的原因,中意聂致远.
Posted 06 January 2009 - 08:40 AM
my posts from Asianfanatics SITS nip ji yuen's thread
I waited eagerly and quite impatiently for Ji Yuen's appearance but it wasn’t until toward the end that he finally made his appearance, literally stopping the show. lol! Now that I think back, my anticipation was exactly the effect that Director Lee had hoped to achieve – to build-up anticipation and to heighten the mystery of one Ji Yuen. For Chinese discussions goto: baidu 《碧血盐枭》
我就是喜欢聂致远喜欢他有过知错,喜欢他悔悟,喜欢他愁眉深锁的样子(他那种淡淡的忧愁,这种感觉只有马浚伟能表现得让他人感同深受,好多年没看到有他那 种散发着古典韵味的演员,这种感觉是某人至少是不能给我的),喜欢他遍体淋伤,喜欢他执着,喜欢真实,不管最后他和胜雪是否在一起都没关系,这不是我喜欢 他的原因,不管他完不完美都有让我折服的原因,中意聂致远.
Posted 06 January 2009 - 08:40 AM
my posts from Asianfanatics SITS nip ji yuen's thread
The viewers first got to know of him through Sim Suet’s constant worrying and pining for him, emphasizing her deep love for him. Obviously, JY has also ingratiated himself with her whole family, so much so that SS's father ponders over their (SS & JY's) future together even as they are on the run. Obviously, Ji Yuen, although an outsider, is much loved by her family. So how can such a ‘lovable’ character betray these simple folks who loved him so?
The sense of Ji Yuen, like a thin mist, permeates the episode. He has not appear yet but already his reputation precedes him, as images were formed of him from the other characters. As happier time flashes through SS’s memory, viewers saw him as a fun-loving lover; in times of danger, as someone who apparently did not know martial arts; as a suitor worthy of a Big Brother’s precious daughter's hand in marriage. And as a good man, liked by SS’s people. As SS floats on the river, her last conscious thoughts were of him just as her first were when she regains consciousness. Who is this Ji Yuen character who was so beloved by so many people?
Director Lee cleverly teased his viewers with a glimpse of this mysterious Ji Yuen right before credits roll, just enough to belie the carefully built up image of a nice, warm young man – the stealer of SS’s heart and the affection of her family. Instead a man with cold flat eyes on an impassive face walks into the screen, literally stopping the show. Although looking like her JY, his emotionless face and stiff posture assure SS that she must have mistaken a stranger for her JY.
Reel me in for I’m completely hooked.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sweetness in the Salt
"Wait for me!"
To date, among Steven series, Sweetness in the Salt has the most fanmade mvs made on his character and his female co-star. Will upload all of them one by one starting with my favorite. Too bad about the quality of the video captures. All sources credit to Steven Ma baidu and steven-ma.org. Incidentally, SITS is also the Steven series I invested the most feelings and energy in posting, discussing and analyzing. Ji Yuen still has a tight grip on my heart for his plight, and Calvin is his modern drama counterpart.
other SITS mvs
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Steven Ma Walks the Tightrope for Transformation.
馬浚偉走在鋼索上求變
■《碧》劇是馬浚偉入行以來打得最多的一部作品。
The series airing right after Rosy Business originally should have been Steven Ma’s “A Watchdog’s Tale”. However, halfway through RB’s broadcast, TVB suddenly decided to pull out AWT, opting to air instead the series “Sweetness in the Salt” (SITS) produced by Lee Tim Seng, also starring Steven Ma. Ma Zai says it was as if his character in the series was tailor made for him. During the shooting, he felt as if he was reliving his own life journey all over again.
After its production completion, SITS premiered overseas, but not in Hong Kong. Its audience’s feedback was extremely enthusiastic and warm. A certain Steven’s friend recorded the series and threw a “showtime party” to watch the series together. Not only can the friend preview the series in advance but was also able to watch the show together with the male lead, how good can it get? When the series ended, Ma Zai took a deep breath and said: “If asked whom does my personality most resemble? It's definitely Nip Ji Yuen. Nip Ji Yuen is me.”
But what kind of person is the male lead, Nip Ji Yuen? Tenacious in doing good. Remember kindness, forget hate. Faced with any slander, he will only grit his teeth and bear it. He never defends himself, opting to keep his silence instead. This man holds fast to his conviction, even if he were the last person left on earth, he would still hold fast, nothing will shake him off it. Nip Ji Yuen has always believed that his godfather, Lok Ying Guan, who has nurtured him from young into a useful person, and who has wholeheartedly taught him martial arts, and has led him onto the righteous anti-smuggling career path, was a good person. He thought the latter was loyal. When later he witnessed the evil doings of his godfather, Nip Ji Yuen could not condone his godfather’s deception, but neither could he forget his indebtedness to the latter. When he held his dying godfather in his arms, Ma Zai truly felt the excruciating pain in his heart, uncontrollably welling up from deep inside.
In real life, Ma Zai has also experienced the hurt of being deceived by other people.
“Until the problems emerged, only then did I believe that the person whom I had always being thankful to and had never hated can be a bad person. I was truly hurt. At that moment of hurt, I was very disillusioned, that kind of feelings cannot be expressed in words.”
Thus, his personal experience enabled him to fully portray the pain and suffering of betrayal felt by Nip Ji Yuen. It is this kind of unreasonable injury that led Ma Zai to fight back, just like how Nip Ji Yuen fights back at his diabolical godfather. Upholding his principles, keeping his promises. When portraying Nip Ji Yuen, Ma Zai felt as if he was reliving his own life journey once again. “When you made a promise, you must keep it.” This oath includes his attitude towards love.
Nip Ji Yuen loves Sing Suet, even though he understands she will not forgive him for killing her parents during his undercover mission. But even though they cannot be together, he will, nonetheless, discreetly protect her. Nip Ji Yuen is a level-headed and perceptive person. It is exactly because of his psychological burden, that his love for Sing Suet is so much more intense, so much more deeper. To ensure Sing Suet’s happiness, Ji Yuen willingly relinquishes his beloved to his good friend, Ting Hin. When Ting Hin is sick, Ji Yuen accompanies Sing Suet to look for the miracle doctor. When they discover that the doctor’s village is hit by a plague epidemic, Ji Yuen stops Sing Suet at the entrance to the village from following him. He would rather imperil himself by venturing alone into the village to look for the miracle doctor than have Sing Suet harmed. Eyes reflecting deep feelings, he says to her: “Wait for me!” (dang ngoh!)
“Dang Ngoh!” Two innocuous words, yet imbued with infinite feelings. “Wait for me to take the risk for you! Wait for me to come back…”, ineffable words all conveyed through these two words. The enticement of a series comes from the haziness lodged between reality and fantasy. Many a time, what people longed for are often portrayed and conveyed through the characters’ words and actions. When the viewers look at Nip Ji Yuen, they feel as if their loved ones will also love them just as much. This vicariousness through the characters is the lure for pursuing the series. This scene, these two words, stirred and moved the hearts. Likewise, the real life Ma Zai, is he not waiting for such a love to appear? That he could say words of such deep emotions must be somehow drawn from his own past experiences.
Character wise, Ting Hin is sincere and loyal, decent and lovable; undoubtedly a more favored and crowd pleaser character than Nip Ji Yuen. Nip Ji Yuen’s thoughts are complex; his emotions, unstable. Ask Ma Zai if given the chance, would he pick the more crowd pleaser, Tin Hin?
“Even if given another chance to choose, I would still choose Nip Ji Yuen; a Qing dynasty undercover. Extremely challenging. Balancing between love and loyalty, like a person walking on a tightrope, anytime can slip and fall over, shattering body and bones. A persona non grata to both sides. I won’t presume to say I did brilliantly, but I had given it my all to fully portray Nip Ji Yuen’s inner thoughts.”
Source: wenweipo
2009-06-08
asianfanatics post 1466
■《碧》劇是馬浚偉入行以來打得最多的一部作品。
The series airing right after Rosy Business originally should have been Steven Ma’s “A Watchdog’s Tale”. However, halfway through RB’s broadcast, TVB suddenly decided to pull out AWT, opting to air instead the series “Sweetness in the Salt” (SITS) produced by Lee Tim Seng, also starring Steven Ma. Ma Zai says it was as if his character in the series was tailor made for him. During the shooting, he felt as if he was reliving his own life journey all over again.
After its production completion, SITS premiered overseas, but not in Hong Kong. Its audience’s feedback was extremely enthusiastic and warm. A certain Steven’s friend recorded the series and threw a “showtime party” to watch the series together. Not only can the friend preview the series in advance but was also able to watch the show together with the male lead, how good can it get? When the series ended, Ma Zai took a deep breath and said: “If asked whom does my personality most resemble? It's definitely Nip Ji Yuen. Nip Ji Yuen is me.”
But what kind of person is the male lead, Nip Ji Yuen? Tenacious in doing good. Remember kindness, forget hate. Faced with any slander, he will only grit his teeth and bear it. He never defends himself, opting to keep his silence instead. This man holds fast to his conviction, even if he were the last person left on earth, he would still hold fast, nothing will shake him off it. Nip Ji Yuen has always believed that his godfather, Lok Ying Guan, who has nurtured him from young into a useful person, and who has wholeheartedly taught him martial arts, and has led him onto the righteous anti-smuggling career path, was a good person. He thought the latter was loyal. When later he witnessed the evil doings of his godfather, Nip Ji Yuen could not condone his godfather’s deception, but neither could he forget his indebtedness to the latter. When he held his dying godfather in his arms, Ma Zai truly felt the excruciating pain in his heart, uncontrollably welling up from deep inside.
In real life, Ma Zai has also experienced the hurt of being deceived by other people.
“Until the problems emerged, only then did I believe that the person whom I had always being thankful to and had never hated can be a bad person. I was truly hurt. At that moment of hurt, I was very disillusioned, that kind of feelings cannot be expressed in words.”
Thus, his personal experience enabled him to fully portray the pain and suffering of betrayal felt by Nip Ji Yuen. It is this kind of unreasonable injury that led Ma Zai to fight back, just like how Nip Ji Yuen fights back at his diabolical godfather. Upholding his principles, keeping his promises. When portraying Nip Ji Yuen, Ma Zai felt as if he was reliving his own life journey once again. “When you made a promise, you must keep it.” This oath includes his attitude towards love.
Nip Ji Yuen loves Sing Suet, even though he understands she will not forgive him for killing her parents during his undercover mission. But even though they cannot be together, he will, nonetheless, discreetly protect her. Nip Ji Yuen is a level-headed and perceptive person. It is exactly because of his psychological burden, that his love for Sing Suet is so much more intense, so much more deeper. To ensure Sing Suet’s happiness, Ji Yuen willingly relinquishes his beloved to his good friend, Ting Hin. When Ting Hin is sick, Ji Yuen accompanies Sing Suet to look for the miracle doctor. When they discover that the doctor’s village is hit by a plague epidemic, Ji Yuen stops Sing Suet at the entrance to the village from following him. He would rather imperil himself by venturing alone into the village to look for the miracle doctor than have Sing Suet harmed. Eyes reflecting deep feelings, he says to her: “Wait for me!” (dang ngoh!)
“Dang Ngoh!” Two innocuous words, yet imbued with infinite feelings. “Wait for me to take the risk for you! Wait for me to come back…”, ineffable words all conveyed through these two words. The enticement of a series comes from the haziness lodged between reality and fantasy. Many a time, what people longed for are often portrayed and conveyed through the characters’ words and actions. When the viewers look at Nip Ji Yuen, they feel as if their loved ones will also love them just as much. This vicariousness through the characters is the lure for pursuing the series. This scene, these two words, stirred and moved the hearts. Likewise, the real life Ma Zai, is he not waiting for such a love to appear? That he could say words of such deep emotions must be somehow drawn from his own past experiences.
Character wise, Ting Hin is sincere and loyal, decent and lovable; undoubtedly a more favored and crowd pleaser character than Nip Ji Yuen. Nip Ji Yuen’s thoughts are complex; his emotions, unstable. Ask Ma Zai if given the chance, would he pick the more crowd pleaser, Tin Hin?
“Even if given another chance to choose, I would still choose Nip Ji Yuen; a Qing dynasty undercover. Extremely challenging. Balancing between love and loyalty, like a person walking on a tightrope, anytime can slip and fall over, shattering body and bones. A persona non grata to both sides. I won’t presume to say I did brilliantly, but I had given it my all to fully portray Nip Ji Yuen’s inner thoughts.”
Source: wenweipo
2009-06-08
asianfanatics post 1466
Rambling!
喁喁语!
Editorial by Tsui Yong Yong (徐蓉蓉)
source: 香港杂志的文章 Hong Kong Magazine scan
cited: http://www.xici.net/...4/d91632766.htm
Steven Ma - transformed into an ancient time ‘mole’. (mou gan dou) 無間道 (ref: Internal Affairs)
Steven and my relationship officially became employer–employee - almost 7 years now. Many friends at seeing us, one old one young, always together due to work would wonder and ask: “Why quit your job as a journalist to go gallivanting with a young artiste, for what reasons?”
Journalism, a profession I was in for over a decade; it had fertilized my personal growth. My life experiences have all come from it. How can I not love it, how can I not be nostalgic for it?
Year 2002. At my journalistic job, I was burn out and weary; my health deteriorated day by day, and my physical strength failing. Steven loves the publishing work. He offered me a learning experience. I, of course, would love to have it.
Never thought in that one trial, besides publication duties, I also had the learning opportunity to handle contracts on his behalf, and accompany him to complete every one of his performing obligations. During this period, only then did I see firsthand the hardships and toils of an artiste.
In the past, as a journalist, I was always outside looking in at false images and impressions. Now, having toured this entertainment amusement park without the pressure of reporting duties, and being able to observe the shooting of series, I’ve learned a lot, and the new experiences gained are broad; one had to experience in order to understand and empathize.
Over the years I have seen the sorrows and hardships of many an artiste. Honestly, without an iron will, this line of work is not easy to stomach. I, more than ever, have gained a greater respect for the people working in the artistic field because I have witnessed firsthand the toils of a group of artistes. Truly not easy to endure!
Steven is not a performing arts graduate. He debuted as a newbie without any formal acting training who could only portray his character based on his own understanding of his role. It’s tough, extremely tough. So I was happy when I saw how Steven has been so lucky as to have one after another entertainment friend showing him the ropes. At the time of filming "Where The Legend Begins", Steven did not even know how to put on his costumes correctly. The first person who taught him how to walk, move and gesture, and how to tie his sash correctly was Long Gui Tin. Their teacher-student relationship happened because of that series.
Year 2004: Had the chance to go to Hengdian in China to film the tv series "Zhao Jun". Even in that foreign place, he was so lucky as to receive acting tips from the renowned China actor, Sun Heng, who was Yuan Shi Kai in “Zou Xiang Gong He”, at the time. Steven's gains were enormous.
Year 2005: July. Safeguards was the first series he was cast in after signing a management contract with TVB. Since the series was filmed in July - the dog days of summer, the hardship can only be imagined. Fortunately, the cast was very united in work, moreover, they were willing to impart acting tips with Steven – Wayne Lai, Kara Hui, Tseung Chi Kwong, Kwok Fung. …. A tip here a tip there, and before long, a whole group of good friends had shared with him much of their acting experiences. After wrapping up this series, Steven had added another layer to his understanding of acting knowhow.
Wayne Lai, this brilliant actor - he is the first person who actually discussed the rhythm of acting with Steven. To Wayne’s painstaking coaching and guidance, from the bottom of his heart, Steven said, “Thank You!” (re: in Steven yahoo blog) Not only was Wayne a good acting partner then but they (Steven and Wayne) had also built up a teacher/friend relationship, a very subtle feeling difficult to describe in words.
Safeguards garnered a high of 42 points in ratings, Steven had once again taken a step forward in his acting journey. And then he met Lee Kwok Lung - this big brother. Every time during their collaborations, he and Steven would pore over their characters together, and he cooperated in everywhere he could.
In AJCL, he met Kent Cheng. Everyday they met up. Everyday they discussed and analyzed. Kent imparted all his acting knowhow gained from experience to Steven. Kent taught by example and by word. So during the later half of the year, Steven was ‘opened up”. He truly fell in love with acting. Always a person who is very serious about his work, he now loves his job even more. Whenever he receives notice of work, he is delighted. Hardship is no problem - putting in overtime, pulling overnighters are even less of a problem. Nowadays, what Steven pursues is improvement, limitless improvement. Like he says: “Acting, this kind of art form, needs an immerse expense of time and energy to learn. I, without a formal acting training background, need to put in even more effort. I know that, so I love doing it.”
Seeing the improvement on Steven’s acting skill gathering momentum, listening to one veteran after another praising him and continually giving him opportunities, as his comrade-in-arms in his struggles, I feel very happy for him.
Because of shooting a series, Steven’s body has collected scar after scar. At the scene site, saw him wiped off the blood from his hand, applied ointment on his wounded foot, and then right away took position in front of the camera, and slipped right into the character he needed to portray. Never late, refused to take breaks; that iron will and inner strength, even I, who consider myself a hard worker, could not compare to him.
June 8th. Steven’s new series, Sweetness in the Salt, will be broadcasted. This series has recently been aired in Malaysia. The response was excellent. The hit series, Rosy Business and Sits are both produced by Lee Tim Seng. Hong Kong and overseas’ double cannon fodders, Tim Goh is the man of the hour. (wai jun) Tim Goh is Steven’s first series coach. Steven’s first Qing drama, DOMD 1998, is in fact, produced by Tim Goh. He affirms the improvement in Steven’s acting skill. “ Zai Mai’s acting skill is now at the master level.”
In the series, Steven portrays an upright and clean official, Nip Ji Yuen. Though in love with a salt smuggler’s daughter, but in carrying out his duties to rout out the smugglers he killed Yueng Yi’s parents. As an ancient infiltrator, love and hate are beyond his control. Words escaped him in expressing himself. The personality of the character is very melancholic. During the shooting period, Steven traveled the journey alongside his character and he too became melancholic. When the production ended, it took quite a while before I saw Steven smiled again and extricated himself from the character.
This, is the reason why I love my present job. Thinking back, I used to only see the rain through a glass window, today I am in it, so am able to truly appreciate the many facets of an artiste. What I have gained is so much more than from before.
asianfanatics. post 1440
Posted 04 June 2009
Editorial by Tsui Yong Yong (徐蓉蓉)
source: 香港杂志的文章 Hong Kong Magazine scan
cited: http://www.xici.net/...4/d91632766.htm
Steven and my relationship officially became employer–employee - almost 7 years now. Many friends at seeing us, one old one young, always together due to work would wonder and ask: “Why quit your job as a journalist to go gallivanting with a young artiste, for what reasons?”
Journalism, a profession I was in for over a decade; it had fertilized my personal growth. My life experiences have all come from it. How can I not love it, how can I not be nostalgic for it?
Year 2002. At my journalistic job, I was burn out and weary; my health deteriorated day by day, and my physical strength failing. Steven loves the publishing work. He offered me a learning experience. I, of course, would love to have it.
Never thought in that one trial, besides publication duties, I also had the learning opportunity to handle contracts on his behalf, and accompany him to complete every one of his performing obligations. During this period, only then did I see firsthand the hardships and toils of an artiste.
In the past, as a journalist, I was always outside looking in at false images and impressions. Now, having toured this entertainment amusement park without the pressure of reporting duties, and being able to observe the shooting of series, I’ve learned a lot, and the new experiences gained are broad; one had to experience in order to understand and empathize.
Over the years I have seen the sorrows and hardships of many an artiste. Honestly, without an iron will, this line of work is not easy to stomach. I, more than ever, have gained a greater respect for the people working in the artistic field because I have witnessed firsthand the toils of a group of artistes. Truly not easy to endure!
Steven is not a performing arts graduate. He debuted as a newbie without any formal acting training who could only portray his character based on his own understanding of his role. It’s tough, extremely tough. So I was happy when I saw how Steven has been so lucky as to have one after another entertainment friend showing him the ropes. At the time of filming "Where The Legend Begins", Steven did not even know how to put on his costumes correctly. The first person who taught him how to walk, move and gesture, and how to tie his sash correctly was Long Gui Tin. Their teacher-student relationship happened because of that series.
Year 2004: Had the chance to go to Hengdian in China to film the tv series "Zhao Jun". Even in that foreign place, he was so lucky as to receive acting tips from the renowned China actor, Sun Heng, who was Yuan Shi Kai in “Zou Xiang Gong He”, at the time. Steven's gains were enormous.
Year 2005: July. Safeguards was the first series he was cast in after signing a management contract with TVB. Since the series was filmed in July - the dog days of summer, the hardship can only be imagined. Fortunately, the cast was very united in work, moreover, they were willing to impart acting tips with Steven – Wayne Lai, Kara Hui, Tseung Chi Kwong, Kwok Fung. …. A tip here a tip there, and before long, a whole group of good friends had shared with him much of their acting experiences. After wrapping up this series, Steven had added another layer to his understanding of acting knowhow.
Wayne Lai, this brilliant actor - he is the first person who actually discussed the rhythm of acting with Steven. To Wayne’s painstaking coaching and guidance, from the bottom of his heart, Steven said, “Thank You!” (re: in Steven yahoo blog) Not only was Wayne a good acting partner then but they (Steven and Wayne) had also built up a teacher/friend relationship, a very subtle feeling difficult to describe in words.
Safeguards garnered a high of 42 points in ratings, Steven had once again taken a step forward in his acting journey. And then he met Lee Kwok Lung - this big brother. Every time during their collaborations, he and Steven would pore over their characters together, and he cooperated in everywhere he could.
In AJCL, he met Kent Cheng. Everyday they met up. Everyday they discussed and analyzed. Kent imparted all his acting knowhow gained from experience to Steven. Kent taught by example and by word. So during the later half of the year, Steven was ‘opened up”. He truly fell in love with acting. Always a person who is very serious about his work, he now loves his job even more. Whenever he receives notice of work, he is delighted. Hardship is no problem - putting in overtime, pulling overnighters are even less of a problem. Nowadays, what Steven pursues is improvement, limitless improvement. Like he says: “Acting, this kind of art form, needs an immerse expense of time and energy to learn. I, without a formal acting training background, need to put in even more effort. I know that, so I love doing it.”
Seeing the improvement on Steven’s acting skill gathering momentum, listening to one veteran after another praising him and continually giving him opportunities, as his comrade-in-arms in his struggles, I feel very happy for him.
Because of shooting a series, Steven’s body has collected scar after scar. At the scene site, saw him wiped off the blood from his hand, applied ointment on his wounded foot, and then right away took position in front of the camera, and slipped right into the character he needed to portray. Never late, refused to take breaks; that iron will and inner strength, even I, who consider myself a hard worker, could not compare to him.
June 8th. Steven’s new series, Sweetness in the Salt, will be broadcasted. This series has recently been aired in Malaysia. The response was excellent. The hit series, Rosy Business and Sits are both produced by Lee Tim Seng. Hong Kong and overseas’ double cannon fodders, Tim Goh is the man of the hour. (wai jun) Tim Goh is Steven’s first series coach. Steven’s first Qing drama, DOMD 1998, is in fact, produced by Tim Goh. He affirms the improvement in Steven’s acting skill. “ Zai Mai’s acting skill is now at the master level.”
In the series, Steven portrays an upright and clean official, Nip Ji Yuen. Though in love with a salt smuggler’s daughter, but in carrying out his duties to rout out the smugglers he killed Yueng Yi’s parents. As an ancient infiltrator, love and hate are beyond his control. Words escaped him in expressing himself. The personality of the character is very melancholic. During the shooting period, Steven traveled the journey alongside his character and he too became melancholic. When the production ended, it took quite a while before I saw Steven smiled again and extricated himself from the character.
This, is the reason why I love my present job. Thinking back, I used to only see the rain through a glass window, today I am in it, so am able to truly appreciate the many facets of an artiste. What I have gained is so much more than from before.
asianfanatics. post 1440
Posted 04 June 2009
Sunday, October 24, 2010
TVB.com Sits screen shots
Sweetness in Salt tvb.com site
AF 1544
transcript to Steven talks of JY's love for SS from tvbsits.com vid
Actually from start to end, I'm not Ji Yuen but I understand Ji Yuen's way of thinking, because I feel that my personality is quite similar to Nip Ji Yuen.. er. I hope...if I sincerely hope that she is truly happy..actually, all along I'd wanted to hand her over to Yi Siu because Yi Siu's family is rich, although his health has problems, but later he is cured, only that he is later killed by a bad person. Also if she is with Wu Tin Hin, my heart is very reassured. Because I don't know what I can give her. Furthermore, because of my previous job, I had crossed many people, hence at any time, they might come after me to kill me. Or maybe have to live in poverty. When I truly love a person, it is not necessary to possess her. When you truly love a person, you'll be happy to see her living a good life and be secure. That's good enough. This is Ji Yuen's mindset. Of course, later, em..also prior, I caused the death of her parents. This guilt lays heavy on Ji Yuen's mind and torments him. But unfortunately, Yi Xiu will die but actually.. I feel I'm not good enough for her, actually Ji Yuen feels unworthy of her, ¦that no matter how much he tries to make amends, in Ni Ji Yuen's heart he feels nothing he do can right the wrong. Because he has previously misplaced his trust on a person called Tou Yin Long, thereby causing the death of so many innocent people. So the heart of Qing dynasty undercover suffers an enormous trauma. The person he loves most is Sing Suet.. he loves Sing Suet more than he loves his own life. But the only thing he can do is ensure Sing Suet's happiness. But fate plays a joke, if Sing Suet is truly with Yi Siu, then Nip Ji Yuen will can go on his merry way and disappear, maybe now and then appear to protect them, but reality often differs.
Tavia in her VIP interview said that while Sing Suet has only 'yi' towards 2 xiu she loves Ji Yuen like a woman loves a man. Tavia also talked about how well and naturally Steven and she worked together.
AF 1544
transcript to Steven talks of JY's love for SS from tvbsits.com vid
Actually from start to end, I'm not Ji Yuen but I understand Ji Yuen's way of thinking, because I feel that my personality is quite similar to Nip Ji Yuen.. er. I hope...if I sincerely hope that she is truly happy..actually, all along I'd wanted to hand her over to Yi Siu because Yi Siu's family is rich, although his health has problems, but later he is cured, only that he is later killed by a bad person. Also if she is with Wu Tin Hin, my heart is very reassured. Because I don't know what I can give her. Furthermore, because of my previous job, I had crossed many people, hence at any time, they might come after me to kill me. Or maybe have to live in poverty. When I truly love a person, it is not necessary to possess her. When you truly love a person, you'll be happy to see her living a good life and be secure. That's good enough. This is Ji Yuen's mindset. Of course, later, em..also prior, I caused the death of her parents. This guilt lays heavy on Ji Yuen's mind and torments him. But unfortunately, Yi Xiu will die but actually.. I feel I'm not good enough for her, actually Ji Yuen feels unworthy of her, ¦that no matter how much he tries to make amends, in Ni Ji Yuen's heart he feels nothing he do can right the wrong. Because he has previously misplaced his trust on a person called Tou Yin Long, thereby causing the death of so many innocent people. So the heart of Qing dynasty undercover suffers an enormous trauma. The person he loves most is Sing Suet.. he loves Sing Suet more than he loves his own life. But the only thing he can do is ensure Sing Suet's happiness. But fate plays a joke, if Sing Suet is truly with Yi Siu, then Nip Ji Yuen will can go on his merry way and disappear, maybe now and then appear to protect them, but reality often differs.
Tavia in her VIP interview said that while Sing Suet has only 'yi' towards 2 xiu she loves Ji Yuen like a woman loves a man. Tavia also talked about how well and naturally Steven and she worked together.
 |
| wallpaper link |
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Ma Zai, how do you plead?
http://www.tudou.com...ew/-raDzUcNr24/
商台：小欣姐公审马浚伟5宗罪！马仔，你认不认？
March 17 2008
Radio Interview: Xiu Yan Jie interrogates Ma Chun Wai on 5 crime charges!
March 17 2008
Radio Interview: Xiu Yan Jie interrogates Ma Chun Wai on 5 crime charges!
Steven was accused by some fellow colleagues of these 5 crimes while filming Sweetness in the Salt. This was his response to the charges.
H= So, good person that you are, actually got embroiled in a rumor, eh? 5 crimes –you’ve been charged with.
S = Right!
H= Let me tick them off
1st off – You’re fierce. You won’t tolerate cast members’ tardiness
2nd = every one should know his/her script inside out
3rd = when positioning is called, no horsing around and noise from the members inside the set.
4th = you gave preferential treatment to bigwigs but stepped on the lowly. You’re in trouble here. You can defend yourself later.
5th = you taught the director how to direct. Why are you laughing so cheerfully?
S = First off, I don’t blame the tabloids for the news. We, the artistes, often times criticize the tabloids for erroneous reporting most of the time, but in this case, there was some truth in it.
H= all 5 charges?
S= not all 5. What they say about me acting like a Liza Jie male counterpart. Liza jie is a veteran actress that I like a lot. I admire people who are serious about work, because I’m a person who follows the rules.
H: Also adhering to rules makes things run smoother, the work gets done faster, and we get to go home faster.
S = Punctuality and time management have always being my principles.
H = I, too, have also committed this crime.
S = Actually, this is a good crime to commit. I think some crimes we shouldn’t commit, but some it’s good.
H = I think the person who said that it’s a crime to be punctual must be somebody who’s is never on time. How can be on time be considered a crime? Ridiculous! So bizarre!
S = And ..when it’s playtime, we can play hard, but once in position or inside the studio, I’m usually quiet and sometimes will urge others not to fool around. Especially for an emotional scene, one must get into character even before the camera rolls, else it’ll be too late.
H: Were you filming AJCL when you were accused of these crimes?
S: No. It’s for this recent series, The Salt Traders.
H: So who collaborated with you?
S: Oh, Yeung Yi is a very nice person. (laughter) Ah Yi co-starred with me…
H: Who else?
S: Many. And many were very nice, too.
H: So who were those who’re horsing around?
S: I don’t know. (laughter)
H: Just anyone who’s noisy; you'll ask them to be quiet.
S: I will. Frankly, I’ll say please stop playing.
H: Won’t that make someone unhappy?
S: I believe so. Especially when they didn’t know of my work ethics or understand where I’m coming from; they might be unhappy or they might think what's that got to do with you? Or that.. just a tad late ma, positioning has not even be called yet. I won’t impose on anybody, it’s just my viewpoint.
H: Just ignore them.
S: Also, they reported that I always arrived 15 minutes early to the studio that I would stand by the wall and wait. Of course, we have to get there early, because after make-up and costumes change, we have to discuss with the production crew on our positioning and setting arrangements
H: Frankly, when I read this report, I thought it was a very contrary piece, in that, all the good points are twisted into bad points. Virtues became shortcomings. (laughter) But there’s this one, it says that you treat people according to their status. I don’t know if you did.
S: Of course not.
H: Now this charge of treating people according to their status can be considered a crime.
S: Yes, if it is true, it can be considered a crime.
H: It alleged that during the BBQ you only brought food to the producer.
S: The producer didn’t even attend. Tin gor wasn’t there nor was..
H: Ah! How about some kind of supervisors?
S: No! Well it's like this, the restaurant has an outdoor deck and a karaoke room inside. The outdoor deck was really cool and breezy. Most chose to stay outside enjoying the breeze. But there was a karaoke going on inside a room. Some cast members and some lion dancers stayed in to sing, also some quiet members preferred staying inside. And I would interact between these two groups of people. At that time, there was this uninvited reporter who surreptitiously crashed the party and chitchatted with the cast. I guess at that time I must be inside the room, so giving the wrong impression that all the newcomers were left outside. Actually, I had just stepped inside the room from barbequing outside.
H: Well, forget it. The producer wasn’t even there as was reported. Forget about this point, scratch it. How about teaching the director how to direct?
S: That’s true. I think as actors, we should…I call it communication.
H: From my many interviews with thespians, they too said they did that. That they would examine their lines, maybe do some revisions, and would discuss the kind of expressions to use, is the smile too much? That’s not unusual.
S: Actually, I got along pretty well with all the directors. We’ll discuss how a series can be fleshed out and enhanced from the viewpoints of the director and the actor. This requires communication. I’ll say to the director, I can display different kind of expressions for you to pick from.
H: Don’t worry about it. Ma Zai. 4 of them are all virtues. And that preferential treatments to bigwigs but stepped on the lowly is not even correct. But it says here that you lost your temper. Do you?
S: Occasionally, I do. But only with myself.
H: How are you like when angry?
S: My face will darken. I’ll ignore people.
H: It shows? (Yes!) Won’t that strain the atmosphere?
S: Sometimes. If I angry with myself because I felt I didn’t do well; just ignore me.
H: So how did you get over your bad mood?
S: When the scene is done. I’ll also get mad if a scene is in progress but some people are disruptive with their frivolity. That will annoy me.
H: Would you say something about it?
S: Yes, I would.
H: What would you say?
S: I would say please don’t play.
H: That is during filming you would…like a police patrolling
S: No that’s not the case. I think every actor should have this kind of attitude like Ah Jie, or Dodo jie,.(?) Fei Jie, most veterans posses this attitude. Like in Land of Wealth with John Gor, they all have this ethics. I like that.
H: But in real life will Ma Chun Wai lose his temper?
S: Sure
H: Under what circumstances?
S: In a car, driving.
H: Well, it’s inside a car where nobody can hear you.
S: It’s like when someone is tailgating you. I hate that.
H: Let them pass you then.
S: I’ve no problem letting them pass me but they didn’t want to pass, it’s not because of who I am but that they like to tailgate. It’s their habit.
H: So honk them.
S: I will cuss them, but they can’t hear me because the car windows are all closed. I don’t have a habit of cussing, but occasionally under this kind of circumstances, I will. I feel much better after that.
Then the conversation got into his plans for the next few months which include his cruise vacation and preparing his pictorial journal for publication. That this vacation will be his longest since joining TVB.. a total of 2 weeks break. That taking off for a vacation after a stretch of nonstop production is very essential to all artistes as a way of recharging themselves to prevent drying up inside. Hostess quizzed Steven on his cruise partner(s). He said they’re all aunts and uncles. (laughter)
S = Right!
H= Let me tick them off
1st off – You’re fierce. You won’t tolerate cast members’ tardiness
2nd = every one should know his/her script inside out
3rd = when positioning is called, no horsing around and noise from the members inside the set.
4th = you gave preferential treatment to bigwigs but stepped on the lowly. You’re in trouble here. You can defend yourself later.
5th = you taught the director how to direct. Why are you laughing so cheerfully?
S = First off, I don’t blame the tabloids for the news. We, the artistes, often times criticize the tabloids for erroneous reporting most of the time, but in this case, there was some truth in it.
H= all 5 charges?
S= not all 5. What they say about me acting like a Liza Jie male counterpart. Liza jie is a veteran actress that I like a lot. I admire people who are serious about work, because I’m a person who follows the rules.
H: Also adhering to rules makes things run smoother, the work gets done faster, and we get to go home faster.
S = Punctuality and time management have always being my principles.
H = I, too, have also committed this crime.
S = Actually, this is a good crime to commit. I think some crimes we shouldn’t commit, but some it’s good.
H = I think the person who said that it’s a crime to be punctual must be somebody who’s is never on time. How can be on time be considered a crime? Ridiculous! So bizarre!
S = And ..when it’s playtime, we can play hard, but once in position or inside the studio, I’m usually quiet and sometimes will urge others not to fool around. Especially for an emotional scene, one must get into character even before the camera rolls, else it’ll be too late.
H: Were you filming AJCL when you were accused of these crimes?
S: No. It’s for this recent series, The Salt Traders.
H: So who collaborated with you?
S: Oh, Yeung Yi is a very nice person. (laughter) Ah Yi co-starred with me…
H: Who else?
S: Many. And many were very nice, too.
H: So who were those who’re horsing around?
S: I don’t know. (laughter)
H: Just anyone who’s noisy; you'll ask them to be quiet.
S: I will. Frankly, I’ll say please stop playing.
H: Won’t that make someone unhappy?
S: I believe so. Especially when they didn’t know of my work ethics or understand where I’m coming from; they might be unhappy or they might think what's that got to do with you? Or that.. just a tad late ma, positioning has not even be called yet. I won’t impose on anybody, it’s just my viewpoint.
H: Just ignore them.
S: Also, they reported that I always arrived 15 minutes early to the studio that I would stand by the wall and wait. Of course, we have to get there early, because after make-up and costumes change, we have to discuss with the production crew on our positioning and setting arrangements
H: Frankly, when I read this report, I thought it was a very contrary piece, in that, all the good points are twisted into bad points. Virtues became shortcomings. (laughter) But there’s this one, it says that you treat people according to their status. I don’t know if you did.
S: Of course not.
H: Now this charge of treating people according to their status can be considered a crime.
S: Yes, if it is true, it can be considered a crime.
H: It alleged that during the BBQ you only brought food to the producer.
S: The producer didn’t even attend. Tin gor wasn’t there nor was..
H: Ah! How about some kind of supervisors?
S: No! Well it's like this, the restaurant has an outdoor deck and a karaoke room inside. The outdoor deck was really cool and breezy. Most chose to stay outside enjoying the breeze. But there was a karaoke going on inside a room. Some cast members and some lion dancers stayed in to sing, also some quiet members preferred staying inside. And I would interact between these two groups of people. At that time, there was this uninvited reporter who surreptitiously crashed the party and chitchatted with the cast. I guess at that time I must be inside the room, so giving the wrong impression that all the newcomers were left outside. Actually, I had just stepped inside the room from barbequing outside.
H: Well, forget it. The producer wasn’t even there as was reported. Forget about this point, scratch it. How about teaching the director how to direct?
S: That’s true. I think as actors, we should…I call it communication.
H: From my many interviews with thespians, they too said they did that. That they would examine their lines, maybe do some revisions, and would discuss the kind of expressions to use, is the smile too much? That’s not unusual.
S: Actually, I got along pretty well with all the directors. We’ll discuss how a series can be fleshed out and enhanced from the viewpoints of the director and the actor. This requires communication. I’ll say to the director, I can display different kind of expressions for you to pick from.
H: Don’t worry about it. Ma Zai. 4 of them are all virtues. And that preferential treatments to bigwigs but stepped on the lowly is not even correct. But it says here that you lost your temper. Do you?
S: Occasionally, I do. But only with myself.
H: How are you like when angry?
S: My face will darken. I’ll ignore people.
H: It shows? (Yes!) Won’t that strain the atmosphere?
S: Sometimes. If I angry with myself because I felt I didn’t do well; just ignore me.
H: So how did you get over your bad mood?
S: When the scene is done. I’ll also get mad if a scene is in progress but some people are disruptive with their frivolity. That will annoy me.
H: Would you say something about it?
S: Yes, I would.
H: What would you say?
S: I would say please don’t play.
H: That is during filming you would…like a police patrolling
S: No that’s not the case. I think every actor should have this kind of attitude like Ah Jie, or Dodo jie,.(?) Fei Jie, most veterans posses this attitude. Like in Land of Wealth with John Gor, they all have this ethics. I like that.
H: But in real life will Ma Chun Wai lose his temper?
S: Sure
H: Under what circumstances?
S: In a car, driving.
H: Well, it’s inside a car where nobody can hear you.
S: It’s like when someone is tailgating you. I hate that.
H: Let them pass you then.
S: I’ve no problem letting them pass me but they didn’t want to pass, it’s not because of who I am but that they like to tailgate. It’s their habit.
H: So honk them.
S: I will cuss them, but they can’t hear me because the car windows are all closed. I don’t have a habit of cussing, but occasionally under this kind of circumstances, I will. I feel much better after that.
Then the conversation got into his plans for the next few months which include his cruise vacation and preparing his pictorial journal for publication. That this vacation will be his longest since joining TVB.. a total of 2 weeks break. That taking off for a vacation after a stretch of nonstop production is very essential to all artistes as a way of recharging themselves to prevent drying up inside. Hostess quizzed Steven on his cruise partner(s). He said they’re all aunts and uncles. (laughter)
translator: Tamaya
Thursday, September 16, 2010
2009 Feb Steven-fans collated replies to fans' queries & spontaneous chats with fans on yahoo blog
2009-02-03 01:40
Editing the board, will sleep soon... scare of you all. (responding to their numerous msgs asking why he's still up so late.) You all too get some rest soon!
2009-02-03 20:18
It's "gao fan" (9 parts/portions/sections) not 'gao yue" (9 months)
The Stars of Love (cupid stupid) series wrapped up around late-January.
The leg's fine now, no problem!
What's another scar? Quite cool yo! (Gei Ying yo!) Heehee!
Tomorrow before starting work, will go hit some balls. Looking forward to it!
I will train diligently to better my ball game. Plan to join the amateur badminton competition, to get more experience! You all too, exercise more. Don't just sit in front of the computer, ok?
Also, Happy Birthday yo! (to a poster who wrote it's her birthday today)
2009-02-04 11:38
The msg board wallpaper is 九龙寨城公园! Pretty nice place!
Replies:
2009-02-06 20:00
Very touched that you all were so into Sits ad so serious in your viewing!
To understand Ji Yuen, very tough; to understand the inner world of Ji Yuen, tougher still!
But what's even more improbable is that the Sits audience could actually analyze his inner world and emotions so well. I…besides being grateful and moved, are truly lost for words!
That an actor, a character could so engage an audience's hearts to watch his performance with such intensity, what regrets could there be?
Thank you sincerely I thank you all!
What I can do is to continue to act with my heart in all series and to bring life to my characters. I believe this is my best repayment for your support and belief in me.
Thank you all for each of your words and each of its meaning. I'll store them in my heart.
************************************************
Replies: 2009-02-07
Haha! Ji Yuen and I are very alike! I like this character because he is so like me! Since young until now, I've truly endured much! But then, so what? Life goes on, endurance continues. It has always been if I could endure, then I would endure. If couldn't? Still have to endure! Who knows? Who understands? Since it is how it is, who's to blame?
Could only blame that since young till now, I've had to confront many stuff. A man ma, if you don't shoulder it? Who would?
That's why, to be able to connect with similar characters or dissimilar characters (to his own personality)in a series, I'm always happy to do so; if only to fill a gap.
Those of you who cherish me, 疼我的你们 that's my personality; indomitable. 我就是这麼硬性子I've never look to my family or friends to share my burdens or worries, even when I couldn't endure, I'll still carry on! 得行！ Don't worry! Mo Man Tai. 无问题！ No problem!
Some fans wrote their grievances in Steven's blog.
SteveN: 2009-02-07 01:16
Will you all please promise me, regardless of the circumstances, if can be forgiven or be loved, then do forgive and do love. Of course, those that are incomprehensible are excepted. You can't go wrong being a person of conscience, trust me!
SteveN: 2009-02-07 01:39
Remember whatever you have today, they're all given to you through your parents' hard work.
Cherish yourself! Live today well and prepare for tomorrow. Understand?
雋賢，Going to sleep now, guai (good girl)
SteveN 2009-02-07 02:04
Have a job, earn money; that's part of life! little or lots? It's another matter. But loving a person defies logic! I've always believe that in this world if it causes no hurt or harm, bad conduct is not necessarily always evil.
**************************************
Steven's blog replies:
2009-02-24 16:00
The date on the photo showed up Steven's age in relation to his fans.
Responses such as these:
Wow! I wasn't even born then!
Wow! I was just 2 (or x) years old then!.
Ha ha, I should have photomosiac (note: erased) the date on the photo! (bawling.gif)
Regret! (lol.gif)
Ai, have to admit to it! (whistle.gif ) (note: that old age is catching up with him!)
2009-02-24 16:28
I think in response to such comments as limited screen time & publicity.
Actually, I'm happy now. You all don't have to worry about me.
What I pursue is improvement, boundaryless improvement.
Maybe you all think I'm being too low profile but I prefer it this way!
Acting is an art, so entails lots of energy and time.
As a non-formally trained actor, I need to put in the extra time and efforts.
I know it, so I enjoy doing it. Don't worry, you'll see it! (note: his improvement)
Wait for me! Dang ngo! (big grin.gif)
2009-02-24 19:28
sorry囉，打錯字！改了！
Sorry lo, typo, corrected!
Editing the board, will sleep soon... scare of you all. (responding to their numerous msgs asking why he's still up so late.) You all too get some rest soon!
2009-02-03 20:18
It's "gao fan" (9 parts/portions/sections) not 'gao yue" (9 months)
The Stars of Love (cupid stupid) series wrapped up around late-January.
The leg's fine now, no problem!
What's another scar? Quite cool yo! (Gei Ying yo!) Heehee!
Tomorrow before starting work, will go hit some balls. Looking forward to it!
I will train diligently to better my ball game. Plan to join the amateur badminton competition, to get more experience! You all too, exercise more. Don't just sit in front of the computer, ok?
Also, Happy Birthday yo! (to a poster who wrote it's her birthday today)
2009-02-04 11:38
The msg board wallpaper is 九龙寨城公园! Pretty nice place!
Replies:
2009-02-06 20:00
Very touched that you all were so into Sits ad so serious in your viewing!
To understand Ji Yuen, very tough; to understand the inner world of Ji Yuen, tougher still!
But what's even more improbable is that the Sits audience could actually analyze his inner world and emotions so well. I…besides being grateful and moved, are truly lost for words!
That an actor, a character could so engage an audience's hearts to watch his performance with such intensity, what regrets could there be?
Thank you sincerely I thank you all!
What I can do is to continue to act with my heart in all series and to bring life to my characters. I believe this is my best repayment for your support and belief in me.
Thank you all for each of your words and each of its meaning. I'll store them in my heart.
************************************************
Replies: 2009-02-07
Haha! Ji Yuen and I are very alike! I like this character because he is so like me! Since young until now, I've truly endured much! But then, so what? Life goes on, endurance continues. It has always been if I could endure, then I would endure. If couldn't? Still have to endure! Who knows? Who understands? Since it is how it is, who's to blame?
Could only blame that since young till now, I've had to confront many stuff. A man ma, if you don't shoulder it? Who would?
That's why, to be able to connect with similar characters or dissimilar characters (to his own personality)in a series, I'm always happy to do so; if only to fill a gap.
Those of you who cherish me, 疼我的你们 that's my personality; indomitable. 我就是这麼硬性子I've never look to my family or friends to share my burdens or worries, even when I couldn't endure, I'll still carry on! 得行！ Don't worry! Mo Man Tai. 无问题！ No problem!
Some fans wrote their grievances in Steven's blog.
SteveN: 2009-02-07 01:16
Will you all please promise me, regardless of the circumstances, if can be forgiven or be loved, then do forgive and do love. Of course, those that are incomprehensible are excepted. You can't go wrong being a person of conscience, trust me!
SteveN: 2009-02-07 01:39
Remember whatever you have today, they're all given to you through your parents' hard work.
Cherish yourself! Live today well and prepare for tomorrow. Understand?
雋賢，Going to sleep now, guai (good girl)
SteveN 2009-02-07 02:04
Have a job, earn money; that's part of life! little or lots? It's another matter. But loving a person defies logic! I've always believe that in this world if it causes no hurt or harm, bad conduct is not necessarily always evil.
**************************************
Steven's blog replies:
2009-02-24 16:00
The date on the photo showed up Steven's age in relation to his fans.
Responses such as these:
Wow! I wasn't even born then!
Wow! I was just 2 (or x) years old then!.
Ha ha, I should have photomosiac (note: erased) the date on the photo! (bawling.gif)
Regret! (lol.gif)
Ai, have to admit to it! (whistle.gif ) (note: that old age is catching up with him!)
2009-02-24 16:28
I think in response to such comments as limited screen time & publicity.
Actually, I'm happy now. You all don't have to worry about me.
What I pursue is improvement, boundaryless improvement.
Maybe you all think I'm being too low profile but I prefer it this way!
Acting is an art, so entails lots of energy and time.
As a non-formally trained actor, I need to put in the extra time and efforts.
I know it, so I enjoy doing it. Don't worry, you'll see it! (note: his improvement)
Wait for me! Dang ngo! (big grin.gif)
2009-02-24 19:28
sorry囉，打錯字！改了！
Sorry lo, typo, corrected!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Series SITS discussions (2)
Some of Steven fans are quite literary-inclined too. I enjoy reading their reviews and opinions on Steven's series. Like this one written by 桔子.我是猫 发表于：09-02-06 04:06
akazukin: First time seeing someone liking the ending more than the beginning. Though I enjoy the screentime and the acting from the last episode, I was rather different from what I first preferred.
Tamaya: As a Steven fan, I totally can see where she's coming from. She likes the ending because Steven owned the last scene with his outstanding performance. 前面的剧情发展非常之纠结,但最后的结局令人大爱,....... 如果说看前面还觉得不甚入戏,那么看最后一集彻底被俘虏了,被致远的眼神、表情俘虏了。The ending was bs to me, but I love the last 2 scenes because finally I got my belated big dose of Steven's acting. Like I said, the progression of the series distressed me, but the last 2 scenes captivated me. One major reason why our perspectives on the series differ so greatly is because our perspectives departed from two disparate points of view, from a Steven fan's pov and from Tavia fan's pov. You've no idea how very 'painful' it was for Steven fans to watch the whole series from beginning to the end: like how this Suet/Yuen fan wrote: "Do you how very painful my heart was at that moment to watch that scene when you wallowed in drunkenness (你自责、你内疚，你用酒精来麻痹你自己，你知道那个时候我有多心痛嘛，应该说你是自食其果吗？但如果你不是那么正直，也就不必那么痛苦了。) If interested, see spoiler for her lengthy analysis.
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***********************
Tamaya: Her critique on Steven's tears in ep 13
I don't agree with her but respect her view on it.
Akazukin: First time seeing someone liking the ending more than the beginning. Though I enjoy the screentime and the acting from the last episode, I was rather different from what I first preferred.
Tamaya: As a Steven fan, I totally can see where she's coming from. She likes the ending because Steven owned the last scene with his outstanding performance. 前面的剧情发展非常之纠结,但最后的结局令人大爱,....... 如果说看前面还觉得不甚入戏,那么看最后一集彻底被俘虏了,被致远的眼神、表情俘虏了。The ending was bs to me, but I love the last 2 scenes because finally I got my belated big dose of Steven's acting. Like I said, the progression of the series distressed me, but the last 2 scenes captivated me. One major reason why our perspectives on the series differ so greatly is because our perspectives departed from two disparate points of view, from a Steven fan's pov and from Tavia fan's pov. You've no idea how very 'painful' it was for Steven fans to watch the whole series from beginning to the end: like how this Suet/Yuen fan wrote: "Do you how very painful my heart was at that moment to watch that scene when you wallowed in drunkenness (你自责、你内疚，你用酒精来麻痹你自己，你知道那个时候我有多心痛嘛，应该说你是自食其果吗？但如果你不是那么正直，也就不必那么痛苦了。) If interested, see spoiler for her lengthy analysis.
Akazukin: Here's my response to the critique (on JY's crying): The thing is Ji Yuen was not really crying in front of anyone since he was alone in the temple and Tavia was at the other side of the closed door, unable to see his tears. Moreover, he was thinking that he was at the verge of death, he was sick, so someone at that stage probably wouldn't have the energy nor self-collection to worry about the Chinese male pride that "men shouldn't shed tears".
Tamaya: High 5! My very reply to her comment.
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桔子.我是猫 发表于：09-02-06 04:06
baidu repost
关于《碧血盐枭》结局的一点小感~~
on the last episode in Sits
终于把《碧血》看完了。长篇大论有待整理,说点小感想先。
前面的剧情发展非常之纠结,但最后的结局令人大爱,虽然没有点明,但总是有柳暗花明的苗头,有爱有希望,很好! 如果说看前面还觉得不甚入戏,那么看最后一集彻底被俘虏了,被致远的眼神、表情俘虏了。
当婚礼上致远看到三叔时,眼神中那种惶恐、震惊、不知所措表露无疑。太爱,所以怕失去,于是用一个又一个谎言与欺瞒来换取洞房花烛的一刻。但是,毕竟是致远,正直的天性令他无法不正视对自己的谴责。那一刻,一向强势、胜券在握的他变得那样脆弱而挣扎。赞!跨进洞房的那一刻致远已经收起了自己的凌乱,三叔的出现与其说是一场闹剧,不如说在致远的内心中狠狠的拉了他一把——三叔真是个大菩萨。于是,他平静的走进洞房,平静的说出真相。因为了解自己,了解胜雪,所以他知道,与其背着一道枷锁做一个不开心的新郎,维护一段不知道什么时候会因为真相大 白而崩塌的婚姻,不如把彼此从这个纠缠中放出来。致远把选择的权利交给了胜雪,于是,胜雪走了【打倒后妈编剧!!】。面对二叔和娘,致远含泪无奈的笑了, 笑中有失去爱人的悲伤。看着月光,致远又微微笑了,这一次,却隐隐的有面对与放下的释怀。微微翘唇后他的面上又换上了致远式的表情,从此,两个人之间,便是清白的了,再没有什么,可以阻止自己重新追寻胜雪的脚步。这一笑一笑一凝神啊,赞! 最后最后,要大赞一个的就是,结尾处胡子大叔造型太令人惊艳啦啊啊啊啊啊啊啊~~~~现在想起来还是忍不住内心中的雀跃啊~~~~受不了这种成熟的气质造型啊。。。大爱!赞!!!!!
或许从一开始就已经预见着致远和盛雪的未来。这辈子或许就是命中注定的有缘无份，无论多相爱，都永远不可能在一起，我真的不知道胜雪她到底是幸运还是不幸。真的好矛盾，我知道亭轩真的对胜雪很好，但是胜雪她最爱的始终都是当初那个害的她家破人亡的聂致远。虽然我真的好希望他们可以在一起，可同时我也知道这有多难，因为如果换做是我的话，我根本不可能原谅致远的种种行为。从一开始你就是带着目的地在接近胜雪，就连和胜雪在一起的时候都是以剿灭盐枭为最终目的。甚至让胜雪把最后的秘道都说了出来，当盐枭被人剿灭的那一刻，在那生死关头胜雪她惟一担心的就是那个她自认为完全不会武功的聂致远。她根本不会知道这个眼前她深爱人就是亲手摧毁她所有幸福的人。
Ji Yuen's tears
好了，夸完了，说点别的，既然大家都再谈哭戏，俺也来凑个热闹。于是我要说一句一直想说但是都没胆说的话：真的没有办法接受嚎啕大哭的男人啊！于是我要说，当大家都被十三集致远痛哭流涕的表白感动的时候，我笑场了。（对不起对不起对不起）
一直以来就觉得男人的眼泪比女儿家的眼泪更矜贵，中国文化教养下的男性有种气质叫刚毅，所以他们的眼泪不到伤心处不会落下来；他们的另一重气质叫隐忍，所以当泪水袭来时他们会咬紧牙不让人看到——当然也不排除是为了表现美丽的下颚线条。
不记得谁说过，最颤动人心的眼泪是那一颗挂在眼角而未曾落下的眼泪。I agree!于是个人觉得，那种红了眼眶，泪水半含，隐忍不发的哭往往更震人心魄，这不仅仅表现了悲痛，也表明了人物的个性。说句比较直白的话，聂致远如果放到现代就是属于要看心理医生的一类人，过度压抑兼自我摧残。这样的人物，最适合那种“未曾落下的眼泪â€。于是，当最后胡子大叔眼中泛起闪亮的火光时，我入戏了。。。。。心动了。。。泪奔了。。。
akazukin: First time seeing someone liking the ending more than the beginning. Though I enjoy the screentime and the acting from the last episode, I was rather different from what I first preferred.
Tamaya: As a Steven fan, I totally can see where she's coming from. She likes the ending because Steven owned the last scene with his outstanding performance. 前面的剧情发展非常之纠结,但最后的结局令人大爱,....... 如果说看前面还觉得不甚入戏,那么看最后一集彻底被俘虏了,被致远的眼神、表情俘虏了。The ending was bs to me, but I love the last 2 scenes because finally I got my belated big dose of Steven's acting. Like I said, the progression of the series distressed me, but the last 2 scenes captivated me. One major reason why our perspectives on the series differ so greatly is because our perspectives departed from two disparate points of view, from a Steven fan's pov and from Tavia fan's pov. You've no idea how very 'painful' it was for Steven fans to watch the whole series from beginning to the end: like how this Suet/Yuen fan wrote: "Do you how very painful my heart was at that moment to watch that scene when you wallowed in drunkenness (你自责、你内疚，你用酒精来麻痹你自己，你知道那个时候我有多心痛嘛，应该说你是自食其果吗？但如果你不是那么正直，也就不必那么痛苦了。) If interested, see spoiler for her lengthy analysis.
*****************************
***********************
Tamaya: Her critique on Steven's tears in ep 13
I don't agree with her but respect her view on it.
Akazukin: First time seeing someone liking the ending more than the beginning. Though I enjoy the screentime and the acting from the last episode, I was rather different from what I first preferred.
Tamaya: As a Steven fan, I totally can see where she's coming from. She likes the ending because Steven owned the last scene with his outstanding performance. 前面的剧情发展非常之纠结,但最后的结局令人大爱,....... 如果说看前面还觉得不甚入戏,那么看最后一集彻底被俘虏了,被致远的眼神、表情俘虏了。The ending was bs to me, but I love the last 2 scenes because finally I got my belated big dose of Steven's acting. Like I said, the progression of the series distressed me, but the last 2 scenes captivated me. One major reason why our perspectives on the series differ so greatly is because our perspectives departed from two disparate points of view, from a Steven fan's pov and from Tavia fan's pov. You've no idea how very 'painful' it was for Steven fans to watch the whole series from beginning to the end: like how this Suet/Yuen fan wrote: "Do you how very painful my heart was at that moment to watch that scene when you wallowed in drunkenness (你自责、你内疚，你用酒精来麻痹你自己，你知道那个时候我有多心痛嘛，应该说你是自食其果吗？但如果你不是那么正直，也就不必那么痛苦了。) If interested, see spoiler for her lengthy analysis.
Akazukin: Here's my response to the critique (on JY's crying): The thing is Ji Yuen was not really crying in front of anyone since he was alone in the temple and Tavia was at the other side of the closed door, unable to see his tears. Moreover, he was thinking that he was at the verge of death, he was sick, so someone at that stage probably wouldn't have the energy nor self-collection to worry about the Chinese male pride that "men shouldn't shed tears".
Tamaya: High 5! My very reply to her comment.
****************************
桔子.我是猫 发表于：09-02-06 04:06
baidu repost
关于《碧血盐枭》结局的一点小感~~
on the last episode in Sits
终于把《碧血》看完了。长篇大论有待整理,说点小感想先。
前面的剧情发展非常之纠结,但最后的结局令人大爱,虽然没有点明,但总是有柳暗花明的苗头,有爱有希望,很好! 如果说看前面还觉得不甚入戏,那么看最后一集彻底被俘虏了,被致远的眼神、表情俘虏了。
当婚礼上致远看到三叔时,眼神中那种惶恐、震惊、不知所措表露无疑。太爱,所以怕失去,于是用一个又一个谎言与欺瞒来换取洞房花烛的一刻。但是,毕竟是致远,正直的天性令他无法不正视对自己的谴责。那一刻,一向强势、胜券在握的他变得那样脆弱而挣扎。赞!跨进洞房的那一刻致远已经收起了自己的凌乱,三叔的出现与其说是一场闹剧,不如说在致远的内心中狠狠的拉了他一把——三叔真是个大菩萨。于是,他平静的走进洞房,平静的说出真相。因为了解自己,了解胜雪,所以他知道,与其背着一道枷锁做一个不开心的新郎,维护一段不知道什么时候会因为真相大 白而崩塌的婚姻,不如把彼此从这个纠缠中放出来。致远把选择的权利交给了胜雪,于是,胜雪走了【打倒后妈编剧!!】。面对二叔和娘,致远含泪无奈的笑了, 笑中有失去爱人的悲伤。看着月光,致远又微微笑了,这一次,却隐隐的有面对与放下的释怀。微微翘唇后他的面上又换上了致远式的表情,从此,两个人之间,便是清白的了,再没有什么,可以阻止自己重新追寻胜雪的脚步。这一笑一笑一凝神啊,赞! 最后最后,要大赞一个的就是,结尾处胡子大叔造型太令人惊艳啦啊啊啊啊啊啊啊~~~~现在想起来还是忍不住内心中的雀跃啊~~~~受不了这种成熟的气质造型啊。。。大爱!赞!!!!!
或许从一开始就已经预见着致远和盛雪的未来。这辈子或许就是命中注定的有缘无份，无论多相爱，都永远不可能在一起，我真的不知道胜雪她到底是幸运还是不幸。真的好矛盾，我知道亭轩真的对胜雪很好，但是胜雪她最爱的始终都是当初那个害的她家破人亡的聂致远。虽然我真的好希望他们可以在一起，可同时我也知道这有多难，因为如果换做是我的话，我根本不可能原谅致远的种种行为。从一开始你就是带着目的地在接近胜雪，就连和胜雪在一起的时候都是以剿灭盐枭为最终目的。甚至让胜雪把最后的秘道都说了出来，当盐枭被人剿灭的那一刻，在那生死关头胜雪她惟一担心的就是那个她自认为完全不会武功的聂致远。她根本不会知道这个眼前她深爱人就是亲手摧毁她所有幸福的人。
再见时已是仇深似海，其实我一直都没有办法了解致远到底是抱着一种怎样的心态在过活，当他再遇胜雪时，他已是害死她亲人的凶手，可是在他心里他仍然认为贩卖私盐是罪无可赦，那个时候的致远就连内疚都不让我能感受到有多少，可是在胡府当他拒绝胡家四小姐的亲事，当他告诉所有的人他心中已有了意中人，只能叹一句天意弄人时，我却没有办法不感动，不为致远难过，我的眼泪只为站在一旁的胜雪而落，他明明很清楚自己对胜雪所作所为作的是无论如何都不能让人原谅的，如果说当众表白是情不自禁，那么在后院你为什么又要拉住她，为什么要告诉她你所说的全都是肺腑之言呢！你知道这样对胜雪有多残忍嘛！她是那样深爱着你，可是却不得不放弃。但我就是没有办法恨你，没有办法将胜雪交到亭轩的手里，尤其当我看到你知道了事情的真相，知道当初让你牺牲放弃了自己的感情而所做的一切原来都是错的时候，你自责、你内疚，你用酒精来麻痹你自己，你知道那个时候我有多心痛嘛，应该说你是自食其果吗？但如果你不是那么正直，也就不必那么痛苦了。
当你感染到瘟疫，硬是把胜雪从你身边推开时，隔着那道门你对胜雪说："其实我最想看到你得到幸福，我对你的伤害实在是太大了，大到就算拿走我这条命都没有办法可以弥补的到，自从我知道剿灭蔻家寨是一件错事开始，我就一直都没开心过，因为我知道我已经失去了我最珍贵和对我最重要的．．．．．"． 我看到你的眼泪，看到你比任何人都痛，那种痛甚至是超越胜雪的，当红斑褪去，平安之时，你们紧紧相拥，那是属于你们最真切的时刻，可是看到番薯，想起二少，胜雪报恩的心态又出现了，在她最困难的时候是亭轩一直在她的身边帮助她，她推开了致远，那一刻似乎大家心里都明白已经再也不可能走到一起了，有时候好希望胜雪可以自私一点，可她偏偏是那种先为别人想的人，说她同时爱上两个人，可我却不这么认为，我知道她由始至终爱的都只有致远一个，不然，当她决定嫁给二少的时候就不会那么难过了，真的是从来没有看到过一个快要成亲的新娘会好象她那么不开心的，可就算这样，她还是以大局为重，就算致远终于肯不顾一切的要带她走时，她的选择仍然是留下，因为她知道她不能那么自私，为了胡家上上下下，牺牲自己一个又算得了什么呢！
真的很不明白编剧是怎么样想的，就非喜欢折磨人，其实要胜雪和致远在一起，也不一定非要牺牲二少啊，这两年ＴＶＢ的编剧真的越来越不行了。好吧，既然要那么做就别再折腾他们了嘛！干吗要最后再冒出个三叔来呢！真的是一点意义都没有啊！致远说过当初他真的想不出任何一个理由，要为了一个盐枭而牺牲自己，其实理由很简单，不用为别的，只因为他是胜雪最亲的人就应该足够了， 那么难道是他爱胜雪不够深吗？
( disagree with her: a person's self- preservation is naturally at the utmost in time of peril, nothing to do with his love for Suet) 如果真的爱的不够深，那么到最后就不会因为太爱她，而不忍心欺骗她啊！都不觉得这样写很有问题啊！最后一个镜头胜雪跟着荧火虫走进了山洞重遇了致远，个人还满喜欢这个镜头的，很让我感动啊。那一刻两人似乎只能彼此望着对方落泪，却什么都做不到，这不禁让我想起了蔻老大说的那句话：胜雪，就算只剩下你一个人，也要坚强的活下去，知道吗？我相信胜雪她已经做到了。
原来不知不觉已经写了那么多了，似乎马仔和小怡每次合作最后都不能终成眷属，之前的《汇通天下》还要惨，眼睁睁看着自己心爱的人嫁作人妇，最后还落的个难产而死的下场，现在的《碧血盐枭》也不能算好的到哪里去，开始期待你们的《占星情缘》，希望可以有个真真正正的大团员结局。
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Ji Yuen's tears
好了，夸完了，说点别的，既然大家都再谈哭戏，俺也来凑个热闹。于是我要说一句一直想说但是都没胆说的话：真的没有办法接受嚎啕大哭的男人啊！于是我要说，当大家都被十三集致远痛哭流涕的表白感动的时候，我笑场了。（对不起对不起对不起）
一直以来就觉得男人的眼泪比女儿家的眼泪更矜贵，中国文化教养下的男性有种气质叫刚毅，所以他们的眼泪不到伤心处不会落下来；他们的另一重气质叫隐忍，所以当泪水袭来时他们会咬紧牙不让人看到——当然也不排除是为了表现美丽的下颚线条。
不记得谁说过，最颤动人心的眼泪是那一颗挂在眼角而未曾落下的眼泪。I agree!于是个人觉得，那种红了眼眶，泪水半含，隐忍不发的哭往往更震人心魄，这不仅仅表现了悲痛，也表明了人物的个性。说句比较直白的话，聂致远如果放到现代就是属于要看心理医生的一类人，过度压抑兼自我摧残。这样的人物，最适合那种“未曾落下的眼泪â€。于是，当最后胡子大叔眼中泛起闪亮的火光时，我入戏了。。。。。心动了。。。泪奔了。。。
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Series SITS discussions (1)
Akazukin: Or maybe Steven can move his style of series from mostly romance based (which I believe require more imagination space so his romance with the female lead is more believable) to mostly family based or comedy or just life experience series........ Actually, I think he very well has the talent, just that his talent for romance should not be wasted either until the day he gets married.
Tamaya: Steven is excellent as a romantic male lead.
The slight turn of his head, the expressive glance of his eyes, the beginning of a slow smile,
perfection! How many hearts have fluttered at that look. And a bamboo flute looks just right in his hands.
capturing of Ji Yuen's rare smiles.AF1509
a hint of a smile or a toothy grin, a twitch of his lips or a lift of a corner, a beaming smile, indulgently or jovially, a wistful smile, a helpless smile, a rueful smile or a wry smile, a bitter smile, a polite smile, a disdainful smile or a sneer, Steven performed them all with subtlety.
Chp1
Happy, artless smile of a man in love
Chp2
The twitching of a polite & formal smile
The spreading, happy smile of a child at hearing his revered elder's approval and concern.
His joy shines through his crescent eyes.
Akazukin: his smile is burdened with problems he kept in his heart. It was such a child like smile, like you said, and it shows the feelings of a son he has facing his godfather, but the smile seemed burdened deep inside. It isn't a carefree smile that we have seen from him in other times
The indulgent, helpless smile of a son fussed over by his mother.
The side-glance and wry smile of a man at hearing the poetic truth in Hin's statement.
Hin: Some reasons just can't be explained. I promise you. (not to let SS know)
An enigmatic smile, difficult to pin down, maybe a smidgen of irony & sadness combined? Probably at his own momentary mental weakness & pathetic situation that he, a most sane & pragmatic anti-smuggling official, could be reduced to actually spying on those two before him; all because he has inexplicably fallen for Sing Suet, a smuggler's daughter, no less. The irony of his circumstance is most definitely not lost on him.
Akazukin: I think for that moment, he was more concerned of Sing Suet's well being than to think about what he has become peeking like that. I think he felt thankful to Ting Hin but sad that there is nothing else he can do for Sing Suet, sad that he has to rely on Ting Hin to take care of Sing Suet. He can no longer stand by his side like he used to in the Tao village.
screencaps sources: Steven-ma.org Sits album, Steven's Warm House and Steven baidu.
Akazukin: AF1520
I deeply enjoyed reading your analysis of JY's smile. He surely had different smiles in one day. And your description is totally how I felt when I watched the scene too. I felt that the only time Ji Yuen was able to smile happily without burden was only in the span between him finding out that Sing Suet was still alive and had Ting Hin providing a roof for her and finding out his godfather has been a corrupted official all this while. The scene where he visited the Wu is included. His smile when he reported himself to his mom is an excited one. He probably went around the house garden partially to try his luck if he can bump into Sing Suet. Of course, beautiful childhood memory would also welcomed him at that time. So we have him smiling in a good mood and excitement.
When he really found Sing Suet and the chance to talk to her after the dinner, I think he has abundant hope that Sing Suet will have positive reaction hearing his confession. He probably think Sing Suet thought that the love he showered her during their time in Tao village is fake and only his method of completing his mission. Do you think Ji Yuen purposely make use of Sing Suet to achieve his goal? (Something like Ron's character in EU - he likes her but he is together with her to achieve his goal) Or is it just a slip of events on how he made use of her? As in he never thought of using her when he chooses to be with her but chances that this relationship gave him made him slip?
Ep 3-1
Down the childhood memory lane recalling the good times.
Filled with anticipation at seeing Sing Suet again - Yuen's strides are quick and confident as he returns from his quick exploratory lookout for Suet; his smile bright as the sun instantly dazzled Ting Yim. Take note of the tinkling background music (usually reserved to announce the long anticipated appearance of an ancient China beauty) as he stops before her, spellbinding her with his wide grin.
3-2
Suet/Yuen's encounter at Hin's house
After what must have been the longest ever dinner, Yuen finally goes looking for Suet. It was not happenstance that Suet bumps into him. He must have searched high and low for her after being released from the dinner. Anticipation realized – his face lits up; his heart leaps at the sight of her fueled by an upsurge of uncontrollable joy pumping it. He is so happy to see her, incredibly so.
“Sing Suet†he utters her name with much tenderness. “How have you been?â€
Sensing the coldness emanating from Suet, he quickly tempers his smile and collects his emotions. Wearing a conciliatory smile, he says: “Don't worry, I'll not bring up the past.†His sidelong glances, blinking eyelids and slight pauses all underlined his apprehension at Suet's responses. Suddenly he does not know what to say.
So with his heart still hanging precariously on his sleeve and his much diminished smile bravely hanging on to his face, he asks expectantly: “You've heard what I said?' He wants to make sure that she has indeed heard him. However, whatever hope he has had of her softening towards him is quickly and unequivocally dashed when she opens her mouth to rebuke him.
Suet's lashing instantly snuffs off that brave little smile and kills off what little hope he has had. His face shuttered, his eyes dimmed and his smile vanished. The impassive mask slips into place on his face.
screencaps credit: steven-ma.org, steven-ma sits album and steven's warm house
Tamaya: Steven is excellent as a romantic male lead.
The slight turn of his head, the expressive glance of his eyes, the beginning of a slow smile,
perfection! How many hearts have fluttered at that look. And a bamboo flute looks just right in his hands.
capturing of Ji Yuen's rare smiles.AF1509
a hint of a smile or a toothy grin, a twitch of his lips or a lift of a corner, a beaming smile, indulgently or jovially, a wistful smile, a helpless smile, a rueful smile or a wry smile, a bitter smile, a polite smile, a disdainful smile or a sneer, Steven performed them all with subtlety.
Chp1
Happy, artless smile of a man in love
Chp2
The twitching of a polite & formal smile
The spreading, happy smile of a child at hearing his revered elder's approval and concern.
His joy shines through his crescent eyes.
Akazukin: his smile is burdened with problems he kept in his heart. It was such a child like smile, like you said, and it shows the feelings of a son he has facing his godfather, but the smile seemed burdened deep inside. It isn't a carefree smile that we have seen from him in other times
The indulgent, helpless smile of a son fussed over by his mother.
The side-glance and wry smile of a man at hearing the poetic truth in Hin's statement.
Hin: Some reasons just can't be explained. I promise you. (not to let SS know)
An enigmatic smile, difficult to pin down, maybe a smidgen of irony & sadness combined? Probably at his own momentary mental weakness & pathetic situation that he, a most sane & pragmatic anti-smuggling official, could be reduced to actually spying on those two before him; all because he has inexplicably fallen for Sing Suet, a smuggler's daughter, no less. The irony of his circumstance is most definitely not lost on him.
Akazukin: I think for that moment, he was more concerned of Sing Suet's well being than to think about what he has become peeking like that. I think he felt thankful to Ting Hin but sad that there is nothing else he can do for Sing Suet, sad that he has to rely on Ting Hin to take care of Sing Suet. He can no longer stand by his side like he used to in the Tao village.
screencaps sources: Steven-ma.org Sits album, Steven's Warm House and Steven baidu.
Akazukin: AF1520
I deeply enjoyed reading your analysis of JY's smile. He surely had different smiles in one day. And your description is totally how I felt when I watched the scene too. I felt that the only time Ji Yuen was able to smile happily without burden was only in the span between him finding out that Sing Suet was still alive and had Ting Hin providing a roof for her and finding out his godfather has been a corrupted official all this while. The scene where he visited the Wu is included. His smile when he reported himself to his mom is an excited one. He probably went around the house garden partially to try his luck if he can bump into Sing Suet. Of course, beautiful childhood memory would also welcomed him at that time. So we have him smiling in a good mood and excitement.
When he really found Sing Suet and the chance to talk to her after the dinner, I think he has abundant hope that Sing Suet will have positive reaction hearing his confession. He probably think Sing Suet thought that the love he showered her during their time in Tao village is fake and only his method of completing his mission. Do you think Ji Yuen purposely make use of Sing Suet to achieve his goal? (Something like Ron's character in EU - he likes her but he is together with her to achieve his goal) Or is it just a slip of events on how he made use of her? As in he never thought of using her when he chooses to be with her but chances that this relationship gave him made him slip?
Ep 3-1
Down the childhood memory lane recalling the good times.
Filled with anticipation at seeing Sing Suet again - Yuen's strides are quick and confident as he returns from his quick exploratory lookout for Suet; his smile bright as the sun instantly dazzled Ting Yim. Take note of the tinkling background music (usually reserved to announce the long anticipated appearance of an ancient China beauty) as he stops before her, spellbinding her with his wide grin.
3-2
Suet/Yuen's encounter at Hin's house
After what must have been the longest ever dinner, Yuen finally goes looking for Suet. It was not happenstance that Suet bumps into him. He must have searched high and low for her after being released from the dinner. Anticipation realized – his face lits up; his heart leaps at the sight of her fueled by an upsurge of uncontrollable joy pumping it. He is so happy to see her, incredibly so.
“Sing Suet†he utters her name with much tenderness. “How have you been?â€
Sensing the coldness emanating from Suet, he quickly tempers his smile and collects his emotions. Wearing a conciliatory smile, he says: “Don't worry, I'll not bring up the past.†His sidelong glances, blinking eyelids and slight pauses all underlined his apprehension at Suet's responses. Suddenly he does not know what to say.
So with his heart still hanging precariously on his sleeve and his much diminished smile bravely hanging on to his face, he asks expectantly: “You've heard what I said?' He wants to make sure that she has indeed heard him. However, whatever hope he has had of her softening towards him is quickly and unequivocally dashed when she opens her mouth to rebuke him.
Suet's lashing instantly snuffs off that brave little smile and kills off what little hope he has had. His face shuttered, his eyes dimmed and his smile vanished. The impassive mask slips into place on his face.
screencaps credit: steven-ma.org, steven-ma sits album and steven's warm house
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
SITS PA Compliments Steven for his soup
Written by Sits PA
Title: Ma Zai compassionate ‘leng’ soup brand
Date: 2009-06-15
Translator: Tamaya
As the saying goes, good colleagues are hard to come by, and harder still are good colleagues who are also caring, and I was so fortunate as to encounter one.
Actually shooting Sits was not easy at all, a lot of fighting scenes, plus the filming was done when winter was at its coldest, which added to the hardship. Especially so for female lead, Tavia. To act her role of “nui hap” ( female warrior) she suffered utmost hardship. I recall there was this scene whereby Sing Suet was forced to jump into the sea to escape her pursuers. It was 9 degrees Celsius then. Even though Tavia had pre-prepared herself against the bitter cold by wrapping herself in 4 layers of saran wrap, and had brought along ginger tea and a hot water bag, but still when she was assisted out of the water, she was shivering uncontrollably with cold, truly pitiful to see.
Also, Tavia suffers from vertigo (pressure imbalance in the ears). Once while shooting an outdoor scene, she felt dizzy and nauseous, and had to go to the hospital for treatment. Faced with such hardships, Ma Zai’s compassionate ‘leng’ soups were like an oasis, nourishing everyone’s spirits which were fast going crazy from all those overnighter shooting of scenes!!
Who could have thought eh? That a man could be so considerate as to know to make soups. Tavia plus others plus myself were all first timers partaking soups made by a male. So touched! Ma Zai compassionate ‘leng’ soup/herbal tea brand was truly of very high quality. Full of rich ingredients such as 花膠啦、white fungi . And so very delicious!
Besides soups, Ma Zai also treated the cast and production crew to a BBQ; prawns, crabs and clams, haha! Our hard work was truly worth it.
Haha! I’ll stop right here before everybody starts salivating. Let Tavia shares her joy at partaking Ma Zai compassionate ‘leng’ soup brand ba.
**************************************************
TN: That Steven shared his soups with his co-stars and crew members is not new to old timer Steven fans, (Susan has uploaded pixs of Steven & his soups in her blog.) but Tavia was the first one to break the news of Steven's leng tong to the press. I think. So, props to Tavia!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Nip Ji Yuen as the red rose
AF link lots more discussions
Steven as red rose
Akazukin: And once again awed by Steven's charming demeanour there, how could Sing Suet not fall in love with him?
Tamaya: Reminds me of a Steven fan's Sits article (SM Warm House) whereby she uses blood red rose and white rose to allegorize JY and Hin, respectively.
Inspired by her writing, I came up with my own version.
Jiyuen is a wild, blood red rose. Its blossom, glorious in its unbridled beauty; its fragrance, alluring and enticing. The rose is an entrapment to unsuspecting admirers for its beauty conceals an insidious thorny side. Secured in its superiority, the red rose stands tall and haughty, its beauty for all to see. Over endowed, it becomes self-absorbed, self-centered, and self-willed. Suet, never one for flowers, was inexplicably drawn to such sublimity; its exotic beauty awakens in her a full blown passion. She seeks to posses the red rose, and in her naivety, pricks her fingers on its thorns drawing instant blood, and inflicting immeasurable and irrevocable hurt. In return, the red rose is bruised and transformed by her touch. Once bitten twice shy, Suet is now forever changed; her innocence destroyed, her family destroyed, her past destroyed, her life as she knew it, all destroyed. A different kind of passion now burns deep within her heart, where love used to reside, hatred now reigns supreme. However, as time passes, the passion scale of hatred and love mixture slowly but inevitably once again tips towards love. For indeed, the ardent of the red rose cannot be denied.
Hin is a white rose inside a vase. Its beauty, pure and understated. Its fragrance, mild and pleasing. It is tranquil and serene as it stays prop up inside its vase, content to just light up its surrounding with pure beauty and to impart its mild aroma to its appreciators.
---------------------------
The response to the rose allegory from another Steven fan:
To say JY is a blood red rose, might as well say
he is a warm and gentle poison
once taken, the pain is immeasurable
and the poison, irremovable.
and as for Er Shao as a white rose, might as well say
he is like the moonbeam shining on one's bed
cool and clear, its ray of light bringing warmth
to the darkness surrounding oneself.
who could bear to let go of the moonbeam
that brings warmth to oneself?
**********************
Akazukin: I would rather Suet travelling on her own in spring season and then she stopped when she saw a field of chrysanthemums, before a firefly flew to her and she followed it shortly before she saw Ji Yuen who has been petrified looking at her. And all their reactions remain the same. At least the scene won't throw me off from its unrealisticness.
**********************
Tamaya: I prefer your field of mums to snowland for ending. But in my neck of the woods, fireflies only appear during summer time and travel in swarms rather than solitarily. And they are most visible at night because of their glow. But of course, these are the American fireflies, don’t know about China’s own particular type.
How about this: Dusk. On the way to no-where or half-where or
some-where, Suet happens upon a field of wild, yellow daisies lighted up
by a swarm of hovering, sparkling fireflies. One detaches itself and
flies towards her, stops and dances before her eyes. It then flits away,
purposefully. Suet follows, certain it is Hin’s spirit leading her to a
warm shelter for the night. Even as she approaches the safe haven of a
cave, a familiar aroma wafts towards her, instantly evoking warm
memories of the past: spuds roasting over open fire, hmm yum yum!
Stomach rumbling, she hurries expectantly and nervously into the cave,
following the light emanating from inside. Voila! Surprise! Surprise!
two pairs of eyes widening with surprise, with hope, and with love; eyes
met, locked and tear-up. Time stands still. Yuen opens wide his arms
and Suet stumbles dazedly into them. Embraced. Then they partake the
roasted spuds that JY has so thoughtfully roasted for two. The end!
Akazukin
The reason why I mentioned spring rather than summer is because it left a bit of surreal feeling while it is not too far-fetched and impossible like fireflies in winter/snow. It could be the end of spring and towards the beginning of summer. Dusk sounds reasonable, although I would prefer to have just one firefly instead of many. So that too many fireflies won't take the attention off the flowers (LOL, I'm selfish). And OMG, how much I love them to hug! I remembered saying that what's missing in the ending was a hug when I first finished the ending. I think a hug would give a complete closure to the series. But I get that TVB wants an open ending, so that Hin's fanatics won't be too pissed off or those that oppose the idea of marrying someone who 'killed' your parents won't be too pissed off too. I guess that's why they left off the hug. May I know why Yuen was roasting for two though?
Akazukin:
Wow, comparing roses to males is quite new and original to me. However, the description seems fitting. I have always preferred red rose to white rose, although I do like both (applies to both the flowers and to the characters). I'm reminded that Yuen's thorn didn't only prick Suet but also Ting Yin's. The other day rewatching SITS, I was once again impressed by Steven, and this time I would want to talk about the scene where he first met Minister Yiu. Yuen and his godfather were just passing shadows until Minister Yiu called To, but somehow, you do feel these two passing shadows are different from the rest. There is something with the way Steven walked and his posture that gives off the vibes that he is not just normal average citizen. I feel that all over SITS, he did give off this vibe that he is from a military background and I applaud him for that. Such little thing, such little scene, but it makes difference.
After reading someone said that Steven was supposed to play the role of Hin, I start wondering whether I would have preffered Yuen or Hin if Steven acted as Hin instead. And after imagining how Steven would act as Hin, I think I would still go for Stevia. I realised that the large part of the reason why I love Yuen-Suet so much is because of their chemistry, and when it comes to chemistry, it takes two keys to make noise. Even if Yuen was acted by someone of awesome acting skill like Wayne, and he does a great job in the role. He might not have the same chemistry level with Tavia. As the case with Raymond Wong. Raymond did a great job as Hin, but his chemistry with Tavia just can't beat that of Stevia, where they can communicate just through eye contacts, or the feeling that they are connected even when they were just walking together side by side.
Maybe I would have loved Hin even more if Steven took the role (not saying RayW didn't do a good job, he did a great job, just that I think I would prefer Steven), but if I'm to be asked whether I prefer Steven as Yuen or Hin. I prefer him as Yuen. I just love the masculinity of Yuen, someone who is usually cool (even with his friends, let alone strangers), can be so passionate when falling in love is just full score attraction. I like the fact that Yuen is a righteous and good person and overall nice, but he is not downright useless nice, like how he didn't bother to let way for Ting Yin when she tried to embarrass him. But if Steven took the role of Hin, I would imagine he would add more masculine blood to the character, while Raymond Wong's Hin is more gentle overall.
************************************
Tamaya: His original words in the spoiler. It could be interpreted either way. That he accepted to act in Sits as JY, or that he chose JY over Hin as his choice of character to act. Read in context with his whole entry, I think it was probably the latter. I recall a news report saying how Hin character was tailor made to salvage a misbehaving tvb artiste's reputation and jump start his career - something like that. But I guess the character was further polished after Steven had rejected that role. As an artiste, Steven must have considered screen time and whatnots, and in spite of them, he still went with JY character because it struck a chord in him and challenged his acting skill. Anyway, imo, JY's male lead status could have been easily ascertained with a revised script to include some sweet flashbacks on Yuen/suet romance, and like you've suggested, some indication of JY's inner struggles when planning the demise of Dou camp etc etc. I wonder if the aired Sits in HK will differ from Astro's in that Yuen/Suet screentime has been added in.
-----Steven's yb entries in Chinese ---
Steven as red rose
Akazukin: And once again awed by Steven's charming demeanour there, how could Sing Suet not fall in love with him?
Tamaya: Reminds me of a Steven fan's Sits article (SM Warm House) whereby she uses blood red rose and white rose to allegorize JY and Hin, respectively.
Inspired by her writing, I came up with my own version.
Jiyuen is a wild, blood red rose. Its blossom, glorious in its unbridled beauty; its fragrance, alluring and enticing. The rose is an entrapment to unsuspecting admirers for its beauty conceals an insidious thorny side. Secured in its superiority, the red rose stands tall and haughty, its beauty for all to see. Over endowed, it becomes self-absorbed, self-centered, and self-willed. Suet, never one for flowers, was inexplicably drawn to such sublimity; its exotic beauty awakens in her a full blown passion. She seeks to posses the red rose, and in her naivety, pricks her fingers on its thorns drawing instant blood, and inflicting immeasurable and irrevocable hurt. In return, the red rose is bruised and transformed by her touch. Once bitten twice shy, Suet is now forever changed; her innocence destroyed, her family destroyed, her past destroyed, her life as she knew it, all destroyed. A different kind of passion now burns deep within her heart, where love used to reside, hatred now reigns supreme. However, as time passes, the passion scale of hatred and love mixture slowly but inevitably once again tips towards love. For indeed, the ardent of the red rose cannot be denied.
Hin is a white rose inside a vase. Its beauty, pure and understated. Its fragrance, mild and pleasing. It is tranquil and serene as it stays prop up inside its vase, content to just light up its surrounding with pure beauty and to impart its mild aroma to its appreciators.
---------------------------
The response to the rose allegory from another Steven fan:
To say JY is a blood red rose, might as well say
he is a warm and gentle poison
once taken, the pain is immeasurable
and the poison, irremovable.
and as for Er Shao as a white rose, might as well say
he is like the moonbeam shining on one's bed
cool and clear, its ray of light bringing warmth
to the darkness surrounding oneself.
who could bear to let go of the moonbeam
that brings warmth to oneself?
**********************
Akazukin: I would rather Suet travelling on her own in spring season and then she stopped when she saw a field of chrysanthemums, before a firefly flew to her and she followed it shortly before she saw Ji Yuen who has been petrified looking at her. And all their reactions remain the same. At least the scene won't throw me off from its unrealisticness.
**********************
Tamaya: I prefer your field of mums to snowland for ending. But in my neck of the woods, fireflies only appear during summer time and travel in swarms rather than solitarily. And they are most visible at night because of their glow. But of course, these are the American fireflies, don’t know about China’s own particular type.
How about this: Dusk. On the way to no-where or half-where or
some-where, Suet happens upon a field of wild, yellow daisies lighted up
by a swarm of hovering, sparkling fireflies. One detaches itself and
flies towards her, stops and dances before her eyes. It then flits away,
purposefully. Suet follows, certain it is Hin’s spirit leading her to a
warm shelter for the night. Even as she approaches the safe haven of a
cave, a familiar aroma wafts towards her, instantly evoking warm
memories of the past: spuds roasting over open fire, hmm yum yum!
Stomach rumbling, she hurries expectantly and nervously into the cave,
following the light emanating from inside. Voila! Surprise! Surprise!
two pairs of eyes widening with surprise, with hope, and with love; eyes
met, locked and tear-up. Time stands still. Yuen opens wide his arms
and Suet stumbles dazedly into them. Embraced. Then they partake the
roasted spuds that JY has so thoughtfully roasted for two. The end!Akazukin
The reason why I mentioned spring rather than summer is because it left a bit of surreal feeling while it is not too far-fetched and impossible like fireflies in winter/snow. It could be the end of spring and towards the beginning of summer. Dusk sounds reasonable, although I would prefer to have just one firefly instead of many. So that too many fireflies won't take the attention off the flowers (LOL, I'm selfish). And OMG, how much I love them to hug! I remembered saying that what's missing in the ending was a hug when I first finished the ending. I think a hug would give a complete closure to the series. But I get that TVB wants an open ending, so that Hin's fanatics won't be too pissed off or those that oppose the idea of marrying someone who 'killed' your parents won't be too pissed off too. I guess that's why they left off the hug. May I know why Yuen was roasting for two though?
Akazukin:
Wow, comparing roses to males is quite new and original to me. However, the description seems fitting. I have always preferred red rose to white rose, although I do like both (applies to both the flowers and to the characters). I'm reminded that Yuen's thorn didn't only prick Suet but also Ting Yin's. The other day rewatching SITS, I was once again impressed by Steven, and this time I would want to talk about the scene where he first met Minister Yiu. Yuen and his godfather were just passing shadows until Minister Yiu called To, but somehow, you do feel these two passing shadows are different from the rest. There is something with the way Steven walked and his posture that gives off the vibes that he is not just normal average citizen. I feel that all over SITS, he did give off this vibe that he is from a military background and I applaud him for that. Such little thing, such little scene, but it makes difference.
After reading someone said that Steven was supposed to play the role of Hin, I start wondering whether I would have preffered Yuen or Hin if Steven acted as Hin instead. And after imagining how Steven would act as Hin, I think I would still go for Stevia. I realised that the large part of the reason why I love Yuen-Suet so much is because of their chemistry, and when it comes to chemistry, it takes two keys to make noise. Even if Yuen was acted by someone of awesome acting skill like Wayne, and he does a great job in the role. He might not have the same chemistry level with Tavia. As the case with Raymond Wong. Raymond did a great job as Hin, but his chemistry with Tavia just can't beat that of Stevia, where they can communicate just through eye contacts, or the feeling that they are connected even when they were just walking together side by side.
Maybe I would have loved Hin even more if Steven took the role (not saying RayW didn't do a good job, he did a great job, just that I think I would prefer Steven), but if I'm to be asked whether I prefer Steven as Yuen or Hin. I prefer him as Yuen. I just love the masculinity of Yuen, someone who is usually cool (even with his friends, let alone strangers), can be so passionate when falling in love is just full score attraction. I like the fact that Yuen is a righteous and good person and overall nice, but he is not downright useless nice, like how he didn't bother to let way for Ting Yin when she tried to embarrass him. But if Steven took the role of Hin, I would imagine he would add more masculine blood to the character, while Raymond Wong's Hin is more gentle overall.
************************************
Tamaya: His original words in the spoiler. It could be interpreted either way. That he accepted to act in Sits as JY, or that he chose JY over Hin as his choice of character to act. Read in context with his whole entry, I think it was probably the latter. I recall a news report saying how Hin character was tailor made to salvage a misbehaving tvb artiste's reputation and jump start his career - something like that. But I guess the character was further polished after Steven had rejected that role. As an artiste, Steven must have considered screen time and whatnots, and in spite of them, he still went with JY character because it struck a chord in him and challenged his acting skill. Anyway, imo, JY's male lead status could have been easily ascertained with a revised script to include some sweet flashbacks on Yuen/suet romance, and like you've suggested, some indication of JY's inner struggles when planning the demise of Dou camp etc etc. I wonder if the aired Sits in HK will differ from Astro's in that Yuen/Suet screentime has been added in.
-----Steven's yb entries in Chinese ---
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