Not that I've seen every one episodic drama show from Hong Kong. But I've seen lots.
The problem with these 20-40 episode TV shows has always been : 1) No competition - there's only 2 Cantonese TV station in HK that is based in HK. This spawn other issues :a) Tons of actors congregating at these 2 stations with not enough work. b) So many shows needs to "feed" extra characters. c) every show has 3 or 4 generations: really old grandpa/grandma; middle aged mom/dad; and young 20-30s; and sometimes the super young below 16-20s. That means story is not focused.
2) Target audience is everyone, but mostly people who sits at home to watch TV. Quintessentially -> mostly the house-wives. So the dramas are very direct, didactic, preachy, informational. This also leads to other issues like i) must have comedic relief. ii) low brow approach.
Other problems. Show has to fit a length. 20, 25 or 30/40 but not the story line. Mostly, the dialogue carry forwards the plot instead of developing character or even don't even find the time to side track a bit. Now some are getting better. But very slowwwwwwwwly.
This one is completely different. From the dynamic duo of Jonnathan Chik (executive producer) and Chau Yuk Ming (writer) - sorry I don't know his other name. The writing is fantastic. Structured, layered, thoughtful, intelligent, and true to the characters. Most of all it takes its own time !!!
I first noticed them in Fly with Me (the classic line of Art is being creative not management) - which is probably the best comedy. Then some other older shows. Next is "4 in Love" which is also a thing of beauty. In the following I'll refer to these 2 as "C&C" duo.
This one, When Heaven Burns, however, this so good it is exhilarating, uplifting.
The story revolves around 5 characters, from the first episode, it uses flash backs to integrate with the present. Now this surely causes some confusion( smirk). Telling the story of these 5 from way back when they were in a rock band to the present day, middle age group regret filled types. Something happened to one of the members and the whole 30 episode revolves around how these 4 characters interacts, affects, struggles, and co-exists and find their true selves again.
The entire 30 episode is highly serious, the only one relieve came from an police inspector role. But very little in a sardonic way and this is not over the top.
Now one thing with C&C is that they use lots of dialogue that reveals inner thoughts. Dialogue that is like a radio show - some are convoluted, but you have to listen carefully to find the meaning. But mostly it is very plain and clear. Now, noted, not all people speak this way but that's one of the point of these show/art -> to elevate, to speak the unspeakable that is in our hearts and minds.
Unlike many others of the team, in this series there are more time with moments that uses the lens and character action, but not dialogue. Ther is the sleeping in the banquet hall scene and all the silent night before it. The exhilarating episode ending drumming scene with Bowie. The guitar practise scenes. Those adds to the almost melancholy flavor and contributes to the story.
Bowie Lam has the juicy bone of a role in this one. Moses learn guitar just to fit into the role. And the third guy (I don't know his name), is really unexpectedly good in his amnesic role.
Now the controversy is of the hidden meanings. But there are many. Rock&Roll as a metaphor to what is ideal that once was when we were younger. The lyrics on the wall and wiped away the next day. The gathering of people voluntary after the concert is cancelled. And more obviously, ******spolers ********* -the killing of your own kind through cannibalism.
Finally, Charmaine Sheh is undoubtedly the shinning star to me. And you can see when she is given the space and material to act she does it to hold your attention. Somehow, she is more womanly in this then before. I think she has matured as an actress.
Watch it, listen to it, but probably can only take 2 episode at a time. This is serious, entertaining drama that needs time to chew on.
Bravo!!
The problem with these 20-40 episode TV shows has always been : 1) No competition - there's only 2 Cantonese TV station in HK that is based in HK. This spawn other issues :a) Tons of actors congregating at these 2 stations with not enough work. b) So many shows needs to "feed" extra characters. c) every show has 3 or 4 generations: really old grandpa/grandma; middle aged mom/dad; and young 20-30s; and sometimes the super young below 16-20s. That means story is not focused.
2) Target audience is everyone, but mostly people who sits at home to watch TV. Quintessentially -> mostly the house-wives. So the dramas are very direct, didactic, preachy, informational. This also leads to other issues like i) must have comedic relief. ii) low brow approach.
Other problems. Show has to fit a length. 20, 25 or 30/40 but not the story line. Mostly, the dialogue carry forwards the plot instead of developing character or even don't even find the time to side track a bit. Now some are getting better. But very slowwwwwwwwly.
This one is completely different. From the dynamic duo of Jonnathan Chik (executive producer) and Chau Yuk Ming (writer) - sorry I don't know his other name. The writing is fantastic. Structured, layered, thoughtful, intelligent, and true to the characters. Most of all it takes its own time !!!
I first noticed them in Fly with Me (the classic line of Art is being creative not management) - which is probably the best comedy. Then some other older shows. Next is "4 in Love" which is also a thing of beauty. In the following I'll refer to these 2 as "C&C" duo.
This one, When Heaven Burns, however, this so good it is exhilarating, uplifting.
The story revolves around 5 characters, from the first episode, it uses flash backs to integrate with the present. Now this surely causes some confusion( smirk). Telling the story of these 5 from way back when they were in a rock band to the present day, middle age group regret filled types. Something happened to one of the members and the whole 30 episode revolves around how these 4 characters interacts, affects, struggles, and co-exists and find their true selves again.
The entire 30 episode is highly serious, the only one relieve came from an police inspector role. But very little in a sardonic way and this is not over the top.
Now one thing with C&C is that they use lots of dialogue that reveals inner thoughts. Dialogue that is like a radio show - some are convoluted, but you have to listen carefully to find the meaning. But mostly it is very plain and clear. Now, noted, not all people speak this way but that's one of the point of these show/art -> to elevate, to speak the unspeakable that is in our hearts and minds.
Unlike many others of the team, in this series there are more time with moments that uses the lens and character action, but not dialogue. Ther is the sleeping in the banquet hall scene and all the silent night before it. The exhilarating episode ending drumming scene with Bowie. The guitar practise scenes. Those adds to the almost melancholy flavor and contributes to the story.
Bowie Lam has the juicy bone of a role in this one. Moses learn guitar just to fit into the role. And the third guy (I don't know his name), is really unexpectedly good in his amnesic role.
Now the controversy is of the hidden meanings. But there are many. Rock&Roll as a metaphor to what is ideal that once was when we were younger. The lyrics on the wall and wiped away the next day. The gathering of people voluntary after the concert is cancelled. And more obviously, ******spolers ********* -the killing of your own kind through cannibalism.
Finally, Charmaine Sheh is undoubtedly the shinning star to me. And you can see when she is given the space and material to act she does it to hold your attention. Somehow, she is more womanly in this then before. I think she has matured as an actress.
Watch it, listen to it, but probably can only take 2 episode at a time. This is serious, entertaining drama that needs time to chew on.
Bravo!!
