The Master of Tai Chi

This is one of the better Kung Fu productions that I have watched this year. After being delayed in airing for a long time, the much anticipated series was finally aired this year. There were rather high expectations for this series as Vincent Zhao took part, along with the highly promoted actor, Raymond Lam. This was also one of the last few shows that Melissa Ng took part (if not the last show that I've watched with her in it)

Synopsis

The story begins with the meeting of Mo Ma (Vincent Zhao), a wild, stubborn and cold man- whose parents died when he was young and whose teacher had abandoned him (for his safety)- and Fung Nin (Kenneth Ma), a kind hearted and rather naive guy. After clearing a series of misunderstandings, they finally become good friends and left the village to build their careers.

They ultimately became soldiers. However during one of the battles, they saved Chiu Kiu (Selena Li) and Ji Kwai (Myolie Wu) whose family members were killed before they eyes after being betrayed by one of their father's subordinates. At that time, Chiu Kiu and Fung Nin fell in love even though Fung Nin was to marry Song Ching (Melissa Ng), who was adopted by his mother. Later on, Chiu Kiu tricked Mo Ma into killing the traitor, and he became a wanted man because of that.

While escaping from the authorities, Mo Ma was saved by Song Ching, who went in search for Fung Nin, and Mo Ma subsequently started opening up to her. At the same time, Song Ching gave up on Fung Nin when she learned that Fung Nin and Chiu Kiu had slept together already. Subsequently, she moved to stay with Mo Ma and his teacher and helped Mo Ma in his Tai Chi training, supporting and being there for him all the time. Hence, both of them eventually fell in love.

At the same time, Ji Kwai had also fallen in love with Mo Ma, and she was devastated to know that Mo Ma had no feelings for her. Angry and disappointed, she left the city while trying to escape from the order to marry a diseased son of an official. However, she injured her head and lost her memory, but was saved and taken care of by Hiu Sing (Raymond Lam), the son of a famous kung fu expert in the city.

The story goes on to tell of how they both eventually returned to the city, and due to a series of misunderstandings, Hiu Sing and Mo Ma became enemies, who fought with each other at a few matches. Even though Hiu Sing beat Mo Ma the first time, eventually, he lost to Mo Ma the subsequent times, after Mo Ma finally understood the meaning of Tai Chi and managed to grasp the essence of it.

At around the same time, Ji Kwai regained her memory and used Hiu Sing to defeat Mo Ma because she wanted revenge for her unrequited love. However, she realized that she still loved Mo Ma, forced Mo Ma to stay by her side (she thought she and Mo Ma slept together, when in fact, it was Hiu Sing). But after a while, she realized she could not change his heart, and eventually she returned to Hiu Sing after realizing that she also had developed feelings for him during the time he had taken care of her when she lost her memory.

The twist in the story begins when both Mo Ma and Hiu Sing realized that they were being manipulated by corrupt officials and their big conspiracy, and how eventually they worked together to expose this conspiracy. Hiu Sing finally fulfilled his father's last wishes by rebuilding the fame and name of Black Dragon martial arts school. Mo Ma also became a TaI ChI expert and continued a life of practicing Tai Chi as a Master, and bringing the name of Tai Chi to the rest of the martial arts world.

Cast

Vincent Zhao as Mo Ma
A rather good performance I must say, considering the fact that he hasn't been acting (or so I think) in tv serials for a long time. He is quite versatile I must say, as he lived up to the role of Mo Ma- of how he changed from a wild, impulsive young man, to a matured Master- he brought out the essence of the role at each stage of his life. He was cold at one time, yet warm and shy when he faces Song Ching and I think that was really sweet! He also has the look of a Master in the first place. However, there were some moments in the show when he looked really emotionless and it was a little dull watching him. but other than that, I think he delivered a good performance.

Melissa Ng as Song Ching
Very endearing- even though her character was not very developed and did not undergo critical turning points, she brought out the sweet and yet strong Song Ching very well- very subtly. Her eyes spoke of gentleness yet determination, and I could sense her character coming out strongly. A good performance by Melissa!

Raymond Lam as Tuen Hiu Sing
This role is not a difficult one for Raymond Lam, whose versatility as an actor is well acclaimed. I can never forget the scene where he cried after knowing that Ji Kwai did not have feelings for him but Mo Ma. It was so powerful! The character was also very well developed, and I can really sense how he has matured in the character. The last few scenes where he lost in the match and how he struggled with accepting Ji Kwai was very well portrayed. The pride of a man mixed with strong feelings and vulnerability towards Ji Kwai was very well brought out by Raymond Lam through his tears and eyes and manner of speech. Thumbs up for Raymond Lam!

Myolie Wu as Ji Kwai
This role is typical of the roles that Myolie have been playing- impulsive, fierce, stubborn- so it wasn't exactly a breakthrough in her acting this role. There were some parts in the first few episodes where I thought her acting was rather exaggerated. I still find the last part when she suddenly returned to Hiu Sing and became so dedicated to her, rather abrupt. The change was not brought out too clearly I think. however, I enjoy the chemistry that she had with Raymond, since this isn't the first time they've worked together. The scenes of them together were very endearing and warm.

My favourite scenes:

1. When Hiu Sing found Ji Kwai at the bridge and she told her that she didn't love him, but Mo Ma. It was heart wrenching when Hiu Sing cried and begged for her to return. the scene was very powerful and I think that was the best scene that Raymond did too.

2. When Song Ching watched Mo Ma leave the village at the end of the last episode. Her expression was filled with so much longing.

Final comments:
I think this show's a very good one overall. The kung fu scenes were really nice to watch (they looked very real as compared to the other shows where the fighting's very brief and fake) and I really enjoyed all the fighting scenes. a must watch if you have a liking for kung fu! the love that Ji Kwai and Hiu Sing had for each other (okay it was more of Hiu Sing for Ji Kwai) was very heart-wrenching and moving too. How Song Ching and Mo Ma encouraged and walked by each other was also very endearing, especially the last part where Song Ching decided to sacrifice their relationship so that Mo Ma could truly fulfill his heart's desires by bringing Tai Chi to the rest of the world.

Overall, I would say that this is a great series, well produced and carefully scripted- one not to be missed!