Legendary Book of Sun-Moon Swordplay

[tweety365]

I think I'll give Tears in Heaven a try, since I want to see Vincent as a villain. I think that an actor is not truly a great actor until he can play the vilest of villains and still make the audience root for him rather than for the hero. Is Tears in Heaven a wuxia series? Who plays the hero? Can you give me a brief summary of the series?

KHN reviewed this series already: http://www.spcnet.tv/Taiwanese-TV-Se...view-r713.html. The review is short, but I agree with pretty much everything noted. I am not sure if China's Republican era series appeal to you or not, but there is definitely a lot of tears in this series, hence the title . Girl, you already redeemed Vincent's death by casting Wallace/SFF .

Hmmm...how come he didn't end up with SFF's Princess? I actually never finished any version of SSRB, mainly because I was always more into the Golden Snake Swordsman subplot rather than the main plot. Therefore, I would always give up after the Golden Snake Swordsman disappeared from the plot.

If you don't mind spoilers:

 click to show spoilers

YCZ's father was a famous, talented, and honest Ming general. However, he was framed and accused of treason. The king ordered the execution of YCZ's entire family. He was the only survivor. When he met the princess, she was in disguise and he didn't know she was a princess. It would be kinda tough for YCZ to marry the daughter of the man responsible for wiping out his family. Plus, throughout the series, YCZ's mission was to assist the rebellion to overthrow the Ming Dynasty. Eventually, the kingdom fell. Before his suicide, the king ordered the death of his family members to spare them from the rebels' abuse and humiliation. He wanted to kill the princess, but only manged to sliced off her arm. So the princess lost everything and was even crippled by her own father. In her depressed state, she became a nun.

[charbydis]

Yes, there're nothing wrong with Sammul, so I hope charbydis doesn't take my comments the wrong way. He's cute, very cute. He has that kind of face that looks forever adorable. When I think of Sammul, the word "adorable" or "cute" pops up.

I have several categories for male artists that I like.

(1) Untouchable - I grew up liking them when I was young and nothing will ever change me from unconditionally liking them. e.g. Andy Lau, Michael Miu, Felx Wong, Adam Cheng, Chow Yun Fat, Alexander Wong Wan Choi, Yeung Chak Lam, Paul Chun Pui, Eddie Ko Hung,

(2) Progressively - Gradually liked them more and more when I was older, is subject to change with roles and news. e.g Gilbert Lam, Derek Kwok, Wayne Lai, Ruco Chan, Kenneth Chan, Eddie Kwan Lai Kit, Eddie Cheung Siu Fai, Deric Wan, Kwong Wah, David Siu, Donnie Yen, Jimmy Au Shui Wai, Colin Chou, Ken Lo, Steve Ma, Billy Chow

(3) Friendly - I like due to personal friendly open attitude given off in on-screen and off-screen appearances, nothing to do with appearances or roles. e.g. Bosco Wong, Sammul Chan, Kenneth Chan, Moses Chan, Vincent Jiao, Feng Shao Feng, Nicky Wu, Evergreen Mak, Julian Cheung.

"Tears in Heaven" was a terrible series IMO. Vincent was interesting as the villian but he was overacting like crazy until the end where I thought he cried very nicely. I only rooted for him cos everyone else was bland and especially Athena. The story was as cliche as ever. If you want to watch Vincent as a villian, watch that new Empress Wu series where he plays the sympathetic and disturbed He Lan Min Zhi, or Lei Hen Jian where he plays the supercool Zhuo Dong Lai. Please watch Vincent as Er Lang Shen. He is so super hot and manly even with curly hair and heavy make-up.

I found "The Mad Phoenix" a very schizophrenic series. It was either super happy or super sad. I just couldn't take it playing with my emotions. The main character was apparently Gilbert's fav role but I stopped just as it started going depressed. I don't think I ever want to watch it if it ended up the same way the Tse Kwan Ho version (which was 100% perfect). Objectively judging, Gilbert and Eileen looked more physically compatible than Gilbert and Annie. Both were tall and beautiful people whereas Gilbert and Annie tend to give off a brother-sister vibe. But Gilbert and Eileen had limited chemistry and whatever tragedies their characters went through, it failed to make an impact with me. I am not biased but Gilbert and Annie just have perfect chemistry together. I find Gilbert has trouble having chemistry with actresses either due to his looks, his acting or the air he gives out. Out of all of the pairings I watched, only Amy and Annie come out as compatible. "The Mad Phoenix" is a good series if only you think you can take the fluctuating emotions it leads you through.

[tweety365]

"Tears in Heaven" was a terrible series IMO. Vincent was interesting as the villian but he was overacting like crazy until the end where I thought he cried very nicely. I only rooted for him cos everyone else was bland and especially Athena. The story was as cliche as ever. If you want to watch Vincent as a villian, watch that new Empress Wu series where he plays the sympathetic and disturbed He Lan Min Zhi, or Lei Hen Jian where he plays the supercool Zhuo Dong Lai. Please watch Vincent as Er Lang Shen. He is so super hot and manly even with curly hair and heavy make-up.

I'm a sucker for overacting Qiong Yao 80-90s romance series . Reminds me of my college days when I was a couch potato watching American soaps.

[Melanie]

tweety - Thanks for the link for the review of Tears in Heaven. You probably know by now that I will always prefer wuxia dramas first and foremost. However, I will watch period pieces set in the Republican Era or set during the period of the Sino-Japanese War if the actors and plot are appealing. I actually don't like weepy Qiong Yao romances, as they tend to frustrate me and make me bang my head against the nearest wall. So maybe I'll pass on Tears in Heaven. Maybe I'll watch the new Empress Wu series charbydis recommended. Charbydis, what's the title of the drama in Chinese? What's the name of the series where he plays Er Lang Shen? Who's his female costar?

charbydis - Aww, now I've made charbydis cry. I tell you, it's tweety's fault! She agreed with me that Sammul is adorable, but not smexy! She fanned the flames and got me going on and on about how cute Sammul is! Ok, seriously, tweety and I have nothing against Sammul Chan. He's very cute. Every time I see him, I want to pinch his cheeks and pat him on the head.

I guess I'm much more superficial than you, charbydis. I group male artists into two categories.

1) HOT AND SEXY - Actors belonging to this group definitely get my attention, and I will gush and gush about them until I move on to the next guy. Usually, I will notice these actors via an outstanding role, likely an evil, yet hot, villain role. While I love nicely toned lean muscles on a guy just like any other woman, I don't like way too much muscular bulk. And he has to have a handsome face. I'll bypass him if he has a great body but unattractive face. Plus, he can't be too short, either. I'm just too superficial. Guys who I think are hot and sexy are Wallace Chung, Yan Kuan, Wang Xiao Ming, Qiao Zhen Yu, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Yuan Hong, Ron Ng, Bae Yong Joon, Kevin Cheng, Ekin Cheng, Gilbert Lam.

2) CUTE - There are plenty of actors I view as cute. Mostly, I think they are cute because of their boyish appearances or because of their personalities (usually via the roles they play). I'll gladly watch these guys in series, but I am unlikely to hang around their threads and gush endlessly about them. Cute guys I like are Sammul Chan, Kenneth Ma, Raymond Lam. I can't think of anyone else off the top of my head.

It's interesting that you think Gilbert and Annie give off a brother-sister vibe. I've never looked at them that way. Do you think you feel that way because she's so petite and he's so tall and probably much older than she is? Perhaps they give off that vibe off screen, but I haven't seen any behind the scenes clips of them when filming Heroine of the Yangs, so I am not tainted by such a vibe. Rather, in the series, she was a nice breath of fresh air next to his very serious character. At first glance, they may seem totally at odds and incompatible, but their two characters actually fit very nicely with each other, like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. I've never viewed his protectiveness for her as brotherly, but rather as how a man would love and protect what is dear to him.

[charbydis]

Maybe I'll watch the new Empress Wu series charbydis recommended. Charbydis, what's the title of the drama in Chinese? What's the name of the series where he plays Er Lang Shen? Who's his female costar?

The Empress Wu one is "The Shadow of Empress Wu" or " 日月凌空". I personally thought the series was terrible and only watched it for Vincent. Skipped all the boring bits. Very tragic.

Vincent played Er Lang Shen in the "Lotus Lantern" and you should also check out its prequel. Can't remember the actress who played the Chang E but her role is minimum. The real highlight is Er Lang Shen in fight mode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPTHzAmebOE

It's interesting that you think Gilbert and Annie give off a brother-sister vibe. I've never looked at them that way. Do you think you feel that way because she's so petite and he's so tall and probably much older than she is? Perhaps they give off that vibe off screen, but I haven't seen any behind the scenes clips of them when filming Heroine of the Yangs, so I am not tainted by such a vibe. Rather, in the series, she was a nice breath of fresh air next to his very serious character. At first glance, they may seem totally at odds and incompatible, but their two characters actually fit very nicely with each other, like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. I've never viewed his protectiveness for her as brotherly, but rather as how a man would love and protect what is dear to him.

If you watch Gilbert and Annie's interaction off screen (like Greed Mask promotion on K100 once upon a time ago), they look very much a like an elder brother and younger sister. He teases her and she shyly allows him to. Yet he will answer for her when she is asked difficult questions or he might join in to tease her as well. Very sibling-like behaviour.

I don't think that they do not look compatible together. It is at first glance that they look like siblings or good friends. At second glance with the story and the acting, the chemistry starts sparking and they look perfect together as a couple. I still think that Annie and Gilbert are a perfect pairing onscreen even now after so many years and no matter how many other onscreen partners they have had, nothing can beat they chemistry they exuded when together. BTW, rumours have it that Gilbert took Annie first onscreen kiss. Hope they still have a chance of working together in the future!

(Mel: Go and convince TVB to make "Legendary Book of Sun-Moon Swordplay into a series now and call both of them as leads!" : )

[tweety365]

I thought Empress Wu was draggy as well. Too much babbling and not enough actions. I only tuned in to view Vincent's hotness. I'm still waiting for the prequel to Lotus Lantern to be dubbed .

(Mel: Go and convince TVB to make "Legendary Book of Sun-Moon Swordplay into a series now and call both of them as leads!" : )

That is a VERY good idea!

[Melanie]

charbydis and tweety - I just saw a clip featuring Vincent in the Empress Wu series you both were talking about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrJtA...eature=related
He seems pretty evil in this clip, maybe a bit looney, too! What character does he play? Is he one of those sympathetic villains that the audience grows to love (kind of like Gilbert's Honam in Heroine of the Yangs)? Who's his love interest in the series. I guess I might just watch this series for Vincent!

I also watched some MV's of Vincent as Er Lang Shen. I like his war outfit, the one with the silver armor. He looks hot in that outfit, much hotter than he looks in the Empress Wu series.

About convincing TVB to make Legendary Book into a series... Thanks for even thinking that my story is good enough to be made into a series, charbydis and tweety. But honestly, I don't think it's good enough to be adapted into an actual series. Besides, TVB would just ignore me and think I'm some lunatic. I emailed TVB recently, asking them if I could take a backstage tour of the TVB studios when I visit Hong Kong at the end of the year, and so far, they have ignored my email. So if I email them about my story, surely they will laugh and shake their corporate heads at my naivety and audacity.

charbydis - Thanks for sharing with us the interesting tidbits of Gilbert and Annie's interactions during promotion events for Greed Mask! I hardly hear much about them nowadays. Plus, I don't have the Jade Channel, so I don't get any HK entertainment news very often. I'm sure if I search hard enough on tudou, I'll find something, but I'm too lazy. Anyway, back to Gilbert and Annie. They sound so cute together! It just shows that they are good actors to be able to portray a couple convincingly on screen, even when they are like siblings off screen.

[Melanie]

Thanks for the spoilers on SSRB, tweety. I didn't realize YCZ and the Princess' story was that sad. I guess love doesn't triumph over all, does it? So he sort of ended up with WQQ by default? I wonder how WQQ felt about that? I wouldn't want YCZ if I were WQQ. I am assuming that you recommend watching the SFF version of SSRB? I'm curious about something, however. How come you don't fret about how SFF's character never ended up with Bobby's character, whereas you obviously are itching to see a series (or read a fanfic) where SFF's character ends up with Wallace Chung's character?

[charbydis]

charbydis and tweety - I just saw a clip featuring Vincent in the Empress Wu series you both were talking about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrJtA...eature=related
He seems pretty evil in this clip, maybe a bit looney, too! What character does he play? Is he one of those sympathetic villains that the audience grows to love (kind of like Gilbert's Honam in Heroine of the Yangs)? Who's his love interest in the series. I guess I might just watch this series for Vincent!

Some dancing chick. Don't like her. She is not good enough for Vincent. Vincent is the Wu Ze Tian's elder sister. he is very talented and resourceful yet he has a terrible relationship with Empress Wu and lives in fear and suspicion as he watches his sister suffer within the Palace. He gets really angry if someone he loves betrays him but he is very sympathethic to watch as he is a very tragic character.

About convincing TVB to make Legendary Book into a series... Thanks for even thinking that my story is good enough to be made into a series, charbydis and tweety. But honestly, I don't think it's good enough to be adapted into an actual series. Besides, TVB would just ignore me and think I'm some lunatic. I emailed TVB recently, asking them if I could take a backstage tour of the TVB studios when I visit Hong Kong at the end of the year, and so far, they have ignored my email. So if I email them about my story, surely they will laugh and shake their corporate heads at my naivety and audacity.

Hey, you never know. Internet fanfics like Bu Bu Jing Xin and Qing Shi Huang Fei have made it to TVB! Someone needs to revive wuxia!

[cherrie]

Yea, I heard The Mad Phoenix ended on a very sad note for Gilbert's character. The story is based on the life of a real opera writer in history, right?

yup yup! somehow true to life stories always touch my heart, esp. since this ended so tragically

[cherrie]

I found "The Mad Phoenix" a very schizophrenic series. It was either super happy or super sad. I just couldn't take it playing with my emotions. The main character was apparently Gilbert's fav role but I stopped just as it started going depressed. I don't think I ever want to watch it if it ended up the same way the Tse Kwan Ho version (which was 100% perfect). Objectively judging, Gilbert and Eileen looked more physically compatible than Gilbert and Annie. Both were tall and beautiful people whereas Gilbert and Annie tend to give off a brother-sister vibe. But Gilbert and Eileen had limited chemistry and whatever tragedies their characters went through, it failed to make an impact with me. I am not biased but Gilbert and Annie just have perfect chemistry together. I find Gilbert has trouble having chemistry with actresses either due to his looks, his acting or the air he gives out. Out of all of the pairings I watched, only Amy and Annie come out as compatible. "The Mad Phoenix" is a good series if only you think you can take the fluctuating emotions it leads you through.

i like how u described the mad phoenix. hehe i'm a sucker for tragedy series, and such series certainly fits my taste what i also like of mad phoenix was the political/societal aspect of the film. very nice.

[tweety365]

Regarding Empress Wu, the story was so long and draggy that I skipped a majority of the story. Honestly, I only viewed clips of Vincent here and there, so I don't really know what is going on. Just wanted to see him onscreen

Vincent is very hot as Er Lang Shen, but as a god, he didn't end up with anyone. I have yet to find any actress that has perfect chemistry with him. Some are ok, while others are just blah. So I don't get all hyped up like with Wallace/SFF.

Yes, charbydis is correct. Internet stories have been adapted to tv series before. So I don't see why Legendary Book can't make it to the small screen. If you want to tour TVB studios, you would probably have better luck contacting a touring agency in Hong Kong that specializes in such tours. An agency in the US might have connections to do it as well.

Bobby/SFF pairing while pretty good, doesn't have the same kind of chemistry as Wallace/SFF. This is just my little opinion and obviously, not everyone thinks this way. Plus, I like Bobby and Eva together as well . I haven't read the novel, but not many readers like WQQ because she is portrayed as childish, hot tempered, overly jealous, and unreasonable at times. More readers sympathize with the princess. However, the CTV 2007 version made WQQ much more likable. WQQ was jealous of the princess, but in the end, she was happy to have YCZ by her side. Yes, I highly recommend the 2007 version.

[Melanie]

No, no, this is not an update. But I finally got around to writing the next chapter.

Cherrie, since you like tragedies, I assume you won't object if I kill off some of your favorite characters in this story.

I want to respond to charbydis and tweety about trying to get the story adapted into a TV series. Well, Bu Bu Jing Xin and Qing Shi Huang Fei are probably very well written to get adapted into series. I know I'm probably pessimistic for saying this, but I am very realistic and know that Legendary Book has plenty of flaws. I'm afraid it's not TV series material, unfortunately. Maybe if I finish this story one day, and I get drunk for some reason, I may email TVB in my drunken state and take a chance. Otherwise, I'm simply not brave or confident enough about my story.

Hey! On a happier note, I found some nice photos of Wallace Chung! I would like to share them here. This is not exactly a digression, since Wallace Chung is in my story. He's hot, isn't he?

Nice poster of Wallace from Ni Shui Han. Credit to this website for the Ni Shui Han poster. http://www.paipaitxt.com/r5479041_1/


Credit to the following sites for the images below:
http://ent.ce.cn/main/news/201009/20...21834018.shtml
http://health.oeeee.com/a/20100920/423987.html

[charbydis]

I don't mind you killing characters, just as long as their deaths makes sense and they die for a good reason.

Blueeeeeeeey!

[Melanie]

I don't mind you killing characters, just as long as their deaths makes sense and they die for a good reason.

Blueeeeeeeey!

Well, don't go sobbing your heart out yet. What makes you think that I won't keep your Blue Executioner alive for the sequel?


Hey, everyone! I found an extremely cool MV with Wallace Chung, Xiao Song Jia, Julian Cheung, Andy Lau, and Brigitte Lin. Somehow, seeing Brigitte Lin in this MV reminds me of tweety's remark about hoping Sui Han goes freaking crazy like Brigitte Lin in White Haired Maiden. Anyway, check out the MV. It's truly awesome. There are some really talented fans out there.... WOW!
http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/yTsZ0k2wR0g/

[tweety365]

Hot damn! Just noticed those smoking hot pics of Wallace

Thanks for sharing the MV, Mel. Yeah, there are lots of people with awesome talents. Even real movie trailers sometimes don't look half as good as fan made ones. I bow to their skills

[Melanie]

Hot damn! Just noticed those smoking hot pics of Wallace

I like you. You share my taste in men. Just for that, I will try to give Sit Chung Nam and Black Rose a smoking hot scene in the story. No children under 18 allowed.

I like Wallace's dark, intense look in his upcoming series, Tian Ya Ming Yue Dao. This is the type of dark and dangerous look I imagined for Sit Chung Nam. Credit to Wallace Chung's talented and exuberant fans at this site: http://tieba.baidu.com/f?z=109657022...%BA%C1%BC&pn=0

Thanks for sharing the MV, Mel. Yeah, there are lots of people with awesome talents. Even real movie trailers sometimes don't look half as good as fan made ones. I bow to their skills

Yes, geez, these people are so talented. I wonder how they have the time to put together these MV's. I will continue to search for such high-quality MV's. If I find any involving the actors casted in this story, I will post them here for everyone to enjoy.

[tweety365]

Wow, that is just a perfect pic for Sit Chung Nam. I'm speechless....
Smoking scene?! Ah Mel, you are making me so anxious!

Yeah, even with all the time in the world, I can never make such high quality MV

[abc123lol]

Melanie! Oh.my.god. I just had the chance to read the three latest chapters. Sigh , im in love with this story all over again! .. I totally agree with you for wrapping this up while hoping that it will not become rushed. I cannot wait to find out the ending of this! And I really look toward to a sequel even tho this one did not end yet! I won't be commenting on the chapters today.. I just thought that I would let u know that I'm still reading and supporting your story

[Melanie]

Hey HaoMei! Glad to see you back. Maybe when you have more time, you can comment on the chapters you just read? But for now, I'm happy with just knowing that you're still reading. I'm also glad that you are looking forward to a possible sequel. I have some hot men lined up for that.


To everyone:
I don't know if you all are aware of this, but I hang out at the Wallace Chung thread a lot, and hence, have not been updating this story like I am suppose to. I've been staying away from the Wallace Chung thread deliberately this last week or so, because I have been busy, but also because I have been dutifully writing the first part of the steamy scene between Sit Chung Nam and Black Rose like I promised tweety.

Anyway, everyone, I need to go, but I'll drop by later when I have more time.