Doomed to Oblivion

Vietnamese Title - Tai Nhan Trinh Ban Kieu

No. of Chinese Episodes - 30

No. of Vietnamese Tapes - 24

ATTENTION : SPOILERS REVIEW

The Cast:
Wong Hei - Cheng Ban Kiu
Nadia Chan - Chun Xiang
Myolie Wu - Rao Ng Mui
Gigi Lai - Wong Yat Jer

There is not a summary or synopsis of "Doomed to Oblivion" because there is already one by TVBSquare. I will simply express my opinions toward the story, cast, and the solution. Through out the review, I will use the actual name of the stars instead of the characters' names simply because it is much easier to understand that way.

My Opinion on the Story

I enjoy this series a lot because of its originality. There are not many series produced creating art as the main subject. Therefore, I found this series refreshing and original. My only complaint is the beginning, it was not a "hook" to catch the viewer's attention. I found it boring until Gigi's mom appears and cause all the problems.

My Opinion on the Solution

The series is great and has a good pace; however I thought Gigi becoming a nun in the end was nothing new. Gigi's mom turns crazy in prison is probably the best solution. Wong Hei and Myolie get together in the end after many obstacles, which is great, but then it seems so unfair to Nadia. Finally, Nadia's outcome is just dramatic and pitiful. Nadia always take these kinds of roles....

My Opinion on the Cast

Wong Hei - This is Hei's second ancient series and he is great in here. However, his look is probably the only problem to the viewers. I heard that many people criticize his ancient look after "Tough Side of a Lady", which was his first ancient series. Aside from his look, I found his acting good and I cannot think of any other actors to take on this role better than Hei. Wong Hei is a thoughtful and righteous person, as well as hot-tempered. I hated the way he treats Nadia when they first got married.

Nadia Chan - WOW! is what I got to say. She portrayed a loyal, careful, thoughtful wife and daughter-in-law to perfection. Again, who would make a better choice? Her life is just plain miserable from the beginning to the end. I have so much sympathy for her when watching. You just cant help but feel her sorrow every time Hei screams at her, or watching her waiting for Hei's return, or when she have to confront Gigi. Pitiful role !!!!

Gigi Lai - Gigi is adequate in the beginning. Her acting is not much different from previous roles. However, when she becomes evil after an incident with Hei, her acting ability clearly shows. Her mom is the main influence on Gigi, wanting and making her do many revengeful things.

Myolie Wu - Myolie is still new to the industry, but she proves her skill. Myolie is one of the very few to take on a variety of roles. She was cute and over-protected by her mom in "Colorful Life", talkative in "Legal Entanglement", adorable in "Golden Faith" and bad but good in "Doomed to Oblivion." She portrayed all her roles well, probably with an exception in "Colorful Life." Myolie totally deserve the award "Most Improved Actress." Her role is rather minor but significant in the series. She becomes Hei's second wife.

My Final Comments

As you can see, this is one of my favorable series. "Doomed to Oblivion" is something new by TVB, it's a getaway from happy endings and predictable plot. I recommend this series all the way if you are willing to try something new and different.